Lighting LEDs Using Swingset Power

Energy & Sustainability Technology
Lighting LEDs Using Swingset Power

Guilherme Pena Costa and Ingrid Gabor created a lighting system for a standard childs’ swing that uses the motion of the swinger to power strips of LEDs.

A geared motor with an armature is attached to the swing’s chain, and then run through a bridge rectifier before giving juice to the LEDs. The result is an array of lights that respond directly to the motion of the swing. Pumping hard, Guilherme and Ingrid are able to generate between 6-10 volts at 230-400 mA.

8 thoughts on “Lighting LEDs Using Swingset Power

  1. Poet says:

    Using the same principals Grandma can light up her work light while she rocks and knits.

  2. Beatriz says:

    I think this idea is amazing… we can definitely use it with grandmas and in many other circumstances! :) Why not make life a little more fun?

  3. giroscope says:

    great idea.. i want one!

  4. Today’s Happy Thought… | On My Mind says:

    […] Lighting LEDs Using Swingset Power (makezine.com) […]

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In addition to being an online editor for MAKE Magazine, Michael Colombo works in fabrication, electronics, sound design, music production and performance (Yes. All that.) In the past he has also been a childrens' educator and entertainer, and holds a Masters degree from NYU's Interactive Telecommunications Program.

View more articles by Michael Colombo

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