Solor Mendocino Motor

thingiverse

This solar motor is really fun to watch. I was very surprised how fast it will go in full sunlight. The motor works best whenever the sunlight shines on the side or some angle less than directly on the front of the model. There are some additional parts required. (See parts list) Parts List two solar panels: The panels I used were purchased from eBay 3V 50mAh 80X17mm Mini Power Small Solar Cell Panel Magnet Wire: 31 AWG Gauge Magnet Wire Red Enameled I purchased 1000 feet from ebay for $10.00. Magnets: I purchased the magnets from K&J Magnetics. Model number D401 Any 1/4" x 1/32" will work. You will need at least twenty of these stacked five per side of the armature and five per side of the stator and bearing assembly. Super Glue: Super glue is used to install the magnets. Sticky Back Tape: I used this on the ends of the panels to mount them to the armature. Solder and Soldering Iron: You will need to solder the coil to the solar panels. See wiring diagram for details. Stator Magnet: 1" x 1" x 1/2" thick w/ hole to accept #8 screws. This magnet was purchased from K&J Magnetic's. It is a bit pricey but you can substitute it for any strong neodymium magnet. Instructions: 1) Download and print stl files. 2) Acquire materials. 3) Wind 100 turns of magnet wire on the bobbin. 4) Super glue the ends of the wire against the other winding's to prevent unraveling. 5) Push the bobbin into the armature and superglue it in place. 6) Super glue five magnets into one end of the armature so that North faces out. North and south can be determined using the pole identifier app available from k&j magnetic's. 7) Perform step 6 on the other end of the armature. 8) Super glue five magnets into the ends of the stator and bearing housing with South pole facing in. 9) Install stator magnet using small screw. 10) Make electrical connection using soldering iron. 11) Slide wedge into stator groove. 12) place armature between ends of stator and put small ball bearing in between the magnets. Lubricate the ball with a small amount of WD-40. 13) Place motor in light so that it rotates on it's own. You may need to rotate the model so the light hits one side of the armature. Speed can be adjusted by varying the amount of light hitting the side of the armature.