Blades: Baseline Testing Instructions

Step 1: Multimeter

  • Get the multimeter from your kit and make sure it has batteries/powers on

  • Plug the black test lead to the input labeled “COM”

  • Plug the red test lead to the input labeled “VΩmA

  • Turn your meter to the grey, V, 2 setting

  • The different settings on the dial change the decimal precision output by the meter

    • At the “2” setting, the multimeter will read between 0.001V and 1.999V

Step 2: Hot-Glue Gun

  • Get the hot glue gun and a bundle of glue sticks from your kit

  • Plug in and power on (should have a red light)

  • Will take a few minutes to reach useable temperature


Be very careful! The tip will get very hot, use gloves and caution to avoid burning yourself!

Step 3: Cardboard Foundation

  • Form the perforated CORI cardboard sheet into a box-beam

  • Using the metal saw and plastic CORI miter-box, cut the beam into 3 equal length, 4” sections


Be very careful! Use gloves when using the metal saw, cut slow and watch your fingers!


  • Using the hot glue gun, connect the cardboard beams to build the foundation:

Step 4: Mount the D/C Motor

Retrieve the items pictured above from your kit:

  • D/C Motor

  • Plastic angle bracket

Attach the angled bracket to your cardboard foundation

Next, attach the D/C motor to the plastic adapter:

Step 5: Plastic Fan

Finally, find the plastic fan from your kit and mount it to the motor axel:

Step 6: Test Voltage Output!

  • Connect the multimeter test leads to the corresponding D/C motor wires


  • If the system is wired correctly, you should be able to get a very small voltage reading just by spinning the plastic fan by hand!

    • If you are having trouble with this step, ask TAs for help!


Step 7: Establish Baseline Parameters

  • Mount the cardboard foundation to the edge of a flat surface (desk or table)


  • Find a wind-source (hair dryer, area fan)


  • Test out different wind-source scenarios to get an idea of the voltage output from your baseline test setup

    • record the parameters on a sheet of paper: distance, wind-source setting (high/low) , and voltage output

  • Determine a scenario in which your multimeter outputs a consistent voltage of 0.500 (±0.05) V


  • Record the parameters of this setup: distance, wind-source setting (high/low) , and voltage output


You will use the same setup to compare the efficiency of your custom wind turbine design to other project proposals!