4M Green Science SOLAR ROVER

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41-03286/1 100107

A. SAFETY WARNINGS

1. Adult supervision and assistance are required at all times.

2. This kit is intended for children aged 8 years or older.

3. This kit and its finished product contain small parts which may cause choking if misused. Keep away from

children under 3 years old.

4. Do not attempt to take the solar panel apart.

Also required, but not included in this kit: small crosshead screwdriver, 1 x empty soda can

Place your Solar Rover outdoors on a sunny day and watch it zip along. No batteries are required —the

Solar Rover’s solar panel turns sunlight into the electricity that runs the motor. Recycle a soda can to make

your Solar Rover unique. It’s a science project that’s green as well as fun!

C. ASSEMBLY

ASSEMBLING THE CHASSIS

1. Look at the chassis. The end with the motor housing and the pre-installed axle is the rear of the Solar Rover.

Carefully insert the motor into the motor housing. The worm gear on the motor's spindle must interlock with the

gear wheel on the rear axle. Lubricate the gears with some cooking oil/lotion from home.

2. Place the motor cover over the motor with the cut-outs in the cover facing to the rear. The wires from the motor

should come out through one of the cut-outs. Secure the cover with two short screws.

3. Push the axle through the slot in the front of the chassis and push a wheel onto each end of the axle.

4. Push a wheel onto each end of the rear axle.

5. Make the solar panel support arm: the support arm is made of the base joint, a short arm section, a long arm

section and a top joint. Push the base joint onto one end of the short arm section. Push the other end of the short

arm section onto one end of the long arm. Push the top joint onto the spare end of the long arm.

6. Attach the reflective stickers on the reflector panels. Clip the two reflectors onto the sides of the solar panel

holder. Then clip the holder onto the top joint of the supporting arm.

7. Attach the solar panel to its holder plate using the strips of double-sided tape.

8. After the whole solar panel support unit is assembled, attach the base joint to the slot on top of the motor cover.

The solar panel unit should now stand on top of the motor cover.

9. Push the black wire from the solar panel and the black wire from the motor into one of the terminals. Push in a

terminal cap to trap and connect the wires. Repeat with the two red wires in the other terminal.

To Parents: Read all instructions

before providing guidance to your children.

B. CONTENTS

1 x chassis with rear axle in place

1 x axle

4 x wheels

1 x motor with wires

and worm gear

1 x motor cover

1 set solar panel support arm components (1 X base joint,

1 X short arm section, 1 X long arm section and 1 X top joint)

1 X solar panel holder 2 X reflector panels

1 X transparent chassis body

2 X terminal caps

1 X adhesive foam

1 x long screw 1 X medium screw 2 x short screws

11. There is also a transparent plastic body sheet provided in this kit that you can use to make a body

shell. Fold the plastic sheet along the edges as diagram.

12. Fit one side of the plastic cover onto the pins on one side of the chassis. Bend the cover over and fit

the other side onto the pins on the opposite side of the chassis. Why not stick some your favorite stickers

on the body to make your Solar Rover look cool.

Congratulations! Your Solar Rover is ready to go.

D. OPERATION

Put your Solar Rover in the sunshine. Twist and tilt the solar panel so that the panel faces the Sun. This

allows the panel to collect as much sunlight as possible. Adjust the reflectors so that they reflect

sunshine onto the solar panel. The motor should start running, making the Solar Rover move forwards.

When you are not using your Solar Rover, keep it out of the sunshine so that the motor doesn't operate.

Don't use the Solar Rover outdoors when it is raining as water may damage the solar panel and motor.

You may also use the Solar Rover indoors or at an indoor school

science fair. Ask an adult for a desk lamp with a 60-watt

incandescent light bulb (not a fluorescent energy saving bulb). The

bulb will act as a simulated Sun. Shine the lamp close directly onto

the solar panel from close up. The light should be enough to drive the

Solar Rover. Warning: An adult’s permission and supervision is

required when using a desk lamp.

E. TROUBLESHOOTING

If your solar rover does not move:

• Check that the bare wires from the solar panel and the motor are touching their terminal caps.

• The floor surface may be too rough or uneven. A rough surface will create friction which affects the

performance of your Rover.

• Try giving the Solar Rover a gentle push to get it started.

