Full information at http://amasci.com/coilgen/ main project website,
also see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) at http://bit.ly/oYU1RM
.
Time-wastage archive of odd physics videos: http://amasci.com/physvids/
.
Build this DIY ultra-simple AC electric generator from magnets, wire, and cardboard. (And a big nail!) Light a small lightbulb, or flash a red LED.

This simple project demonstrates how electric generators work. All you need is a stack of strong ceramic magnets and a coil of very thin wire. See the website for complete parts list. Also see the section about debugging, and the FAQ at http://amasci.com/coilgen/generator_3.html#faq

Now if you want a more useful device, instead get a small DC motor. Use it as a generator, since it has much better magnetics design. All motors are generators. Figure out how to spin a motor’s shaft, and you can make a small powerful generator.

.

See my links page for many generator projects on other websites, at http://amasci.com/coilgen/generator_4.html Also… figure out how to convert the cardboard generator into a motor!

.

Lots more stuff at SCIENCE HOBBYIST http://amasci.com/unew.html

.

Note: trolls/spammers blocked immediately, zero tolerance