Electromagnetic spinning top - Inception inspired toy

This is my newest steampunk toy - an electromagnetic spinning top . Inside the brass top there is a small neodymium magnet which interacts with the coil hidden inside the wooden box . The circuit detects the position of the magnet and generates the magnetic pulse when the magnet is aligned correctly . The device is able keep the top spinning for over ten hours using four AA batteries.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• DIY
• electronic
• steampunk
• Inception

[duckythescientist]

How did you get the top to stay in the center? All of my attempts end with the top retrograding and scribing a circle on my glass or moving in a triangle pattern. I have also tried an induction design (Tesla's Columbus' Egg), but I don't have powerful enough electromagnets for that. I would be VERY appreciative of any and all more information that you could give me.

[ConsciousFlesh]

@duckythescientist I found that the problem with stability is caused by too strong magnetic field produced by the electromagnet. The repulsive force caused by it is the source of the precession because its vector always points away from the centre . Using the massive top to increase the inertia and setting the current in the coil to the point at which the rotation is maintained but the precession is minimal seems to work the best. .

[HappyGirl0006]

Cool! What happens if you just place the top on the glass?

[ConsciousFlesh]

@HappyGirl0006 : Thanks ! Without the power the top stops spinning after a minute or two . Also if you touch a spinning top it slows down and loses its balance .

[duckythescientist]

@ConsciousFlesh Thank you! Also, how many poles do you have facing down in the spinning top; 2 or 4?

[duckythescientist]

@duckythescientist I meant precession not retrograde. oops

[MtbCenter]

Your still dreaming... Lol

[spontify]

That is awesome! Where can I get one of these?