Passive infrared motion sensors: a two-bit camera powered by crystals

Awnings: a simple cooling tech we apparently forgot about

The Numitron: An obvious idea that wasn't very bright

Your dishwasher is better than you think (tips, tricks, and how they work)

Tilting, taking turns, and winning free games: the many tricks inside old pinball machines

The simple, clever sensor behind automatic windshield wipers

Simmerstats: The genius old tech that controls your stovetop

Bright from the Start: GE's CFL with an incandescent trick up its sleeve

Old HVAC industry practices are holding us back and costing us money. But we can fix it.

Flash photography used to be pretty wild

The step-by-step, mechanical logic of old pinball machines

LED Christmas lights still annoy me. Let's try some more fixes.

What's the deal with the popcorn button?

The Clapper: Yes, that one.

Back-up beepers: Obnoxious, but getting better - and spreading!

Old pinball machines are amazingly complex

Power outlets are topsy turvy - but does it matter?

Photoelectric light controls are weirder than they seem

Tesla won the plug war - and that's good news!

Longer-lasting light bulbs: it was complicated

This goofy fridge has a really clever design. It's also kinda terrible.

Digital audio needed videotape to be possible - and the early days were wild!

Electric cars prove we need to rethink brake lights

Sony Betacam: Not the Beta you're thinking of (it's way better)

Contactors: how we power the big stuff

Plug-n-play solutions for home electrification, and options for power outages (Part 2)

How do vinyl records hold stereo sound?

Home Electrification: There's not a lot to do, and it doesn't have to be hard (Part 1)

A simple water heater is more clever than it seems

Timer switches: literally just a clock and a switch