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Sunnytech Solar Magnetic Levitation Model Levitating Mendocino Motor Educational Model ST41
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Purchase options and add-ons
- EASY OPERATION ----No Manual at all. Set the rotor to the board, Levitating success on the model, set the model 45degree direction under the light resource. Give the rotor a gently push, it will run smooth.
- HIGH-TECH ORNAMENT THAT COMBINES THE MAGNETIC AND ELECTRIC FIELD ----The Mendocino Motor is a magnetically levitated, solar powered electric motor. The motor consists of a spinning shaft that is held up by repelling magnets, stabilized by resting a point against a wall. It is powered by solar panels mounted on the spinning shaft, which generate currents through coils of insulated wire, and rotation.
- ENTERTAINING---- The motor rotor can rotate under weak light source. If the light stronger, the rotor rotating speed will be faster. The solar panels which equipped on the rotor convert sunlight to power and drive the model run freely.
- PRIORITY GIFT OPTION FOR MANY APPLICATIONS----It is an amazing and fantastic product at this price. Its elegant gift package makes it spruce up and presentable. It has a wide range of application as, great gift for Kids' science project, Physical/mechanical learning, teacher’s Demo props on the class, birthday gift for friends, families, parents, kids, etc. Many of our customers come from school, colleague, etc.
- AMAZING CONVERSATION PIECES ON YOUR DESK ----Decorative and impressive, it's proven to be a conversation starter to impress your visitors. It’s a cool piece of art even just stands on your desk.
Additional Details
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Frequently bought together
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Product information
Product Dimensions | 6.1 x 5.4 x 4.3 inches |
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Item Weight | 14.4 ounces |
ASIN | B017LSJKGS |
Manufacturer recommended age | 13 years and up |
Best Sellers Rank | #132,700 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games) #1,392 in Educational Science Kits |
Customer Reviews |
4.2 out of 5 stars |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Manufacturer | Sunnytech® |
Warranty & Support
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Sunnytech Solar Magnetic Levitation Model Levitating Mendocino Motor Educational Model ST41
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Sunnytech Funny Toys
Sunnytech’s US-based operations abides by a 100% zero-landfill policy. All leftover materials are recycled, including electronics.
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Sunnytech began in a garage in New Jersey. A family company, we promise to only produce and sell products that we would be proud to use in our own homes and yards.we apply a "triple bottom line" concept, which can help our company achieve a successful and sustainable business model. we are trying to play an active role in the communities we run. Because we believe that we are an outstanding steward of our beautiful country and planet.
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How we get started
Sunnytech started in a garage in New Jersey. we promise to only produce and sell products that we will proudly use them in our own homes and yards.
Why we like our work
We think a lot of about it. How does good design benefit people, how does it benefit the planet and how does it generate profit for business? We seek to do the right thing, to do it well, to support people, planet and profit. That means we are trying to play an active role in the communities we run.
Are our goods of high quality
We will test everyone to make sure it good before send out and follows a 100% policy.
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A great gift for Kids' science project,teacher’s Demo props on the class, birthday gift for friends, families, parents, kids.
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Solar Magnetic Levitation
It can be Kids' science project, Physical/mechanical learning, teacher’s Demo props on the class, birthday gift for friends.
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Spare parts offer available
We can offer parts for all our product.
Spare parts offer available
We can offer parts for all our product.
Spare parts offer available
We can offer parts for all our product.
-
At Sunnytech, We think a lot of about it. How does good design benefit people, how does it benefit the planet and how does it generate profit for business? We seek to do the right thing, to do it well, to support people, planet and profit. Sunnytech’s business follows a 100% zero landfill policy. All leftover materials are recycled, including electronic products. every customer deserves the best service.
