instructables

Free Energy From Thin Air!

by DrewPaulDesigns

"Free energy from the air?, Yea, right!" Sardonic Can we use this energy to do work? Absolutely! This
skepticism was my first reaction to this unusual has been known for a long time. Crystal radios have
concept, as well. been around since before the 1930's and can run with
no input energy other than the radio signal. Even
Though, its not so far out there, in fact. Light can be when completely isolated, but from the atmosphere, a
converted to DC current with solar panels, electricity crystal radio will produce a voltage in the earpiece
can be converted to magnetism as I did in my last resulting in a sound (albeit and undesirable one).
article, in a microphone sound waves are converted
to an electrical signal (by vibrating a magnet near a Well, this is where it gets interesting...
coil), solar rays can even be focused and converted
to heat in awesome devices like this! When we think Can we replicate this effect? Yea, and with modern
components like the high quality crystals found in
Free Energy From Thin Air!: Page 1
 components like the high quality crystals found in
about it, energy is all around us and can be harvested germanium diodes, we can even increase efficiency.
in an enumerable many of ways. By applying this concept as a Crystal Energy
Receiver we can take advantage of a wide range of
Today, we are going to take a rather novel approach. energetic frequencies rather than tuning in to just one.
We are going to build a device specifically designed
to sense and capture a particular band of energy Can we scale it up? Definitely. Things like micro
which is all around us. germanium diodes, high efficiency antennas and
compact contemporary capacitors make the
The earth is magnetic and anyone who has ever used components that are required to build a crystal
a compass knows this. Magnetic bodies in motion receiver fit in the palm of your hand. While there may
produce electricity, we can see this in any alternator, or may not be a more efficient way, this renewable
like the one in your car. So, therefore the earth is energy solution is simple to employ and can be
electric as well as magnetic, by definition. scaled up, or down, indefinitely.

Can we detect this energy? Yes, we sure can! Ever It sounds like we can build a Crystal Energy
turn on a radio in the middle of nowhere and heard Receiver. Let's give it a shot...
static? That is your radio picking up naturally
occurring energy in the RF spectrum!

Free Energy From Thin Air!: Page 2

Step 1: What You'll Need

One of the reasons this particular renewable energy and a resistor. We're going to optimize that design in
harvesting method is so viable is the relatively few order to produce a cleaner and more reliable output
and easy to obtain materials required. signal by first polarizing the input amplitude, then
rectifying and filtering the signal. Then we'll add an
The simplest crystal receiver design needs no power antenna, case and connections.
and can be built with only three parts: a coil, a crystal

Get the circuit diagram here In addition, you'll probably want to get:
Get the kit here (1) Project box (optional)
(1) Antenna (a loop antenna or elevated antenna is
The parts for the circuit include: recommended and can be made with copper wire)
(1) Circuit Board
(1) 10-18 gauge Copper Wire The tools you'll need are:
(2-12+) Ceramic Capacitors (matched) Soldering Iron/ Solder (optional)
(2-6+) Electrolytic Capacitors (matched) Multimeter
*note various types of capacitors can be used Oscilloscope (optional)
(4) Germanium Crystal Diodes (1A+)
That's it. Yup, that's all. Once we've got it all, let's
Total Unit Cost: +/- $0.40 (USD, scaled for volume begin.
of 1,000+ units )

Free Energy From Thin Air!: Page 3

Free Energy From Thin Air!: Page 4
Step 2: Build the Circuit

We're going to build the simplest version of this circuit and produces a positive integer. This concept can be
variation in order to understand how each component thought of as taking:
interacts and as a proof of concept.
(+1) + (-1) + (+1) + (-1) = 0
There are three simple systems at work in the circuit
that are composed of capacitors, which store energy, and converting it to:
and diodes that direct it.
| [(+1) + (+1)] | = 2
Energy in the band of radio waves, among others, will +
vibrate a wire antenna on an atomic level, sending a | [(-1) + (-1)] | = 2
discernible signal to its lead. This signal will then =4
meet the junction between two ceramic capacitors
wired in series. This junction will force positive charge
from the wave to travel in one direction and negative Isn't math fun?
charge in the other direction which, when collected
again, makes the signal uniform and polar. To each of these leads from our two capacitors in
Connecting the two capacitors in series creates leads series, we will connect two crystal diodes, one facing
on each end; the now positively charged side of one each direction, to form what is called a bridge
and the now negatively charged side of the other rectifier. A bridge rectifier is a configuration which will
creates a two cell battery. convert an alternating current to a direct one by
cleverly rerouting the signal.
This next stage of the circuit takes a signal with a net
value of zero, adds the absolute values of the positive By connecting the bridge rectifier as shown in the
and negative amplitudes with respect to the origin circuit diagram, this direct current from the diodes

then charges the electrolytic capacitors. This stage Components can easily be twisted together for testing
normalizes the amplitude, making the current and then soldered to a circuit board to secure.
constant and usable.

