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Step 2Parts: Electromagnet
You will need something to use as an electromagnet. I've found that winding your own solenoid coil using a short bolt and a length of copper wire is perfect for this.
Make sure that your electromagnet will fit in the space between the clapper and the base!
I used a spare steel bolt I found somewhere (thought it transpired that the bolt was not spare and was in fact the missing bolt from my chair), and wrapped about a meter and a half to two meters of enamelled copper wire onto it, using double-sided tape between the layers to ensure that they didn't slip off while I was winding the copper.
Without some archaic electromagnetism equations and careful measurement, it is difficult to predict how many turns of copper is required to make an adequate and safe solenoid/electromagnet. For this reason, I highly recommend testing the solenoid before using it, and finding the current draw if possible.
Just to reiterate in case you missed it at the first step: WARNING: This project involves powering a home-made solenoid via the USB port, which may risk damage to your computer if your solenoid draws too much current. I highly recommend using a cheap powered USB hub. I accept no responsibility for any injury to you or damage to your equipment or property should you choose to attempt this. Please proceed AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Make sure that your electromagnet will fit in the space between the clapper and the base!
I used a spare steel bolt I found somewhere (thought it transpired that the bolt was not spare and was in fact the missing bolt from my chair), and wrapped about a meter and a half to two meters of enamelled copper wire onto it, using double-sided tape between the layers to ensure that they didn't slip off while I was winding the copper.
Without some archaic electromagnetism equations and careful measurement, it is difficult to predict how many turns of copper is required to make an adequate and safe solenoid/electromagnet. For this reason, I highly recommend testing the solenoid before using it, and finding the current draw if possible.
Just to reiterate in case you missed it at the first step: WARNING: This project involves powering a home-made solenoid via the USB port, which may risk damage to your computer if your solenoid draws too much current. I highly recommend using a cheap powered USB hub. I accept no responsibility for any injury to you or damage to your equipment or property should you choose to attempt this. Please proceed AT YOUR OWN RISK.
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