Whirlydoodle Instructions
(Click here to download instructions as a PDF)
IMPORTANT: This item is not a toy. Be careful not to touch or damage the wires on the blades when handling the unit. Remove your Whirlydoodle to safety when the wind speed exceeds 50 mph to prevent damage and ensure maximum product life. Whirlydoodles love rain, snow and freezing temperatures. However, expect no wind for the first few days after installation, per Murphy’s law.
What is it?
A Whirlydoodle is a small windmill that produces beautiful spinning colors at night in response to the wind. It does not use batteries and is powered entirely by the wind. When properly installed the Whirlydoodle will pivot to the prevailing wind without the use of a tail vane. The colors produced depend on the wind speed and direction of the wind, and you should note that one side of the windmill is about 50% brighter than the other. This will allow you to determine the wind direction by looking at the unit. The blades are clear to reduce daytime reflection and flicker from the sun.
What do I need to install it?
You will need a support pole for the Whirlydoodle, a 1/2 inch diameter pole, such as EMT conduit or even a recycled water pipe that is up to 10 foot in length. The support pole can be tied or inserted into to a fence post, ground stake or other vertical item. For a deck mounting consider a pipe flange suitable to hold the support pole. More on installation below.
Where should I place it?
We suggest installing your Whirlydoodle where it will be exposed to prevailing winds for continuous operation and is visible from your home or location. Avoid trees and objects that tend to block the wind. Mounting your Whirlydoodle about 10 feet off the ground is ideal since air currents tend to be higher as height above the ground increases. Avoid locations were falling branches or other objects strike the unit. Consider moving the Whirlydoodle to find your best local wind.
How do I install it?
Your Whirlydoodle is intended to be placed on top of a vertical support pole. A 10 foot length of electrical conduit, also called EMT tubing, but any old half-inch diameter recycled pipe or tube capable of supporting the unit will work. You may need to increase the diameter of the support pole by adding a few wraps of duct tape or other tape about 4 inches from the top of the support pole. The fit must be loose enough to allow the unit to pivot on top of the support pole when the wind direction changes. For deck mounting consider an iron pipe flange and a 2 foot or longer support pole. The support pole may be driven into the ground, strapped to a fence post, etc.
The Whirlydoodle should be loose enough to freely pivot on top of support.
If the Whirlydoodle is too big for your support pole or rattles in the wind, add a few wraps of tape.
What can I learn from my Whirlydoodle?
Whirlydoodles are a tailless windmill that directly convert wind energy into light and are helpful to useful to anyone interested in windmills, alternative energy, the weather and environmental art. They are one method of converting wind energy into useful power and exhibit the amount of energy that can be extracted from a particular wind speed. Wind direction and speed are highly variable depending on the time of day, season, topography, and prevailing local weather, and are an indicator of future weather conditions.
How does it work?
Wind causes the blades and connected generator to rotate, which rotates a magnetic field where copper coils produce electricity. That electricity powers multi colored LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) that are located on the blades. A light breeze will cause individual colors appear on the Whirlydoodle. A higher wind speed causes additional colors to light up and brighten. An effect called persistence of vision creates the perception of a luminous disk or shape.
Warnings and Legal Mumbo Jumbo: Do not mount the unit on any aircraft, roof, skyscraper or motor vehicle. Building rooftops can have strong updrafts that will toss your doodle for a downer. Not for use underwater, on hang gliders, bicycles, or as a survival power source - These are actually some of the uses we have been asked about. It does not have a USB port or support phone charging. Not intended for use indoors or as a toy, as the high- strength blades can cause serious injuries and unsightly bleeding. No Gluten or artificial sweeteners. Whirlydoodles require wind and do not work well in outer space or on balloons. Purchaser agrees and acknowledges that they are responsible for all damages and injuries that may result from this device, whether properly or improperly used, and states and affirms to the jury or court that they and everyone else knows that it was silly to do that with a Whirlydoodle. Furthermore, the injured party or parties, next of kin, purchaser and you all affirm and agree to hold harmless and indemnify The Whirlydoodle Factory, it agents, representatives, officers, owners, inventors, sellers, associates and company cat “Felix”, from any and all claims of damage, injuries and defense costs.