Ambient Power Module
The Ambient Power Module (APM) is a straightforward electronic circuit that, when connected to an antenna and an earth ground, can deliver a low voltage output of up to several milliwatts. An optimal setup involves a long wire antenna approximately 100 feet in length, positioned horizontally about 30 feet above the ground. In some locations, a longer antenna may be necessary. Any type of copper wire, whether insulated or not, can be utilized for the antenna. The circuit comprises two oppositely polarized voltage doublers. The DC output of each doubler is connected in series to maximize voltage without the need for transformers. Voltage doublers were commonly used in older television sets to convert 120 VAC to 240 VDC, operating at a frequency of 60 Hz. In contrast, the APM operates at radio frequencies, primarily receiving power from frequencies below 1 MHz. The basic circuit can be integrated with various voltage regulation schemes, some of which are illustrated. Using the APM-2 to charge small NiCad batteries provides effective voltage regulation and convenient electrical storage. This is achieved by connecting the APM-2 as illustrated. Charging lead-acid batteries is impractical due to their high internal leakage, which exceeds the APM's capability. Furthermore, this system does not supply sufficient power for incandescent lights, except in areas with very high radio noise. However, it can power small electronic devices with CMOS circuitry, such as clocks and calculators, as well as smoke alarms and low-voltage LEDs. A characteristic power curve for the APM, measured with various loads from 0 to 19 kOhm, indicates that power drops significantly as load resistance decreases from 2 kOhm, making low-voltage, high-impedance devices the most suitable applications for this power source. The APM-2 can be integrated into devices like digital clocks, which draw minimal current. The construction of the APM-2 can be approached through various wiring techniques, including hand wiring onto a terminal strip, using a breadboard, or utilizing printed circuit boards. If constructing only one or two units, hand wiring is the most practical method. It is crucial to observe the correct polarity on the electrolytic capacitor during assembly. Several methods for constructing the APM-2 are depicted, including terminal strip, perforated breadboard, experiment board, and printed circuits. The antenna must be adequately sized to provide sufficient RF current for the germanium diodes to function effectively. A long horizontal wire positioned at a higher elevation is most effective. Standard insulators or homemade devices can be used for mounting the wire, and a good ground can be established by connecting to water or gas pipes. In buildings with plastic pipes, alternative grounding methods must be employed, such as driving a metal rod into the ground. Grounding can be enhanced in dry conditions by burying salts around the rod to improve conductivity and moisture retention.
The Ambient Power Module (APM) is designed to harness ambient radio frequency (RF) energy and convert it into usable electrical power. This is achieved through the incorporation of two voltage doublers, which are configured in a series arrangement to increase the output voltage without the need for transformers. The voltage doublers utilize germanium diodes, which are sensitive to low-level RF signals, allowing the APM to operate effectively at frequencies below 1 MHz.
The antenna plays a critical role in the performance of the APM. A long wire antenna, approximately 100 feet in length and elevated at least 30 feet above ground, is recommended to capture maximum RF energy. The choice of antenna material, such as copper wire, is flexible, allowing for both insulated and uninsulated options. The configuration of the antenna can significantly influence the amount of power harvested, with longer antennas providing better performance in certain environments.
For practical applications, the APM can be used to charge small nickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries, making it suitable for low-power storage applications. However, it is important to note that the APM is not suitable for charging lead-acid batteries due to their high leakage rates. The module is ideal for powering low-voltage electronic devices that require minimal current, such as digital clocks, calculators, smoke alarms, and low-voltage LEDs.
The construction of the APM can be tailored to the builder's preferences, with various assembly techniques available. Hand wiring on a terminal strip or breadboard is recommended for small-scale projects, while printed circuit boards may be used for larger or more permanent installations. Attention to detail, such as the correct orientation of electrolytic capacitors and careful soldering practices, is essential during assembly to ensure reliable operation.
Grounding is another crucial aspect of the APM's performance. A solid ground connection enhances the module's ability to function effectively. This can be achieved by connecting to existing plumbing or electrical grounding systems. In cases where plastic piping is present, alternative grounding methods, such as driving a metal rod into the earth, should be considered. Enhancements to grounding can be made in dry conditions by incorporating salts to improve conductivity.