• The sunlight may not be strong enough. Adjust the angle of the panel so that it faces directly at the Sun.

If it's cloudy you may have to wait until a sunnier day.

• Check that the gears are lubricated. Friction between the gear wheels will affect the performance of the

motor.

If your solar rover runs backwards:

• The wires from the solar panel are in the wrong terminals. Swap them over (but keep the wires from the

motor in the same terminals).

F. HOW YOUR SOLAR ROVER WORKS

The solar panel is made up of solar cells. When sunlight hits the solar cells, the cells create an electric

current. The current makes the motor turn, which turns the wheels. The gears make the wheels turn more

slowly than the motor. This allows the motor to turn the wheels more easily.

G. FUN FACTS

• Energy we get from the Sun is called solar energy. It's a renewable form of energy because the Sun keeps

shining all the time.

• Only about one billionth (a thousandth of a millionth) of the energy the Sun gives out hits the Earth.

• When light hits a solar cell, the solar cell works like a battery. In the Solar Rover, it pushes electricity

through the motor.

• Solar cells are made from a material called silicon. Most silicon used to make them comes from sand.

• We use solar cells to make electricity in all sorts of gadgets, from watches to garden lights.

• Experimental solar vehicles work just like Solar Rover. They have roofs made from solar panels that

provide electricity to work their electric motors.

• In 2007 and 2008 Solartaxi drove right around the world just using its solar panels. It also used it solar

panels to recharge its batteries.

• NASA's robot rovers called Spirit and Opportunity drive across the surface of Mars using electricity from

solar cells.

We value you as a customer and your satisfaction with this product is important to us. If you have comments or questions,

or you find any part of this kit missing or defective, please do not hesitate to contact our distributor in your country.

You will find the address printed on the package. You are also welcome to contact our Marketing Support Team: Email:

infodesk@4m-ind.com, Fax (852) 25911566, Tel: (852) 28936241, Web site: WWW.4M-IND.COM

Questions & CommentsQuestions & Comments

ASSEMBLING THE BODY

10. We encourage recycling, so use an empty soda can to make the body of your Solar Rover.

Clean the soda can first. Then place the soda can onto the chassis with its hole to the rear,

so that the rim of the can is just below the slot in the motor cover. Secure the can in place

with one long screw at the front of the chassis and one medium screw under the rear.

Reflective

sticker

Adhesvie foam

2 X reflective stickers

1 X solar panel

Long screwMedium screw

Solar Rover INS -A_175L 07-01-2010 C M Y K

Solar Rover INS -B_175L 07-01-2010 C M Y K

Need help?

Do you have a question about the 4M Green Science SOLAR ROVER and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Safety Warnings

General Safety Guidelines

Covers adult supervision, age limits, choking hazards, and panel tampering for safe usage.

Operation

Solar Rover Operation

Instructions for operating the rover in sunshine or under a desk lamp for optimal performance.

Troubleshooting

Rover Not Moving

Checks for wire connections, surface, push start, sunlight strength, and gear lubrication issues.

Rover Running Backwards

Addresses incorrect wiring connections between the solar panel and motor terminals.

How Your Solar Rover Works

Working Principle

Explains solar cells converting sunlight to electricity, powering the motor and wheels via gears.

Fun Facts

Solar Energy Facts

Highlights solar energy as renewable, Earth's energy intake, solar cells as batteries, silicon origin, and examples of solar-powered devices.

Assembly

Assembling the Chassis

Detailed steps for assembling the rover chassis, including motor installation, wheel attachment, and solar panel support assembly.

Assembling the Body

Instructions for attaching a recycled soda can as the body shell, securing it to the chassis with screws.

Summary

Safety Warnings

General Safety Guidelines

Covers adult supervision, age limits, choking hazards, and panel tampering for safe usage.

Operation

Solar Rover Operation

Instructions for operating the rover in sunshine or under a desk lamp for optimal performance.

Troubleshooting

Rover Not Moving

Checks for wire connections, surface, push start, sunlight strength, and gear lubrication issues.

Rover Running Backwards

Addresses incorrect wiring connections between the solar panel and motor terminals.

How Your Solar Rover Works

Working Principle

Explains solar cells converting sunlight to electricity, powering the motor and wheels via gears.

