Readiness: KidWind PVC / Geared Wind Turbine Build
Verdict: Ready · 2026-07-19 · est. parts cost $150–$200
The lab is fully implementable. All proprietary mechanical components are active catalog items from Vernier Science Education. Structural materials are easily sourced from local hardware stores. Electronic components, including generators and load resistors, maintain high stock levels at major distributors. A logic error in the original snapshot's bill of materials regarding LED part numbers has been corrected to ensure the lab functions as intended.
Action required
| Part |
Problem |
Recommended action |
| LED Bulbs |
Snapshot lists 1N4148, which is a signal diode that does not emit light. |
Purchase SSL-LX5093LYD or equivalent 5mm LEDs. |
| Weight Lifting Kit |
Proprietary kit components are rarely sold individually. |
Sourced as part of the Basic Wind Experiment Kit (KW-BWX) or via Vernier support. |
Parts
1. Proprietary KidWind Components
| Part |
Spec/Package |
Status |
Stock |
Price |
Source |
| KidWind Crimping Hub |
12-Hole Plastic |
Ready |
Good |
$25.00 |
Vernier |
| Hub Quick Connect |
Motor Adapter |
Ready |
Good |
$19.00 |
Vernier |
| Hex Lock |
Plastic Collar |
Ready |
Good |
$9.00 |
Vernier |
| Geared Head Assembly |
7:1 Gearbox/Nacelle |
Ready |
Good |
$19.00 |
Vernier |
| Blade Pitch Protractor |
Measurement Tool |
Ready |
Good |
$5.00 |
Vernier |
| Tower Base Set |
3-Leg Base + Socket |
Ready |
Good |
$29.00 |
Vernier |
2. Structural and Mechanical Parts
| Part |
Spec/Package |
Status |
Stock |
Price |
Source |
| Wood Tower |
1" x 20" Dowel |
Ready |
Local |
~$5.00 |
Home Depot |
| PVC Fittings |
1" Sch 40 (Set) |
Ready |
Good |
$0.88 |
Grainger |
| HDPE Pipe Spacers |
1" Pipe (2" Cuts) |
Ready |
Good |
$2.50 |
Home Depot |
| Hex Driveshaft |
8" Steel |
Ready |
Good |
$19.00 |
Vernier |
| Blade Materials |
Balsa/Plastic Mix |
Ready |
Good |
$1.22 |
Skool Krafts |
| Weight Lifting Kit |
Spool/Bucket/Weights |
Ready |
Limited |
— |
Vernier |
3. Electronics and Power Output
| Part |
Spec/Package |
Status |
Stock |
Price |
Source |
| DC Hobby Motor |
Adafruit 711 (130) |
Ready |
1,184 |
$1.95 |
DigiKey |
| Digital Multimeter |
Basic DC |
Ready |
Good |
$19.99 |
Harbor Freight |
| LED Bulbs |
SSL-LX5093LYD (5mm) |
Ready |
5,940 |
$0.31 |
DigiKey |
| Incandescent Bulbs |
1.5V E10 Base |
Ready |
Good |
$0.75 |
MiniScience |
| Resistor 10 Ω |
1/4W Axial |
Ready |
24,812 |
$0.10 |
DigiKey |
| Resistor 30 Ω |
1/4W Axial |
Ready |
9,683 |
$0.10 |
DigiKey |
| Resistor 51 Ω |
1/4W Axial |
Ready |
7,930 |
$0.10 |
DigiKey |
| Resistor 100 Ω |
1/4W Axial |
Ready |
225,960 |
$0.10 |
DigiKey |
| Supercapacitor |
10F 2.7V Radial |
Ready |
31,605 |
$1.90 |
DigiKey |
| Alligator Clip Cords |
10-Pack |
Ready |
Good |
$3.49 |
Harbor Freight |
| Water Pump |
3V DC Submersible |
Ready |
Good |
~$5.00 |
Amazon |
| Power Output Board |
Sound/Light PCB |
Ready |
Good |
$11.95 |
DABOS |
Substitutes
| For part |
Substitute |
Differences |
Judgment |
| 1N4148 (LED) |
SSL-LX5093LYD |
Corrects component type from signal diode to light-emitting diode. |
Required for visual output. |
Verify any substitute against its datasheet before ordering.
Other dependencies
- Firmware/Software: Not checked (None required for base lab).
- Video Support: KidWind.org/videos verified as active.
- Fabrication: Requires drilling a wire exit hole in the PVC T-fitting and manual cutting of HDPE pipe into 2-inch lengths.
- Consumables: Duct tape, masking tape, and hot glue are required for motor mounting and blade construction.
- Testing Equipment: High-velocity circular fan (14 to 18 inch) is required for wind simulation.
Watch list
- Weight Lifting Kit: This set is difficult to source as individual spare parts; instructors may need to fabricate buckets and spools if the kit version is unavailable.
- Web Resources: Instructional videos are hosted on a single domain; consider local downloads of assembly guides to prevent disruption.