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Water Powered Calculator (Original)

by angelo10 on July 9, 2010 Table of Contents Water Powered Calculator (Original) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro: Water Powered Calculator (Original) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 1: Meterials You Will Need . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 2: Making Some Holes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 3: Adding The Carbon Rod (Positive) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 4: Adding The Foil (Negative) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 5: Connect The Water 's Wires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 6: Disassembling The Calculator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 7: Connect The Water Battery To The Calculator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 8: Assemble It Again . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 9: Fill The Water Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 10: You Are Done . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 6

http://www.instructables.com/id/Water-Powered-Calculator/

Author:angelo10
I got interested in electronics and mechanics when i was 4 year old. And started soldering circuits (kits) at 7 years old. And improved soldering at 9 years old without any kit only followng circuit diagrams. And started making original circuits and schematics at 12 years old.

Intro: Water Powered Calculator (Original)

This Instructable will show you how to make a very simple water powered calculator. I built this because there was a time that we forget to buy a supply of AAA, AA, C, D and LR44 battery so I built this. It solve my problems so it might do the same for you too. Check out for more projects by: angelo10. This is the original version by: angelo10 Please give the credits to me not for your selves. I saw people getting my pictures and telling others that they made it. Please don't get all the credits! Proud to be Filipino (pinoy) like Manny Pacquiao.

Image Notes 1. No More Solar Panel (removed)

Step 1: Meterials You Will Need

You will need: - A Calculator - Carbon Rod/ Copper Rod - A 1x1 Inch Aluminum Foil - A Small Cylindrical Container - Two 3 Inch Wire - Multi Purpose Pliers - Glue Gun

http://www.instructables.com/id/Water-Powered-Calculator/

Step 2: Making Some Holes

Use a drill or a pointy object to make some holes located on the bottom and lower side.

Step 3: Adding The Carbon Rod (Positive)

Glue the carbon rod in place as the positive rod. The carbon rod is from a used AA battery. Warning: Never open alkaline "it is messy".

Step 4: Adding The Foil (Negative)

Glue the foil in place as the negative plate.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Water-Powered-Calculator/

Step 5: Connect The Water 's Wires

Connect the wire of the water battery, and glue it so it won't leak. Positive wire connected to carbon rod while negative is connected to the foil / zinc.

Step 6: Disassembling The Calculator

Disassemble the calculator with a screwdriver.

Step 7: Connect The Water Battery To The Calculator

Connect the water battery to the calculator. The carbon rod is positive while the aluminum is negative. Be sure to disconnect the solar panel.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Water-Powered-Calculator/

Step 8: Assemble It Again

Put it back together again.

Step 9: Fill The Water Battery

Liquid Rating: Water - Good Water With Salt - Better Vinegar - Best

Step 10: You Are Done

You are done. You just need to refill it a again after it run-out of power. Adding more water batteries would be better.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Water-Powered-Calculator/

Image Notes 1. No More Solar Panel (removed)

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Comments
50 comments Add Comment view all 74 comments

Xyver says:
Thats actually really cool.... What's the chemistry behind it?

Jul 10, 2010. 1:43 PM REPLY

Dipankar says:
How long does the battery work? Good Idea. Keep it up.

Jul 10, 2010. 4:33 PM REPLY

elephant1292 says:

Jul 10, 2010. 8:15 PM REPLY I would imagine that this is occurring because of the difference in electronegativity between the electrodes. That is, the aluminum/zinc has less of an attraction for its electrons than the carbon, and so they move through the circuit from the metal to the carbon rod. The ions in the water oxidize and reduce the carbon and metal electrodes, respectively, to maintain balance. Zinc works better because it is less electronegative than the aluminum. Try it with copper or nickel, those would probably work even better.

joosh says:

Jul 10, 2010. 10:52 PM REPLY Hmm... that is an interesting idea, but I think its works the same way that regular batteries do just using salt water for the electrolyte. Since most water contains salts that is why this works with tap water. I don't think this would work with distilled water. Someone should try that? Basically the salts in the water react with the carbon and metal and produce electrons. That is why water

elephant1292 says:

Jul 11, 2010. 4:53 PM REPLY "Regular" batteries do work in this way, although I cannot say that all do. They generally contain strictly controlled types of ions, but it doesn't matter that much as long as the basic structure of the system is maintained. I'm sure you know that vinegar contains quite a few more ions than standard tap water, explaining its described success as an electrolyte.

mathman47 says:
I think we have a good kid here. Now if he'll take after you.

