Every year many people suffer illness from exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) and some even die from the resultant poisoning. At particular risk are young children who, naturally, have less ability to fight the effects of high levels of CO in their system, so prolonged exposure can be fatal.

Carbon monoxide is produced by incomplete combustion of natural or petroleum gas found in many appliances in the home such as gas appliances, water heater, boiler, etc. Unfortunately, due to its nature of not having any fragrance and being colourless, a person can be exposed without even knowing, which makes it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to sense whether dangerous levels of carbon monoxide is present.

This particular detector works by beeping a sound when low levels are present and a continous sound will be emitted when dangerous levels are present. The 3-beep warning when there is low quantity is present is a trigger to get help to take corrective measures before the possibilty of more dangerous levels becoming a possibilty.

Installing a detector does not preclude a person form taking other measures to ensure safety though, such as making regular checks on appliances that can emit carbon monoxide as well as making other checks as shown in this excellent 10 guide to carbon monoxide safety.

I’ve long believed that the best spy kit is the stuff that you make yourself. Most spy gadgets are electronics based, so gaining electronics knowledge is the key. This is why I think the 101 Spy Gadgets for the Evil Genius Book is such a good book, as the focus is on modifying existing technology to create a spy gadget. However, the 101 Spy Gadgets does offer a few circuits to build from scratch too. But we don’t have to stop with just spy gadgets!

If you’ve done very little electronics work, then you might need some help getting started. The Evil Genius book range are known for their quirky subject areas, appealing to the desire to create something weird and wacky (and often a little dangerous too!). I’ve included a range of books that focus on the electronics topics, and the 51 Hi-Tech Practical Jokes book is a classic example of this.

If you have a family member who’s a little creative in the electronics world, then they may appreciate one of these books as a gift for Christmas or a Birthday. Even if they don’t follow the instructions in the book exactly, they’ll certainly get some cool ideas.

Hmm, I fancy that Hi-Tech Practical Jokes book for myself! Where’s that credit card…