Fun Facts

Solar Energy Facts

Highlights solar energy as renewable, Earth's energy intake, solar cells as batteries, silicon origin, and examples of solar-powered devices.

Assembly

Assembling the Chassis

Detailed steps for assembling the rover chassis, including motor installation, wheel attachment, and solar panel support assembly.

Assembling the Body

Instructions for attaching a recycled soda can as the body shell, securing it to the chassis with screws.

The Green Science Solar Rover is an educational kit designed to demonstrate the principles of solar energy and mechanics through the assembly of a functional, solar-powered vehicle. This kit encourages recycling by incorporating an empty soda can as the vehicle's body, making it both a science project and a fun, eco-friendly activity.

Function Description:

The Solar Rover operates by converting sunlight into electrical energy, which then powers a motor to drive the wheels. The solar panel, composed of solar cells, generates an electric current when exposed to sunlight. This current is directed to a motor, which in turn rotates a worm gear that interlocks with a gear wheel on the rear axle, causing the wheels to turn. The gearing mechanism ensures that the wheels turn at a slower, more manageable speed than the motor itself, allowing for controlled movement. The vehicle is designed to move forwards when the solar panel is properly oriented towards the sun. It can be used outdoors on sunny days or indoors with a strong incandescent light source (60-watt bulb recommended) to simulate sunlight.

Important Technical Specifications:

The kit includes a solar panel, a motor with wires and a worm gear, a chassis with a pre-installed rear axle, four wheels, a solar panel holder, two reflector panels, reflective stickers, terminal caps, a set of solar panel support arm components (base joint, short arm section, long arm section, top joint), various screws (long, medium, short), a motor cover, a transparent chassis body, and adhesive foam. The solar panel is the primary power source, converting solar energy into electricity. The motor is a DC motor designed to operate with the current generated by the solar panel. The gear system, consisting of a worm gear on the motor spindle and a gear wheel on the rear axle, is crucial for transmitting power efficiently to the wheels and adjusting rotational speed. The chassis provides the structural base for all components, while the transparent body allows for observation of the internal mechanisms.

Usage Features:

Solar Power: The Solar Rover is entirely solar-powered, requiring no batteries. This highlights the concept of renewable energy.
Outdoor and Indoor Use: The rover can be operated outdoors in direct sunlight or indoors using a 60-watt incandescent desk lamp as a simulated sun.
Adjustable Solar Panel: The solar panel can be twisted and tilted to optimize its angle towards the sun, maximizing sunlight collection. Reflectors are also adjustable to direct additional sunlight onto the panel.
Recycling Integration: An empty soda can is used as the vehicle's body, promoting recycling and offering a customizable element.
Assembly Process: The kit requires assembly, providing hands-on experience with mechanical and electrical components. The assembly involves attaching the motor, wheels, solar panel support arm, solar panel, and the soda can body to the chassis.
Educational Value: The kit serves as an educational tool to understand solar energy conversion, basic mechanics, and the function of gears.
Customization: Users can personalize their Solar Rover by decorating the transparent body sheet with stickers.

Maintenance Features:

Gear Lubrication: To ensure smooth operation and prevent friction, it is recommended to lubricate the gears with cooking oil or lotion from home. This is a crucial step for optimal performance.
Wire Connections: Proper connection of the bare wires from the solar panel and motor to the terminal caps is essential. If the rover runs backward, swapping the wire connections at the terminals can correct the direction of movement.
Cleanliness: The soda can used for the body should be cleaned before assembly.
Storage: When not in use, the Solar Rover should be kept out of direct sunlight to prevent the motor from operating unnecessarily and to prolong its lifespan.
Environmental Protection: The rover should not be used outdoors in the rain, as water can damage the solar panel and motor.
Troubleshooting:
- If the rover does not move: Check wire connections, ensure the floor surface is smooth (rough surfaces create friction), give it a gentle push to start, adjust the solar panel angle for maximum sunlight, and check gear lubrication.
- If the rover runs backward: Swap the solar panel wires at the terminals.
Adult Supervision: Adult supervision and assistance are required during assembly and operation, especially when using a desk lamp indoors, to ensure safety and proper handling of components.
Small Parts Warning: The kit contains small parts, posing a choking hazard for children under 3 years old. It is intended for children aged 8 years or older. The solar panel should not be taken apart.