Built an HDR

[Username]

So I just finished building an HDR. I'm pretty sure I hooked up all the wires correctly and it seems to work. The indicator light turned on and the electromagnet picked up some scissors and a screwdriver but it seems to be underpowered or something. I opened up my compass app and held my phone close to the electromagnet but it doesn't seem to register any movement on the compass needle at all.

A few years ago I was using a unit that Gibbs had built and the electromagnet seemed to be a lot stronger and make more noise and vibrations if I'm remembering correctly.

Can anyone see what I might've done wrong here?

 

[Einstein]

I suspect your phone app may actually rely on GPS to determine direction. But I noticed your capacitor is orange. As I recall it was the blue ones that were the one micro-farad ones. If memory serves me I recall the orange ones were a smaller value. A smaller value capacitor will reduce power output by the electromagnet. Also if you have the stabilizer switch in the off position that will reduce power from the electromagnet.

 

[steven chiverton]

use a real magnetic compass not an app and hold an analogue dial watch up to the electromagnet dose it spin the watch fast

 

[Username]

I suspect your phone app may actually rely on GPS to determine direction. But I noticed your capacitor is orange. As I recall it was the blue ones that were the one micro-farad ones. If memory serves me I recall the orange ones were a smaller value. A smaller value capacitor will reduce power output by the electromagnet. Also if you have the stabilizer switch in the off position that will reduce power from the electromagnet.

I suspect your phone app may actually rely on GPS to determine direction. But I noticed your capacitor is orange. As I recall it was the blue ones that were the one micro-farad ones. If memory serves me I recall the orange ones were a smaller value. A smaller value capacitor will reduce power output by the electromagnet. Also if you have the stabilizer switch in the off position that will reduce power from the electromagnet.

My capacitor is 1 µF Film Capacitor 160V 250VDC Polyester, Metallized Radial from Digi-key. Part number 1572-1022-ND.

Is that the right one?

 

[steven chiverton]

My capacitor is 1 µF Film Capacitor 160V 250VDC Polyester, Metallized Radial from Digi-key. Part number 1572-1022-ND.

Is that the right one?

make it 1.0uf 250 volts ac not dc

 

[Einstein]

My capacitor is 1 µF Film Capacitor 160V 250VDC Polyester, Metallized Radial from Digi-key. Part number 1572-1022-ND.

Is that the right one?

That will work. If you have a multi-meter you could actually check to see if the capacitor is the right value. Both the head coil and electromagnet need to be connected. All switches are in the on position during operation. Switching the stabilizer switch on and off will produce a noticeable power output difference. You might get more hum with the stabilizer switch off. When it is on the capacitor smooths out the DC ripple current giving a higher voltage to the electromagnet.

 

[FarOutThere]

Congratulations Username.

Hold a small permanent magnet near the electromagnet to see if the small magnet vibrates. The electromagnet is running on AC so this is the best way to test it, aka the vibration of a nearby magnet which will match the Hz of your electricity. I assume you plugged the unit into the wall.

I hope your Electromagnet is well insulated and safe. I run mine using medium sized 12v battery and inverters to obtain the same 60hz in Australia.

Are you still working on some time coils?

 

[FarOutThere]

You could also consider a watt meter to check if your HDR is drawing the expected amount of power.

By the way I think your capacitor is fine, although it would be better if it was blue.

Make sure safety comes first.

 

[Username]

You could also consider a watt meter to check if your HDR is drawing the expected amount of power.

By the way I think your capacitor is fine, although it would be better if it was blue.

Make sure safety comes first.

Thanks! Do you know what readings I should look for on the watt meter?

 

[FarOutThere]

Thanks! Do you know what readings I should look for on the watt meter?

My HDR build seems to use about 34 Watts from my 35ah 12v battery.



The original HDR itself is about the same, maybe 1 or 2 more watts for some random reason.

Around 35 watts should be expected. (based on my experience with 2 HDRs of the original style)

Here is the source for my watt meter (only if using a 12v battery power)

https://www.amazon.com/HTRC-Precision-Analyzer-Battery-Voltage/dp/B06XPVKY13/

On powering the HDR from 12v batteries (in case anyone else is interested):

Make sure you use a relatively large 12v battery, or the voltage may drop to insufficient levels and the HDR will shut off after some seconds. 35ah seems decent enough.