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Here's an interesting resource for prospective gadget builders interested in how machines work. It's the website for an old TV series, from the late 1980s, called The Secret Life of Machines.
Written by Tim Hunkin, the shows appeared on Channel 4 (and the Discovery Channel) and were originally developed from a cartoon strip. This was called 'The Rudiments Of Wisdom', Hunkin drew for the Observer newspaper for 14 years. (I remember the Observer cartoons, but missed the TV series)
According to the site:
Written by Tim Hunkin, the shows appeared on Channel 4 (and the Discovery Channel) and were originally developed from a cartoon strip. This was called 'The Rudiments Of Wisdom', Hunkin drew for the Observer newspaper for 14 years. (I remember the Observer cartoons, but missed the TV series)
According to the site:
Just how does a video recorder work? And how about fax machines, cars, washing machines, electric light, telephones, vacuum cleaners, and refrigerators? You'll find the answers here. This site is designed as a companion to the TV series 'The Secret Life Of Machines' written by Tim Hunkin, and presented by Tim Hunkin and Rex Garrod.The machines covered? The full list is:
- vacuum cleaners
- sewing machines
- central heating
- washing machines
- the refrigerator
- television
- cars
- internal combustion engine
- quartz watch
- telephones
- radio set
- video recorders
- fax machine
- the lift/elevator
- word processors
- electric light
- photocopiers
- the office
You will require QuickTime to view the series from the website, but you can catch some on YouTube, too (the picture is taken from the episode on televisions).
Comments (1)
I can't recommend this programme (all series) highly enough. Should be compulsory viewing as a means of distinguishing real engineers (who do) from management types (who talk). Don't forget to visit his arcane arcade machines exhibition on Southwold pier, too.
Posted by The Underdoug | March 17, 2011 8:09 AM
Posted on March 17, 2011 08:09