How to make a simple electromagnet - step-by-step instructions with diagrams
Such a device is convenient because its operation is easy to control using electric current - changing the poles, changing the force of attraction. In some matters it becomes truly indispensable, and is often used as a constructive element of various homemade products. It’s not difficult to make a simple electromagnet with your own hands, especially since almost everything you need can be found in every home.
What you will need
- Any suitable sample made of iron (it is highly magnetic). This will be the core of the electromagnet.
- The wire is copper, always with insulation to prevent direct contact of the two metals. For a homemade electric magnet, the recommended cross-section is 0.5 (but not more than 1.0).
- DC source - battery, battery, power supply.
Additionally:
- Connecting wires for connecting an electromagnet.
- Soldering iron or electrical tape to secure contacts.
This is a general recommendation since the electromagnet is made for a specific purpose. Based on this, the components of the circuit are selected.
And if it is done at home, then there cannot be any standard - whatever is at hand will do.
For example, in relation to the first point, a nail, a lock shackle, or a piece of iron rod are often used as a core - the choice of options is huge.
Winding
The copper wire is carefully wound onto the core, turn by turn. With such scrupulousness, the efficiency of the electromagnet will be the maximum possible.
After the first “pass” along the iron sample, the wire is laid in a second layer, sometimes a third. It depends on how much power the device requires.
But the direction of winding must remain unchanged, otherwise the magnetic field will become “unbalanced”, and the electromagnet will hardly be able to attract anything to itself.
To understand the meaning of the ongoing processes, it is enough to remember the physics lessons from the high school course - moving electrons, the EMF they create, the direction of its rotation.
After winding is completed, the wire is cut so that the leads can be conveniently connected to the power source. If it's a battery, then directly. When using a power supply, battery or other device, you will need connecting wires.
What to consider
There are certain difficulties with the number of layers.
- As turns increase, reactance increases. This means that the current strength will begin to decrease, and the attraction will become weaker.
- On the other hand, increasing the current rating will cause the winding to heat up.
The operating principle of the electromagnet is described in detail in the following video:
Connection
- Cleaning the copper terminals. The wire is initially coated with several layers of varnish (depending on the brand), and it is known to be an insulator.
- Soldering copper and connecting wires. Although this is not essential, you can twist it by insulating it with a PVC pipe or adhesive tape.
- Fixing the second ends of the wires on the clamps. For example, the “crocodile” type. Such removable contacts will allow you to easily change the poles of the electromagnet, if necessary during its use.
Useful tips
- To make a powerful electromagnet, home craftsmen often use a coil from an MP (magnetic starter), relays, or contactors. They are available for both 220 and 380 V.
It is not difficult to select an iron core based on its internal cross-section. For ease of control, you need to include a rheostat (variable resistance) in the circuit. Accordingly, such an electric magnet is already connected to the outlet.
The force of attraction is regulated by changing the R chain.
- You can increase the power of an electromagnet by increasing the cross-section of the core. But only up to certain limits. And here you have to experiment.
- Before making an electric magnet, you need to make sure that the selected iron sample is suitable for this. The check is quite simple. Take a regular magnet; There are a lot of things in the house on such “suction cups”. If it attracts the part selected for the core, it can be used. If the result is negative or “weak,” it is better to look for another sample.
Making an electromagnet is quite simple. Everything else depends on the patience and ingenuity of the master. You may have to experiment to get what you need - with the supply voltage, wire cross-section, and so on. Any homemade product requires not only a creative approach, but also time. If you do not regret it, then an excellent result is guaranteed.
Tips on how to make an electromagnet with your own hands
The solenoid valve is used in many piping systems to control the transport of various gases and liquids.
These devices are widely used both in the industrial sphere and in everyday life, so information about how they operate and what characteristics they have will be useful to everyone.
This article will help you understand the specifics of using and installing solenoid valves.
To control the transport of various liquids and gases in pipelines, solenoid valves are used
Purpose of the solenoid valve
An electromagnetic valve for irrigation is always needed, even if there is no irrigation system. It is used in conjunction with a timer that turns it on at the right time. It is especially needed to fill the storage tank.
