ART TEC - Magnetic Levitation Kit

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home > Levitation Kit

ART • TEC
Guy Marsden

Kits start at $56.00

DEFY GRAVITY! ENHANCE LEVITY!

This simple electronic kit uses magnetic levitation to suspend small objects up to about 1/2 ounce (15 Grams) or so in mid air. This is an ideal Science Project for ages 12 and up! Detailed 6 page instructions include theory and clear images. See below to order either the complete kit of parts, or fully assembled and tested versions.

Assembled Levitation Kit circuit board

The air gap is about 3/8". The electromagnet dynamically controls the position of the suspended rare earth magnet(s) attached to the levitated object. Feedback is provided by a linear Hall Effect sensor mounted under the electromagnet. Once calibrated properly, suspended objects are stable after settling.

NOTE! I am often asked if the design can be modified to lift more weight, or if the gap can be increased. The answer is NO. There are inherent limitations due to the size of the electromagnet and how quickly its field can be reversed. The most weight that can be lifted with this type of design is about 1 ounce (30 grams). The air gap can be extended up to 1/2" (13mm) depending on weight.

Getting an object in place is relatively easy. It is an eerie feeling when you offer the item up to the "sweet spot" as the controls "grab" the magnet - pulling it slightly into position. It feels like some kind of science fiction force field. Objects set spinning will continue to spin for several minutes!

If you don't see a video clip above, then click here to see it on YouTube.

The kit as supplied has a limited range of weight that it can lift which is no more than .5 ounce including the magnets. Items like a ping pong ball would be too light, and extra weight would need to be added inside like more magnets or small washers. The design requires that the magnet be at the top of the suspended object to keep the magnet from flipping over.

If power is turned off -- the magnet will drop away. Returning it to position takes a little practice -- if you miss the "sweet spot" the magnet will go up and stick to the electromagnet above it.

SECURE ON-LINE ORDERING

SECURE ONLINE ORDERING:
Order the kit using your credit card, PayPal account, or eCHECK.

MAIL ORDER:
Click here to download my order form, and mail it with your Money Order or bank check.

SHIPPING:
I ship via USPS Priority Mail in United States for delivery in 1-3 days, $5.50 - $7.00 depending on weight.
Foreign shipping (outside the US), ships via USPS Global Express Mail. $29.00 - $35.00US depending on weight and country. Delivery in 5-8 days.
Please include your phone number when placing order.

Email me if you have a question.

ORDERS TYPICALLY SHIP WITHIN 24 HOURS OF PAYMENT.
You will receive an email confirmation when your order ships.
All sales are final, no refunds or exchanges other than for damaged or missing parts.

EDUCATIONAL DISCOUNT: 15% off for orders of more than 15 kits with 2 week notice. I can custom configure kits per your request. Sorry, no purchase orders.

Basic kit of parts
as pictured
REQUIRES 12VDC 200mA power supply - order separately below
$56.00

The Kit includes all parts to make the electronic circuit, and includes the electromagnet, and 2 strong permanent magnets.

Please note that assembling this kit requires some basic knowledge of electronics, tools, and some previous experience soldering electronic kits. Order the Assembled and Tested versions if you are not sure you are able to build the kit.

Magnetic levitataion kit assembled

Fully assembled and tested
as pictured
REQUIRES 12VDC 200mA power supply - order separately below
$67.00

Fully assembled and tested
as pictured
INCLUDES wall power supply
(runs on 120 Volt 60Hz)
$74.00

PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
other parts available by request

Neodymium high power magnet

Extra Neodymium magnets
as pictured
(2 provided with each kit)
3/16" X 3/8" (5 X 10mm)
$1.50 each

Electromagnet
as pictured
61.5 Ohm coil
470 feet of 31 gage wire
with a 2" bolt and nut
Coil measures 15/15" X 1 1/8"
(24 X 29mm)
$7.00 each

Power supply
as pictured
output: 12VDC 300mA
input: 120 Volt 60Hz
$8.00

SEE WHAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE DONE WITH MY DESIGN

Detailed reports from engineers and students.

I wrote an article about my kit business for: Inventor's Digest Magazine
Oct.-Dec. 2004, page 27
"Less Can Be More"
I describe how an invention can be direct marketed in a simple way from your home. Click image to see the article.

This design was featured in a co-authored article in:
IEEE Control Systems Magazine
October 2004, page 65
"Low-Cost Magnetic Levitation Project Kits"
paper describes the use of an inexpensive experiment to teach analysis and design in undergraduate feedback courses.

This kit is based on an article I wrote for
Nuts & Volts Magazine, September 2003 issue.
"Levitation! Float Objects in a Servo Controlled Magnetic Field"
Click image to download a copy of the article.

"Any sufficiently advanced technology
is indistinguishable from magic"
Arthur C. Clarke

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