Operation

Flip the switch. The machine flips it back. Repeat as often as you like: it will not get bored, but it will wear out (see Service life).

Efficiency

Each use turns 3.1 J from the batteries (4.5 V × 0.3 A × 2.3 s) into 0 J of useful work: an efficiency of 0.000%.

Lubrication

Every 2,000 uses, a thin film of PTFE silicone grease on the gear teeth (some petroleum greases soften plastic gears) and one drop of sewing-machine oil on the door's hinge pin. The motor's bearings are sealed: leave them dry. No WD-40: it is a solvent, and it washes the grease out.

Service life

12,500 uses. At 10 uses a day that is about 3 years and 5 months. The limit switch (1,000,000 operations) and the motor's brushes (about 780,000 uses) will outlive it.

Troubleshooting

Arm stops short of the lever: batteries below 1.1 V a cell. Arm reaches the lever but cannot flip it: NiMH cells, or grease on the lever. Door stays open: a torsion spring has slipped off its rivet. Arm comes out on its own: the play button in the corner is on.

Warranty

12 months or 12,500 uses, whichever comes first. Void if the machine is used for anything useful.

Last change · firmware v3.0.1: fixed a bug where the machine was briefly useful.