When water is supplied according to the schedule, the timer opens the valve and the tank is filled. It is advisable to water the area at the same time. All this is done in the absence of the owner.
All he has to do is water hard-to-reach places.
The main purpose of the valve is to supply water to the irrigation system at a given time. A 1-inch device is suitable for this, flowing 50-100 l/min at a pressure of up to 10 atm. It can also be used for short irrigation areas, as it allows you to adjust the required local flow rate. It is suitable for spray and drip irrigation when the pressure in the system is low.
One or more valves are installed on a drainage pad made of crushed stone and closed with a box. This can be done in any convenient place.
Advantages of automatic watering
The main elements of the irrigation system are as follows:
- Watering heads - from small fan heads to powerful pulse and rotary heads.
- Solenoid valves for automatic watering.
- Pipeline for flow distribution.
- Pumping station providing the necessary pressure in the system.
- Storage tank for constant supply of water to the system.
- Hydrants for connecting to the system for different purposes.
View gallery The advantage of automatic watering is expressed in the following:
- water flow dosing;
- uniformity of application;
- efficiency (watering at night reduces moisture evaporation);
- the system is underground;
- saves labor and time for the gardener.
Solenoid valve design
The valve is very simple. It contains the following details.
The external thread of the inlet and outlet pipes is 1/4" or more depending on the fluid flow. The least amount of water passes through the solenoid valve for drip irrigation. Small-sized devices are built into a water pipeline and operate on a timer that sets different irrigation modes.
Recently, models combined with a switch have appeared. Available for purchase through the online store: the solenoid valve for irrigation C 1060 plus GARDENA, which has become popular. It automatically switches the water supply to irrigate the garden.
Young technician 1970-10, page 58
VASIMR, sometimes considered an electrothermal EPU plasma accelerator, uses radio waves to ionize and heat the working fluid and electromagnetic fields to accelerate the plasma to generate thrust. This type of thruster can be considered as a type of electrodeless plasma thruster, differing in the way the plasma is accelerated.
Both types of motor do not have any electrodes. The main advantage of such a design is the elimination of electrode erosion. Moreover, since all parts of VASIMR are protected by a magnetic field and do not come into direct contact with the plasma, the potential lifetime of an engine built according to this design is much longer than an ion engine.
By changing the amount of energy for radio wave heating and the amount of working fluid from which the plasma is created, VASIMR is capable of producing both low thrust with high specific impulse and relatively high thrust with low specific impulse.
Unlike conventional cyclotron resonance heating processes, ions in VASIMR immediately pass through the magnetic nozzle faster than the time required to reach thermodynamic equilibrium.
Boats and motors in questions and answers Rules of communication in the forum. Before you ask a question! How to correctly ask questions in the forum and use site materials. Moscow time
Connecting a solenoid valve to a garden watering system
For a small garden, a -12 volt solenoid valve for irrigation (NT8048) is better suited. It is safe because if water gets on the contacts or if you touch it with wet hands, there will be no electric shock. The ability to connect it to a 15 Ah battery allows you to work without recharging for a week. It will also be easy to supply power from the shield via an AC adapter.
The water supply is provided from a storage tank installed at a height of at least 2 m. The water in it is drawn from a centralized system. Filling is controlled by a float sensor connected to a plug valve.
The absence of a pump eliminates many problems. Watering the garden by gravity occurs within a few hours and does not need to be controlled. All irrigation control will be taken over by an electronic timer connected to the outlet.
The valve is installed in the pressure line of the irrigation system. The electromagnet coil is connected to the output of the adapter via a cable using terminals. They can be sealed on top with sealant to protect them from water.
The entire device can be conveniently placed in a utility room where you can install an outlet. A timer, adapter and electromagnet coil are connected in series to it. All that remains is to configure the watering mode. The time is chosen in the morning and evening so that there is a minimum of evaporation and the plants do not get sunburned. The duration of watering is set, which is then selected experimentally.
