[Bethan]

Hi, I am trying to construct a circuit whereby a motor can be wound up to generate electricity which is then to be stored in a rechargable battery and then be switched on and off to operate a light source. I’m having a lot of problems just trying to find out what type of components I need especially what sort of motor. When I ask electronic shops they just say they havent got anything to do the job. The completed circuit will be intergrated into a clock movement and instead of the hammer striking the bell for the amount of hours, it will instead contact the switch alowing the light to be flashed the amount of hours. I'm at a complete dead end! Please Help! Thankyou!

 

[(*steve*)]

OK, the following applies to a wind up torch. The same general principle applies to what you wish to construct.

I have seen a number of articles which generally suggest the use of an old stepper motor.

You connect each winding t a bridge rectifier then parallel the outputs and connect them directly to a rechargeable battery (or batteries). There is rarely any need for any form of regulating as you're not going (with hand cranking) to get anywhere near fully charging the cells.

Then connect LEDs to the battery via a switch and a suitable current limiting resistor.

The major issue will be how much you need to wind the motor and how long the battery will remain charged.

I'd consider a small solar panel if that were a viable option.