MOTORS -The Secret Life of Components, a series of guides for makers and designers 11

[@oellinas]

Tim I am an engineer today in no small part due to your programs I watched as a child. A deep heartfelt thank you for everything you do.

[@davesaxonfields6752]

Same here, would rush home from secondary school to catch ‘The Secret Life of Machines’ I’ve been a engineer in the Automated Medical Research Instrumentation industry for 26 years because those programs helped me discover what I wanted to do - enjoying this series as much as the earlier ones! Thank you Tim - And Rex

[@JESUSCHRYSLER5512]

You are most welcome!!

[@harriehausenman8623]

Thank you, Tim & Rex!

[@NotaRobot_gif]

SAME =)

[@m1geo]

Same here!

[@rickydee3462]

Tim Hunkin you're a national treasure, long may you engineer and educate.

[@Shadowreaper5]

What this gentleman said. You are a boon to the field of learning.

[@drdremd]

I respectfully disagree, he is an International Treasure in my opinion.

[@harriehausenman8623]

@@drdremd Interplanetary Treasure !😁

[@voornaam3191]

Weird word, that engine-er. Why not a lot more abstract? No, it is down-2-earth, just engines?! Yuck! Call them designer, or whatever! Anything else were better.

[@voornaam3191]

​​​@@Shadowreaper5 Boon is a Belgian beer brewer. And a bloody famous one. Boon is bean, off course. Go explore the real world, please. Boon? You have no idea.

[@mrtom64]

So nice to just watch a good honest video that's entirely about the subject matter. No silly jingles, self-promotion or sneaky sponsor plugging. No begging for cash or subscriptions, comments or 'likes', just 100% Tim Hunkin talking about stuff he knows from years of experience. Thank-you Tim, very much appreciated.

[@Trueo9re]

He does ask for donations so he can continue making content for people. But like you say it's not in your face.

[@harriehausenman8623]

The most un-youtubish video on youtube 🙂

[@jobkneppers]

Tim, I'm happily married to my wife for over 25 years now so I probably don't scare or offend you, but I simply love you. Just like I loved my granddad. For me you're an icon of how people ideally should be and act. Big hug from a devoted supporter. Thank you for sharing all your wonderful work for so long with us. All the best, Job

[@amarissimus29]

This slightly cracked egg, for one, is grateful for Mr. Hunkin. Every video feels like an apprenticeship. Takes me back to when KZbin was about sharing the joy of creation rather than a soulless hall of mirrors. Thank you for being an inspiration in an age of posers and copycats.

[@Quake120]

Your comment kind of echoes the current state of KZbin... Making videos for the internet used to be because it was so cool to be able to share your videos, and now it is all about making money. Don't get me wrong, there are still an immense amount of very good creators out there, but not quite as many as before. Tim seems to do these just because he finds joy in the process, which is amazing

[@jackglossop4859]

The sheer amount of work that goes into the examples here is mind-blowing. Everything he discusses is backed up with practical demonstrations. Really unrivalled on KZbin.

[@LttlKnwnCompBehindWriteAssist]

I am learning a bit about the patience and video content quality from these videos honestly.

[@eojsleen]

This video should be mandatory viewing for all grade school children. Some will be fascinated and some excruciatingly bored, but I am sure it will plant a curiosity seed and steer many kids toward a career in STEM. I am 65 and wish sorely I’d saw my curiosity through to it’s fruition. End of rant.

[@mikeselectricstuff]

Using the Trinamic stepper drivers eliminates most of the issues with steppers - they are almost magical - the motors become near-silent and super smooth even at very low speeds, and will do things like back off the current when the motor isn't moving to reduce heating. I seriously recommend you try them.

[@joppepeelen]

most new closed loop steppers do simliar.

[@BEdmonson85]

"almost magical" ... Exactly the words I would have used. They're amazing!

[@StubbyPhillips]

Indeed!

[@jobkneppers]

Trinamic changed my stepper world. More power, no noise; magic! I'm a believer. Halelujah!

[@StubbyPhillips]

@@jobkneppers Same here. Their dev kits are a great place to start exploring those nifty features.

[@PplsChampion]

i love tim hunkin because he's the kind of man who gives an interesting demonstration with his van de graff only to conclude "this does nothing to explain how today's motors work"

[@shooterdotnet]

Tim! Thank you so much for producing such great content on youtube. Having grown up on and loved The Secret Life of Machines, I've always appreciated your teaching style and seemingly endless knowledge and explaining prowess. I'm so very happy to be able to continue to learn from you with your Secret Life of Components. You're truly a global Treasure! Thank you!!! p.s. Everyone that is able to, please be sure to take time to make a donation for this truly amazing builder and damn fine teacher!

[@tommee10533]

Mr. Hunkin is truly one of my all time heros. Starting watching him back in the 90's . Inspired me to what I have become today. Was so happy when he started this series.

