The Secret Life of Machines

Each of the Secret Life's individual series covers a particular set of machines. The first addresses household appliances, while the second includes devices used outside the home, such as the car. The third series examines the contraptions and gadgets used in a modern office.

File:Secret-life-animation-frame.jpgEach episode was given an individual title, such as The Secret Life of the Vacuum Cleaner. Although ostensibly about a specific appliance or piece of technology, the scope of each episode was often widened to cover related technologies as well. For example, the video recorder episode looked at magnetic recording from its origins, and featured Hunkin and Garrod recording their voices on a crude home-made "audio tape" consisting of rust-coated sticky tape.

Another aspect of the programmes was their use of humorous animations based on Hunkin's own drawings. These cartoons were often based around the historical figures involved in the development of a particular technology. Furthermore, the illustrations were an artistic commentary on modern society, including segments on lift fantasies (as shown in the episode "The Lift") and corporate disregard for individuals' rights (featured in many episodes, including "The Radio" and "The Car").

Each programme concluded with an epilogue consisting of an elaborate installation, which resembled an aspect of the machine or technology under discussion. One example was a giant statue resembling a robot, which had been built from scrap computer monitors, printers and other parts, which was blown up using pyrotechnics. Hunkin described the destruction as an allegorical point that computers are just a collection of transistors and lack "superhuman intelligence".

All the series used a combination of mechanical models and animation to help explain various aspect of how the subject devices function. The animation for the series was done by Hunkin himself in a uniquely recognisable format.

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The first series covers household appliances.

{{Episode table |background=#B0171F |overall= |series= |title= |airdate= |episodes=

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 1

| EpisodeNumber2 = 1

| Title = The Secret Life of the Vacuum Cleaner

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1988|11|15|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = Explores how a vacuum cleaner functions.
Epilogue: Various vacuums fitted with pyrotechnics fly from a pile, guided by wires, with sparks streaming from the rear like a rocket.
Historical Figures Mentioned: Hubert Cecil Booth, James M. Spangler, William H. Hoover

| LineColor = B0171F

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 2

| EpisodeNumber2 = 2

| Title = The Secret Life of the Sewing Machine

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1988|11|22|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = Explores how a sewing machine functions.
Epilogue: A modern sewing machine is shown embroidering "THIS IS THE END ** GOODBYE" on a piece of fabric.
Historical Figures Mentioned: Thomas Saint, Barthélemy Thimonnier, Walter Hunt, Elias Howe, Isaac Merritt Singer, Edward Cabot Clark

| LineColor = B0171F

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 3

| EpisodeNumber2 = 3

| Title = The Secret Life of the Central Heating System

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1988|11|29|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = Explores how a central heating system functions.
Epilogue: A life-size model of a central heating system, used during the show, begins to spray water everywhere.
Historical Figures Mentioned: Ancient Romans, Normans, Lord Burlington, Robert Bunsen

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}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 4

| EpisodeNumber2 = 4

| Title = The Secret Life of the Washing Machine

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1988|12|6|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = Explores how a washing machine functions.
Epilogue: A pyramid of washing machines is switched onto spin cycle whilst Hunkin talks about recent developments

| LineColor = B0171F

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 5

| EpisodeNumber2 = 5

| Title = The Secret Life of the Refrigerator

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1988|12|13|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = Explores how a refrigerator functions.
Epilogue: Multiple refrigerators are made to dance around using stop motion animation

| LineColor = B0171F

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 6

| EpisodeNumber2 = 6

| Title = The Secret Life of the Television Set

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1988|12|20|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = Explores how a television functions.
Epilogue: A mountain of television sets are burned in a massive bonfire whilst still switched on

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}}

}}

In the second group of programmes, devices used outside the home are investigated. The first two episodes are closely related, both dealing with the car and similar vehicles.

