As I mentioned in the previous article about evaluating a faulty DVD ROM, I am discovering little-known components 🙂 There is an optical head drive motor in the mechanical section of the DVD ROM. It is also called a lead screw stepper motor.
It is used to move the laser optical head precisely along the inner–outer axis on the disc. There are 2 coils inside the motor. It can be easily disassembled without damage. The wire used is enamel-coated copper, wound approximately 250 turns, and is estimated to be 0.10…0.20mm in diameter.
Although they may seem insignificant at first glance, these small coils are quite useful for experimental electronic projects.
What Can Be Done With the Coils Taken From the Motor?
Contents
- Small electromagnet
- Mini relay systems
- Magnetic lock experiments
- Electromagnetic sensor applications
- Micro robotic projects
- RF and FM circuit experiments
Thanks to the thin wire and high number of turns, these coils are suitable for high-impedance circuits. Especially in applications such as:
- LC oscillator circuits
- FM transmitter experiments
- Radio frequency filters
- Detector circuits
they can be used easily.
What Happens If a Core Is Inserted Into the Coil?
When a ferromagnetic core is placed inside the coil:
- The inductance value increases
- The magnetic field becomes stronger
- Operation at lower frequencies becomes possible
In this way, the coil can turn into a small electromagnet or a low-frequency filter coil.
Mini Tesla Coil Experiments
These coils connected in series can be used as auxiliary windings in low-power Tesla coil or high-frequency oscillator experiments.
Of course, they do not produce high energy on their own, but they are quite suitable for experimental work.
Pulse or Shock Circuits
Series-connected coils can be used as energy storage elements in small boost oscillators.
Such applications generally remain at low-power and experimental levels.
Small but Valuable Parts for Electronics Enthusiasts
Like other computer components, DVD-ROM mechanisms that appear to be scrap are actually almost like a small parts warehouse for those interested in electronics.
These micro coils taken from them are especially ideal for use in experimental projects.
Most of the time, the most interesting projects begin by disassembling a device that would otherwise be thrown away and examining the parts inside it.