Overall, the Ambient Power Module represents an innovative approach to harnessing ambient energy for low-power applications, with a focus on simplicity and versatility in its construction and implementation.The Ambient Power Module (APM) is a simple electronic circuit which, when connected to antenna and earth ground, will deliver low voltage up to several milliwatts. Generally a long wire antenna about 100` long and elevated in a horizontalposition about 30` above ground works best.
A longer antenna may be requiredin some locations. Any type copper w ire, insulated or not, may be used for the antenna. More details about the antenna and ground will be discussedfurther on. The actual circuit consists of two oppositely polarized voltage doublers (Figure 1). The DC output of each doubler is connected in series with the other to maximize voltage without using transformers. Single voltage doublers were often found in older TV sets for converting 120 VAC to 240 VDC. In the TV circuit the operating frequency is 60 Hz. The APM operates at radio frequencies, receiving most of its power from below 1 MHz. The basic circuit may be combined with a variety of voltage regulation schemes, some of which are shown in Figure 2.
Using the APM-2 to charge small NiCad batteries provides effective voltage regulation as well as convenient electrical storage. This is accomplished by connecting the APM-2 as shown in Figure 2B. Charging lead acid batteries is not practical because their internal leakage is too high for the APM to keep up with.
Similarly, this system will not provide enough power for incandescent lights except in areas of very high radio noise. It can be used to power small electronic devices with CMOS circuitry, like clocks and calculators. Smoke alarms and low voltage LEDs also can be powered by the APM. Figure 3 is a characteristic APM power curve measured using various loads from 0-19 kOhm. This unit was operating from a 100` horizontal wire about 25` high in Sausalito CA. As can be seen from the plot, power drops rapidly as the load resistance decrease from 2 kOhm. This means that low voltage, high impedance devices, like digital clocks, calculators and smoke alarms are the most likely applications for this power source.
Figure 4. A digital clock is shown powered by the APM-2. The 1. 5 volt clock draws 28 microamps. Its position on the power envelope curve would be off the scale to the right Figure 6 shows a clock which has the APM-2 built into it so it is only necessary to connect the antenna and ground wires directly to the clock. The antenna for this clock, which is a low frequency marine type, is shown in Figure 7. These antenna are expensive, not generally available, and usually don`t work any better than the long wire mentioned above.
But it may be necessary to use them in urban areas where space is limited and radio noise is high. The builder has a choice of wiring techniques which may be used to construct the module. It may be hand wired onto a terminal strip, laid out on a bread board, experiment board, or printed circuit. Figure 8 shows some of the different ways of constructing the APM-2. Figure 8A is constructed on a screw strip terminal; Figure 8B is constructed on a perforated breadboard; Figure 8C is built on a standard experiment board; Figures 8D, 8E, and 8F are all printed circuits; Figure 8F is made up on a solder strip terminal.
If you wish to make only one or two units, hand wiring will be most practical, either on a terminal strip or breadboard. Assembly on the terminal strip (Figure 8A) can be done easily and without soldering. It is important to get the polarity correct on the electrolytic capacitor. The arrow printed on the side of the capacitor points to negative. The breadboard unit is shown in Figure 10 with all components on one side and all connections on the other.
All you need is a 2" x 2" piece of perforated breadboard (Radio Shack #276-1395) and the components on the parts list. Push component wires through the holes and twist them together on the other side. Just follow the pattern in the photo, making sure to observe the correct polarity on the electrolytic capacitors and the diodes.
The ceramic capacitors may be inserted in either direction. The experiment board unit is assembled by simply pushing the component leads into the board as shown in Figure 11. This unit is powering a small red LED indicated by the arrow. The solder strip unit is made up on a five terminal strip. The antenna connection is made to the twisted ends of the ceramic capacitors. When soldering the leads of the 1N34 diodes, care must be taken to avoid overheating. Clip a heat sink onto the lead between the diode and the terminal as shown in Figure 12. The antenna needs to be of sufficient size to supply the APM with enough RF current to cause conduction in the germanium diodes and charge the ground coupling capacitors.
It has been found that a long horizontal wire works best. It will work better when raised higher. In most location, possible supporting structures already exist. The wire may be stretched between the top of a building and some nearby tree or telephone pole. If live wires are present on the building or pole, care should be taken to keep your antenna and body well clear of these hazards. To mount the wire, standard commercial insulators may be sued as well as homemade devices. Plastic pipe makes an excellent antenna insulator. Synthetic rope also works very well, and has the advantage of being secured simply by tying a knot. It is convenient to mount a pulley at some elevated point so the antenna wire may be pulled up to it using the rope which doubles as an insulator (Figure 16).