{{Episode table |background=#006400 |overall= |series= |title= |airdate= |episodes=

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 7

| EpisodeNumber2 = 1

| Title = The Secret Life of the Car

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1991|1|8|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = Explores how a car functions. This episode covers the body/chassis component only.
Epilogue: The bodyshell of a Ford Cortina is cubed in a car crusher

| LineColor = 006400

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 8

| EpisodeNumber2 = 2

| Title = The Secret Life of the Internal Combustion Engine

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1991|1|15|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = Explores how an internal combustion engine functions.
Epilogue: A running Ford Kent engine is carried to the centre of a "carhenge"—a replica of Stonehenge made entirely of car bodies—by several men in white coveralls

| LineColor = 006400

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{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 9

| EpisodeNumber2 = 3

| Title = The Secret Life of the Quartz Watch

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1991|1|22|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = Explores how a quartz watch functions. Historically also covers the history of time keeping, including early clocks, pocket watches and mechanical wristwatches.
Epilogue: Tim Hunkin's closing narration is interrupted when an oven in the background bursts open, followed by a sped up and reversed recording of a watch in said oven baked to destruction

| LineColor = 006400

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 10

| EpisodeNumber2 = 4

| Title = The Secret Life of the Telephone

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1991|1|29|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = Explores how a telephone functions. Historically also covers the telegraph.
Epilogue: Stop motion animation of various novelty phones dancing across a stage

| LineColor = 006400

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 11

| EpisodeNumber2 = 5

| Title = The Secret Life of the Radio Set

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1991|2|5|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = Explores how a radio functions and explains how radio waves can transmit signals and sound.
Epilogue: Multiple radios (which have been converted into remote-control cars) are driven around, sometimes colliding into one another

| LineColor = 006400

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 12

| EpisodeNumber2 = 6

| Title = The Secret Life of the Video Recorder

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1991|2|12|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = Explores how a video recorder functions. Historically also covers the functions and development of magnetic recording, including audio recorders.
Epilogue: Scrap video recorders are arranged to spell out "THE END." The camera then zooms out, revealing Tim watching a recorded version of the epilogue.

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}}

The third and final series concentrated on office-related technology. It also introduced an animated set of fictional characters who worked in the offices of the fictional Utopia Services company.

{{Episode table |background=#000070 |overall= |series= |title= |airdate= |episodes=

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 13

| EpisodeNumber2 = 1

| Title = The Secret Life of the Lift/Elevator

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1993|2|18|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = Explores how a lift functions and its history, beginning with the initial efforts by Elisha Otis.
Epilogue: Hunkin is "blasted" into the sky in a lift car powered by rocket motors.

| LineColor = 000070

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 14

| EpisodeNumber2 = 2

| Title = The Secret Life of the Word Processor

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1993|2|25|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = Explores how a word processor functions. This programme used its core subject as the basis for a look at many significant technologies surrounding modern computer systems, including how they evolved from the typewriter.
Epilogue: A giant robot-shaped frame covered in computers bursts into flames sending the computers tumbling to the ground

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{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 15

| EpisodeNumber2 = 3

| Title = The Secret Life of the Electric Light

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1993|3|4|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = Explores how an electric light functions and the history of its development. Detail is also given on the various versions of light bulbs.
Epilogue: As the camera is lifted into the sky on a crane, what seems at first to be randomly placed house lighting is gradually revealed to actually spell out "THE END".

| LineColor = 000070

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{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 16

| EpisodeNumber2 = 4

| Title = The Secret Life of the Photocopier

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1993|3|11|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = Explores how a photocopier functions, and explores early attempts in document duplication.
Epilogue: Tim Hunkin is revealed to be sitting on top of a mountain of shredded paper at a recycling centre, followed by video of him using a bulldozer to drive through the pile.

| LineColor = 000070

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 17

| EpisodeNumber2 = 5

| Title = The Secret Life of the FAX Machine

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1993|3|18|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = Explores how a fax machine functions, and covers the history of early pantelegraphs and telecopiers.
Epilogue: While testing out his home built model of a Pantelegraph, it begins to smoke and finally explodes.

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{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 18

| EpisodeNumber2 = 6

| Title = The Secret Life of the Office

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1993|3|25|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = Explores how an office functions. The final "Secret Life" programme broadcast, this episode covered not just physical technologies, but also the evolution of social engineering involved in the running of an office.
Epilogue: An office goes haywire just after a holiday party, blowing paper everywhere, shaking binders and everything generally moving with a will of its own. After the chaos winds down, Tim Hunkin cautiously emerges from under a desk.