Free Energy From Thin Air!: Page 5

Free Energy From Thin Air!: Page 6
Free Energy From Thin Air!: Page 7
Step 3: Test and Optimize Your Circuit

To test and analyze our circuit, we'll be using a digital sure our soldered connections are consistent and
voltmeter and oscilloscope. thick in this area.

By connecting a voltmeter to the output, we'll We can optimize the circuit's capacity by adding
immediately begin to see a small voltage climbing in electrolytic capacitors in parallel to our original two
the 10-100mV range. If not, we'll want to check our which will allow this circuit to charge slightly when not
connections and make sure the circuit is not isolated in use. For this purpose, a charging circuit can also
from the environment by taking it outside to a clear be added here in order to incorporate an optional
area. battery bank.

Then, by connecting an oscilloscope to the outside We can optimize the antenna by attaching loops and
leads of our two ceramic capacitor bank, we will see coils of copper wire in various positions, store-bought
the the polarized signal being captured from the air antennas or by stringing some wire up to the highest
around us. We can then connect after the diodes to point you can reach.
see our varying direct current and then to after the
electrolytic capacitors to see a normalized, usable We don't have to stop there, either. We can now
direct current at our output. connect multiple circuits in series to increase voltage
or in parallel to increase current. This can be done
We can then optimize the input resistance in two indefinitely.
ways. Firstly, we can add additional ceramic
capacitors in parallel to our original two and make

Free Energy From Thin Air!: Page 8

Free Energy From Thin Air!: Page 9
Step 4: Add a Case and Antenna

After choosing an antenna in the last step we'll now charging circuit and battery bank.
want to permanently wire it. Whether you choose a
compact antenna for portability or a tall fixed antenna Next, we will add a case, making sure to isolate
for power and range, we will wire it in the same exposed leads with non-conductive material
manner according to the diagram in the previous step. especially if mounting in a conductive case. A piece
Note that the input on the configuration here is of cardboard secured with glue is sufficient for the
grounded to the metallic case, and thus the users circuit's bottom and shrink wrap or electrical tape can
hand, and incorporation of longer antennas will be used in the case of any additional exposed leads.
require proportionally more substantial grounding. Drill two holes in your enclosure, one for the antenna
or antenna lead and another for your output terminals.
You can then insert your components, fasten the
We will then attach a terminal to the output to allow enclosure and your device is ready to use!
us to connect this circuit to an electrical device or

Free Energy From Thin Air!: Page 10

Free Energy From Thin Air!: Page 11
Step 5: Your Crystal Energy Receiver Is Complete!

Your Crystal Energy Receiver is now complete and Because of its simplicity this device is a durable,
ready to use! efficient and reasonably effective method of
harvesting radiant energy in a simple, replicable and
I built a portable version, for proof of concept and sustainable way. I humbly hope that the contributions
demonstration purposes. However, you can go as big made here, and by those reading, can be one day
as you want- to passively charge batteries or run used by people worldwide to conveniently capture
equipment remotely; or go as small as you want- to free energy.
power sensors, RFID devices, small electronics and
more. Thanks for checking out my project and I look forward
to seeing everyone's variations, suggestions and
I used this harvested energy to easily power a low- improvements!
consumption quartz clock, a digital chronograph with
integrated circuits and LCD and was even able to
momentarily rotate a small dc motor.

Free Energy From Thin Air!: Page 12

1: what rating capacitors (ceramic)?
2: what rating capacitor (electrolytic)?
3. why both types of capacitors and not one type?
4. You've mentioned grounding to earth, but where is the grounding line?
5. Looking to make this a kids' project to charge a phone so expanding these size isn't a problem at
all.