Watering should be different for different types of plants. The system can be gradually improved by adding new valves. You can connect your own timer to each of them or install a common microcontroller, setting the irrigation program.
Valves from old washing machines can be installed on the outlet pipelines, which will allow you to save a lot on the cost of the irrigation system.
Do-it-yourself solenoid valve for watering
Electric valves are expensive, but cheaper solutions can be found. The most accessible one here is a valve from a broken washing machine. Its structure is as follows:
- plastic case;
- rubber membrane;
- electromagnet with core;
- spring;
- mesh filter;
- pad.
The mechanism is highly sensitive to dirt and can easily fail. It is protected, but for a garden system it is advisable to install another one at the valve inlet, since the own one will quickly clog.
The solenoid valve is normally closed, i.e. when turned off, it shuts off the water. When turned on, the core retracts, raising the rubber membrane, and allows water to pass through.
To remove contaminated washing liquid, a drain valve is used, which is designed in a similar way. Its operating principle is the same and it can be successfully used for irrigation.
Solenoid valves of washing machines have the following characteristics:
- supply voltage - ;
- power - 8 W;
- water pressure - up to 10 atm;
- inlet hose diameter - 3/4";
- fluid flow - 10 l/min.
How to make a more powerful magnet?
View gallery
How to make an electromagnet with more powerful magnetic properties with your own hands? The strength of magnetism is influenced by several factors, and the most important one is the electrical current of the battery we use. For example, by making an electromagnet from a square 4.5 volt battery, we will triple the strength of its magnetic properties. The 9-volt crown will give an even more powerful effect.
But do not forget that the stronger the electric current, the more turns will be required, since the resistance with a small number of turns will be too strong, which will lead to strong heating of the conductors. If they are heated too much, the insulating varnish may begin to melt, and the turns will begin to short-circuit to each other or to the steel core. Both will sooner or later lead to a short circuit.
Also, the strength of magnetism depends on the number of turns around the magnet core. The more there are, the stronger the induction field will be, and the stronger the magnet will be.
Malfunctions and repairs
No voltage on the coil | 1.Defective supply cable.2. Coil malfunction. | 1. Eliminate the break.2. Check the integrity of the wire with a tester. A burnt coil usually cannot be repaired. |
Valve does not operate when voltage is applied | 1. Broken spring.2. Accumulation of dirt in the moving joint. | 1. Replace the solenoid.2. Disassemble and wash the structure. |
Large pressure drop | 1. Adjustable hole clogged.2. The coil parameters do not correspond to the applied voltage. | 1. Clean.2. Replace the coil. |
Valve does not close | 1. There is residual voltage on the coil.2. Hole contamination.3. Valve seat contaminated. |
DIY 12V solenoid
Valves classification
Similar devices on water pipelines (as well as gas pipelines, etc.) are used for several purposes:
This does not exhaust the functionality of shut-off and control devices; they can also be used to control pumps, wastewater treatment, to minimize leaks, etc.
How to make a toy car with a solenoid motor
How to make a car with a solenoid motor
You may have seen a lot of videos about building a car with an electromagnetic motor on the Internet. There are hundreds of such videos. But this project is completely different. We designed it the way car engines work.
You can see many components similar to those in an internal combustion engine. You can see the pistons, connecting rod, crank, crankshaft, cylinder, cylinder head, flywheel, etc.
An IC motor is powered by the explosion of fuel inside the cylinder, whereas in a solenoid motor the driving force is electromagnetism.
Craftsmen buy inventions from the best Chinese online store. Car solenoid motor
A solenoid is a type of electromagnet where the purpose is to create a controlled magnetic field. If instead the purpose of the solenoid is to prevent changes in electrical current, the solenoid can be more specifically classified as an inductor rather than an electromagnet
In engineering, the term can also refer to a variety of converting devices that convert energy into linear motion.
The term is also often used to refer to a solenoid valve, which is an integrated device containing an electromechanical solenoid that operates a pneumatic or hydraulic valve, or a solenoid switch, which is some type of relay.
which uses an electromechanical solenoid internally to operate an electrical switch; for example, a car starter solenoid or a linear solenoid, which is an electromechanical solenoid. There are also electromagnetic bolts, a type of electronic-mechanical locking mechanism.