| LineColor = 000070

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}}

Coinciding with the release of the remastered original episodes of The Secret Life Of Machines (see below), Tim Hunkin began a self-produced spiritual successor called The Secret Life of Components.Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211210/6JAgXz6xO0s Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210225155831/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JAgXz6xO0s Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JAgXz6xO0s| title = The Secret Life of components. A series of eight guides for designers and makers by Tim Hunkin | website=YouTube}}{{cbignore}} It explored some of the individual parts that so often make up the appliances and machines that were the focus of the original series. The 8 weekly episodes included what Hunkin has learned through his experience with the component, along with many models for demonstration and examples from his amusement machines and other works. It premiered March 3, 2021 on Hunkin's YouTube channel with an episode on chain and belts. In the last episode of series 1, Hunkin commented that he may make another series the following winter. A 5 episode second series then debuted in spring 2022. On March 27, 2023, a third series of four episodes was announced on Hunkin's YouTube channel.{{Citation |title=The Secret Life of Components series three |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za-GyTt729M |access-date=2023-03-30 |language=en}}

{{Episode table |background=#CCB912 |overall= |series= |title= |airdate= |episodes=

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 1

| EpisodeNumber2 = 1

| Title = Chain and Belts

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|03|03|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = Explores chains and belts, including demonstrations of different types of roller chain, round and toothed belts

| LineColor = CCB912

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 2

| EpisodeNumber2 = 2

| Title = LEDs

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|03|10|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = LED history, brightness and color, use in diorama, addressable LED strips, and power LEDs for home lighting

| LineColor = CCB912

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 3

| EpisodeNumber2 = 3

| Title = Hinges

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|03|17|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = An overview of different types of hinges and their usage around the home and in machinery.

| LineColor = CCB912

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 4

| EpisodeNumber2 = 4

| Title = Switches

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|03|25|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = An overview on how electrical switches work, and how to use microswitches for sensing and power switching in projects.

| LineColor = CCB912

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 5

| EpisodeNumber2 = 5

| Title = Springs

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|04|01|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = Explores springs, their manufacture, properties, and several different types of springs with their use cases.

| LineColor = CCB912

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 6

| EpisodeNumber2 = 6

| Title = Connectors

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|04|08|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = A wide variety of connectors are shown and their operation explained, including their benefits, drawbacks and how they may be used in equipment

| LineColor = CCB912

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 7

| EpisodeNumber2 = 7

| Title = Glue

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|04|15|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = Explores different types of glue, their properties and uses.

| LineColor = CCB912

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 8

| EpisodeNumber2 = 8

| Title = Bearings

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|04|22|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = A wide variety of bearings, bushes, and races are explained with their uses and properties including materials and lubrication

| LineColor = CCB912

}}

}}

{{Episode table |background=#005A9C |overall= |series= |title= |airdate= |episodes=

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 9

| EpisodeNumber2 = 1

| Title = Sensors

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|03|31|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = Explores use of various sensor and feedback devices

| LineColor = #005A9C

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 10

| EpisodeNumber2 = 2

| Title = Linkages and Mechanisms

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|04|06|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = Explanations and demonstrations of levers, linkages, cranks, crankshafts, cams and capstans

| LineColor = #005A9C

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 11

| EpisodeNumber2 = 3

| Title = Motors

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|04|14|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = Exploration of principles, properties and control of electric motors, particularly focussing on DC varieties

| LineColor = #005A9C

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 12

| EpisodeNumber2 = 4

| Title = Screw Threads

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|04|21|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = Creation, usage, and troubleshooting of varieties of screw threads

| LineColor = #005A9C

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 13

| EpisodeNumber2 = 5

| Title = Prototypes

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|04|28|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = Principles and processes of using prototypes of various forms in the creation of a final work

| LineColor = #005A9C

}}

}}

{{Episode table |background=#B0171F |overall= |series= |title= |airdate= |episodes=

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 14

| EpisodeNumber2 = 1

| Title = Pneumatics{{Citation |title=PNEUMATICS -The Secret Life of Components, a series of guides for makers and designers - episode 14 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N0OYChWUGg |access-date=2023-03-30 |language=en}}

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|03|30|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = Explanations and demonstrations of uses of pneumatic components and devices

| LineColor = #B0171F

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 15

| EpisodeNumber2 = 2

| Title = Solenoids and Relays

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|04|06|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = Explanations and demonstrations of uses of solenoids and relays

| LineColor = #B0171F

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 16

| EpisodeNumber2 = 3

| Title = Hole Cutting

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|04|14|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = Demonstrations and examples of various drilling and other hole cutting methods

| LineColor = #B0171F

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 17

| EpisodeNumber2 = 4

| Title = Programmable logic controllers

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|04|21|df=y}}

| ShortSummary = Demonstrations and uses of programmable logic controllers (PLCs)

| LineColor = #B0171F

}}

}}

Hunkin and Garrod used the series to show some of their devices they built from parts of machines featured on their programme. The creations, some of which were decorative, others functional, show the potential uses of broken machinery. An extreme example is the giant clock powered by steam. In the epilogue for the remastered version of the episode, Hunkin mentions that the clock has been non functional for a long time.

