hand2mind ETA Handheld DC Crank Generator

At first, I thought the leads did not work, so I tried different leads, but also switched the bulb I was trying to light. It worked, so I thought the original leads were bad. Turns out it was my bulb in my snap circuit set. The generator works!

I do not like to leave negative reviews, but I am unable to contact help with product. There is no black and red screw on the generator- instead it has a two prong plug in. The product works, but it only produces 6.3 volts, and it is advertised as 12 volts. I am disappointed also in that I received a product other than what was on the picture in the sellers advertisement here on amazon. I cannot find where I can contact the seller as well. Both of these issues have taught me a lesson when ordering.

I really like this product and my son loved it as well The issue I have is that the light bulb is exposed in the generator. After about an hour of playing with it, my son accidentally dropped it and the light bulb broke. I think that is a poor design quality. I was expecting the bulb to be I closed like a flashlight.

I bought two. One had a problem with the alligator cables, I took them apart and resoldered the connectors. Also, they come unlubricated and are hard to crank; I suggest taking the unit apart as soon as you get it, and using some silicone lube, or even just a bit of motor oil will make a huge difference. If you buy two units, you will be able to demonstrate conversion of mechanical energy to electrical and back to mechanical (the DC generator is also a motor). Invariably, the first time kids see the demo, they react as if I showed them a cool magic trick.

This little zapper has me reminiscing of 7th grade physical science class. There weren’t any project’s done with it but instead, the teacher used it as a way to remove “black” marks a student would incur for not doing homework or misbehaving in class. 3 “quick flips” would erase 1 mark as long as you didn’t drop the alligator clips. That guy was tons of fun! I of course didn’t need to have any removal of “black” marks but it was hilarious watching the non compliant get zapped! He’d be in jail for his behavior modifications in today’s weak society. I think he was a genius however. LOL