Category: New Products

After over a year of selling single solenoid engines we have learnt a lot. Some things from our own development and some from customer comments, so it was time for a complete rebuild of the Solenoid Engine Single.

One thing we definitely didn’t like was the foil on the flywheel, It didn’t look too good, and could be difficult to get the opto sensor to trigger reliably, it always seamed a faff to set up. So its gone. It has been replaced with a can and slotted opto, this method is much more reliable and easier to set up. As the axle now needs to move rather than be fixed, it also gave me the opportunity to bring out the engines output to the back of the motor so it can be used to drive some other kits (watch this space) . The mount for the solenoid has changed this gives two advantages. The screws for the solenoids are now easily accessible to move the solenoid for setup and the con-rod now connects to the centre of the solenoid armature meaning that the motor will run more smoothly.

 

The final change is that the engine is now available in MDF as well as the original Acrylic.

At last everything has come together for us to be able to offer our first electronic/mechanical kit the New Solenoid Engine. The Solenoid engine comprises an electronic drive and an acrylic engine which can be battery powered to run on your desk as a solenoid based piston engine.

The Engine control takes its timing from an opto-electronic sensor that gives the timing for the motor, it also allows speed regulation via a couple of faster/slower buttons on the rear of the unit. Outputs are also broken out from the control board from the sensor and the drive so the engine can be monitored by an external oscilloscope or computer.

This makes the Solenoid engine a great learning/teaching tool for schools or colleges. Or just a great desk ornament.

Supplied as a full kit, or as hardware only or PCB only.

And there is more… but that is coming later…