[@mixtapesfrommylatepartner]

This gets posted to youtube just at that point in the week where I need cheering up. I always forget it's here. So it's always a good surprise when I find it.

[@techtinkerin]

I waited over thirty years to see Tim say what the fs gone wrong there!! 🤣❤️👍 Tim you're an absolute legend for this series, you and Rex could have done secret life without a production team!

[@everettplummer9725]

Wish I had a KZbin channel to unload all my accumulated experience and knowledge. You are doing a service, passing down your knowledge, before it's gone. People nowadays are so clueless about the world around them. Many are injured or die. For example, a person in a fiberglass company, in a layup area, had checked out a drill, to mix fibers and resins. Then stuck the stirrer into a bucket of acetone and pulled the switch. Room turned white, and people's socks were on fire, and a poor soul was in the doorway, did his first solo flight. Every one else chose pneumatic drills. If people had knowledge, there would be less accident autopsies to fill out. Keep teaching and sharing, thanks so much.

[@CarlDidur]

"1 hour later" hahaha! Feels pretty good when it finally goes back together! This is a great episode! The first thing I wanted as a boy, at the surplus electronics shop was a motor "that went slow but was strong". The scary old man in the basement (probably in his 50s haha) said "you want TORQUE, kid" and sent me to the shelf with geared car window motors. $12 at the time. I bought 2. Made a contraption to open my curtains from my bed across the room. Just this year (30+ yrs later) I made an electric cart for collecting pallets for a wood stove in the city. I used a Chinese geared motor and PWM controller and 12V motorcycle battery. I roll around the neighbourhood with glee. I used information from the CHAIN episode to help me get that right! I am a Certified Electronics Technician and fix tape machines (just sticky tape and rust) and vintage organs and synthesizers, now for a living. It took a while to get here, but along the way I have never forgotten the wonders you and Rex showed me as a kid - and how much I wanted to understand these things myself! I think your original show was on public TV in Canada. I am surely one of many many thousand of people you helped inspire (proof is in the comments haha). I share this here just to be in such good company. thanks again!

[@AndreaDingbatt]

THANK YOU!! Your Enthusiasm and Knowlege have spurred me on, with my "Quest" to become "Off-Grid" in a city bedsit!! I had been hitting some 'Sticking points',due to a traumatic brain injury,that had left some holes within my memory, and also limiting my learning abilities... However,your clear explanations were exactly what I needed,to move forwards again!! Grateful Thanks and Kindest Regards, Namaste. Andrea and Critter Family. ..XxX..

[@davidr5964]

I'm learning so much from Tim. 3 x days of watching has advanced my understanding 10 years. How on Earth is he not Sir Tim Hunkin?

[@psyclobe]

I remember watching this show in my youth, and now in my older age I'm still learning from this guy. These videos are made with heart and a genuine desire to help us understand things. Thanks Tim!!!

[@BEdmonson85]

I read the thank you page the other day after I sent a donation your way. I'm so glad your friend talked you out of putting all this content behind a pay wall! But seriously, guys, if you have a couple bucks to spare, it's well worth it. Thanks again Tim.

[@Sibicle]

34M, USA. stumbled across an episode of The Secret Life of Machines when you were uploading the remasters during the pandemic, and am so grateful I did. just wanted to pile on to the outflowing of supremely deserved praise in the comments, and say thank you for being you, and sharing so generously with all of us! I learn, I laugh, I cry, I smile, every time. 💓☺️⚙️

[@skivvy3565]

Love to have ya back again, been rewatching the whole series again for the millionth time. Thank you for your work

[@dougb6183]

Tim truly thank you for these amazing videos. You and your skil set is amazing..and you sir are the teacher the world deserves. You make people excited buy your joy of what you've learned and your enthusiasm in sharing with us all.. thank you kindly Sir.

[@arubaguy2733]

Mr. Hunkin, you do much of what I did with my time as a kid and on into adulthood. To my mother's horror, I took apart so many mechanical and electrical things. I absorbed all the knowledge I could by examining how things worked and eventually it became a career as a "mechatronics" specialist with little formal education, that repaired devices, then taught repair, then invented new devices, and it was a very rewarding and lucrative lifetime. Now at 72, I'm "playing with" Arduino processors just for fun and to keep my brain active. Having just recently discovered your very entertaining and informative, I've of course subscribed.

[@kozykulturehour7937]

I can attribute my new interest in tinkering almost entirely to this man. Thank you, Mr .Hunkin.

[@danalexander765]

Mr. Hunkin...thank you so very much. I watched your tv series on PBS channels in the US many years ago and was super delighted, informed and awestruck. Now, 40 plus years later I get to see you again. I never stop enjoying you videos. As a retired engineer I wish that all engineering students watch your series before they graduate. You bring technology and the love of science ALIVE. Words cannot express my sincere “ thank you” for everything.

