Ever wonder how we made all these crazy machines do all their crazy machine things before computers came along? Wonder no more as we explore the inner workings of a Wurlitzer 3400 series jukebox from 1970!

Episode 729 min2020-03-22

The Selection Accumulator; a Jukebox's Brain

Today, we take a look at the selection accumulator; how it works, what it does, and how that relates to the rest of the machine. Strap in, folks!

Episode 827 min2020-04-07

Chest Freezers; What they tell us about designing for X

This video is super cool. We're talking about refrigeration, and how the design of a refrigerator affects its energy consumption. Freezers are the perfect place to see this in action, so let's take a look!

Episode 925 min2020-04-17

Coffee Percolators: An Explanation and Roast

Do you like your coffee to have a little kick? Then try a percolator! It's like tasting a shoe! Seriously. Why are these still a thing? I don't know but let's talk about them!

Episode 1029 min2020-04-29

DVD+R and DVD-R; What was that about?

We're really looking at the plusses and minuses of this whole ordeal...

Episode 1118 min2020-05-12

Fans; High is next to Off on purpose

This video is absolutely fantastic. Ever wonder why it goes Off-High-Medium-Low? Well, it has to do with motors and the ways we cheat with them.

Episode 1213 min2020-05-22

Pulse Oximeters; An Amazing Use of Light

You might have been seeing a lot about these little devices lately. Have you ever wondered how they work? Well, let's find out!

Episode 1311 min2020-05-30

How to design an actually good toaster with lessons from the 1940's

I love this toaster so dang much.

Episode 1424 min2020-06-22

The US electrical system is not 120V

It's more than 120V. It's even more than the other 120V! It is the sum of the two (and sometimes a different two!) that makes us who we are. Learn about the US electrical system in this not-at-all snarky video!

Episode 1528 min2020-06-29

Laptop Docks! They're pretty neat!

I know, my use of a laptop (and worse, that I like it!) makes me a truly terrible person.

Episode 1610 min2020-07-13

Cassette adapters are remarkably simple

It's a real lost opportunity that we didn't call these Cassettepters. It's not-at-all difficult to say! OK, maybe Cassepter would be easier but isn't that, like, a sword or something? The descriptions are getting weird.

Episode 1727 min2020-07-22

Personal "air conditioners" aren't what they seem

You know, it's one thing when a product has a limited scope and application. It's another when it's passed off as something greater than what it is. Learn why these fad devices are fad devices in this video.

Episode 1811 min2020-07-30

The Impact Sprinkler - more clever than it seems!

It's that time again! Time to take a deep dive into the mundane to see what we can learn. Join me as we look at this sprinkler!

Episode 1928 min2020-08-19

A record player that can play CDs: The Fisher DAC-145

Well now, what do we have here? It's a CD player... but also a turntable? Hmm... very interesting. But why? How? And is it actually a good idea? Lucky for you you've clicked on this video and will find out!

Episode 2023 min2020-08-31

Retroreflectors; they're everywhere, and they cheat physics (sort of)

Road signage and other markings may be something you take for granted, but have you ever wondered how they can appear so brightly with just the output of your headlights? Find out how, and get a load of other trivia, in this video!

Episode 2117 min2020-09-12

The touch lamp; a neat idea, and older than you'd think!

I think we really oughta make this fashionable again, don't you?

Episode 2227 min2020-09-23

Electric car chargers aren't chargers at all – EVSE Explained

Catchy title! But it's mostly true! There's a pinned comment you might want to read, as well. But there's some links down here, too.

Episode 2322 min2020-10-10

Forced-air Furnaces: The What, Why, and How

Let's not get too heated, this is after an inflammable subject. Frankly it's exhausting, but we gotta do it. We gotta explain how furnaces work! And soon, we'll talk about what will replace them. I'll try to remember to put a link here when that time comes!

Episode 2428 min2020-10-30

Camera Tech from 1971: Match-needle exposure meter

Ever wonder how pro cameras from the 1970's worked? Learn about their single most important tool for the photographer (and lots else!) in this exposé.

Episode 2514 min2020-11-12

The Antique Microwave Oven that's Better than Yours

Seriously. How is this so old and yet so advanced?

Episode 2624 min2020-11-21

What exactly is the goop inside a lava lamp?

Yep! Gonna get questionably gloopy!

Episode 278 min2020-11-29

Bubble Lights: The Weirdest Christmas Light?

Yes indeed, these are silly! Very silly! But, mesmerizing.

Episode 2833 min2020-12-20

Detergent packs are kinda wishy-washy (Dishwashers Explained)

Ever wonder how dishwashers work? Are you ever bummed by the performance of yours? Well, this video can answer your question and possibly provide you with a solution!

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Alec Watson

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