Product Description

When it comes to building a business, Sunnytech started in a garage in New Jersey. As a family business, we promise to only produce and sell products that we will proudly use them in our own homes and yards. In Sunnytech, we apply a "triple bottom line" concept, which can help our company achieve a successful and sustainable business model. We think a lot of about it. How does good design benefit people, how does it benefit the planet and how does it generate profit for business? We seek to do the right thing, to do it well, to support people, planet and profit. That means we are trying to play an active role in the communities we run. Because we believe that we are an outstanding steward of our beautiful country and planet, Sunnytech’s business follows a 100% zero landfill policy. All leftover materials are recycled, including electronic products.

It's funny to see people's looks and reactions when their squeeze a little shot for this Mendocino Motor model.
Set the rotor to the board, give it a little light, and then it works like charm.
All of you guests want to know what happen, ice break success. What a marvelous toy!
To be admired and to be talked more from your friends if you have this magic stuff.
This model designed reasonable and compact. You can bring it home, school office with convenient in your bag.
EASY OPERATION
No Manual at all. Set the rotor to the board, Levitating success on the model, set the model 45degree direction under the light resource. Give the rotor a gently push, it will run smooth.
HIGH-TECH TOY THAT COMBINES MAGNETIC AND ELECTRIC
The Mendocino Motor is a magnetically levitated, solar powered electric motor. The motor consists of a spinning shaft that is held up by repelling magnets, stabilized by resting a point against a wall. It is powered by solar panels mounted on the spinning shaft, which generate currents through coils of insulated wire, and rotation.
ENTERTAINING
The motor rotor can rotate under weak light source. If the light stronger, the rotor rotating speed will be faster. The solar panels which equipped on the rotor convert sunlight to power and drive the model run freely.
EDUCATION
Solar panels are devices that absorb sunlight and convert solar radiation directly or indirectly into electricity through photoelectric or photochemical effects, it's perfect devices for science project.
PRIORITY GIFT OPTION FOR MANY APPLICATIONS
It is an amazing and fantastic product. Its elegant gift package makes it spruce up and presentable. It has a wide range of application as, great gift for Kids' science project, Physical/mechanical learning, teacher’s Demo props on the class, birthday gift for friends, families, parents, kids, etc. Many of our customers come from school, colleague, etc.
AMAZING CONVERSATION PIECES ON YOUR DESK
Decorative and impressive, it's proven to be a conversation starter to impress your visitors. It’s a cool piece of art even just stands on your desk.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE ORDER:
Obviously, this solar model is highly related to sunlight. The solar panels which equipped on the model convert sunlight to power and drive the model run freely. According to sunlight characteristic, the power from the sunlight is always changing because of sun angle and intensity of the sun's rays. You can’t expect this solar model rotor run in a constant speed smooth. It’s not an electrified product which can set constant speed, and no rotor shake.
In the powerful noon time, the model rotor will run freely, speedily, and stably. Oppositely, it performs a little bad in the morning or late afternoon, because of no enough power from the sun. It may act out no stable, a little shake, run slowly. It may even drop from the shelf board too. This is a normal phenomenon instead of product “defective”, it’s decided by sunlight changing.
Features:
Model:ST41
Speed:300-1500r/min
Size: 130*76*75MM
Play steps
1. Bring the model near the window or near a suitable light resource. Don’t put the model on steel desk, it will affect the performance. (set the model 45degree direction under the light resource.)
2. Set the rotor to the board, levitating success on the model
3. Give the rotor a gently push, it will run smooth.
4. The magnet is fragile, please avoid the Magnetic suction to each other and damage.
Videos
Videos for this product
0:06
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Customer Review: Engaging and frustrating for sure!
Amazon Customer
Videos for this product
0:09
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Customer Review: Works well and seems balanced correctly
Glen G.
Videos for this product
0:12
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Customer Review: Keeps falling off balance. Returned
MM
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find that the science fundamentals kit has an interesting design and functions well. They appreciate its learning value and consider it a good desk toy. However, some customers have reported issues with wobbling and imbalance. There are mixed opinions on the build quality, magnet strength, and light source.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the product's functionality. They say it works well, is a good desk toy, and has an interesting design. The solar levitation model works great on a sunny day. While the price is high, customers find it neat to have on their desk spinning on.