Jul 11, 2010. 9:42 PM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/Water-Powered-Calculator/

Tchnclfl says:
Distilled water is indeed nonconducting, so it wouldn't work (at least not well enough).

Jul 11, 2010. 10:46 PM REPLY

artworker says:

Jul 11, 2010. 11:30 PM REPLY Innovative. Nicely done! It's sad that teachers don't encourage these projects in school! Every student should know these tricks. 5*

Dipankar says:
Yeh! He's a bright kid. Hope he does well in life.

Jul 12, 2010. 4:49 PM REPLY

chaitanyak says:
most innovative - yet simple thing i found today! Good job!

Jul 12, 2010. 10:48 PM REPLY

Javin007 says:
Brawndo has what batteries crave!

Jul 16, 2010. 10:22 AM REPLY

joosh says:
:) I love idiocracy. Batteries need water. Like from the toilet?

Jul 18, 2010. 1:48 AM REPLY

Javin007 says:

Jul 19, 2010. 6:39 AM REPLY Probably one of my favorite movies of all time, mostly because you can actually SEE everything they're talking about in action all around us. The general dumbing down of society, etc. That's why I spend so much time on instructables. I figure SOMEONE'S going to have to know how to do the basics here in a few years.

joosh says:

Jul 19, 2010. 1:47 PM REPLY I totally agree with you. I look around and I see the world going towards that. Well at least America is. I blame it on this narcissistic instant gratification entitlement everyone has. My generation seems to be the worst. Also I blame it on the internet, but some sites (like Instructables help).

Javin007 says:

Jul 20, 2010. 6:13 AM REPLY I think they might have had it pegged in the movie. We're just breeding ourselves into stupidity. Just look at YouTube and think to yourself, "The vast majority of those people are breeding profusely." This could even be the CAUSE of the "narcissistic instant gratification entitlement" generation.

joosh says:

Jul 20, 2010. 2:28 PM REPLY Yeah you're right. I just love the interview at the beginning of the movie. Sadly its true. The stupid people have 10x as many kids. I'm not saying stupid people only have stupid kids, but its more likely. Another thing that I just thought of (because my dad was watching Glen Beck) is the media. The media is dumbing us down by just filling us with bullcrap (such as Glen Beck).

Jaredmister1 says:
ooo, try gatorade! (lotsa electrolytes in thurr!) :D

Jan 8, 2011. 9:01 PM REPLY

yukthi says:
yeah u r correct !!!

Mar 5, 2011. 10:02 PM REPLY

Big-ideas says:
Amazing, I'm going to put a large water battery into a rucksack and hook it up to some electronics on a halo helmet (http://www.instructables.com/id/Cardboard-Halo-3-Master-Chief-Helmet/) Thanks!

Feb 21, 2011. 8:46 AM REPLY

metalman55 says:
where is the foil glued?

Jul 11, 2010. 9:12 AM REPLY

angelo10 says:
glue the other side of the foil to the container :D

Feb 18, 2011. 7:08 AM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/Water-Powered-Calculator/

microcontroller says:
tats gr8!!! but wer s t foil glued????? reply pls??

Feb 18, 2011. 5:30 AM REPLY

robot1398 says:
can i power a 1.5v motor from this

Feb 10, 2011. 8:46 AM REPLY

noingwhat says:
How much voltage and current do you get out of something like this? And if you were to make it bigger or smaller, would that affect the voltage or current?

Jan 2, 2011. 12:33 PM REPLY

MCzone says:
how power full is this battery can you use it for a flash light

Dec 30, 2010. 7:10 AM REPLY

Mr. Bricoleur says:

Oct 14, 2010. 7:48 PM REPLY Hey I have an idea! What if you wired the water battery and the solar panel in parallel so that there are two possible power sources for the battery? Oh, and add a switch for the water battery. When there is light, turn the water battery switch OFF to save energy and the calculator will be fed by the solar panel. Likewise, when it's dark enough to not have the benefit of solar power, let the water battery do its work! Totally green either way! Ah, and you might want to add an LED Joule thief circuit also powered by the water battery to light things up if you want to read the numbers in the dark.

