DIY Hand Held Generator: How to Make Your Own Small Power Source

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the construction of a DIY hand-held generator, focusing on the feasibility of using hobby motors and gear systems to generate electricity. Participants explore various approaches, components, and considerations for creating a small power source suitable for powering devices like radios.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about kits or methods to create a hand-held generator, suggesting the use of a motor with a handle to generate current.
  • Another participant notes that while hobby motors can generate current, achieving usable amounts requires sufficient speed, often necessitating a gear train.
  • A suggestion is made to search for "hand crank generator" online to find various DIY projects and kits.
  • A participant seeks clarification on the function of a gear train, questioning if it would allow the motor shaft to turn multiple times with one turn of the crank.
  • Confirmation is provided that a gear train can indeed increase the motor shaft's speed, and a pulley system is also mentioned as a potential alternative.
  • A participant asks about the necessary speed for a DC motor rated at 12 volts to generate electricity, seeking guidance on the number of turns required.
  • It is suggested that the amount of power desired will influence the required speed, and a kit allowing for gear experimentation is recommended.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the basic principles of using motors and gear systems to create a generator, but there are varying opinions on the specifics of gear ratios and the exact requirements for generating sufficient power. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal setup for different power outputs.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the specific gear ratios needed and the exact number of turns required for effective electricity generation. The discussion includes assumptions about the capabilities of hobby motors and the effectiveness of different mechanical setups.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in DIY electronics, hobbyists looking to create small power sources, and those exploring practical applications of motors and generators may find this discussion relevant.

biferi
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I wanted to know if there is any Kits out there or how I can make a Hand Held Genarator?

I am a P.C. Repair Tech and I know a little bit about Elecric.
And I thought it would be a nice little project.

I know if you take a Motor and attach a Handle to the Shaft and turn it you are turning the Megnit in the Coil and you will get a small amount of Current.

So I thought about making a small GEN. that say you turn for 30 SEC. and you can power a Radio.

Can anyone help with this project?
 
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Most hobby motors can do this; it's just getting them to turn fast enough to generate useable amounts of current that is tough. That's why you'll often see them with some sort of gear train on them to increase the speed of the motor/generator.

Can't think of any gear drive kits off the top of my head, but a visit to a hobby shop will likely turn up the needed parts: Small motor, gear drive (50:1 comes to mind, IDK why), some sort of mounting frame.
 
Please use Google search using these terms: "hand crank generator". You will find many types, some are do-it-yourself projects.
 
Thanks for all the help but when you say get a gear train is this what it will do?

I will connect the gear train to my Motors Shaft so when I make One Turn it will say turn the Motors Shaft say 5 Times?

Am I right?
 
Yes.
Now that I think about it, a pulley system could work too, if it's tight enough.Either way, the hobby motor is attached to the small wheel/gear, and you put the crank on the big wheel/gear. Crank the big wheel/gear, and the little one spins much faster, which is what you need to make an effective generator.
 
Thank you for getting back to me and yes I am looking for Hobby Stores.

Now just say I have a DC Motor Rated at say 12 Volts.
To get the Motor to make Electricity I have to turn the Saft fast.

But how many turns sould I try to get?

This way I will know what kind of DGear Train to get.
 
Depends on how much power you want it to create. The faster the generator spins, the higher the voltage and current are.

Get one of the kits that allows you to mix and match different gears. Tinker around until you get what you want.
 

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