Description The Mendocino Motor AR O-8 is a magnetically levitated, solar powered electric motor as a kit.
Light Becomes Movement
The solar-powered Mendocino motor seems to float in the air. At first glance, you can't see why the rotor is turning at all. This is the magic of the motor.
The Lorentz force is a very small electrical force. In a classroom setting, it is detected by a current swing in the magnetic field. With the Mendocino motor, we have succeeded in developing a beautiful application that uses this weak force for propulsion. Due to its concealed base magnet, the motor will fascinate technically inclined observers.
In bright sunlight, the motor can reach a speed of up to 1,000 rpm. More impressive, however, is that even the faint glow of an ample tea light (D = 6 cm with a flame height of about 2 cm) is sufficient to drive the motor. The motor is not yet an alternative source of energy, even though it looks tempting. Presumably, it will remain an attractive model until a resourceful mind disproves this assumption.
Dimensions
All solar cells 65 x 20 mm
Mirror diameter: 25 mm
Rotor weight: approx. 150 g
Model length: 160 mm
Model width: 85 mm
Frame height: approx. 85 mm
Frame material: black acrylic
Tube made of highly polished aluminum
Mirror color: silver
The Mendocino motor’s easy-to-follow instruction manual includes more than 70 illustrations. It describes a safe and practical approach to construction but also gives you the freedom to try your solutions.
Partly Pre-Assembled Kit
A portion of the kit comes pre-assembled. Bonding the borosilicate glass pane to the acrylic surface requires specialized knowledge and aids. We do not want to impose this on the hobbyist. For instance, the base magnet is attached to the aluminum tube.
As a hobbyist, you will need some know-how and appropriate tools: carpet knife, soldering iron and tin, hot glue, pliers, and a clamp or ferrule to fix the supplied assembly aid. A lot of fun is guaranteed!
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