A hand-cranked electricity generator is a machine that converts your mechanical energy into electrical energy.
When the rotor is turned by hand, it cuts through the magnetic field inside the motor. This creates a changing magnetic field, which creates electricity in the coil of wire. The electric current flows from the coil through the motor and wires to the light bulb.
It feels like a magic trick, you’re using movement creates electricity.
1. Secure the motor with 4 short screws
2. Insert the wooden support
3. Insert the upright support
4. The three plates need to be fixed together, and there is a hole with a circle Alignment is required to verar the tacks
5. Use the 4 long screws to hold the plates together.
6. The handles axle passes through all three plates, adding the orange retaining ring and then the cog as the handle.
7. The centre axle passes through the centre so it’s shaft is on the other side to the handle.
8. Thread the 3 wood discs onto the centre axle.
9. Thread the central axle onto the upright and secure the pulley wheel to the axle. Press the pulley wheel tightly onto the shaft.
10. Place the elastic band, around the motor and the pulley wheel.
11. Add the bulb bracket uprights.
12. Add the bulb collar to the uprights.
13. Wire up the voltage regulator board as shown. You can use a drop of glue to secure the wires. The voltage regulator is a clever piece of electronics that increase or decrease the voltage from the motor to make always 5 volts. This is the same voltage as your phone charger.
14. Pass the board through the collar and push in the light bulb.
15. Seat the bulb in the collar and you have completed the build.
You can now turn the handle on the wheel to generate the electricity through the motor and this is then corrected to always produce 5 volts to make the bulb light up!