Stellanova Magnetic Levitating Globe

Floating magnetic desktop globe.

Levitating Globe

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Price: $39.95
Availability: Sold Out (more on 8/15/08)
Shipping Info: Shipping Icon Get Shipping Quote

Overview:

Harnessing the power of Castle Grayskull, the manufacturers of this desk globe have created a levitating world. Coincidentally, you too can harness this power by simply plugging your Magnetic Levitating Globe into a standard electrical outlet.

Powerful magnets at the top and bottom of the globe allow it to suspend gracefully in mid-air.

Features & specs:

  • Approx. 12" tall (including frame)
  • Computer controlled levitation
  • Comes with an AC adapter

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Watch our Levitating Globe Video
 

Magnetic Levitating Globe

Floating desktop globe is a great desk accessory.

How the floating globe works

It's a simple premise: put magnets of opposite poles on the top and bottom of the globe. Their forces should cancel out and the globe will levitate. The theory is great except that it would require a globe that is perfectly spherical and with a completely uniform distribution of weight. Basically, this would require a magnetic levitating globe created by NASA engineers using $15,000 hammers.

The next logical step is to create magnets that can adjust their forces based upon changing conditions. For instance, if there's a little wind in the room that forces the globe in one direction or pushes it slightly up or down, the magnets could adjust their forces and keep everything balanced.

That's exactly what the Magnetic Levitating Globe does. In the top of the frame, there is a sensor that measures the magnetic field to measure the height at which the globe is suspended. In the bottom of the base, there is a microcomputer that adjusts an electronic magnet in the upper part of the frame in order to maintain suspension.

Yes, you can give it a spin

Add a magnetic floating globe to your desktop.

The magnetic Levitating Globe is fairly robust in terms of maintaining its suspension. However, it's not suspended by invisible steel cables. It's floating. So, yes, you can give it small nudges with the tip of an eraser so that it rotates freely. But, you can't smack it with your hand and expect the globe to stay floating.

$39.95

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A few customer questions we've answered

Q: Is it safe to put that thing near a computer monitor? I know that magnets can cause discoloration in displays and I've got a spot on my desk that would be perfect for this thing.
A: We had one sitting about 12 inches from a monitor for several days and there were no problems. We don't recommend getting much closer than that, however. If you were to experience a problem caused by magnets, many monitors have a DeGaussing function designed to fix the issue. LCD or Flat Panel monitors are not affected by the magnets at all.

Q: Does it have a 220v adapter? (European standard)
A: No, it is a 120V brick adapter. There are many retail stores and online shops where you can purchase a power transformer to convert 120V to 220V. US homes are 120V.

Q: is this something that should be unplugged at the end of the day so it wont wear out or can you leave it plugged in 24 hours a day...
A: While it's probably best to unplug any electronics at the end of the day (to save on electricity and product lifespan), this product is no more likely to wear out than any other electronic item. You shouldn't have any problems leaving it plugged in 24 hours a day.

Q: is it safe to keep this product within 12" of a hard disk drive?
A: We suspect that it would be OK to use a levitating globe roughly 12" from a hard disk drive, but we have not tested it.

Q: What Voltage do i use to power it if i loose the cord
A: The magnetic levitating globe uses an 18v 300mA cord.

Q: What is the globe's diameter?
A: The magnetic levitating globe's diameter is approximately 4 inches.

Q: What does the globe weigh?
A: The entire box for the Levitating Globe weighs approximately 2 lbs (this includes the arm and AC adapter). The globe itself weighs about 4-6 ounces.

Q: Is there a model that you can plug into a USB port?
A: While a USB Magnetic Levitating Globe might exist somewhere, we don't know where.

Q: Is this seriously the coolest thing you have ever seen? and if not what is?
A: Yes. It's in a tie for first place with every other product on Vat19.com.

Q: Q. What is the size of the globe?
A: The magnetic levitating globe is about 4 inches in diameter. The stand is approximately 12 inches tall.

Q: How do you you get the globe to float instead of sticking to the top or bottom of the globe? Ist there a trick to this?
A: Getting the magnetic levitating globe to float can be a little tricky at first. If you look inside the instruction manual, you'll find a couple of paper guides that can help you position it until you get the hang of it.

Q: do you have 110V?
A: Yes, the model that we carry is 110V. However, if you needed it to work in another country, many travel stores carry affordable adapters.

Q: Is there a USB version, or will there be in the near future?
A: At this time, we're not aware of anyone that produces a USB-powered levitating globe, so no, we don't have plans to carry one in the near future.

Q: Have you got the brown & gold model? how much is the delivery to Brazil? Thank“s,
A: Vat19 only sells the silver and blue model of the Levitating Globe. To calculate shipping costs, click the "Get Shipping Quote" link near the top of the page or add the item to the shopping cart to get a shipping estimate.

Q: Hi, I this a current world map?
A: Based on what we can see, it appears to be current.

Q: Are there other planets that you can buy for this? -Martian 9110223X
A: We're sorry, but Earth is the only planet that we offer for the Levitating Globe. This is not intended as a slight against Martians, and should be interpreted only as a reflection of current consumer demand.

Q: Neat, and I will probably buy one. It would've been a slam dunk had you tilted the axis... Now I havta look at your other products!
A: Thanks for the feedback.

Q: Can anything else be suspended or is it limited to the globe?
A: Only the globe can be suspended in the Levitating Globe. The globe has magnets on the top and bottom which provide the repelling force.

Q: What is the consumption in watts drawn, while turned on of course? ;)
A: Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not know how many watts are consumed while the Levitating Globe is turned on. There are devices that you can buy that could measure this.

Q: Do you ship these globe to vietnam?
A: Yes. Just use the "Get Shipping Quote" button near the top of the page to get a precise and current quote for your location.

Q: The globe seems to spin indefinitely. Is this due to lack of friction, or do the magnets apply some torque to the globe to keep it going?
A: The Levitating Globe will eventually slow down. To the best of our knowledge, the magnets are not applying any force to keep the globe spinning. The lack of friction is what allows a small spinning force to keep the globe moving for long periods of time.

Q: How could you increase the weight of the globe without disrupting the magnetic field?
A: It may be possible to increase the Levitating Globe's weight a bit, but we suspect that any large increase to the weight would make it too heavy for the current configuration.

 
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