The Clapper: Light work
Summary
This episode of Version History explores the bizarre legacy of the Clapper, a 1980s device that turned lights on and off via sound. Host David Pierce and guests V Song and Alison Marsh discuss its origins, marketing by Chia Pet creator Joseph P. Dot, and its notorious unreliability. They cover lawsuits over false triggers, the ironic "Clapper Plus" remote, and why the clapping mechanism remains a cultural icon despite its technical flaws.
Topics discussed
Intro and ads for Clapper and women's health
Guest introductions and unboxing the Clapper
The 1980s tech boom and the Clapper's invention
Joseph P. Dot, the Chia Pet connection, and early lawsuits
The failed prototype and Carlisle Stevens' improvements
Marketing strategy and the iconic 'Clap On, Clap Off' jingle
How the Clapper works and its technical limitations
User complaints, false positives, and the 'Crapper' nickname
Away mode, safety concerns, and the Clapper Plus remote
Why clapping was chosen over other inputs like whistling
The Clapper's legacy in the age of smart home tech
Modern Clapper variants and why people still buy them
The Time Matrix: Was the Clapper right for its time?
Hall of Fame criteria: Novelty and remarkable failure
Final verdict: Did the Clapper change the world?
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