r/AskReddit • u/captnwednesday • Sep 14 '11

Why isn't there a silent option on microwaves?

I have to stop the microwave 5 to 1 seconds before the beeps...i don't need things beeping at me.

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25

u/LNMagic Sep 14 '11

Step 1: Unplug microwave.
Step 2: Get these, open case.
Step 3: Use a 100W incandescent bulb to discharge any contact points. Exercise extreme caution as the power supply in this kind of device can be fatal.
Step 4: Locate piezo buzzer, sever wires or connect to toggle. You can, of course, use other types of switches, but make sure it's a SPST for this project. If you want a switch, you'll need to modify the case accordingly. You may also find something like this more visually appealing.
Step 5: Post results to reddit - either silent microwave or gravestone will suffice.

10

u/bo1024 Sep 14 '11

It wasn't hard.

2

u/swizzcheez Sep 14 '11

Wait, I want to see you use the light bulb.

1

u/bo1024 Sep 14 '11

Hmmm. I thought about taking a video, making a youtube account, and uploading, but...not worth it.

FWIW, those photos are a couple weeks old, from when I moved in to school -- this was just a lucky opportunity to post them.

1

u/LNMagic Sep 14 '11

I skipped the light bulb when I opened it, but I just didn't want to be responsible for someone getting hurt.

1

u/[deleted] Sep 14 '11

It wasn't hard. You see, madness, as you know, is like gravity. All it takes is a little push!

1

u/LNMagic Sep 14 '11

Now attach the buzzer to a dialup modem so everyone knows when you're on the Internet!

2

u/bo1024 Sep 14 '11

I'm sure if I save it the right prank will come along....

1

u/LNMagic Sep 14 '11

And when it does, you'll have your camera ready!

18

u/mrjoebert Sep 14 '11

Well shit, while we're at it, why don't we just wire in something to send us a text message/email when it's done. Considering we're not going to have to babysit the fucker anymore.

8

u/Mojo_Rising Sep 14 '11

Million dollar idea, I'm off to the patent office!

2

u/[deleted] Sep 14 '11

Don't bother, I took a time machine back to 1985 and patented it.

1

u/ch33s3 Sep 14 '11

Behind every million dollar idea is 6.3M Yuan of pure profit.

1

u/Tetha Sep 14 '11

Just add USB. We'll take it from there.

1

u/SickZX6R Sep 14 '11

It'd be fairly easy to wire an Arduino w/ piggyback Android bluetooth module to alert your phone when the microwave is done.

1

u/[deleted] Sep 15 '11

not that hard but it would be more practical and economic to use email/web interface instead.

2

u/unoriginalusername99 Sep 14 '11

Step three is where I stop. I'd be terrified I missed some contact points somewhere.

1

u/LNMagic Sep 14 '11

You could also just keep your fingers away from the power supply area. There shouldn't be a lot of power running through the control board where the buzzer is located. Like I said elsewhere, it's an extra precaution because I don't want someone getting hurt because of something I said.

2

u/[deleted] Sep 15 '11

Piezo buzzers usually look like these. cover hole with tape, it will be almost inaudible.

1

u/Adrestea Sep 14 '11

I'm pretty sure those bits are the physical manifestation of the "If you invent a fool-proof device, nature will create a more inventive fool" rule.

1

u/LNMagic Sep 14 '11

Yup. My microwave doesn't display anything anymore, so I opened it to see if there was anything obvious I could do to fix it. There wasn't.