What is The Clapper?
The Clapper is a sound-activated electrical switch that was introduced in the 1980s. It allows users to turn appliances and lights on and off with the clap of their hands. The device works by listening for two loud claps in quick succession. When it detects the clapping sound pattern, it toggles the connected device on or off.
The Clapper was invented by Joseph Enterprises, Inc. and first sold in 1985. It was marketed as an easy way to turn lights and appliances on and off without having to get up and walk across the room. The early commercials for The Clapper showed people clapping to turn on lamps, TVs, blenders and other household devices.
How does The Clapper work?
The Clapper has a built-in microphone that listens for clapping sounds. Inside the device is a circuit board with sound activation technology that can detect two sharp claps in a short amount of time.
When The Clapper hears two claps, it acts like a light switch – if the connected device is off, it will turn on, and if it’s already on, it will turn off. The Clapper essentially toggles the power to the appliance each time it registers two claps.
Under the hood, The Clapper contains circuitry to suppress false triggers. It uses temporal patterns to distinguish intentional claps from random noises like doors closing or background music. The circuitry also has adjustable sensitivity to only pick up sharp claps that are close by.
The device is powered by electricity through a standard wall outlet. It contains an electrical relay that physically flips on and off when activated by the clapping sound. This relay is connected to the appliance’s power cord.
Some key components inside The Clapper include:
– Microphone – detects clapping sounds
– Sound activation circuitry – recognizes clap patterns
– Electrical relay – toggles power on/off
– Noise filtering – prevents false triggers
– Sensitivity adjustment – tunes clap detection
– Timing logic – enforces delay between triggers
So in summary, The Clapper’s sound activation circuitry and electromechanical relay enable it to switch power on and off in response to clapping. This provides hands-free control of lights and appliances from a distance.
What can you use The Clapper for?
The Clapper is fairly versatile and can be used to control all kinds of household devices, including:
– Lights – floor lamps, table lamps, string lights
– TVs
– Fans – ceiling fans, box fans
– Appliances – blenders, mixers, coffee makers
– Radios
– Heaters
– Air conditioners
– Christmas lights
-aquarium lights
– Electric blankets
– Speakers
– Fountains
– Pumps
– Motors
– Outlets – can plug a power strip into The Clapper to control multiple devices
The Clapper can handle loads up to 1,800 watts. As long as the appliance plugs into a standard wall outlet and doesn’t exceed 1,800 watts, it should work with The Clapper. The most common uses are for controlling lamps, TVs and fans.
It’s designed for indoor use only as moisture can damage the circuitry. You hook it up in between the wall outlet and appliance by plugging The Clapper into the outlet, then plugging the appliance into The Clapper. Installation is simple with no wiring required.
The hands-free operation makes it convenient for the elderly or disabled. It’s also helpful in low light situations when you don’t want to blindly feel around for a switch. The Clapper gives full control over devices from the comfort of your chair.
What are the advantages of The Clapper?
Here are some of the main benefits and advantages of using The Clapper:
– Hands-free operation – Ability to turn devices on and off with just a clap is convenient when your hands are full, the lights are off, or you don’t want to get up.
– Independent control – Each Clapper can be set up to control different devices, allowing individual control over multiple appliances from one seat.
– Affordable – The Clapper is a relatively inexpensive option for adding smarts to household devices compared to other home automation systems. Basic models retail for $25 or less.
– Simple installation – It plugs into a standard wall outlet and requires no wiring or programming. Clapper can be set up in minutes.
– Remote capability – Clapper can control devices across the room up to 25 feet away. Gives you remote control without a remote.
– Manual override – The switch on Clapper allows you to turn the connected device on or off manually as well in case the sound sensor misses a clap.
– No batteries required – The Clapper powers itself from the wall outlet so there’s no need for battery changes.
– Compatibility – It works with a wide range of household appliances and lighting fixtures as long as they don’t exceed the 1,800 watt limit.
– Portability – Small size and no installation makes it easy to move The Clapper between rooms and take it along for RV and camping trips.
– Security applications – Clapper can make lights appear occupied when not home. The random activation can deter burglars.
For the relatively low price, The Clapper provides an easy way to automate and control devices through clapping. The hands-free operation and ability to use it remotely makes it convenient for everyday use.
What are the disadvantages of The Clapper?
However, there are some downsides to using The Clapper, including:
– Can be sensitive to false triggers – Loud noises like knocking, dogs barking or loud music can accidentally switch the connected device on or off.
– Short range – The Clapper has a maximum range of about 25 feet, limiting remote control capabilities.
– One way control – The Clapper only works through clapping and does not allow for two-way communication with the device being controlled. There is no status feedback.
– Manual on/off only – The Clapper can’t schedule or automatically activate devices like more advanced home automation systems. The only control is through clapping or the manual switch.
– Limited to one device per Clapper – Each Clapper unit can only be set up for one appliance. Multiple Clappers would be needed for controlling several devices.
