Simple Generator that can power LED bulb

THIS is my first instructable so plz be kind with the comments.
Also sorry for the poor picture quality.
This is an instructable that tells you how to make a simple electric generator using only a motor, LED bulb and a wheel.
THINGS YOU NEED
*ordinary electric motor
*LED bulb (not a blue or white LED.ANY other color is fine)
*and a wheel(preferably a smaller one.)
WHAT TO DO
1. Attach the wheel to the motor. Make sure it has been fitted well.
2.Take the ends of the LED and solder them/ tape them to the terminals of the motor.
3.hold the contraption and drive it down a wall very fast.
4.The motor will act like a generator and light up the LED.
go to the following youtube link to see the generator work
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-rZWn-rQNI&context=C336948fADOEgsToPDskLFA5iOMYvEkpy6mUcikSwm
the red flashes are the led switching on due to to electric power created by the generator.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-rZWn-rQNI&context=C336948fADOEgsToPDskLFA5iOMYvEkpy6mUcikSwm

Comments

[gmhodges1]

Does anyone know if you can use a small motor to charge a 9v battery to run a led light. Was wanting to power the motor off a sewing machine that would recharge battery and run the led light, Any suggestions

[sidgupta]

Possible but the only catch is that the machine needs to turn the motor at a high rpm. if you can do that it may work. Although i'm not sure as to whether it will charge up the 9v battery properly. But it's worth a try

[Higgs Boson]

Great instructable. Was the generator really capable of producing enough voltage to light the LED. IT would take about 3 volts, and when I tried something like this with a motor, I couldn't get over 1v.

[sidgupta]

i used a 6v electric motor and a low voltage red LED(that takes 1.5 volts to work).
The higher voltage motor means that with the same rpm more voltage is produced when compared to other motors.also make sure the motor you used is not a high torque motor.note that even on mine(see the youtube video)you do not always manage to light the bulb

[Higgs Boson]

Okay. Thank you.

[asethi5]

gupta....it takes (to be precise), 2.1 volts to power a red led...not 1.5 -.-

[sidgupta]

I used a low voltage LED.(you can buy them)

[nattyclem]

Good instructable and good luck on future one.
Can I ask if the LED's wires have to be soldered onto the motor in a certain way or does it work any way you put the LED's wires on?

[sidgupta]

it works anyway. If the positive and negative terminals of the LED are attached to the opposite terminals of the motor then the only difference is that you have to turn the wheel in the other direction to turn on the LED.

[nattyclem]

Thank you. I forgot
dc motors can run both ways.