Creating a 36V DC motor at home can be a fascinating DIY project, helping you understand
the basics of electromagnetism and mechanical engineering. While building a high-voltage
DC motor may be a bit challenging, we can create a simplified version to demonstrate the
fundamental principles. In this blog, we'll guide you through the process of making a
simple DC motor that operates at a lower voltage for educational purposes.
### Materials You'll Need:
1. Copper Wire: 24-gauge enameled copper wire works well.
2. Neodymium Magnets: Two small strong magnets.
3. AA Battery: A single AA battery (1.5V).
4. Cardboard: For the base and supports.
5. Copper Coil:
- A cylindrical object (e.g., a pen or marker) for winding the wire.
- Superglue or tape to secure the coil.
6. Two Safety Pins or Paper Clips: To create the brushes.
7. Insulating Tape: To secure the magnets and brushes.
### Steps:
#### 1. Create the Base:
1.1. Take a piece of cardboard and cut it into a rectangular shape to serve as the base for
your motor.
1.2. Attach two small cardboard supports vertically to the base, positioning them about 3-4
inches apart.
#### 2. Make the Coil:
2.1. Take your cylindrical object (pen or marker) and start winding the copper wire around it.
Leave a couple of inches of wire free at both ends.
2.2. Carefully slide the coil off the cylindrical object without disturbing the windings.
2.3. Use tape or superglue to secure the coil's shape, ensuring it remains a tight spiral.
2.4. Leave the two free ends of the wire sticking out.
#### 3. Attach the Coil:
3.1. Place the coil in the center of the base, ensuring that it can rotate freely.
3.2. Use tape or glue to secure the coil onto the base.
#### 4. Create Brushes:
4.1. Bend two safety pins or paper clips into U-shapes.
4.2. Attach each U-shaped pin to one of the vertical supports on the base.
#### 5. Attach Magnets:
5.1. Attach one small neodymium magnet to each end of the coil.
5.2. Make sure the magnets are securely fixed, so they don't wobble as the coil rotates.
#### 6. Connect the Battery:
6.1. Strip the ends of the two free wires from the coil.
6.2. Attach one wire to the positive terminal of the AA battery and the other to the negative
terminal.
#### 7. Test the Motor:
7.1. Place your motor on a smooth, flat surface.
7.2. Ensure that the coil can rotate freely without any obstructions.
7.3. Gently flick the coil to give it a spin. The coil should start rotating and continue to spin
as long as the battery is connected.
### How It Works:
The operation of this simple DC motor is based on the principles of electromagnetism.
When an electric current flows through the coil, it creates a magnetic field around it. The
interaction between the magnetic field of the coil and the permanent magnets causes the
coil to rotate. The brushes make contact with the coil's wire, allowing the current to flow
through the coil continuously and maintaining its motion.
While this homemade DC motor operates at a low voltage and is relatively simple, it serves
as a great educational tool to understand the basic principles behind electric motors. If you're
interested in exploring more advanced and powerful DC motors, consider studying electrical
engineering or exploring commercial options designed for specific applications.