In March 2021, Hunkin began posting remastered versions of the episodes to YouTube. These were upscaled from an analogue video source to improve the image quality and include a short, recently filmed reminiscence by Hunkin at the end of each episode. The first 6 remastered episodes, comprising the complete first series, were posted to YouTube on Saturday, March 13, 2021. Starting on Thursday, May 6, 2021, Tim started posting episodes from Series 2 at a rate of one a week (give or take a day). As of June 12, 2021, all 6 remastered episodes from this series have been posted on his channel. Series 3 followed a similar weekly schedule, with the Fax Machine episode being posted on June 18, 2021. All of the six episodes have been posted, with the final episode released on July 22, 2021.[https://youtube.com/watch?v=CJlrbMHLBd4 Remastered SECRET LIFE OF THE VACUUM CLEANER on Tim Hunkin's YouTube channel]

{{Reflist |refs=

• {{Cite web |url=http://www.timhunkin.com/31_giant_steam_clock2.htm |title=tim hunkin/giant steam clock |last=Hunkin |first=Tim |year=2012 |work=timhunkin.com |publisher= |access-date=4 March 2012}}
• {{Cite news |last=Harvey |first=Robin |date=27 May 1995 |title=Practical TV crafts entertain |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/21562663.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=May+27%2C+1995&author=By+Robin+Harvey+Toronto+Star&pub=Toronto+Star&desc=Practical+TV+crafts+entertain&pqatl=google |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130131185716/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/21562663.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=May+27,+1995&author=By+Robin+Harvey+Toronto+Star&pub=Toronto+Star&desc=Practical+TV+crafts+entertain&pqatl=google |url-status=dead |archive-date=31 January 2013 |work=Toronto Star |location=Toronto, Ontario, Canada |publisher=John Cruickshank |page=H2 |issn=0319-0781 |oclc=137342540 |access-date=4 March 2012}}
• {{Cite news |date=26 January 1993 |title=Critic's Choice |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=MN&p_theme=mn&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EFD6709D98C5D4C&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |work=Minneapolis Star-Tribune |location=Minneapolis, Minnesota, US |publisher=Michael J. Klingensmith |issn=0895-2825 |oclc=61312696}}
• {{Cite news |last=Woods |first=Sarah |date=20 May 2004 |title=Tim's weird and wonderful experiments |url=http://www.richmondandtwickenhamtimes.co.uk/news/491931.print/ |work=Richmond and Twickenham Times |location=Weybridge, England, United Kingdom |issn=1758-9304 |oclc=500308012 |access-date=4 March 2012}}
• {{Cite news |last=Werts |first=Diane |date=15 May 2004 |title=OFF THE WALL |work=Newsday |location=Melville, New York, US |publisher=Fred Groser |page=C01 |issn=0278-5587 |oclc=5371847}}
• {{Cite news |last=Barnhart |first=Aaron |date=21 May 2004 |title=Sweeps wind down with a few fresh shows |work=The Kansas City Star |location=Kansas City, Missouri, US |publisher=Mi-Ai Parrish |page=E9 |issn=0745-1067 |oclc=3555868}}

}}

• [https://youtube.com/c/timhunkin1 Tim Hunkin's official YouTube channel]
• [http://www.secretlifeofmachines.com/ The Secret Life Of Machines Home Page]
• [http://www.timhunkin.com/control/n_tv_index.htm Section on TV writing and presenting on Tim Hunkin's homepage]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Secret Life Of Machines}}

Category:Channel 4 original programming

Category:1988 British television series debuts

Category:1993 British television series endings

Category:1980s British documentary television series

Category:1990s British documentary television series

Category:Documentary television series about technology

Category:British English-language television shows