Tag Archives: solarbotics

What’s all the fuss???

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Congratulations to ThinkGeek and the above viral success.

Keep in mind that even though the Useless Box closely resembles the Ultimate Useless Machine there are significant differences:

  • The “Useless Box” is much harder to build because it doesn’t have a circuit board.
  • It’s also $10 bucks more expensive then the Ultimate Useless Machine.
  • It doesn’t have LEDs lighting up the finger.
  • The ‘Useless’ Box is only available only as a kit and requires soldering

ThinkGeek is currently sold out, but we have plenty of Ultimate Machines in stock including pre-soldered versions.

And we are shipping most orders the next day! (edit:  2 days to process orders now. Lost a day to Friday the 13th accident)

Please check out our store:  http://frivolousengineering.com/?page_id=1568

We proudly give you the finger!

 

I guess it’s time I get off my butt and make a video for the Ultimate Useless Machine.  I’ve put if off much too long.

I should mention that we will be releasing the Wooden Version of Machine.

ThinkGeek, please consider selling the Ultimate Useless Machine, you won’t regret it.

For now, please check out this customer made video of the Ultimate Useless Machine:

 

 

Useless Science Fair Entry

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Ohhh, I get it now!

14 year-old Javier Rodriguez entered a Solarbotics Useless Machine at the Rio Learning Academy’s Science and Technology Exhibition at the Rio Vista Middle School in Oxnard.

No word on whether he won anything, but the picture of him explaining the machine to an observing teacher (Heather Parks) is priceless.

If it’s any consolation, Javier, you’re sure to get an A in comedy!

Via:  Google Alerts

 

Customer Review: It’s Completely Useless

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EDIT:  I stopped endorsing this “Useless Box” in the fall of 2011 and started selling my own kits and machines.   A couple of weeks later they got around to “upgrading” the hinges (as well as the price, bumping it up 5 bucks).  They are still selling it.  You are welcome to buy the Useless Box:  it has no printed circuit board, LEDs, and the new improved hinges bind: http://content.solarbotics.com/products/documentation/hinge_modification.pdf.

The Solarbotics Useless Machine Kits have been selling like hotcakes!  Justin posted the above video (link) of his completed kit and he was kind enough to give this fantastic review:

I am a mechanic and deal with useless machines every day lol but I wanted something in my shop that not only relieved stress but made me laugh. The machine has been the center piece for my customers as well.  Everyone loves it.

The built went perfectly!  Took me about 2 hours to assemble the entire unit with most of the time being taken up on assembling the box.  I didn’t want to crack or scratch the acrylic so i took my time.  The only suggestion for improvement would be to include some form of hinges in the kit for the doors.  The packing tape works well but I think it takes away from the class and quality of the rest of the kit.  I am a super satisfied customer!

Great kit, excellent instructions, and great fun for anyone who uses it.

And my most favorite question from people when I tell them to turn it on…..”It’s not going to shock me is it?”  lol so funny!

I agree with Justin about the lack of hinges and I’m hoping to convince Solarbotics to add them to the kit.  But keep in mind that you can assemble the machine with all the tape on the inside of the box, where it’s not visible.  I admit that it’s not the most elegant design, but it’s simple, inexpensive and it works.

Speaking about what’s visible or not, I’ve had a couple people asking if they could purchase the kit with a blank lid, no text engraved on top.  This isn’t needed:  those parts can be flipped over and assembled so that the text isn’t visible.

Thanks for the terrific testimonial, Justin!