How to assemble an analog levitron yourself. Creating a Levitation Effect with Arduino Homemade Levitron Circuit
It tells and shows how to make a cool do-it-yourself levitron!
I was forced to collect this craft at the university :)
I did it in tandem with a classmate, whose task was to make a plague corps, and from me - an electronic filling.
How cool it all turned out - judge for yourself, write comments, it will be interesting to read, discuss.
I don’t remember exactly how we came to the idea of \u200b\u200bmaking a Levitron, the topic of the craft was free. The design seems to be simple, but the eye attracts.
In general, the Levitron itself is a device that supports any object in a medium that does not come into contact with any surface, except through air. In a vacuum, it will also work.
In this case, the electronics make the magnet soar, and the magnet can already be glued to, for example, a can of a delicious inexpensive drink :)
If you carefully search the Internet, you can see many different options for electromagnetic levitron, for example:
They can be divided into suspended and repulsive. If in the first case it is just necessary to compensate for the force of gravity, then in the second there is also displacement in the horizontal plane, since according to the Earnshaw theorem "any equilibrium configuration of point charges is unstable if, apart from the Coulomb forces of attraction and repulsion, nothing acts on them." - quote from the wiki.
It follows that the suspended levitron is easier to manufacture and configure, if at all necessary. I didn’t want to bother much, so I made a suspended levitron for the uni, which we are talking about here, and the repulsive one already made a beloved for myself :) We will write about it in another article. I’ll delete this text a little later and give a link to it here. It works great, but it also has its disadvantages.
In turn, all suspended levitrons can also be conditionally divided into digital and analog ones by the method of holding an object at the same distance. And according to the type of sensors, they can be divided into optical, electromagnetic, sound and, probably, everything.
That is, we get an analog signal about the distance of the magnet to the levitron, and we correct the force of action on the magnet in a digital way. Hi-tech, however.
The idea itself was borrowed on the geektimes website, and the printed circuit board was already made personally for our set of parts. Also, the SS49 three-pin sensors were used in the original project, but the deadlines were very tight, they were unreasonably expensive to put it mildly ($ 4 per piece versus $ 6 for 10 pieces in China - link for an example), so we used four-pin Hall sensors. I had to change the circuit and make constructive additions to the device. Also, for greater ponte, a block of LEDs was added that light up smoothly when the magnet is held, that is, when the Levitron starts to work and smoothly turn off when the magnet is removed. All this will be reflected in the diagram.
Actually, the Levitron circuit on four-output sensors:
And the Levitron circuit on three-pin sensors and a simpler backlight:
The principle of operation is quite simple. The coil, which is an electromagnet, attracts a magnet when power is applied - the object is attracted. A sensor attached between the magnet and the coil detects an increase in magnetic flux, which means the magnet is approaching. Electronics this monitors and disconnects the coil from the voltage source. The magnet begins to fall due to gravity. The sensor detects a decrease in magnetic flux, which is immediately detected by the electronics and voltage is applied to the electromagnet, the magnet is attracted - and this happens very often - about 100 thousand times per second. There is a dynamic equilibrium. The human eye does not have time to notice this. The generator frequency is set by the resistor and capacitor at pins 5 and 6 of the TL494 chip.
A second sensor on the other side of the electromagnet is needed in order to compensate for the magnetic field created by the coil itself. That is, if there wasn’t this second sensor - when the electromagnet was turned on, the system would not be able to distinguish the magnetic field intensity of the neodymium magnet from the magnetic field created by the electromagnet itself.
So, we have a system of two sensors, the signal from which is fed to the operational amplifier in differential switching. This means that only the voltage difference received from the sensors appears at the output of the operational amplifier.
For example. At one of the sensors, the output voltage is 2.5 V, and on the other - 2.6 V. The output will be 0.1 V. This differential signal is located on pin 14 of the LM324 chip according to the scheme.
Further, this signal is fed to the following two operational amplifiers - OP1.1, OP 1.3, the output signals of which through the diode gate go to the 4 output of the TL494 chip. The diode valve on the diodes D1, D2 passes only one of the voltages - the one that will be larger in nominal value. Conclusion No. 4 of the PWM controller drives as follows - the higher the voltage at this pin - the lower the duty cycle of the pulses. Resistor R9 is designed so that in a situation where the voltage at the inputs of the diode valve is less than 0.6 V - output No. 4 is uniquely pulled to the ground - while the PWM will produce the maximum duty cycle.
