With just 13 components and a couple of switches to solder in place, this project is about as simple as projects can get.

Look mum, it's magic! This photo is not retouched - the image that you see is part of the image that we saw written "in space" (it happens to be the designer's name but it has been abbreviated a bit by the length of time the camera shutter was open - about 1/8 second). With a good swift flick, the message can occupy a good 180Deg of arc.

Yet it will amaze you and all who see it in operation. Messages seem to write in mid-air when you give it a spin!

There is no motor to spin the Spinner – it is operated by finger power. All you do is set the message you want to display by appropriate switch pushes, then flick the message stick on its axis so that it spins.

There are two parts to the Spinner: the message stick itself, which contains all the components, and a hand-held battery pack which also provides the axle on which the stick can spin.