CoilCell is a tiny, planar coil built on a multi-layered PCB that lets you experiment with magnetism and create compact magnetic actuators! There are two versions: the 1W CoilCell (70 turns, 2.3 mT magnetic field) and the 2.5W CoilCell (200 turns, 10 mT, or even 17 mT with an iron back-plate). All of these have a built-in DRV8837 H-bridge driver, making it easy to control their coil’s magnetic polarity and strength.
It’s super easy to use - Just connect one of the input pins to VCC to turn it on, or take full control by coding it with the CoilCell Library. New to coding? No problem! Just download the library from the Arduino Library Manager, explore the ready-to-use examples, and start making magnets move!
CoilCell can attract and repel magnets by generating a magnetic field. However, the field it creates is much weaker than the magnetic field of a magnet. As a result, the forces generated are primarily due to the magnet. Unfortunately, this means two CoilCells cannot attract or repel each other.
Yes, it’s possible, but it may not always work reliably. Our tests show that it heavily depends on the magnet's weight and strength, and these factors affect the timing required to power the coils and slide the magnet. This is an area we’re still exploring, to learn how to make it more reliable.
CoilCell is ideal for anyone interested in exploring electronics! It comes with clear Arduino examples, making it easy to get started. For children under 12, we recommend adult supervision and guidance, as CoilCell can heat up to 110°C during use (especially the electromagnet's iron backplate). To prevent injury, keep hands away from hot surfaces and always turn off the coil when not in use. Eye protection is also advised when using small magnets with the 2.5W 200 Turns CoilCell, as it can repel magnets upward. For younger users, pre-soldered connectors are highly recommended. Please note that the package contains small parts, such as magnets and screws, which should be handled with care.