Let's return to the operational amplifiers OP1.1, OP 1.3. The first serves to turn off the PWM controller while the magnet is at a sufficiently large distance from the sensor so that the coil does not work at maximum idle.
Using OP 1.3, we set the gain of the differential signal - in fact, it sets the feedback depth (OS). The stronger the feedback, the stronger the system will respond to the approach of the magnet. If the OS depth is not sufficient, the magnet can be brought close, and the device will not begin to reduce the power pumped into the electromagnet. And if the depth of the OS is too large, then the duty cycle will begin to fall before the magnet's attractive force can keep it at this distance.
It is not necessary to set a variable resistor P3 - it serves to adjust the frequency of the generator.
OP1.2 is a 2.5 V voltage generator needed for four-pin sensors. For three-pin type sensors SS49 it is not needed.
Forgot to mention the elements C1, R6 and R7. Their trick is that the constant signal is cut 10 times due to resistors, and the variable quietly goes further due to the capacitor, thereby emphasizing the operation of the circuit for sharp changes in the distance of the magnet to the sensor.
The SD1 diode is designed to suppress reverse emissions when the voltage on the electromagnet is disconnected.
The node on T2 allows you to smoothly turn on and off the LED bar when pulses appear on the electromagnet.
Let's move on to the design.
One of the key points in the Levitron is an electromagnet. We made a frame based on some kind of construction bolt, on which round plywood sides were cut.
Magnetic flux here depends on several key factors:
- the presence of a core;
- coil geometry;
- coil current
If it is simpler, then the larger the coil and the greater current flowing in it, the stronger it attracts magnetic materials.
A PEL wire of 0.8 mm was used as a winding. Dangled by eye, until the dimensions of the coil seemed impressive. It turned out the following:
It may not be possible to find the necessary wire in our area, but it is quite easy to find it in online stores - a 0.4 mm wire for winding the coil.
In the meantime, the coil was prepared and the board was etched. It was made using LUT technology, the board drawing was made in the Sprint LayOut program. You can download the Levitron board from the link.
The board in the residues of ammonium persulfate was etched, an empty can of which was successfully used further in this project :)
I want to note that the placement of parts, as well as the layout of the tracks imply a very accurate soldering, as it is easy to make connections where they should not be. If there are no such skills, it is entirely permissible to do this with large components on a breadboard, such as this, and make connections using wires on the back.
As a result, the board turned out like this:
The board very ergonomically fit into the dimensions of the coil and was attached directly to it with the help of a powerful hot-melt adhesive, thereby turning into a single monoblock - connected the power, configured and the system works.
But all this was before the electromagnet was ready. The board was made a little earlier and in order to somehow test the device’s performance, a smaller-sized coil was temporarily connected. The first result pleased.
Sensors, as already mentioned above, are used from four-pin BLDC position tracking systems. Since it was not possible to find documentation on them, I had to experimentally find out what conclusions are responsible for what. The form factor is as follows:
A large electromagnet arrived in time. This thing inspired great hope :)
The first tests with a large electromagnet showed a rather large working distance. There is one caveat - the sensor, which is located on the side of the neodymium magnet, should be a little further from the coil for reliable operation of the electronics.
The last photo looks more like a certain space satellite. By the way, this is how one could arrange this levitron. And for those who intend to repeat the design - everything is ahead :)
As a levitating object, it was decided to use a can of soft drink. We stick a magnet to the bank on a double-sided tape, check it.
It works perfectly, in general, the device can be considered ready. Remained external design. A support beam was made of bars and sticks, the body of our monoblock was made of the same empty plastic can of ammonium persulfate. From the monoblock comes only two wires for power, as intended.
By this moment, the circuit of smooth switching on the LED line was already soldered by hinged installation, the line itself was successfully mounted on the ubiquitous hot melt adhesive.
The unit borrowed from a printer, converted from 42 V to 12 V, acts as a power supply.
The appearance of the power supply will also show :)
Next, a stand was made of plywood, in which the power supply and the connector for connecting 220 V were placed. A cloth was glued on top for beauty, the whole structure was painted yellow-black. The jar was changed, because during the experiments it crumpled a little.
From this, in addition to the levitation effect, a very wonderful nightlight was also obtained.
I’ll add the video a bit later, but for now I want to say to the end that my design was easily repeated by a 13-year-old student of my radio circle.
So far, the appearance has not been brought to the finished version, but the electronic filling works as expected. Photo of his design:
Magnetic levitation always looks impressive and bewitching. Such a device today can not only be bought, but also made by yourself. And in order to create such a device of magnetic levitation it is not necessary to spend a lot of money and time on this.
