Water Powered Calculator (Original)

This Instructable will show you how to make a very simple water powered calculator.
I built this because there was a time that we forget to buy a supply of AAA, AA, C, D and LR44
battery so I built this. It solve my problems so it might do the same for you too. Check out for more projects by: angelo10.

This is the original version by: angelo10

Please give the credits to me not for your selves. I saw people getting my pictures and telling  others that they made it. Please don't get all the credits!

Proud to be Filipino (pinoy) like Manny Pacquiao.

Step 1 Meterials You Will Need

You will need:
- A Calculator
- Carbon Rod/ Copper Rod
- A 1x1 Inch Aluminum Foil
- A Small Cylindrical Container
- Two 3 Inch Wire
- Multi Purpose Pliers
- Glue Gun

Comments

[Dipankar]

How long does the battery work? Good Idea. Keep it up.

[mathman47]

I think we have a good kid here. Now if he'll take after you.

[artworker]

Innovative. Nicely done! It's sad that teachers don't encourage these projects in school! Every student should know these tricks. 5*

[Dipankar]

Yeh! He's a bright kid. Hope he does well in life.

[chaitanyak]

most innovative - yet simple thing i found today! Good job!

[jmcdermott]

silly matrix, inside duh

[aschmois]

Great tutorial, my first try I had water leaking from everywhere and only a mere .3-.5 volts. Vinegar is NOT the best solution. I have tried and what seems to work best is Lemon Juice and Salt. (water and salt is still better than vinegar). The picture has two batteries in series which add up to a good 1.5 volts. However, for some reason I cannot get a light to turn on. My guess is that voltage reading stabilizes with a circuit, but the bulb cannot stabilize. Might also be the amperage not being high enough.

[ASCAS]

Yeah (:D) try adding a joule thief powering a LED bulb. It should work.

[ASCAS]

Nice job. I recommend you to clean each carbon rod carefully, there's a lot of manganese sticked on it. Second both metals should not touch. Third if none of this work make 2 more of this in parallel

[shalo]

aside from batteries where can you find those cooper rods? pls help im so desperate :( and im from the philippines as well so if you a pls tell me:)

[Pranjal Joshi]

this is marvelous project...!!
bt u cn do better with carbon n zinc rod using general acids.. :) wel done

[dagob]

What an interesting instructable! Thanks for sharing!
I think you should explaing why it works (scientifically)

[austinbro217]

Nice job man! I am just starting to explore electronics at 15 years old, and you are an inspiration for me to keep with it!

[ASCAS]

Thanks! But what ever you do, never give up, specially when you fail. Use your failures as your guide and try and try again, later on you will succeed.

[ASCAS]

It's hard to find one, probably in construction hardwares, they usually call it copper tubing. I made another design of the water battery by only using copper wire and nails. My new version is more efficient, more powerful and uses mor common materials.

[TheBookworm]

Sweet project, I wonder if it will work with some lemons...

[Inducktion]

ooo, try gatorade! (lotsa electrolytes in thurr!) :D

[yukthi]

yeah u r correct !!!

[pblanscet]

lol! scientificaly, would this really work?

[ASCAS]

yes

[pblanscet]

hey, im Filipino too!

[ASCAS]

:))))

[izdravkov]

This is a Triboelectric! See this site for more information about Triboelectric series: http://www.siliconfareast.com/tribo_series.htm

[Ceejay10]

HELLO, I'm from Philippines And I'm Interested to Buy a Calculator. Where can i order or s/t. ? Please.

[ASCAS]

Nagsasalita ka ba ng Pilipino?

[ASCAS]

I can probably ship it via mail (LBC). P150 for delivery and P200 for the water powered calculator, total of P350. My only problem is that how are you going to pay me?

[Ceejay10]

Or Anything na pwede tayong makapagusap ng mabuti. hindi po kasi ako masaydong marunong dito.

[Ceejay10]

Do you have Fb Account? Opo, Marunong ako. hahaha

[Ceejay10]

HELLO, I'm from Philippines And I'm Interested to Buy a Calculator. Where can i order or s/t. ?

[bloodgarm1]

i tried doing this but mine is not working... :( i have one doubt.. is it absolutely necessary that aluminium and carbon shouldnt come in contact?? in my model they are touching.. i just tried it 5 min back..

[ASCAS]

Yup thats the cause why it's not working. It shouldn't touch or else it wont work second you might want to add another water battery in series :)) I sell this in our country for $2

[Mr Sinster]

Do you get a lot of buyers of of this?

[ASCAS]

Yes. I sold about 15 of this in 3 days, I stopped because, I don't need money.

[shalo]

aside from batteries where can you find those cooper rods? pls help im so desperate :(

[Javin007]

Things I have learned since reading this instructable:

1.) Energizer alkaline batteries do not have carbon rods.  The batteries are filled with an inside "sludge" of zinc powder and potassium hydroxide, inside of a paper tube with a black carbon and manganese dioxide "sludge" on the outside.

2.) Said black carbon sludge will stain a white porcelain sink.

3.) Fiance does not find any of this as fascinating as I do. 

[ASCAS]

Its true. Any kind of alkaline batteries have the same components. Just use the cheap regular ones like Energizer.

[Bruno153]

My water battery only generated about 0.5 volt.... the calculator will need about 1.5 volt.... I added salt and then was the same....

[ASCAS]

I had troubles with this thats why I connected another battery in series

[batman96]

If you are putting the "water battery" in place of the solar cell, it will be enough those tiny solar cells only put out .5 volts in bright sun. If you are using a calculator that has a battery also, hook it up to the solar cell connections, because the battery connectors run through a resistor. If you put the battery in parallel with the solar cell you can leave it in and then it will use the battery when there is no sun, and the solar cell when there is light, and use both when it is dim. Just make sure you don't hook it up in series.

[eye881]

im doing this for my science fare in salem arkansas my teachers said i need 5 links that i got this info off of i put down lifehacker.com and instructables.com but i cant think of any other links.