A far more controllable and responsive unit than
conventional designs

Over the years, the simple clap switch has become something of a staple of electronics magazines and tutorials, and today a good number of kits are available through various suppliers. However, the “stock standard” clap switch has a number of distinct shortcomings. The author’s son has one in his room. Throw a ball against the wall, or sneeze, and the light goes out! Similarly, a bump in the night can turn the light on. Any number of sharp sounds can switch the clap switch either on or off. This is disadvantage number one. You need only one sharp sound to trigger the switch.

A second shortcoming is that, unless a clap switch is adjusted to respond only to hard, sharp claps, it is likely to be triggered by a variety of unwanted sounds. This also means that “lighter” sounds, such as clicking one’s fingers, or tapping a pencil on a desk, are less likely to trigger a “stock standard” clap switch. Instead, far louder, disruptive sounds are required.