Tuesday, March 03, 2009

The SunSwinger




The SunSwinger uses the unique BEAM "force-coil" circuit (as described in the pendulum project from our book "Junkbots, Bugbots, and Bots on Wheels") to make a magnet swing under the arms of an attractive triangular frame. It's designed to work primarily from solar energy, but can be powered by practically any household battery or DC power supply (useful when you live in a dark cave!).

The SunSwinger is very flexible in how you can put it together. Solar cells can be mounted in several places; the pendulum length can be as long as you desire; you can make the magnet stationary and swing the circuit if you wish!

It's a neat device. We've built several and put them up on high window ledges. It drives cats crazy too. Good thing it's a pretty tough device!