Usually a good ground can be established by connecting a wire to the water or gas pipes of a building. Solder or screw the wire to the APM-2 ground terminal. In buildings with plastic pipes or joints, some other hookup must be used. A metal rod or pipe may be driven into the ground in a shady location where the earth usually is damper.
Special copper coated steel rods are made for grounds which have the advantage of good bonding to copper wire. A ground of this type usually is found within the electrical system of most buildings. Conduit is a convenient ground provided that the conduit is properly grounded. This may be checked with an ohmmeter by testing continuity between the conduit and system ground (ground rod).
Just as with the antenna, keep the ground wire away form the hot wires. The APM`s ground wire may pass through conduit with other wires but should only be installed by qualified personnel. Grounding in extremely dry ground can be enhanced by burying some salts around the rod. The slats will increase the conductivity of the ground and also help retain water. More information on this subject may be found in an antenna handbook. Good luck getting your Ambient Power Module working. It is our hope that experimenters will find new applications and improve the power capabilities of the APM.
🔗 External reference
The Ambient Power Module (APM) is designed to harness ambient radio frequency (RF) energy and convert it into usable electrical power. This is achieved through the incorporation of two voltage doublers, which are configured in a series arrangement to increase the output voltage without the need for transformers. The voltage doublers utilize germanium diodes, which are sensitive to low-level RF signals, allowing the APM to operate effectively at frequencies below 1 MHz.
The antenna plays a critical role in the performance of the APM. A long wire antenna, approximately 100 feet in length and elevated at least 30 feet above ground, is recommended to capture maximum RF energy. The choice of antenna material, such as copper wire, is flexible, allowing for both insulated and uninsulated options. The configuration of the antenna can significantly influence the amount of power harvested, with longer antennas providing better performance in certain environments.
For practical applications, the APM can be used to charge small nickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries, making it suitable for low-power storage applications. However, it is important to note that the APM is not suitable for charging lead-acid batteries due to their high leakage rates. The module is ideal for powering low-voltage electronic devices that require minimal current, such as digital clocks, calculators, smoke alarms, and low-voltage LEDs.
The construction of the APM can be tailored to the builder's preferences, with various assembly techniques available. Hand wiring on a terminal strip or breadboard is recommended for small-scale projects, while printed circuit boards may be used for larger or more permanent installations. Attention to detail, such as the correct orientation of electrolytic capacitors and careful soldering practices, is essential during assembly to ensure reliable operation.
Grounding is another crucial aspect of the APM's performance. A solid ground connection enhances the module's ability to function effectively. This can be achieved by connecting to existing plumbing or electrical grounding systems. In cases where plastic piping is present, alternative grounding methods, such as driving a metal rod into the earth, should be considered. Enhancements to grounding can be made in dry conditions by incorporating salts to improve conductivity.
Overall, the Ambient Power Module represents an innovative approach to harnessing ambient energy for low-power applications, with a focus on simplicity and versatility in its construction and implementation.The Ambient Power Module (APM) is a simple electronic circuit which, when connected to antenna and earth ground, will deliver low voltage up to several milliwatts. Generally a long wire antenna about 100` long and elevated in a horizontalposition about 30` above ground works best.
A longer antenna may be requiredin some locations. Any type copper w ire, insulated or not, may be used for the antenna. More details about the antenna and ground will be discussedfurther on. The actual circuit consists of two oppositely polarized voltage doublers (Figure 1). The DC output of each doubler is connected in series with the other to maximize voltage without using transformers. Single voltage doublers were often found in older TV sets for converting 120 VAC to 240 VDC. In the TV circuit the operating frequency is 60 Hz. The APM operates at radio frequencies, receiving most of its power from below 1 MHz. The basic circuit may be combined with a variety of voltage regulation schemes, some of which are shown in Figure 2.
Using the APM-2 to charge small NiCad batteries provides effective voltage regulation as well as convenient electrical storage. This is accomplished by connecting the APM-2 as shown in Figure 2B. Charging lead acid batteries is not practical because their internal leakage is too high for the APM to keep up with.