"...On a windowsill on a sunny day, it really takes off. Enough to actually feel a bit of breeze off the fan. 2. Poorly balanced...." Read more
"Ok, I got the thing, and it works well !!!!..." Read more
"Works with a bit of sun or a good candle. Spins pretty fast!" Read more
"...Bottom line: a fascinating little machine that is maybe worth $20, certainly not the $90 that I would have gladly paid for the same thing more..." Read more
Customers appreciate the learning value of the science fundamentals kit. They find it an interesting device that exploits solar power and magnetism. The concept is great, but the execution is not as good. Many consider it a cool novelty and a great hands-on learning tool that helps understand the future. It has helped children's creativity and add some knowledge to their knowledge base.
"...The mechanics are great and the magnets are very strong. Only issue is the light source...." Read more
"...it illustrates several principles of magnetism & physics. a couple tips i figured out to make it run better are; 1...." Read more
"...Was packaged well and arrived with no damage. Easy to set up and get going. Just put it in the sun and it does its job...." Read more
"...It may not have helped his productivity at work, but it has helped his creativity...." Read more
Customers appreciate the design of the science fundamentals kit. They find it interesting and cool, making it a good desk toy or conversation piece. The kit elegantly displays some amazing laws of physics. However, some customers feel it's more ornamental than useful.
"...looking for something that is well designed and elegantly displays some amazing laws of physics, this will not only please you but, it will also..." Read more
"I love this little motor! Good design..." Read more
"...All parts were there and in great shape...." Read more
"...The reason for the 2 stars is it does look cool floating in mid air...." Read more
Customers have different views on the build quality of the science fundamentals kit. Some find it well-made and steady, while others report issues like fragile components, poor assembly, and weak solar panels.
"...If, on the other hand, you are looking for something that is well designed and elegantly displays some amazing laws of physics, this will not only..." Read more
"...The low speed I run it at with my desk lamp has it pretty stable, but I may play around with adding some counter balance weight to make it better at..." Read more
"...The four solar panels are glued together haphazardly. Mine has a slight offset at one of the joints...." Read more
"...They're the best value that I've found because of their high-quality construction and parts. These will last longer than most I've seen...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the magnet strength. Some find it a useful science learning tool that illustrates several principles of magnetism and physics. They say it spins silently on the magnets and is easy to find the magnetic levitating point. Others mention the magnets are too strong, misaligned, or delicate.
"...The mechanics are great and the magnets are very strong. Only issue is the light source...." Read more
"...is so light, it is also a bit delicate, and since it spins on such a strong magnetic field the solar cell portion of the device will shoot off the..." Read more
"...This one levitates magnetically, helping it to be the fastest of the three. I know this because I bought all three...." Read more
"...Need to be gentle when moving the unit, the strong magnets can pull down very hard on the rotor and possible damaging the solar panels." Read more
Customers have different views on the light source. Some say it needs direct sunlight or a good candle to operate properly, while others mention normal office fluorescent lighting won't keep it spinning.
"...My only complaints: 1. Needs a considerable amount of light to work. Normal office fluorescent lighting won't keep it going...." Read more
"...this one spins smoothly and with stability at all speeds and in all forms of light...." Read more
"...Only issue is the light source. It takes a pretty right light source to get it moving, so my ambient office fluorescent lights don't work...." Read more
"Works with a bit of sun or a good candle. Spins pretty fast!" Read more
Customers are unhappy with the wobbling of the science fundamentals kit. They mention it bobs up and down, slows down, and stops spinning. Some say it falls, one piece comes off, and is out of balance. The kit also seems to rotate in only one direction when the solar panels are on.
