The Solar engine kit stores electrical power from the sun. When enough power is stored the circuit dumps the stored electrical power through circuit load, in this case a motor. This kit may also be used with BEAM style robots or a solar roller.

Construction Article

These aren't kits, as much as they are an inexpensive bag of components so you can build yourself a Symet along the lines of the PMK Trimet. Basic instructions included on how to free-form (solder without using a circuit board) a 1381-based Solar engine, and how to assemble the mechanics. The Symet parts bundle includes:

* 3904 and 3906 transistors
* 2.2k resistor
* 4 1000F capacitors
* SC2422 Solar cell
* RM-1a Motor
* 3 large paperclips
* 1381J trigger and diode
* Print-outs of free-forming instructions

Note: The 1381 version is a bit harder to build, but more power-efficient.

Interested in looking at the kit documentation? Here's a PDF version of the documentation.

This kit, contains the same inexpensive bag of components as the standard SE-03 kit, plus a printed circuit board. You still receive the basic instructions on how to free-form a 1381-based Solar engine, along with the directions to install the parts on an easy to build printed circuit board. The Symet parts bundle includes:

* 3904 and 3906 transistors
* 2.2k resistor
* 4 1000F capacitors
* SC2422 Solar cell
* RM-1a Motor
* 3 large paperclips
* 1381J trigger and diode
* Print-outs of free-forming instructions
* Printed Circuit Board (pcb)

Interested in looking at the kit documentation? Here's a PDF version of the documentation.

Item #SC-01 Indoor Solar Cell

The SC-01 Solar cell is made for use under fluorescent lamps. At approximately 200 Lux illumination, at 25 degrees Centigrade, the typical voltage output is 3.0 volts. Open circuit voltage is 4.0 volts. Short circuit current (200 luxs) is 17.0 uA. (note: output current is greater in sunlight)
Operating Temperature -5 to 60 degrees Centigrade.
Size of the Solar cell is 55 mm x 20 mm x 1.1 mm (2.1" x .78" x .04").

Item #SC-02 Outdoor Solar Cell

The SC-02 Solar cell is made for use under sunlight. The typical voltage output is 3.5 volts. Open circuit voltage is 5.2 volts. Short circuit current is 21.0 mA.
Operating Temperature -5 to 60 degrees Centigrade.
Size of the Solar cell is 55 mm x 29 mm x 1.1 mm (2.1" x .78" x .04").

Item #SC-03 Amorphous Solar Panel

The SC-03 solar cell provides up to 1.5 Watts of power with a max output of 120 mA. Comes with a 12 Volt Auto Lighter Adapter on a 91" cord. Can be used to charge any mobile 12 volt electronic device with adapter (not included). See Below.

Dimensions:
14-3/4"L x 6-1/2"W x 7/8"H

The SunSwinger uses a unique BEAM "force-coil" circuit to make a magnet swing under the arms of an attractive triangular frame. It's designed to work primarily from solar energy, but can be powered by practically any household battery or DC power supply.

The SunSwinger is very flexible in how you can put it together. Solar cells can be mounted in several places; the pendulum length can be as long as you desire; you can make the magnet stationary and swing the circuit if you wish!

It's worth noting that this original run of kits has gold plating on the solder pads. Gold and black look surprisingly good together!

Interested in looking at the kit documentation? Here's a PDF version of the documentation.

The SolarSpeeder 2.0 Kit is a very quick Solaroller that can cover 3 meters (10 feet) in under 40 seconds in direct sunlight. These little speed-demons utilize the same updated Solarengine technology. Simple to construct and a blast to watch in the sunlight!

Interested in looking at the kit documentation? Here's a PDF version of the documentation.

Magbot "SunDancer" BEAM Butterfly.

This kit lets you build a mechanical-looking butterfly or insect that makes an ideal executive desk toy.

The Magbot SunDancer Butterfly works on almost the same circuit as the SolarSpeeder Kit, but instead of dumping the power through a motor, it dumps it through a coil. Since the Magbot is balanced on a stand above a high-intensity magnet, it rocks on its own self-induced "electromagnetic wind".

The silver/gold wings then shine and reflect the embossed wing patterns all over the ceiling. It's a kit that is only slightly more complex than the SolarSpeeder kit, and comes with an oak stand, silver/gold mylar wing material (you choose the final color and wing pattern), all components, and one of our very well documented instruction sets.

Interested in looking at the kit documentation? Here's a PDF version of the documentation.