Similarly, this system will not provide enough power for incandescent lights except in areas of very high radio noise. It can be used to power small electronic devices with CMOS circuitry, like clocks and calculators. Smoke alarms and low voltage LEDs also can be powered by the APM. Figure 3 is a characteristic APM power curve measured using various loads from 0-19 kOhm. This unit was operating from a 100` horizontal wire about 25` high in Sausalito CA. As can be seen from the plot, power drops rapidly as the load resistance decrease from 2 kOhm. This means that low voltage, high impedance devices, like digital clocks, calculators and smoke alarms are the most likely applications for this power source.
Figure 4. A digital clock is shown powered by the APM-2. The 1. 5 volt clock draws 28 microamps. Its position on the power envelope curve would be off the scale to the right Figure 6 shows a clock which has the APM-2 built into it so it is only necessary to connect the antenna and ground wires directly to the clock. The antenna for this clock, which is a low frequency marine type, is shown in Figure 7. These antenna are expensive, not generally available, and usually don`t work any better than the long wire mentioned above.
But it may be necessary to use them in urban areas where space is limited and radio noise is high. The builder has a choice of wiring techniques which may be used to construct the module. It may be hand wired onto a terminal strip, laid out on a bread board, experiment board, or printed circuit. Figure 8 shows some of the different ways of constructing the APM-2. Figure 8A is constructed on a screw strip terminal; Figure 8B is constructed on a perforated breadboard; Figure 8C is built on a standard experiment board; Figures 8D, 8E, and 8F are all printed circuits; Figure 8F is made up on a solder strip terminal.
If you wish to make only one or two units, hand wiring will be most practical, either on a terminal strip or breadboard. Assembly on the terminal strip (Figure 8A) can be done easily and without soldering. It is important to get the polarity correct on the electrolytic capacitor. The arrow printed on the side of the capacitor points to negative. The breadboard unit is shown in Figure 10 with all components on one side and all connections on the other.
All you need is a 2" x 2" piece of perforated breadboard (Radio Shack #276-1395) and the components on the parts list. Push component wires through the holes and twist them together on the other side. Just follow the pattern in the photo, making sure to observe the correct polarity on the electrolytic capacitors and the diodes.
The ceramic capacitors may be inserted in either direction. The experiment board unit is assembled by simply pushing the component leads into the board as shown in Figure 11. This unit is powering a small red LED indicated by the arrow. The solder strip unit is made up on a five terminal strip. The antenna connection is made to the twisted ends of the ceramic capacitors. When soldering the leads of the 1N34 diodes, care must be taken to avoid overheating. Clip a heat sink onto the lead between the diode and the terminal as shown in Figure 12. The antenna needs to be of sufficient size to supply the APM with enough RF current to cause conduction in the germanium diodes and charge the ground coupling capacitors.
It has been found that a long horizontal wire works best. It will work better when raised higher. In most location, possible supporting structures already exist. The wire may be stretched between the top of a building and some nearby tree or telephone pole. If live wires are present on the building or pole, care should be taken to keep your antenna and body well clear of these hazards. To mount the wire, standard commercial insulators may be sued as well as homemade devices. Plastic pipe makes an excellent antenna insulator. Synthetic rope also works very well, and has the advantage of being secured simply by tying a knot. It is convenient to mount a pulley at some elevated point so the antenna wire may be pulled up to it using the rope which doubles as an insulator (Figure 16).
Usually a good ground can be established by connecting a wire to the water or gas pipes of a building. Solder or screw the wire to the APM-2 ground terminal. In buildings with plastic pipes or joints, some other hookup must be used. A metal rod or pipe may be driven into the ground in a shady location where the earth usually is damper.
Special copper coated steel rods are made for grounds which have the advantage of good bonding to copper wire. A ground of this type usually is found within the electrical system of most buildings. Conduit is a convenient ground provided that the conduit is properly grounded. This may be checked with an ohmmeter by testing continuity between the conduit and system ground (ground rod).
Just as with the antenna, keep the ground wire away form the hot wires. The APM`s ground wire may pass through conduit with other wires but should only be installed by qualified personnel. Grounding in extremely dry ground can be enhanced by burying some salts around the rod. The slats will increase the conductivity of the ground and also help retain water. More information on this subject may be found in an antenna handbook. Good luck getting your Ambient Power Module working. It is our hope that experimenters will find new applications and improve the power capabilities of the APM.
🔗 External reference
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