THE DEVIL SUGGESTS
Make an LED indicate whether the internet is working
Build a little light that tells you whether your connection is alive, even though every nearby screen already knows. The appeal is being able to glance at a lamp and blame the broadband immediately.
Do it
- Choose a Wi-Fi-enabled microcontroller and LED.
- Connect the LED with an appropriate resistor.
- Program the device to join your home network.
- Have it check a reliable internet address at intervals.
- Set one colour or pattern for working and another for not working.
What next?
Keep the useful notes, photograph the result if there is one, then go and find something else to do.