Flashback: Wind Powered Generator

Energy & Sustainability

I'm a word nerd who loves to geek out on how emerging technology affects the lexicon. I was an editor on the first 40 volumes of MAKE, and I love shining light on the incredible makers in our community. In particular, covering art is my passion — after all, art is the first thing most of us ever made. When not fawning over perfect word choices, I can be found on the nearest mountain, looking for untouched powder fields and ideal alpine lakes.

Contact me at snowgoli@gmail.com or via @snowgoli.

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April 22nd, 2009 34

What better way to celebrate Earth Day than with a flashback to some clean, green wind-powered goodness. Back in MAKE Volume 05, Abe and Josie Connally shared a detailed DIY on how to make their Chispito Wind Generator (Spanish for “little spark”). The Connallys are knee deep in creating an off-grid homestead in Mexico, and they love to share their knowledge and experience online at Vela Creations. Below is an illustration from the article that shows the basics in detail:

The Connallys made the Chispito out of mostly reclaimed parts, including a treadmill motor. Since publication in MAKE, the project has been posted on Instructables (with over 200 comments) and is also available on Vela Creations, with lots of helpful build tips.

Below, watch John Park build the Chispito on Make: television:

The Chispito isn’t going to single-handedly get you off the grid, but it’s a great project to get you started. Happy Earth Day!