– Possible confusion for pets – Dogs may get confused or anxious from lights turning on randomly from clapping.
– Requires an outlet – Since it plugs into a wall outlet, The Clapper takes up space and needs to be within reach of the appliance being controlled. Hardwired smart switches avoid this.
– Can wear out over time – The Clapper has moving relay parts inside that can degrade over time with extensive use. It has a shorter lifespan than solid state electronics.
While The Clapper delivers simple and affordable hands-free control, the short range, lack of smart features, false triggers and single device limitation reduces its utility compared to advanced home automation tools. It’s best suited for singular light or appliance control within a room.
Does distance affect The Clapper’s performance?
Yes, distance can impact The Clapper’s ability to reliably detect claps and control the connected device. There are a few variables in how distance affects The Clapper:
– **Maximum range** – The Clapper has an effective range of about 25 feet. It becomes less reliable past that even in ideal conditions.
– **Line of sight** – Having a clear visual line of sight improves The Clapper’s performance at a distance. Obstacles in the signal path can interfere.
– **Ambient noise** – Background noise from televisions, fans, etc can reduce The Clapper’s sensitivity to claps at a distance. A noisy room limits its range.
– **Sensitivity setting** – The Clapper has a sensitivity adjustment to tweak performance. Setting it to high increases distance but also false triggers.
– **Number and loudness of claps** – Clapping louder improves detection at a distance. More claps helps separate the signal from background noise.
– **Batteries** – Low batteries in The Clapper can diminish its reception compared to fresh alkaline batteries.
Testing shows The Clapper works reliably up to about 15-20 feet given average background noise and line of sight. Heavy noise or obstructions can cut this to 10 feet or less. Turning up the sensitivity and clapping louder maintains control further away. But too high of sensitivity causes false triggers. Overall The Clapper is best suited for the same room versus remote rooms.
How sensitive is The Clapper?
The Clapper is designed to detect two sharp claps in close succession. Its sound activation circuitry filters out most random noises to prevent false triggering of the connected device. However, there are a number of factors that impact the sensitivity:
– **Sensitivity setting** – There is a high/low sensitivity adjustment on The Clapper. High makes it respond to softer claps from further while low mode rejects more noise.
– **Proximity** – Up close, even quiet claps will activate it. But from far away, louder sharper claps are needed.
– **Ambient noise** – Noisy environments with music, machinery, pets etc. can require louder claps for The Clapper to differentiate the signal from background noise.
– **Line of sight** – Claps right in front of The Clapper are easiest to detect. Obstructions in the signal path make detection less sensitive.
– **Number of claps** – Requiring a sequence of 2-3 claps improves discrimination versus just one clap.
– **Frequency range** – The Clapper responds best to claps between 2-5 kHz in frequency, a normal range for human clapping.
– **Duration** – Very short claps are harder to detect than longer claps of over 100 milliseconds.
– **Manual override** – The switch allows devices to be manually controlled in case the claps are not detected.
Overall, The Clapper is sensitive enough to respond to typical hand claps within a quiet to moderately noisy room. Sensitivity falls off at a distance or in loud environments. Adjusting the setting, clapping pattern, volume, and line of sight helps maintain responsiveness. But very loud or erratic noise can still cause false triggers.
How well does The Clapper work with LED bulbs?
The Clapper generally works well with LED light bulbs, with a couple caveats:
– **Electronic versus magnetic ballast** – The Clapper has an electromechanical relay so it works with bulbs using electronic ballasts. Some fluorescent and CFL bulbs use magnetic ballasts which can cause buzzing, hum or flickering issues.
– **Minimum load** – The Clapper requires a minimum load of 40 watts. Some LED bulbs may be under this threshold, so check bulb wattage ratings. Multiple low wattage bulbs can be grouped off one Clapper.
– **Noise** – Very sensitive or poorly shielded LED drivers can sometimes pick up electrical noise from The Clapper’s relay clicking on and off. Adding noise filters may help.
– **Capacitive loads** – LEDs have capacitance in their drivers that may need additional load balancing components for proper operation with The Clapper. Consult manufacturer guidelines.
– **Dimmers** – The Clapper should not be used in conjunction with LED dimmers. Use a regular on/off The Clapper switch.
– **Three-way circuits** – The Clapper is not compatible with three-way switch LED lighting circuits.
As long as wattage requirements are met and any noise filtering is added, The Clapper can provide an effective hands-free way to control LED bulbs. Just take care on dimmable or multi-switch LED circuits to avoid issues. The Clapper gives a low cost way to automate LED lights with claps.
Can The Clapper be used outside?
The Clapper device is designed for indoor use only. Using The Clapper outside can pose the following problems:
– **Moisture** – Exposure to rain, sprinklers and other wet conditions can short circuit and damage The Clapper’s internal electronics.
– **Temperature** – The Clapper is built for room temperature operation. Temperature extremes outside can affect its performance and longevity.
