Now a lot of digital equipment is breaking down, computers, printers, scanners. Time is like this - the old is replaced by the new. But equipment that has failed can still serve, although not all of it, but certain parts of it for sure.
For example, stepper motors of various sizes and powers are used in printers and scanners. The fact is that they can work not only as motors, but also as current generators. In fact, this is already a four-phase current generator. And if you apply even a small torque to the engine, a significantly higher voltage will appear at the output, which is quite enough to charge low-power batteries.
I propose to make a mechanical dynamo flashlight from a stepper motor of a printer or scanner.
Making a flashlight
The first thing you need to do is find a suitable small stepper motor. Although, if you want to make a flashlight larger and more powerful, take a large engine.
Next I need a body. I took it ready. You can take soap dishes, or even glue the case yourself.
We make a hole for the stepper motor.
We install and try on the stepper motor.
From an old flashlight we take the front panel with reflectors and LEDs. Of course, you can do all this yourself.
We cut out a groove for the headlight.
We install a luminary from an old flashlight.
We make a cutout for the button and install it in the groove.
In the free area we place the board on which the electronic components will be placed.
Flashlight electronics
Scheme
To LEDs they need direct current. The generator produces alternating current, so a four-phase rectifier is needed that will collect current from all motor windings and concentrate it in one circuit.
Next, the resulting current will charge the batteries, which will store the resulting current. In principle, you can do without batteries - using a powerful capacitor, but then the glow will only appear at the moment the generator is turned.
Although there is another alternative - to use ionistor, but it will take considerable time to charge.
We assemble the board according to the diagram.
All parts of the flashlight are ready for assembly.
Lantern dynamo assembly
We attach the board with self-tapping screws.
We install the stepper motor and solder its wires to the board.
We connect the wires to the switch and headlight.
Here is the almost assembled lantern with all the parts.
Completely close the housing. An “L”-shaped handle is attached to the generator wheel, with which the user will rotate the engine shaft.
What the finished flashlight looks like.
This is how it shines.
There is enough energy to charge miniature batteries. The entire design is small in size and easily fits into a pocket. This flashlight is good because even after lying for years without use, it can start working again in a matter of minutes.
Watch the video
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