Long before the age of advanced home automation systems, smart speakers, and IoT devices, there was The Clapper – the original sound-activated home automation device that brought a touch of magic to households in the 1980s and 1990s. This simple yet ingenious device allowed users to control their lights and appliances with a simple clap of their hands, making everyday tasks more convenient and fun. In this blog post, we’ll take a nostalgic journey through the history of The Clapper, explore its features and functionality, and discuss its impact on the world of home automation.
- A Brief History of The Clapper: The Clapper was invented by Joseph Pedott, an entrepreneur and inventor, who founded Joseph Enterprises Inc. in the early 1980s. The idea was simple: create a device that could turn lights and appliances on or off with the sound of a clap. The Clapper quickly gained popularity, becoming a cultural icon and a staple of late-night infomercials with its catchy jingle, “Clap on! Clap off! The Clapper!”
- How The Clapper Works: The Clapper is a sound-activated electrical switch that plugs into a standard electrical outlet. It contains a built-in microphone and circuitry that detects the sound of clapping, which triggers the device to turn on or off the connected lights or appliances. The Clapper can be configured to respond to two or three claps, allowing users to control multiple devices with varying clap sequences.
- Features and Functionality: a. Sound Activation: The Clapper’s primary feature is its ability to turn lights and appliances on or off based on the sound of clapping. b. Dual Outlet Control: Most Clapper models come with two outlets, enabling users to control two separate devices with different clap sequences. c. Adjustable Sensitivity: The Clapper allows users to adjust the microphone’s sensitivity to ensure that it responds accurately to the sound of clapping. d. Indicator Lights: The Clapper features indicator lights that show the current status of the connected devices.
- The Clapper‘s Impact on Home Automation: While The Clapper may seem rudimentary compared to today’s sophisticated home automation systems, it was a groundbreaking device in its time that introduced millions of people to the concept of controlling their homes with a simple, intuitive gesture. The Clapper’s success helped pave the way for the development of more advanced home automation technologies, including voice-activated assistants, smart lighting systems, and IoT devices.
- The Clapper in Today’s World: Although The Clapper is no longer at the forefront of home automation technology, it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of those who grew up with it. Its simplicity, affordability, and ease of use still make it an appealing option for those seeking basic home automation functionality without the need for complex setups or expensive devices. In fact, The Clapper is still available for purchase today and enjoys a dedicated fan base that appreciates its nostalgic charm.
The Clapper may not be the most advanced or feature-rich home automation device by today’s standards, but it remains an important milestone in the history of home automation. As the original sound-activated device, The Clapper introduced the world to the possibilities of controlling their homes with a simple, intuitive gesture, and its influence can still be seen in the development of modern home automation technologies. While we may have moved on to more sophisticated systems, The Clapper will always hold a special place in our memories as the device that first brought the magic of home automation to our fingertips.
What’s the problem?
Trees are more important today than ever before. More than 10,000 products are reportedly made from trees. Through chemistry, the humble woodpile is yielding chemicals, plastics and fabrics that were beyond comprehension when an axe first felled a Texas tree.