"...If the light source is or gets too dim, it will eventually slow and stop spinning...." Read more
"...There's even a little divot by now where the motor spins against the acrylic from having made so many revolutions day in and day out...." Read more
"...they will continue to rotate and the brighter the light, the faster the cells rotate...." Read more
"...Then, it goes flying off into the furniture... Hahahahahahaha None the less, 5 stars !!!!!!! LOL But......." Read more
Customers find the balance of the science fundamentals kit inconsistent and unbalanced. They mention that the rotor wobbles, the unit is somewhat unbalanced on rotation, and it's inconsistent.
"...Enough to actually feel a bit of breeze off the fan. 2. Poorly balanced. At really slow speeds and really fast speeds, it stays pretty stable...." Read more
"...The only problem is that it's bit off balance, so I have to bend the shaft a little bit, but it runs really fast !!!..." Read more
"...This further contributes to the device's imbalance...." Read more
"...I think it has balance issues - seems to be somewhat balanced along its axis, but is not balanced end to end, so it doesn't run level...." Read more
Reviews with images
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Five Stars
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2020There are a few things that are confusing about this company and product. First, I want to make it clear that this item is manufactured in China. Some of what is put in the ad could lead someone to believe that this was made in the USA but, that is definitely not the case so, if you are sensitive about where it is made, just understand that it is clearly labeled "Made in China" on the box it is packaged in. Also, some reviews have commented that it doesn't come with a manual but, the one I got did...well kind of. It came with one sheet of typed print that gives some suggestions and pointers on how to use it. It is pretty obvious that whomever created this "manual" did not have the benefit of proof reader to check the final version because, it is really difficult to understand their translation of what they were trying to say.
All that being said, It got to me VERY quickly, in perfect condition and very carefully packaged and protected. It was even wrapped in aluminum foil, I suspect to function as a Faraday cage to protect the electronics within. That is something I have never seen before but, if that was their intention, I am impressed with the fact that they took that precaution.
If you are looking for something that will excite and entertain you with lots of action, you may be disappointed with this device. If, on the other hand, you are looking for something that is well designed and elegantly displays some amazing laws of physics, this will not only please you but, it will also make you happy to share with others and to watch it function.
I have not included any videos or pics because there are already plenty of those here. Suffice it to say that it came right our of the box, meticulous wrapping and just started working perfectly!!! It is precisely balanced and regardless of some complaints I have seen posted about having gotten units that were out of balance, this one spins smoothly and with stability at all speeds and in all forms of light. Just FYI, it seems to function best if the light source is coming from the side of the unit, at a 90 degree angle to the solar collector (Armature or, spinning part). Another thing I have discovered that I have not seen mentioned in other reviews. If you place it in such a manner that the light IS coming from one side of the armature, it will rotate towards the light source. If while it is spinning, you carefully turn the unit around 180 degrees from the light source, it will slow and reverse direction to once again rotate towards the light. It will spin fast enough in direct sunlight to be totally a blur. With lesser light sources, like facing a window just before the sun comes up or, just after it goes down or, from an electric light, it will spin consistently but slowly, still fun to watch and be amazed at. If the light source is or gets too dim, it will eventually slow and stop spinning.
IF YOU ARE EVEN SLIGHTLY INTERESTED IN SCIENCE, THE LAWS OF PHYSICS THAT CONTROL OUR UNIVERSE OR, IF YOU ARE A TEACHER…THIS DEVICE IS FOR YOU. I would buy it again in a heartbeat and in fact, I plan to order several more of these to send to friends and family as Christmas gifts. This is something just about anyone would love to own and watch.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2018I absolutely love interesting mechanical desk toys, so of course I had to buy one of these as soon as I saw it. Very happy with it overall. My only complaints:
1. Needs a considerable amount of light to work. Normal office fluorescent lighting won't keep it going. I set mine up directly under my desk lamp and it hums along all day there. On a windowsill on a sunny day, it really takes off. Enough to actually feel a bit of breeze off the fan.