[@JFrizey]

I love how Tim just casually has a milk jug of mercury in the workshop. Love your work Tim

[@anusblaster8671]

So happy to see this, when I was 8 or 9 SLOM was my favorite thing to watch. You have inspired a generation of men in sheds.

[@Slarti]

As a software engineer I love watching your videos because it shows me creativity and also how to think about problems.

[@h3lldr0p]

Thank you so much for making these, Tim. I deeply appreciate all you've done to educate people on how our world operates.

[@MrJimmy6675]

Tim you are someone i look up to most in this world, and while i am not financially stable one of my wishes is to come and visit your fantastic arcades and try to understand the mechanics behind all of your machines

[@christopherkise]

The smile on your face when you cracked the egg💛. Excellent video as always. Just so much knowledge and hands on experience all at once. Thank you.

[@kjamison5951]

What a legend and still educating everyone with a dash of entertainment. I worked in a school for manny years and I coerced the head of department to purchase “The Secret Life of” on VHS and said it would transform pupils minds. He never showed a single episode. I asked for the tapes when I was leaving as I considered them too valuable to leave behind. He was happy to be rid of them. How short sighted. I love finding out about things and Tim provides a fantastic backdrop to explain everything so clearly! Thank you!

[@LucasChoate]

For what it's worth, i got interested in making due to you and Rex and your original show. They say to never meet your heroes but i get the impression you're every bit the good guy that you seem. Anyway, thanks for the art, the comedy, the knowledge and the inspiration. Pour one out for Rex.

[@cdforduk1]

Folowed you for years ! Im an engineer so get what you do ! Keep it going M8

[@glennschemitsch8341]

This is the secret life of Tim Hunkin in a nut shell. He enjoys this just like when he first started those videos many, many, moons ago and I also enjoy following him.

[@crusherbmx]

Love these videos...nut the best part of all was that line at the end after asking for donatations, "I'm not starving but it does encourage me to keep at it!"

[@professornick8033]

It's always a bright day when I see Tim has uploaded a video. They are a joy to watch and will continue to inspire many for a very long time. Thank you for taking the time to give this to the world.

[@ignacio6852]

what a pleasure to see, the world need more people like you, greetings from Chile.

[@tomstern1681]

I really can't express how fun it is to watch these videos!

[@mikedrop4421]

Just the work put into the title animations for this series is crazy. Thanks Mr Hunkin

[@stephenhewitt5835]

Brilliant, VERY interesting. I found this site by accident but am now going through every program. Must visit the pier 👍👍👍

[@tsbrownie]

That trick of using back emf to rapidly stop a DC motor is brilliant! Never seen it before.

[@4dirt2racer0]

really?? thats how alot of drivers work

[@raykent3211]

When it's done in a controlled way it's called regenerative braking. Same principle but instead of shorting the contacts and wasting energy you use the motor as a dynamo to give some charge back the battery.

[@bryanlatimer-davies1222]

It's also used on slot cars to slow them more quickly

[@jobkneppers]

If you use a resistor in series with the braking loop you can alter the stop behavior too. Like a "lush" stop with a relaxed, luxurious feel.

[@mbunds]

"The Secret Life Of Machines" was inspirational for me. It's so wonderful to finally get some information about "The secret life of TIM's" machines", thanks!

[@clauderoy7580]

The Secret Life of Machines and Connections, two of the only reasons to own a television. Thank you for the Infotainment. I will never forget you and Rex and James Burke with his show. It was so interesting to learn about something while also being entertained. It's great to know you are still around, sir.

[@JimRobb44]

A truly delightful hour, as all are spent with Tim.

[@rickblackwell6435]

The most important words in the video are 'fun' and 'play'. Wonderful as ever.

[@icusawme2]

Loads of good information explained as simply as something complicated could be explained. Thanks for sharing!

[@NapoleonGelignite]

I am a scientist and inventor, in part thanks to your Ch4 series. You are a fountain of knowledge and charm.

[@harriehausenman8623]

I just watched ClearPath Ads, and they are really funny 🤣 Mr. Hunkin has the best Ads in videos, that aren't even sponsored. What a legend!

[@PeterDempsey-yarglags]

I laughed out loud at your oops when your hoist began to give way. It's great to see your commitment to the demonstration by literally putting your body on the line. 😂 I love your work.

[@mustaffaleak9247]

1:03:24 "What the f***s gone wrong there!". Naughty Tim! 🤣

[@EveryUserName]

Lol I had to replay that a couple of times to convince myself I hadn't misheard that gem

[@DesignBuildExecute]

Tim, when Secret Life was brought to the States on Discovery channel, I fell in love with it as a kid. I am still watching them today. I show them to my daughter. You are absolutely one of my heroes! I miss Rex and just wished that I had met him before his passing. Hope to travel over to the UK in the near future to visit your displays and maybe, hopefully get a chance to meet you in person. That would be an absolute thrill. By the way, your book "Rudiments of Wisdom" is one of my most prized books in my small collection.