How to make a solenoid Enginen Car
Step 1: Making the Solenoid Cylinder
Step 2: Making the Piston
DIY electronics in a Chinese store.
Step 3: Making the Crankshaft
Read more about the design and principle of operation of different types of valves
Recently, in addition to conventional valves (which operate solely on the basis of the application of force), electromagnetic analogues have also appeared; they can be controlled remotely. A water solenoid valve can be used, for example, in a “smart home” system; from one remote control you can control control devices throughout the house and in the surrounding area.
Solenoid valves
The key difference from other analogues is that it does not allow water to pass through when pressure increases, but solely at the command of a person. This is their main advantage.
As for the design, the key element can be considered a coil, which, when electric current passes through it, causes the core to move, which opens/closes the passage hole. Such devices can operate either from batteries (supply voltage 24V) or connected to the network (voltage 110V or 220V).
As for classification, we can distinguish:
Note! When choosing, you need to take into account the operating features of each model. For example, if an electromagnetic shut-off device is produced with servo control, then you need to know that it simply will not work at zero pressure drop, so at least a minimum pressure drop is still needed.
As for the scope of application, electromagnetic devices fit perfectly into the “smart home” concept. For example, an electric water valve installed in a caisson will be able to drain automatically, without even having to leave the house, and this example is the simplest.
Simple and combined models
When operating a water pipeline, you have to solve problems such as:
Note! This problem especially often has to be solved when operating a heating system. All radiators require the installation of a special valve to release excess air.
A simple Mayevsky crane with manual control can handle the release of air plugs; the price of such a device does not even reach 200 rubles.
But other types of shut-off and control valves can also be used:
Note! Also, combined devices may have small holes to equalize pressure.
Drainage
A drain valve can be used not only in a house to discharge water from pipes, but also as a device to ensure the safety of water supply from a well. Such devices are similar in principle to combined air devices and in winter, when the pressure in the pipe decreases, they discharge water into the well.
When the pressure is above the minimum, the ball closes the outlet and water flows into the house. If the pressure drops below the minimum mark, the ball opens the outlet and water flows back into the well, this allows you to preserve the system when the water in the pipe freezes.
A drain valve is useful for protecting hoses and pipes of an irrigation system; such a device is especially useful when laying a separate water supply for irrigation. If the pipe is not laid very deep and there is a risk of freezing, then the drainage pipes themselves will discharge the remaining water from the system.
Of course, you can simply install a drain valve and do the same yourself, but no one can boast of perfect memory. The valve will definitely not forget to drain the water.
As for installation, a threaded (that is, detachable) connection is most often used. Most often, the entire instruction consists of tightening the union nut by hand, and then tightening it with a wrench. In industry, welded and flanged connections can be used.
Electromagnetic Gauss gun on a microcontroller
Hi all. In this article we will look at how to make a portable electromagnetic Gauss gun assembled using a microcontroller. Well, about the Gauss gun, of course, I got excited, but there is no doubt that it is an electromagnetic gun.
This microcontroller device was designed to teach beginners how to program microcontrollers using the example of constructing an electromagnetic gun with their own hands.
Let's look at some design points both in the electromagnetic Gauss gun itself and in the program for the microcontroller.
From the very beginning, you need to decide on the diameter and length of the barrel of the gun itself and the material from which it will be made. I used a 10mm plastic case from a mercury thermometer because I had one lying around.
You can use any available material that has non-ferromagnetic properties. These are glass, plastic, copper tube, etc. The length of the barrel may depend on the number of electromagnetic coils used.
In my case, four electromagnetic coils are used, the barrel length was twenty centimeters.
Solenoid motor working principle
According to the basic classification, solenoid motors are resonant and non-resonant. In turn, there are single-coil and multi-coil designs of non-resonant motors. Parametric motors are also known in which the core is pulled into the solenoid, but takes the desired position when magnetic equilibrium is achieved after several oscillations. When the network frequency coincides with the natural vibrations of the core, resonance can occur.
