Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Greetings,

I setup the human powered generator project on your site, but I'm having a strange issue. The LEDs will only light up if the wires from the spindle are touching. In the instructions it specifically says this should prevent it from working by causing a short circuit.

I can take video if you would like. I have sanded the wiring many many times, I've tried different alligator clips, resealed the LEDs in the breadboard a few times in different locations. Nothing makes a difference.

Appreciate any insight. Thank you.

Regards,

Dan

Dlaird - The procedure mentions that the red and black connecting wires from the coil to the LED array 'must not touch each other' otherwise the coil will be 'shorted'. The ends of the coil must be connected to the LED assembly to work.

Rick Marz