2. Poorly balanced. At really slow speeds and really fast speeds, it stays pretty stable. However, at certain medium speeds, the wobbles start to resonate and compound enough that the solar panels will hit the base. The low speed I run it at with my desk lamp has it pretty stable, but I may play around with adding some counter balance weight to make it better at higher speed.
3. Weird shipping packaging. This is obviously a very minor complaint. The parts were wrapped in bubble wrap (as expected), but then under that, they were wrapped in aluminum foil. It looked like leftovers from a restaurant or something. It was boxed with a free fidget spinner though, so that was an interesting surprise.
Update: Added some sticky tack to the fan blades as counter-balance. Wow! Really made a huge improvement. Goes a lot faster using my desk lamp now and doesn't require a 'nudge' to get going anymore. Just turning the light on is enough to get it going. Also, if you don't care about the fan, you can slide it off the end of the shaft and that improves the balance quite a lot without the delicate work of sorting out where to put the sticky tack to achieve perfect balance.
Update 2: Just to say, two years later and the little motor is still going strong. I took the fan off, as that seems to give it the best balance to spin quickly. There's even a little divot by now where the motor spins against the acrylic from having made so many revolutions day in and day out. Doesn't impact performance at all, but I'm hoping it'll keep spinning until it drills itself all the way through! :)
- Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2023Ok, I got the thing, and it works well !!!!
The only problem is that it's bit off balance, so I have to bend the shaft a little bit, but it runs really fast !!!
Then, it goes flying off into the furniture...
Hahahahahahaha
None the less, 5 stars !!!!!!!
LOL
But....
If we made a giant one of these things, it should be able to drive an alternator as long as there's decent light.
Just this little thing has some strength to it.
I put a decent amount of pressure on it and it still maintained it's momentum.
The point is that there's free energy out there all around us.
Between wind and solar... Etc.... we can cut down emissions and need for oil in no time, if the oil lobbyists stopped giving campaign money to the upper crust of our politicians.
The minute Ronald Reagan took down the solar panels on the Whitehouse and decided not to use the metric system is why we're in the place we're at.
Funny how it seems like things have only gotten worse in the political arena.
Deep State Trump is now hitting that ball out of the park for the Lobbyists with more lies.
Maybe once winters no longer exists and all the ski slopes close down we'll start to open our eyes.
Until then, I hope more companies like this sell these toys to show our youth that there really is hope out there for the future of the world.
Sorry, not being political, just naming humans that stopped progress in the world.
In hundreds of years from now, Historians will not look kindly on the turn of this century.
Honestly it's an embarrassment that it's also recorded on video for them, but sadly it is.
Anywho, have a great day and do something nice for another person today !!!
The future is wide open, as long as we strive towards that, the rest will follow.
-Les
:-)
Top reviews from other countries
- Yoan SansoucyReviewed in Canada on November 3, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars A1
Used an halogen work light to start it the first time since flashlight didn t work. Flashlight worked after but will never match the work light 😅.
Very well wrapped.
All good
One person found this helpfulReport - XavierReviewed in Canada on March 8, 2024
1.0 out of 5 stars not as advertised
this item stopped working after 3 weeks. The solar cells are very cheap and work only for a short period of time. The concept is interesting and nice but the item is useless. Don't bother buying this, there is much better elsewhere.
- ricardoReviewed in Canada on November 24, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars Build quality is very good. Runs better than expected
Arrived earlier than expected.
Build quality is very good.
Runs better than expected, no setup required.
Pleased with this toy.
- Dale HughesReviewed in Canada on January 1, 2019
2.0 out of 5 stars Looks good but not functional as advertised.
The quality looks good, however the implementation isn’t great/functional. The balance is off with one side being heavier than the other which adds to the problem of normal light being able to make it turn. The only way I can get it to stay spinning is a high powered light a few inches away even after giving it a solid spin to get it started. Normal sunlight or a 100w light bulb 2 feet away won’t keep the unit I received spinning. If the performance actually worked with normal light I would be thrilled, however I have to say the unit I received is a disappointment :-(