Marble Machine Kit Use solar power to drive the mechanism in this elegant, two-handed marble machine. fl Intermediate skill level ages 12+ #¢ No batteries included (or needed &= it's solar powered!) 6{, Basic soldering tools required o (soldering required) 6 3 hours build time *5@ [ www.solarbotics.
Gravitate Solar Marble Machine Kit ASSEMBLY STEPS The Solar Engine is a clever circuit that allows solar energy to be harvested and used even in low light levels. We're building and testing this part of the project first. There is soldering required, so if you are new to the process, review the “how-to" link below. & The introduction to soldering video: slrbtes.cofsoldervid2 Find the transistor(g), trigger MCP112 (h} also looks like a transistor), small 0.
Gravitate Solar Marble Machine Kit ASSEMBLY STEPS Note motor orientation: shaft up, wire tabs below ® Prepare the motor & solar cell wire by stripping 5mm (174"} of insulation off each wire end. Observe the wire polarity! Make sure '+ goes Reversing the motor connections makes the motor go backwards, which won't run the mechanism. Getting the wires backwards to the solar cell ensures... nothing...
Gravitate Solar Marble Machine Kit ASSEMBLY STEPS From panel 3, get Triangle #1 (H) and Triangle #2 (I), and attach to the linkage base as shown. Install Triangle #1 (H) on the bottom (1x 3/8). To ensure smooth operation, adjust the arms by scraping & smoothing the edges shown, using a sharp knife or sandpaper. Do this when removing them from the panel steps 1.6 and 7. These 4 edges Se raping should resulting 45 degree edges that are about 1mm in width.
Gravitate Solar Marble Machine Kit ASSEMBLY STEPS Because the top screw of the “large lifter assembly” enters from the back side, make sure the screw ends flush with front of large lifter (O). If it extends past. it will interfere with the moving parts. Use the #2 screw and washer to pin #2 threaded § the triangles and large arm to any of the 4 holes of the plastic GMW motor connector wheel. washer, sharp edge facing Up The washer has two sides, make sure the sharp edge is facing outwards.
Gravitate Solar Marble Machine Kit ASSEMBLY STEPS From panel 4, remove motor mount (5) and rock it into position on the either side of the GM3 motor. Use some white glue to secure the tabs into the slots. Side view: Secure the motor to the motor mount with 2 x #4 TFS (thread-forming screws). These have a heavier thread than the other screws. From panel 4 remove the Small tower {T), and from panel 2 the marble catch (U), and large tower (V).
Gravitate Solar Marble Machine Kit ASSEMBLY STEPS From panel 4, find and attach bottom track (W) as shown, using white glue at each tab connection. Start installation at the middle tabs, working out to the ends. From panel 2 remove and attach the middle track (X) as shown, again using white glue to secure all of the tab connections.
Gravitate Solar Marble Machine Kit ASSEMBLY STEPS From panel 4, remove the 2 x large receivers {Y) and 2 x small receivers (Z). Slot these all into the top of the Large tower [V) as shown. Do not use any white glue until the end of the next step as these receivers need be wiggled to help insert the top track. From panel 3, slot the top track {A2) into the receiver finger slots. When in place, use your white glue in these slots to hold everything in place. Attach the top track (A2) as shown.
Gravitate Solar Marble Machine Kit ASSEMBLY STEPS The Solar Engine can be installed just You can install the solar cell in several behind the motor with the double-sided places. The solar cell mount parts from sticky-tape (DST. Panel 1 are configurable to suit the need.
Gravitate Solar Marble Machine Kit DESIGNING YOUR OWN Hey! Do you enjoy the Gravitate and want to design your own version of the linkage? We built ours using David Rector's free linkage mechanism designer software found here: i /i hand i ! Although we have several CAD packages, we found his software to be extremely useful with a number of different options te create dynamic linkage systems with ease.
