WIP: Modding a Disney Compass

[HIGH5orDIE]

I am taking on a "little" project. I want my plastic Disney compass to appear more realistic but not only that I want it to spin aimlessly at the flick of a switch or possibly using magnets. Not much in the way of funds for this project as I write but should really get going here in a week or so. I started preparing the surface for paint and making room the internals... whatever it is I decide to use it's gonna have to be pretty compact.




My initial thought was to use the internals from one of these [see video below] but it's way too big and not to mention loud. So I'm thinking a micro computer fan, a 9v battery and a momentary button. Also as I stated earlier I think there may be a way to rig up magnets to get the thing to spin on its own using negative resistance but haven't really looked into it.
If you have some input, screenshots that show good detail on the compass, or a question let me know.

[Banditxx1]

I also modified the plastic compass, but for me it´s not necessary, that the needle spins and turns...

So here´s my result:

 

[HIGH5orDIE]

Nice! I like the compass rose on yours. Do you have that image on file?

[Banditxx1]

No sorry.... but I know, that you can find the different compass roses in the www. There are at least three different versions ...

You´ll find these informations here:

http://jacksparrowcostuming.wikispaces.com/Compass

[Mondas42]

How will you gear down the fan? Most computer fans have a very high rpm and will make the spinner almost take off if not geared down

[Blade Savvy]

2 speeds.... Off and Take Off!!! Why are we not out on a Friday night???   

[HIGH5orDIE]

I am not 100% sure it will work but I am gonna try making what I believe is called a magnetic vortex... sounds complicated but it isn't.

I will create a sort of spindle with the compass rose disc combined with two acorn head nuts, one for the top of the spindle and one for the bottom. A magnet will be centered in a static position on the underside of the compass rose. The spindle will likely rest on a stack of washers with the head of the bottom acorn nut resting in the beveled center of the washers, which may require some bearing grease to allow it to spin freely... not sure until I test it. The top acorn head nut will be affixed in the center of the top/face of the compass rose, it will rest directly under and in the base of the sun dial, which will also be the beveled center of a washer. Inside I will affix magnets in a circular pattern with the northern polarity facing inward which in turn should compress the magnetic wave to the center causing the static magnet to spin... forever.  

I sketched up a rough diagram as






And here is youtube vid of a dude doing something similar...

[HIGH5orDIE]

Mentioning magnetic vortex's quiets people pretty quick... gonna have to try that on the wife  

[liarr]

many of us have a magnet in the compass, just under the dial, matching up with an opposing magnet in our palm gloves.
I used rare earth magnets, which are quite strong - it sometimes feels like the compass will jump out of my hand, cause MAGIC.

[Sponsored content]