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Windowbream |
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This
design is intended as a low cost introductory event for
primary and secondary schools, after school clubs or
individuals. ![]() Using a Windowlene bottle,
a cheap cordless screwdriver, and other odds and ends you
can make a swimming fish.
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The
flapping tail movement that propels the fish is achieved
by rotating a bent wire through a slot within the hollow
flexible tail. The tail is
made of strips of thin plastic sheet sandwiching a foam
strip at the top and bottom edges so leaving a slot for
the bent wire to run in. The cordless screwdriver
can be striped down to give a nice geared motor and
rechargeable batteries, which can be sealed into the
Windowlene body. The end of the bent wire
(from ring-main cable) can then be epoxied into the
screwdriver end. Add the fins, rearrange
the handle to give the head and mouth and ballast it with
plasticiene so it floats correctly and off you go! For added refinement you
can use a magnetically operated reed switch (eg an
intruder alarm door switch) so that you can turn the
motor on and off without having to break the seal into
the bottle. Full details can be
requested by e-mail to adrian@craftytech.co.uk |
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