Thanks for checking out my project. A lot of these questions are covered in the Instructable but I
will answer them briefly for you.
The ceramic capacitors used are 104s and their purpose is to polarize the charge. Electrolytic caps
are 50v rated and are used to hold the charge in order to provide a usable current. In this example
the ground is connected to the case, and thus grounded through the users hand. Scaling this up for
that purpose will require a more significant antennae, ground and wiring up multiple circuits in
series which is covered in more detail in the article.
Let me know if you have any other questions and be sure to post your project pictures here when
you're done for everyone to see!

Free Energy From Thin Air!: Page 13

 can is use your model for a project im working on

Yes, absolutely. You can get the parts kit at [Link]

Hi Drew,

I looked through your website, and I was thoroughly impressed with your drive to create innovative
projects.

I had one question about this project - what is the frequency range/rating of the antenna that you
used in steps 4-5? I couldn't find it in the Instructable, and I'm sure a few others would be
interested in the characteristics of the antenna used as well.

Thanks in advance, Rob

[Link]

Can you ship to Hong Kong when I bought it? How can I contact you?

[Link]
[Link]

Hey,how much maximum voltage can be obtained at the output by adiing capacitors in
parallel....????

Thanks for checking out the project. Great question. Adding capacitors will only increase the
capacity (mAh). If you want to increase voltage you can build multiple circuits in parallel and make
sure your antennae is as tall as possible.

I dont want to place my antenna on roof top.I want a min of 5 volt and max of 20 volts and a
portable [Link] what shud i add to the circuit for getting it.??? and what kind of antenna shud i
make..??

Can u please send me a video of how your project is working..??

adding*

sir, why the first kit show value 0.75v and the second kit show value 3.50v,
what is different make? (coil turn, coil component, total component, etc..)

Free Energy From Thin Air!: Page 14

What a nice instructable! But I have few questions though, if you don't mind.
How long did it take you to complete the project?
How much did it cost you?
Would it be realizable for the duration of one month only (for a beginner)?
And most of all, Could you tell me about the output (after testing)?
Thank you :)

Thank for checking out my instructable! This project can be done in an afternoon and the kit can be
found here: [Link]

Before getting started you will also want to get a soldering iron and take some time to practice with
it.

Just follow the instructable carefully and you will have no problem.

You can get everything you need here: [Link]

[Link]

Thank you, I can't wait to start it :)

But before, I just want to know the testing result (voltage, current...)

Cool :-)

So cool, right? Give it a try! Its easy, fun and the results are astounding!

The problem is I don't have any germanium diodes

You can get the kit here:

[Link]

Yes, I know.
But I just got some germanium diodes and I have all of the other parts

I just made it and I tried it with germanium diodes and 1N4001 diodes and the 1N4001 diodes
worked better
PS: I have found some other circuits that work better

Could you please post the image or the link of the other circuits that work better ?

I am always looking for ways to generate power, mostly because it's fun but most of our renewable
Free Energy From Thin Air!: Page 15
energies have their down sides. Solar only works while it's day time, wind only works while there is
wind. I don't know about where you live but here in Sandy Utah there is no sun at night and at night
during winter or summer there is no wind at night, so that takes care of generating power at night. I
have looked at several of these pulling power out of the air things, I have even looked at finding
Tesla's plans and there is nothing usable. I don't know how to do the math to figure out what parts
are needed to build these diy collectors and generators. To me it sounds like you would need an
entire back yard to hold anything big enough to do any good, most of the things people build might
charge a cell phone but that's about it. If I was to build this unit but big enough to constantly run an
800 watt unit, how big would the antenna need to be and what parts would I need? Just curious.

Free Energy Generators

medicine turtle cherokee it a great ideal
[Link]

I think what you should look into is tuning this simular curcuit to recieve in the frequency range of
7.83hz to 8.4hz. Because this is the earths magnetical resonance frequency. Tesla's paper state
that 1 meter = 100v on a horizontal wire. So at 3 feet tuned into this frequency can produce 100v
and at 6 feet produce 200v, ect..
About 10 years ago there was a video that was taken down of a Russian man who was
demostrating his setup with a hand full of scientists. I don't remember all the details but one thing I
do remember was that his antenna was 68 feet of 14 gauge copper wire hanging 6 feet above the
ground horizontally. The ground stake was 1/2" rebar 6' into the ground.

