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RetroMakerKits by innoelement

Low-Temperature Stirling Engine Model – Runs on a Cup of Hot Water

Low-Temperature Stirling Engine Model – Runs on a Cup of Hot Water

$18.44 USD
$18.44 USD
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Shipping calculated at checkout.

What is it?

This compact Apple II floppy disk emulator lets an Apple II, Apple II Plus, or Apple IIe load disk images from an SD card instead of relying on aging 5.25-inch floppy disks. It includes the STM32F411 BlackPill controller board and SD card interface needed for the emulator itself.

What's in the box?

Package includes: 1x Apple II floppy disk emulator board assembly, 1x installed STM32F411 / BlackPill controller board, 1x OLED display and four-button interface, 1x prepared SD card / microSD card, and 1x ribbon cable for the Apple II floppy interface. Apple II computer, Disk II controller/interface card, and copyrighted disk images are not included.

Installation

Connect the emulator to the Apple II floppy interface using the included ribbon cable, insert the prepared SD card, then power on and use the OLED screen and four buttons to choose a disk image. Basic Apple II hardware knowledge is recommended.

Warranty

Hardware is tested before shipping whenever stock is available. The product includes a 1-year non-transferable warranty covering manufacturing defects. If compatibility or setup issues occur, contact support before requesting a return.

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Technical details

Description, documents, and source code.

A desktop heat engine — no open flame required

Place this low-temperature-difference Stirling engine on a cup of hot water, allow the base to warm, and give its iridescent flywheel a gentle turn. With a sufficient temperature difference between the warm base and cooler top, it converts heat into visible mechanical motion.

Explore thermodynamics

Air moves between warmer and cooler regions, expanding and contracting. Pressure changes drive the power piston and connecting rod, while the flywheel carries motion through the cycle. A hands-on demonstration of heat, temperature difference and mechanical work; not a practical electricity generator.

How to use

  1. An adult fills a suitable cup with hot water and sets it on a stable, level surface. The recommended cup opening is approximately 90 mm.
  2. Center the engine securely on the cup. Allow about 20 seconds to warm, then gently start the flywheel.
  3. Performance depends on water temperature, the temperature difference and setup. Let the model cool before storage.

Specifications

  • Approximate height: 160 mm
  • Base diameter: 105 mm; flywheel diameter: 120 mm
  • Listed model weight: approximately 125 g, excluding shipping packaging
  • Aluminum alloy support, quartz heating cylinder and plastic flywheel
  • Power cylinder: Ø12 mm, 10 mm stroke

Hot water and warm metal can burn; adult handling and supervision are essential. Handle the flywheel and quartz cylinder gently, keep fingers clear of moving parts, and do not oil the mechanism. Cup and hot water are user-supplied.

Design highlights

The transparent iridescent flywheel makes rotation easy to observe. A low-friction shaft, silicone diaphragm and connecting rod support smooth movement. Powered by a hot-water temperature difference, with no batteries or open flame required.