This material will present a diagram and instructions for assembling a magnetic levitator from inexpensive components. The assembly itself will take no more than two hours.
The idea of \u200b\u200bthis device called levitron is very simple. The electromagnetic force lifts a piece of magnetic material into the air, and in order to create a soaring effect, the object is raised and lowered in a very small range of heights, but with a very high frequency.
To assemble Levitron, you will need only seven components, including a coil. The scheme of the magnetic levitation device is presented below.
So, as we see in the diagram, in addition to the coil, we will need a field-effect transistor, for example, an IRFZ44N or another similar MOSFET, a HER207 diode or something like 1n4007, 1 KΩ and 330 Ohm resistors, a Hall sensor A3144, and an optional LED. The coil can be made independently, this will require 20 meters of wire with a diameter of 0.3-0.4 mm. To power the circuit, you can take a 5V charger.
To make a coil, you need to take the base with the dimensions shown in the following figure. For our coil it will be enough to wind 550 turns. Having finished winding, it is desirable to insulate the coil with some kind of electrical tape.
Now solder almost all components except the Hall sensor and coil on a small board. Place the Hall sensor in the hole of the coil.
Lock the coil so that it is above the surface at a certain distance. After that, this magnetic levitation device can be powered. Take a small piece of neodymium magnet and hold it to the bottom of the coil. If everything is done correctly, then the electromagnetic force will pick it up and keep it in the air.
If this device does not work properly for you, then check the sensor. Its sensitive part, that is, the flat side with the inscriptions should be parallel to the ground. Also, for levitation, the tablet shape, which is inherent in most neodymium magnets sold, is not the most successful. To prevent the center of gravity from “walking”, you need to transfer it to the bottom of the magnet, attaching to it something that is not too heavy, but not too light. For example, you can add a piece of cardboard or thick paper, as in the first image.
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In this article, Konstantin, How-todo workshop, will show us how to make a Levitron.
So, Levitron. The principle of operation of this stray is simple, like a self-tapping screw. By electromagnet we lift into the air a piece of a certain magnetic material. To create the effect of soaring, the electromagnet is turned on and off with a high frequency.
That is, as it were, we raise and throw the magnetic sample.
The circuit of such a device is surprisingly simple, and it is not difficult to repeat it. Here is the diagram.
The materials and components we need.
LED of any color, it is optional.
The IRFZ44N transistor is suitable for almost any field-like device with similar parameters.
Diode, here the author uses HER207, with the same success some 1N4007 will work.
Resistors at 1 kΩ and 330 Ω (the latter is optional).
Hall sensor, I have it A3144 it can also be replaced by a similar one.
Copper winding enameled wire with a diameter of 0.3 to 0.4 mm, meters 20. The author has a wire of 0.36 mm.
A neodymium magnet like a tablet, measuring 5 by 1 mm, is also not very important, within reason.
An unnecessary five-volt charger from the phone is suitable as a power source.
Glue, paper, soldering iron solder ... a standard set of soldering iron.
Let's move on to the assembly. First you need to make a cardboard coil for the body of the future electromagnet.
The coil parameters are as follows:
6 mm diameter of the inner sleeve, the width of the winding layer is approximately 23 mm and the diameter of the cheeks, with a margin of about 25 mm.
As you can see, Konstantin built a housing for the reel out of cardboard and cut the notebook sheet, lubricating them well with superglue.
We fix the beginning of the wire in the frame, be patient and begin to wind about 550 turns.
The direction of the winding does not matter. You can even reel in bulk, but this is not our method.
We wind 12 layers, turn to turn, insulating each layer with electrical tape.
After spending an hour and a half, we fix the end of the wire and set aside the coil.
We start soldering, everything is according to the scheme, without any differences.
The conclusions of the Hall Sensor are lengthened with wires and insulated with heat shrink, because it must be located inside the coil.
Actually, all that remains is to configure, for this we install the Hall sensor inside the coil and fix it with improvised means.
We hang the coil, apply power.
Having brought a magnet we feel that it is attracted or repelled, depending on the polarity.
At some distance, the magnet tries to freeze, but does not freeze for a long time.
We study the documentation for the sensor, where specifically in the pictures it is shown on which side it has a sensitive zone.
We take it out and bend it so that the flat side with the inscriptions is eventually parallel to the ground.
We push it back, this time everything is much better.
But still does not soar.
The problem is the shape of the magnet, namely the flat shape of the “tablet”.