You can look into these frequencies by searching "Schumann resonances are global
electromagnetic resonances in the cavity formed between the earth’s surface and the ionosphere. "

Just some of my thoughts..

Great instructable!! Just a quick question though. So the higher the antenna is in the atmosphere
the better? And if so, you could (in theory) use a long thin wire attached to a kite or a weather
balloon to temporarily generate more power, correct?

You got it. You could use a kite or even a drone or quadcopter to take measurements at different
altitudes. Post your data for us to see!

Sir i am getting 0.06v but negligible current. I am unable to light a LED. I wanted to know how can
we connect similar circuits in series or parallel. I would be grateful if you upload a schematic
diagram for the same.
Thank you.

Dear sir,
Can i use antenna of my old radio set to complete the given project?

Yes, you may. In fact, that is what it was designed for; you'll just using that energy for a different
purpose. From there, the taller the antennae you use, the better the results.

Free Energy From Thin Air!: Page 16

Dear Paul
Is it possible that this circuit generates 1 ampera current with highest place of Antenna and suitable
Earth?

A single circuit, no. However, by running these circuits in parallel current can be increased to suit
your output needs.
Thanks for checking out my Instructable and if you have any other questions feel free to let me
know.

Sir can we light led with help of this project? & Can we do something so that the received energy is
used only when we require? ie. something like switch?

Yes and yes. Give it a try and let us know how it works out.

Dear Pual
How can i connect some these circuits together?
is it work, if i connect 10 matched circuits to an antenna?
Best Regards

You sure can. Give it a try and post your pictures for us to see.

what if you hooked up some joule thief's low input higher output?

Yes, try it.

p.s
good ible all we need now is a nano amp amplifier

seems to me that thomask19 works for some big energy company who have suppressed ALL
FREE ENERGy
egads man we cant have the minions getting ANYTHING free
there's no PROFIT in that

I not trying to be rude but how do you get free energy from nothing? Unless you do this under a
high voltage power line (very dangerous) i am not sure if this would work?
In state matter is neither created or destroyed so were is this energy coming from??

Not at all and this is a very good question.

Free Energy From Thin Air!: Page 17

 As Faraday and others have demonstrated, magnetic bodies in motion produce an electric charge.
If you've ever used a magnetic compass, you know that the earth, along with orbiting bodies, are
magnetic with a north and south pole. These moving bodies induce a charge in our atmosphere.
This charge, with our new Crystal Energy Receiver, can be captured and harvested as usable
energy.

Thanks for reading. Give it a try and be sure to follow and visit [Link] for
more projects.

i like this "ible". I'm seeing a lot of negative comments though so I want lend my support to the
author.
In no way is converting radio waves into electricity stealing. I mean think about it. When you turn
on a radio to listen to music nobody bills you for the radio waves. They are paid for by ads.
With a homesteader in mind who may not live anywhere near transmission lines could use
somthing like this at a larger scale (our planet is saturated in rf). when radio waves cross your
property line they become yours to do with what you will (in my opinion). I say build (or buy) a large
antenna and start experimenting with a larger scale.

good project

Cool project! I have favorited this instructable and it is possible that I will eventually construct it.
This circuit is actually very simaller to a few others I have seen on the internet, all of which produce
around three volts. I have even seen people use crystal radio sets to generate electricity for LEDs.
Of course, there are limitations to this setup, including the very low current and the fact that making
this unit much larger than it already is may be considered illegal. The truth is, nobody would
probably care about one device running off of the RF, seeing as seemingly innoccuous grounded
objects such as flagpoles can also "steal" radio waves. However, I am glad I read through the
comments before making a gigantic fractal antennae and getting myself in trouble.

Lolz its ??? Nano amperes and 0.06 v

Eureka! You got it working! You now have proof of concept. Now it's time to increase your current.

First, try extending the antennae all the way to the highest point you can find (try your roof). Then
connect a ground lead to the junction between your output terminals (between the two electrolytic
caps in series) and run that to a piece of steel rod pressed into the dirt.

Once that is complete, you can optimize it even further! Now, with your antennae and ground set
up start wiring in more circuits. Wire them in series, parallel or both according to your needs. Put all
of the components on the same circuit board for a supersized version.

Thanks for checking out my 'ible! I hope this helps!

When you say the 2 12 and 6 matched caps, do you mean 12 and 6 volt caps?

Free Energy From Thin Air!: Page 18