12
+
PROJECT 1
• Hand Cranking
PROJECT 2
• Crank Charger
Although the battery is rated as 3.6V, it may charge to as high
as 4.0V. If you are monitoring the voltage using the meter, you
may see the voltage quickly reach 3.6V, but this does not mean
that the battery is fully charged. When the battery is discharging
to power something, the voltage is nearly steady for a long while
then drops off quickly. The same thing occurs when it is charging.
Recharging the battery will quickly reach around 3.6V but it needs
much more charging to avoid a quick drop-off when discharging.
Build the circuit shown here, set the meter (
M6
) to the
5V
setting, and
place the crank arm on the geared motor (GM). The meter will measure
about 3.6V if the battery is charged up.
Turn the crank arm clockwise. The red/yellow LED (
D10
) comes on yellow
when you crank fast, indicating that the crank is charging the battery.
If the battery needs to be recharged, you can use this circuit to charge it,
but you may need to crank for a long time to fully charge it.
5V
Build the circuit shown by placing all the parts with a black 1 next
to them on the clear plastic base grid first. Then, assemble parts
marked with a 2. Be sure to place the parts with their (
+
) side
oriented as shown. Place the wind fan on the motor (
M4
) shaft, and
the crank arm on the geared motor (GM). Turn the crank arm in both
directions to make things happen.
Warning: the geared motor and crank arm are sturdy but not
indestructible. If you push hard on it or crank it really fast you may
break it.
Placement
Level Numbers
Placement
Level Numbers
This is a single snap, placed
beneath other parts as a spacer
+
The geared motor uses magnetism to
change the mechanical energy of the
spinning shaft into electricity.