Solenoid motors are compact and simple in design. Among the disadvantages, it should be noted the low efficiency of these devices and the high speed of movement. To date, these shortcomings have not been overcome, so these mechanisms have not been widely used in practice.
The operating coil of single-coil devices is turned on and off using a mechanical switch, due to the action of the core body, or a semiconductor valve. In both options, the reverse motion is ensured by a spring with elasticity. In engines with several coils, the working elements are turned on only by valves, when current is supplied to each coil in turn during one of the half-cycles of the sinusoidal voltage. The coil cores begin to retract one by one, as a result, this leads to reciprocating movements. These movements are transmitted through drives to various motors that perform the function of actuators.
Tips on how to make an electromagnet with your own hands
Regardless of why a person needs a magnet, it can easily be made at home.
When you have such a thing at hand, you can use it not only to have fun picking up various small pieces of iron from the table, but also to find a useful use for it, for example, to find a needle dropped on the carpet.
In this article you will learn how easy it is to make an electromagnet with your own hands at home.
A little physics
As we remember (or don’t remember) from physics lessons, in order to convert electric current into a magnetic field, we need to create induction. Inductance is created using an ordinary coil, inside which this field arises and is transmitted to the steel core around which the coil is wound.
Thus, depending on the polarity, one end of the core will emit a field with a minus sign, and the opposite end will emit a field with a plus sign. But visual magnetic abilities are not affected in any way by polarity. So, when you are done with physics, you can begin decisive action to create a simple electromagnet with your own hands.
Materials for making the simplest magnet
First of all, we need any inductor with a copper wire wound around the core. This can be a regular transformer from any power supply.
An excellent way to create electromagnets is to wind them around the narrowed back of picture tubes of old monitors or televisions.
The conductor threads in transformers are protected by insulation consisting of an almost invisible layer of special varnish that prevents the passage of electric current, which is exactly what we need. In addition to the indicated conductors, to create an electromagnet with your own hands you also need to prepare:
- A regular one and a half volt battery.
- Scotch tape or tape.
- Sharp knife.
- Hundreds of nails.
The process of making a simple magnet
We start by removing the wires from the transformer. As a rule, its middle is located inside the steel frame. You can, after removing the surface insulation on the coil, simply unwind the wire, dragging it between the frames and the coil. Since we don't need a lot of wire, this method is the most acceptable here. When we have released enough wire, we do the following:
- We wind the wire removed from the transformer coil around a nail, which will serve as a steel core for our electromagnet. It is advisable to make turns as often as possible, pressing them tightly against each other. Do not forget to leave a long end of the wire at the initial turn, through which our electromagnet will be powered to one of the poles of the battery.
- When we reach the opposite end of the nail, we also leave a long conductor for powering. We cut off the excess wire with a knife. To prevent the spiral we wound from unraveling, you can wrap it with tape or tape.
- We strip both ends of the wire coming from the wound nail from the insulating varnish with a knife.
- We lean one end of the stripped conductor against the positive of the battery and secure it with tape or tape so that the contact is well maintained.
- We wind the other end to the minus in the same way.
The electromagnet is ready for use. By scattering metal clips or tacks on the table, you can check its functionality.
DIY solenoid motor
The best material for reels is considered to be textolite or hardwood. For winding, PEL-1 wire with a diameter of 0.2-0.3 mm is used. Winding is carried out in an amount of 8-10 thousand turns, ensuring the resistance of each coil is within 200-400 Ohms. After winding every 500 turns, thin paper spacers are made, and so on until the frame is completely filled.
Mild steel is used to make the plunger. Cranks can be made from bicycle spokes. The upper head must be made in the form of a small ring-shaped ear with the required internal diameter. The lower head is equipped with a special grip for mounting on the crankshaft journal. It is made of two tin strips and is a fork that fits onto the crank neck. The final fastening of the plug is carried out with copper wire threaded through the holes. The connecting rod fork is put on a bushing made of copper, bronze or brass tube.