one-day course

pedal-powered generators

venue: Hackney City Farm, London

Want to make your own emissions-free electricity, independent of fossil fuels and expensive solar arrays and wind turbines?
Discover how to use your own bike as part of a small power station, capable of powering computers, stereos, TVs and other small household appliances. This method makes a great use of your bike when you’re not riding it around town. In just one day find out all you need to know to assemble a bike-powered generator. The classroom will be bike-powered throughout the day.

The course is run by those magnificent guys and gals at Magnificent Revolution, and covers:

  • national grid vs micro-power generation: a brief history of the development of the national grid and the benefits of local electricity generation
  • health & safety
  • basic electronics for beginners: know your watts from your volts
  • bike requirements: is your bike suitable or not?
  • turbo-training stands: where to find them; building your own and how to modify them
  • motors: converting electric motors to dynamos
  • storing electricity: how to convert DC to AC using inverters; what batteries to use
  • what can you power?

Basic DIY skills would be an advantage but are not necessary to take part in the course.

dates: see 'book online' below

more on pedal-powered generators


how to book:
  

if you can't open the booking form, you need Acrobat Reader - it's free
arrive:
  
for a 10am prompt start
depart:
  
after the course finishes at 5pm
directions:
  
click here for directions to Hackney City Farm
what to bring:
  
work clothes; pen and notebook; packed lunch (if you're not using the cafe)
let us know:
  
if you have any special needs
price:
  
£60
Refundable up to two weeks prior to course (minus £30 admin fee)
No refunds for cancellations within two weeks of course
lunch:
  
bring a packed lunch or you can get lunch at the cafe
car sharing:
  
visit our car sharing forum to offer or request a lift
 

 

 

 


bicycle generator powering a light-bulb




 

 



eight bicycle generators wired together

 

 

 

 

 


training stand with motor mounted on a wooden platform