Typically, a motor converts electrical energy to mechanical energy. However, in this project we will used a motor for the exact opposite, generate electrical energy from mechanical energy. This device is knows as an alternator, but thanks to the laws of physics we can also use the motor as such. In addition, this is also an easy way of testing any motors, DC, Brushless, Stepper, etc., whether they are functioning or broken.

Step 1: Materials

DC Motor
LED
Jumper wires

Step 2: Connect the DC Motor to the LED

Using a female-to-female jumper cable, connect the each pin of the LED to individual pins of the DC motor, respectively.
The order is not important since it will only affect the direction that you crank the DC motor.

Step 3: Demo

Crank the DC motor as fast as you can, and you can see that the LED lights up which is evidence that mechanical energy is converted to electrical energy.