Introduction
As a coin collector or enthusiast, you might have come across different types of pennies in your collection. The composition of pennies has changed over the years, with copper and zinc being the primary metals used. Before 1982, pennies were made primarily of copper, while those minted after 1982 are predominantly zinc with a thin copper coating. Separating these two types of pennies can be a tedious task, especially if you have a large collection. But worry no more! In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of building a penny sorting machine that will effortlessly separate copper pennies from zinc pennies.
Materials and Tools
To build your penny sorting machine, you will need the following materials and tools:
1. A small DC motor
2. A plastic or metal funnel
3. A plastic or metal chute
4. A small platform scale (capable of measuring at least 0.1 grams)
5. A microcontroller (such as Arduino)
6. A few resistors, capacitors, and diodes
7. Some jumper wires and connectors
8. A power supply (9V battery or wall adapter)
9. A small plastic or metal container (for collecting sorted pennies)
10. A few screws, nuts, and bolts
11. A drill or rotary tool (for making holes in the funnel and chute)
12. A soldering iron and solder
13. Wire cutters and strippers
14. A multimeter (for testing connections)
15. A computer with Arduino IDE installed (for programming the microcontroller)
Step 1: Assembling the Mechanical Components
First, attach the DC motor to the bottom of the funnel using screws, nuts, and bolts. Make sure the motor is securely fastened and its shaft is aligned with the center of the funnel. Next, attach the chute to the side of the funnel, ensuring that it's positioned at an angle so that the pennies will slide down it easily. You can use screws, nuts, and bolts or strong adhesive to secure the chute in place.
Drill or cut a small hole in the side of the funnel, near the bottom, to attach the platform scale. The scale should be positioned so that it can weigh each penny as it slides down the chute. Secure the scale in place with screws, nuts, and bolts or strong adhesive.
Step 2: Wiring the Electronics
Connect the DC motor to the microcontroller using jumper wires and connectors. You will also need to connect the platform scale to the microcontroller. The exact wiring will depend on the specific components you are using, so refer to the datasheets and documentation for your motor, scale, and microcontroller.
Add any necessary resistors, capacitors, and diodes as required by your specific components. Use a soldering iron and solder to make secure connections between the components, and use a multimeter to test your connections.
Step 3: Programming the Microcontroller
Using the Arduino IDE, write a program that will control the motor and read the weight measurements from the platform scale. The program should be able to differentiate between copper and zinc pennies based on their weight (copper pennies weigh approximately 3.11 grams, while zinc pennies weigh about 2.5 grams).
When the microcontroller detects a copper penny, it should activate the motor, causing the penny to be ejected from the funnel and into the collection container. If it detects a zinc penny, the motor should remain inactive, allowing the penny to continue down the chute and into a separate container.
Upload your program to the microcontroller using a USB cable and test the functionality of your penny sorting machine.
Step 4: Fine-Tuning and Troubleshooting
Once your penny sorting machine is operational, you may need to make some adjustments to ensure it's accurately separating copper and zinc pennies. You can fine-tune the weight threshold in your program or adjust the position of the platform scale to improve accuracy.
If you encounter any issues with your penny sorting machine, use your multimeter to test connections and troubleshoot any problems with the electronics. Make any necessary adjustments to the mechanical components to ensure smooth operation.
Conclusion
Building a penny sorting machine is a fun and practical project for coin collectors and enthusiasts. By following this guide, you'll be able to separate copper and zinc pennies with ease, making your coin collection more organized and valuable. So, gather your materials, roll up your sleeves, and start building your very own penny sorting machine today!
