alarm

Slap Yourself Awake with This Ridiculous “Wake-Up Machine” Alarm Clock

Slap Yourself Awake with This Ridiculous “Wake-Up Machine” Alarm Clock

By Gareth Branwyn

Gareth Branwyn

Gareth Branwyn is a freelance writer and the former Editorial Director of Maker Media. He is the author or editor of over a dozen books on technology, DIY, and geek culture. He is currently a contributor to Boing Boing, Wink Books, and Wink Fun. His free weekly-ish maker tips newsletter can be found at garstipsandtools.com.

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Swedish tech artist and comedienne Simone Giertz tries her hand at creating the most annoying alarm clock possible

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DIY Hacks & How To’s: Laser Tripwire Alarm

DIY Hacks & How To’s: Laser Tripwire Alarm

By Jason Poel Smith

Jason Poel Smith

My name is Jason Poel Smith. I have an undergraduate degree in Engineering that is 50% Mechanical Engineering and 50% Electrical Engineering. I have worked in a variety of industries from hydraulic aerial lifts to aircraft tooling. I currently spend most of my time chasing around my new baby. In my spare time I make the how-to series "DIY Hacks and How Tos."

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No security system is complete without lasers. We have all seen movies where the main character has to get past a high tech security system and there is always a room full of lasers somewhere.

So in this project, I show you how to build a laser tripwire alarm. All you need is a cheap laser point, a couple of mirrors, and a few dollars of electrical parts. With this you can cover an entire house with an array of light beams. If any one of them is crossed it sets off your alarm. And unlike in the movies, these lasers are practically invisible.

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Sunrise Alarm Clock

Sunrise Alarm Clock

By Jason Poel Smith

Jason Poel Smith

My name is Jason Poel Smith. I have an undergraduate degree in Engineering that is 50% Mechanical Engineering and 50% Electrical Engineering. I have worked in a variety of industries from hydraulic aerial lifts to aircraft tooling. I currently spend most of my time chasing around my new baby. In my spare time I make the how-to series "DIY Hacks and How Tos."

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Many people find the beep of an alarm clock to be a very unpleasant way to wake up. One alternative is to use lights to wake you up. In this project, I am going to show you how to make a simple light alarm circuit from an outlet timer and a handful of basic electrical components.

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Build a Basic Infrared Motion Alarm with Weekend Projects

Build a Basic Infrared Motion Alarm with Weekend Projects

By Nick Normal

Nick Normal

I'm an artist & maker. A lifelong biblioholic, and advocate for all-things geekathon. Home is Long Island City, Queens, which I consider the greatest place on Earth. 5-year former Resident of Flux Factory, co-organizer for World Maker Faire (NYC), and blogger all over the net. Howdy!

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Build a motion-sensing alarm by combining a few common components: an Arduino, a PIR sensor, a piezo buzzer, and a breadboard. All you need is some jumper wire to connect them all, and the software to run it.

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