– **Wind noise** – Gusty winds can constantly trigger The Clapper if blowing across the microphone. Wind chimes and rustling leaves could also cause issues.
– **Sunlight** – Direct sunlight can potentially overheat and degrade The Clapper’s components over time. The sun can also interfere with the infrared remote control.
– **Wildlife** – Animal sounds like chirping birds could accidentally switch The Clapper on or off. Insects could also nest inside the device.
– **Dirt** – Outdoor dust and dirt could clog The Clapper’s microphone inhibiting clap detection and muffling the sound reception.
– **Electricity** – Having an outdoor wall outlet raises concerns over electric shock, grounding and leakage current especially in wet conditions.
While special weatherproofing could help prevent moisture damage, The Clapper still is not optimized for outdoor operation. Environmental noises, temperature extremes and dirt can impede performance. Hardwired outdoor switches or weatherized remote controlled outlets better suit outdoor use. The Clapper is recommended for dry, room temperature indoor applications only.
Does The Clapper work with smart homes?
The Clapper is not designed to directly interface with smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit. However, there are a couple ways it can be integrated into a smart home:
– **Smart plug** – Plugging The Clapper into a smart plug allows it to be voice controlled. For example, saying “Alexa, turn on living room lamp” could activate the smart plug powering The Clapper.
– **Home automation controller** – A home automation hub could potentially control The Clapper via a current sensing module. When the hub turns on the device, The Clapper would hear the relay click and turn on the light.
– **IFTTT applets** – Apps like IFTTT could let you create voice-activated applets like “If I say ‘Clap on’ to Google Assistant, then activate The Clapper smart plug to turn on the light”.
– **Smart switch replacement** – Swapping The Clapper for an in-wall smart light switch upgrades it for app and voice control.
– **Remote control integration** – Some universal remote control systems may be able to add The Clapper to automation sequences.
So while The Clapper itself is not smart device ready, creative workarounds like powering it via smart plugs or home automation systems allows hands-free voice control. But it takes extra effort compared to modern IoT lighting options. The Clapper is best suited as a standalone device versus integrated smart home control.
How reliable is The Clapper over time?
The Clapper provides fairly reliable hands-free light control when it’s working properly. However, there are several factors that can impact its reliability over time:
– **Component wear** – The mechanical relay inside The Clapper has a finite lifetime from clicks turning lights on/off. Eventually it wears out after extended use.
– **Dust buildup** – Dust accumulation in the microphone and on circuits can interfere with performance years later.
– **Capacitor degradation** – Capacitors are prone to degradation which disrupts proper electronic function after 5-10 years.
– **Battery corrosion** – Leaky batteries can corrode and damage the electronics rendering The Clapper non-functional.
– **False triggering** – Sensitivity issues from aging components leads to increased false triggers from ambient noises.
– **Power surges** – Electrical spikes can damage the switch relay and sound activation circuitry over time.
– **Quality issues** – Lower quality Clapper clones likely have shorter lifespans than original models.
– **Circuitry failures** – General electronics failures from production flaws or environmental factors can cause intermittent issues.
While The Clapper often works consistently when new, reliability tends to decline after several years of regular use. The electromechanical design is less robust than solid state electronics. Periodic cleaning and component replacement can prolong The Clapper’s useful life. But its lifespan is shorter than modern smart home devices.
How does Clapper technology compare to voice assistants?
There are some notable differences between the simple clapper technology in devices like The Clapper versus modern voice assistant technology powering smart speakers:
| The Clapper | Voice Assistants |
|-|-|
| Detects clapping patterns via basic sound activation circuitry | Use advanced microphone arrays and noise cancellation |
| Limited to one function – toggling power on/off | Extensive voice control over many devices/functions |
| Only responds to claps within ~25 feet | Far-field voice pickup from across rooms |
| Requires line of sight to clapper | Omni-directional always listening for activation phrase |
| Only controls one outlet at a time | Simultaneously controls lights, music, appliances, etc |
| No two-way communication | Provides vocal feedback and status updates |
| Prone to false triggers | Advanced signal processing avoids false triggers |
| Limited range due to power outlet need | Wireless connectivity for flexible placement |
| Dumb on/off operation | Integrates with full smart home ecosystems |
While The Clapper pioneered hands-free control, modern voice assistants far surpass its capabilities. Voice provides natural control of many smart devices both locally and remotely. The Clapper remains a novelty for simple power switching tasks within a room. But voice assistants enable seamless smart home control using advanced voice recognition technology.
Conclusion
The Clapper sound-activated switch provides moderately reliable hands-free control of lights and appliances within a room. It reacts to clapping patterns by toggling power. The simple operation and low cost are beneficial for single device control. However, false triggers, short range, lack of automation, and finite lifespan limit more extensive use. While The Clapper was novel in the 1980s, modern voice control provides superior hands-free operation. But The Clapper remains a unique alternative for manual on/off control via clapping. Just be aware of its limitations versus advanced home automation systems before purchasing.