The simple, clever sensor behind automatic windshield wipers

Published 2024-04-29
When it's wet it wipes.

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The video I just did on stovetops:
   • Simmerstats: The genius old tech that...  

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All Comments (21)
  • The thing that surprises me the most about this entire episode is that Alec is not the kind of person to read his owner's manual front to back within the first 30 days of buying his car.
  • @norlockv
    Alec, stand proudly. You used the manual as intended; as the last resort. You sir, are an engineer.
  • @PopsGG
    As a Tesla owner, thank for the first 50 seconds of this video and 8:50. A much needed roasting of Tesla's decision to not include them.
  • @lexnellis4869
    I know you do the low effort videos for yourself, but I would like to remind you, we all watched an hour long video about dishwashers and loved it. I still, to this day, get the hot water flowing to my sink before starting the dishwasher add soap on the door because it doesn't have a place for first stage soap. We love your shit, bro.
  • @SueBobChicVid
    I watched a Technology Connections video, in its entirety, in one sitting, and still had time for my life. Who knew that was possible?
  • @roippi3985
    Some engineer: - looks at pulse oximeter - looks at windshield - squints eyes
  • It is highly satisfying to see you present a technology that relies on the magic of having two of them.
  • @alexyocky2687
    I come for the info but stay for the humor. I find myself giggling every video and it reminds me, adults need to laugh more. Thank you
  • @jon1913
    As a Tesla Model X owner, I appreciate all the little jabs at Tesla.
  • "Look, I get it wet, and the car wipes! But two can play at that game-" then using a screen whipe as a transition between frames. Is exactly the kind of joke I love getting blindsighted by between detailed information in a presentable manner, and truely midwestern levels of snark.
  • I had two very nice surprises recently after buying a very cheap Citroën from 1998. First, it has a rain sensor. And second, It´s by far the best working rain sensor i have ever seen. It never gets confused or start when it´s dry or forget to wipe when it´s wet. It´s 100% perfect all the time. And they did that in 1998!
  • @Eric-zs6rd
    I haven't seen your channel for a while but I wanted to say I can tell you've been working on your fitness and you look good! I know as men we don't hear compliments often, so I wanted you to know it's visible and you're doing a great job
  • @fghsgh
    7:24 "having two of them" Alec, please never stop doing these it's hilarious
  • @user443
    What you try to look up: Change wiper blades Owner's manual index term: Inclement weather clearing system maintenance
  • @Lttlemoi
    As a software engineer, thank you for spreading the gospel off RTFM. As a sidenote, the people who need to be told to RTFM also seem to be the people who don't write any manuals for the stuff they make, or don't bother describing 80% of the functionality in it. Not sure what is more frustrating. Telling people to RTFM or finding out there is no FM to R.
  • @davidquirk8097
    I once had the privilege of working along side a Technical Author and he worked really hard to create a useable, easy to understand users' manual. He did comment that the manual would only be as good as the information that we (the Engineering Team) provided and the amount of time we were prepared to spend answering his questions. It always struck me as a bit of a shame that he didn't get to put his name on the manual that the customers got to read.
  • This video was so quick, I didn't even expect to be showered with new Alec rant time
  • @sixty2612
    You have no idea how amazing this video is for me. One day, I wanted to know how this worked on my car, but when I googled “how do rain sensing wipers work” I just kept getting pointed to manufacturer webpages that just say “automatically detects rain and activates wipers” without anything saying HOW it detects rain. It’s bothered me ever since. Thank you!
  • I did. I read the whole manual. I also read all the announcements my work makes, the instructions for any electronic item I've purchased (even if it's just a basic toaster), and the newsletter that my local council puts out. Some days I'm almost convinced I'm not autistic. Until the next time I do something others consider out of the ordinary. I like knowing things! 😅 Which is why I like your videos, they're always fascinating.
  • @AvinZarlez
    I love this episode. I especially love pointing out the technology connection between electric ovens and automatic rain sensors. I love the way you explain stuff