Not the most successful that you can think of for levitation. It is enough to just shift the center of gravity down. We organize this with a piece of thick paper.
By the way, before gluing the counterweight, do not forget to first look at which side the magnet is attracted to the coil.
Own everything now works more or less, it remains only to center and fix the sensor.
What were the other features. An attempt to power the device from a 12V adapter leads to strong heating of the electromagnet.
I had to switch to 5V, while no deterioration was noticed, and the heating was almost completely eliminated.
The LED and its limiting resistor were almost immediately excluded from the circuit, because there was no point in them.
The final touch, blue paper tape seemed not aesthetically pleasing.
In some advanced stores, you can see stands with advertisements that show interesting effects when a thing from the window or an object with the brand image levitates. Sometimes rotation is added. But such a setup is quite capable of even a person without special experience in homemade products. To do this, you need a neodymium magnet, which can be found in spare parts from computer equipment.
The properties of the magnet are amazing. One of these properties being repelled by the same poles is used in objects that are used as trains on a magnetic cushion, funny toys or the basis for spectacular design objects, etc. How to make a levitating object based on magnets?
Magnetic levitation on video
Levitation of a top over five point neodymium magnets. Magnetic Levitation, magnétismo, magnetic experiment, truco magnética, moto perpetuo, amazing game. Entertaining physics.
Discussion
hawk
When the magnet rotates, levitation is present, and if the magnet rotations decrease, it falls from orbit ... justify this effect. The interaction of magnetic fields between magnets is clear but what is the role of rotation. It is possible by an alternating magnetic field from the coils to hold the magnet in the air as well.
pukla777
Please work through the topic - flywheel generator. I think it will have a useful practical application. In addition, it was shot a long time ago in a video, but very little without information.
RussiaPrezident
What if:
Run this spinning top and some kind of cube and create a Vacuum there, according to the idea there will be no air resistance and it will spin almost endlessly! And if it’s not right for him to wind the copper and remove the energy?
Evgeny Petrov
I read the comments, surprised what a thread !? Everything is as there is a magnetic top, they asked him a fur. energy is the constant magnetic field of the top during rotation of which the magnetic field also rotates, but the main thing is how! In magnets, the domains are packaged not equally distributed; this is technically impossible; therefore, the passive magnet cannot be held on a magnetic pad; it will go to the stronger side, where the difference is generally scanty, so rotation of the field does not allow this.
Vyacheslav Subbotin
Another idea, but what if you shine with a laser constantly from one side? Will the spinning time of the top change due to light pressure? If you take a strong laser, it may be possible to make sure that the top does not stop at all.
Nobody Unknown
An old toy ... I remember this spinning top and the plate under it on ferrite magnets, on neodymium it is already boring, and the bottom magnet of the base was one solid plate, not five separate magnets, only it was magnetized in a cunning way ...
Aligarch Leopold
Igor Beletsky, you can make a cap on which the top will land, so as not to catch it. Is it possible to add a rotating magnetic field to it to maintain rotation? for example, if his magnetic table is rotated ..
Timur Aminev
And please tell us how the Earth's magnetic field slows down the top? In the sense of what moments of forces directed against rotation arise and why.
Alexander Vasilievich
If on top of a magnet (or it would be chic at all!) To attach a coil and twist a top with it, you get a kind of engine with a magnetic suspension. The thing is completely stupid, but beautiful. It will spin until the power source is removed))
Ivan Petrov
Well we already saw it. Make the magnet levitate without rotation! (and without supports and liquid nitrogen of course).
High elf
A divorce for losers, this could be called levitation, if the magnet did not need to be untwisted. The magnet itself, which is on top, will slip if it is not given rotation.
Andrey Solomennikov
But what if we attach fire to the platform, and propellers to the gyroscope (Yule) that would spin while the fire below burns. I don’t remember what the engine is called, but its essence is the rotation, so to speak, of the rotor with the help of heat.
volzhanin
Igor, there is such an idea ... Your table does not have a uniform magnetic field, and if you make a spinning top of several magnets and spin the table ... Maybe the spinning top will not lose momentum ... What do you think? ..
Anton Simovskikh
Igor Beletsky, understood the physics of the process? Why is levitation possible only in dynamics? Do the foucault currents arising in it affect the stabilization of the top?
The simplest installation with a levitating object on a magnet
For this you will need: a box from the CD-ROM drive, one or two discs, a lot of ring magnets and super-glue. You can buy any magnet in the Chinese online store.
When your friends come to visit you, they will be surprised at the spectacular design that you created yourself.
