Elenco Green Projects - Manual (Page 78)

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5V
Windy Radio
Place the wind fan on the motor (M4) and mount
the motor on the pivot. Install the battery
eliminator connector into the battery
compartment in the FM radio. Connect the red
and black snap wires to the circuit as shown. Plug
the earphones into the radio and place them
earphones in your ears. Turn the volume knob
clockwise to turn on the radio. Set the meter (M6)
to the 5V setting.
Hold the “windmill” in a strong, steady wind (such
as near an electric fan). The meter measures the
voltage produced by the windmill; you need at
least 2V to get any sound and nearly 3V for good
quality. Press the scan button several times to
see if you can receive any radio stations.
The electricity produced by your “windmill” is free
and does not make any pollution, but you need a
strong, steady wind. Your radio can also be used
with normal “AAA” type batteries, but these would
need to be replaced regularly.
Project #129
The radio is a sensitive
electronic device and needs
a steady 3V power source to
work properly. The 470
μF
capacitor (C5) helps to
steady the voltage produced
by the windmill, but you
need a strong wind to
produce 3V with the windmill
while running the radio.
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5V
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