1arrow24 says:
The graphite from a pencil that's been carefully remove will serve as your carbon rod.

Jul 11, 2010. 4:39 PM REPLY

pepelepew says:

Jul 12, 2010. 3:04 PM REPLY How about a 4mm carbon rod from a mechanical pencil? Since you can find those in art supplies stores for cheap it's way easier than removing one from a pencil.

Mr. Bricoleur says:

Oct 13, 2010. 3:18 PM REPLY I tried it before for electrolysis. It worked ehhh okay but it didn't last long. It got thinner and thinner after not very long. wood pencil graphite, broken and extracted for the rod, works better.

wareneutron says:
you became a inventor someday

Oct 11, 2010. 1:10 AM REPLY

wareneutron says:
are you a genius

Oct 9, 2010. 10:17 PM REPLY

wareneutron says:
i cant see a copper rod or carbon rod

Oct 9, 2010. 10:14 PM REPLY

butterflylachierose says:
wow...i'm so happy you're a Filipino!! T.T

Sep 12, 2010. 12:27 AM REPLY

LowKeyEnergy says:
you might want to mention that it's battery powered and not water powered .

Aug 27, 2010. 2:23 PM REPLY

angelo10 says:
Yes it works with a LED flashlight you just need a joule theif circuit. I tried it and it worked!

Aug 25, 2010. 6:24 AM REPLY

MARCELOBOY46 says:

Aug 23, 2010. 6:16 PM REPLY I LIKE TO KNOW IF U CAN USE UR WATER BASED BATTERY ON OTHER GADGET LIKE SMALL FLASH LIGHT WITH LED LIGHT OR MAYBE UR MP3 PLAYER OR SMALL POCKET RADIO THANKS

http://www.instructables.com/id/Water-Powered-Calculator/

n33r says:

Aug 8, 2010. 1:22 AM REPLY Does It Make Any Difference With More Carbon Rods ??? & Should Aluminium Foil Touch Carbon Rod Or Not Neccesary?? Btw Awesome Instructable Really Usefull For Daily Life & Helps Recycling old AA battery

yvarcot says:
Is it non the top and take better pic's!! And write MORE information!!

Jul 24, 2010. 1:36 AM REPLY

angelo10 says:

Jul 21, 2010. 6:47 AM REPLY As long you are using carbon-zink or alkaline it is totaly safe. I might make a instructable for opening a battery properly. I opened it without breaking. lol

tomtortoise says:

Jul 20, 2010. 12:15 PM REPLY yo i found some battery and there was this white sticky stuff (don't say it) arount the carbon rod so wen i pulled it out the rod broke in half. is this a problem. also i got some on my hand so im wonderin if it will kill me.

angelo10 says:
I just used some excess wire (gray) from another school project.

Jul 20, 2010. 4:10 AM REPLY

redlizard5 says:
what wires did u use the reds or blacks

Jul 19, 2010. 10:10 PM REPLY

angelo10 says:
About .5 amps About 1.1 volts Last about 3 days (tap water) and 2 weeks (vinegar) Carbon-Zinc are common here. It should do nicely.

Jul 17, 2010. 6:19 PM REPLY

aliyevzaur1989 says:
how long can it last??? and how many mA per hour it can give?

Jul 14, 2010. 7:14 AM REPLY

Pale_Flyer says:
so, what kind of battery should we get the rod from?

Jul 13, 2010. 12:06 PM REPLY

xxjackxx says:
carbon-zinc batteries should do nicely

Jul 13, 2010. 7:27 PM REPLY

Kasm279 says:
Can you use the rods from an alkaline battery, though? Carbon-zinc batteries seem to be hard to find :\

Jul 14, 2010. 12:21 AM REPLY

Kasm279 says:
Whoops, nevermind. I should have read the other comments first >.>

Jul 14, 2010. 12:23 AM REPLY

smartrobot says:
what Is the voltage output

Jul 13, 2010. 4:32 PM REPLY

Pale_Flyer says:
try copper and zinc with an acid, like lemon juice or vinegar...

Jul 13, 2010. 12:08 PM REPLY

view all 74 comments

http://www.instructables.com/id/Water-Powered-Calculator/