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[boatmadman]

Here is a little something I have been playing around with for a week or so.

Its a mendocino motor, lots of examples on u tube.

Ian

[rmaddock]

How does that work then Ian?

[boatmadman]

Its levitated by using neodymium magnets set to repel each other, 1 on each end of the shaft, 2 on each end of the stand so the repelling force suspends the rotor. Magnetic balance is critical here, the rotor needs to be offset to one side a little, hence the stop on one end for it to push against.

The solar cells produce a current from the light, this passes around the coils. At the bottom on the base is another larger magnet.

Now, as we all know, pass an electric current through a magnetic field and you get a force, in this case rotational force, so the rotor turns. As it turns, the next coil is passing the magnet...etc

This particular one is low voltage 0.5v max and so wont run in low light, the moving pic was taken under a 60w light. I am hoping it will run in sunlight - if we ever get any.

Here is a link I found and worked up mine from.

http://www.bis0uhr.de/index.htm?http...t/english.html

Ian

[rmaddock]

Ah 
Are you sure it doesn't work by magic? 

That   {-)looks fascinating. I bet you were chuffed when you put it together and it all worked.  Presumably they'd be very difficult to use to power anything as the magnetic bearings would get pulled out of line.

[boatmadman]

Yeah, its magic really.

There is very little power in it, not enough to do any real or useful work at this size.

The end stop actually stops the magnetic lift throwing the rotor out of position.

Ian