[@AjinkyaMahajan]

Although I had studied this during my undergrad, most of the time, we used to work on simulations of EM fields and motor characteristics. It reminds me of true old-school Nostalgia. Great content. Cheers✨✨

[@SimonHollandfilms]

wonderful.....I'm off to the workshop.

[@gauge6513]

I'm so glad this man is passing on his experience. Every craftsmen, builder artist can learn something new. Amazing video series.

[@paulw1113]

Absolutely fantastic to see you producing such amazing and entertaining videos. You inspired me many years ago with your eccentric but genius ‘secret live of machines’ series.. Long may you continue to make more.. Absolute joy to see. Many, many thanks Tim

[@conradconstantine8549]

Hey Tim i watched your shows when i was a child!! im from the 80's, So pleased to of found your channel and to see you are doing well for yourself! I Absolutely love tinkering and only in recent years found out i am on the autistic spectrum! I would love a workshop like you have, i would never leave it haha!

[@no_one_from_nowhere]

Every time I see a new video by Tim, I immediately watch it or add it to my playlist

[@dr.feelgood2358]

I immensely enjoy your videos explaining mechanics! it would be required watching in high schools, if i had my way. we all interact with these things regularly, but most folks have little or no idea how or where.

[@davidberndt6275]

the torque demo is classic Tim Hunkin. Thanks Tim!!

[@chriscody2852]

You continue to be the master explainer. It brings such joy to learn from your years of experience.

[@markhonea2461]

That is the first time I have heard back emf described in such a way. It helps explain inductive resistance very well!👍🤓

[@tiger12506]

The back emf braking circuit is a gem. And also the tip about using diodes to drop voltage to control speed, rather than resistors (which would get hotter and reduce current thus reducing torque) I'd never seen anyone suggest that before. I've commonly used a couple diodes as a poor man's voltage regulator for ICs and the like, but never thought to use them for motors. Great stuff!

[@tonysheerness2427]

I nearly missed this as I thought it was one of your videos. Thoroughly enjoyed watching.

[@jonathansbitofeverything9710]

Thanks Tim I have enjoyed watching. Your practical presentation is great. I watched your original series secret life of machines when I was younger and was soooo happy to find all your videos on you tube. Thanks again.

[@gonzo_the_great1675]

I had a similar issue on my cnc mill, with it rounding off corners. It was the G code was running constant velicity mode. Where it tries to keep the cutter moving. The fix was to change to 'exact stop' mode (G61). Where it finished the cut before starting the next. Rather that trying to blend moves. If your cnc plasma runs on G code, may be worth looking into. Thanks for the series Tim. Small donation made. Want to keep you motivated to do more!

[@chichongc]

Tim, thank you so much for your contribution! Your experience has definitely helped us to reduce the troubles and expenses when we are making things.

[@TheFLOMAN76]

Amazing.... The things you create! Love it all!!

[@crazyg74]

love you Tim. So grateful for everything you've shared with us. 🙂

[@ActuallyDarcy]

You're a gem Tim. This channel and your career are such an amazing resource. I'm an electrician and your videos make me want to learn more

[@joegee2815]

I loved this show. I learned so much and the animation was great. I also loved that it was released to the public after it aired. Thank you for your contribution to humanity.

[@btbb3726]

I’m in the US so I probably haven’t seen Tim Hunkin as much over the years as someone who is from the UK. That said, I definitely recognize him as I have seen him now and then over the years. As I started watching this video I thought to myself, “This guy is like a UK version of Mr. Rogers, but for ~’grown ups’”. If you don’t know who Mr. Rogers is, I assure you that a favorable comparison to him is a great compliment. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@DOCTOR_SONG]

Mr. Hunkin Ive always loved every video you have ever made and I wish that one day i can come to UK and visit your arcades and perhaps meet you. You have taught me well. 😎👍

[@Bicyclehub]

This was really interesting to watch and gave me a vivid impression of the strengths and weaknesses of different types of motors. I have a Chinese PWM controller running the heating circulation pump on my canal boat. I was wary of it when first installed but it runs all evening and night for most of the year and is still fine after 20 months. I’m glad that you make good use of Chinese electrical stuff.

[@threesixty8154]

Another great video Tim! Thanks so much, as always learned a lot and loved your demonstrations! Cheers!

[@moonbongyang6460]

Some of my fondest memories of my father are when we used to watch your show back in the 90s. We shared a love of all things mechanical. He passed away in 99 but I'm sure he'd be happy to see you're still at it. As for me, I became an electrician so this episode is of particular interest to me.

[@ivprojects8143]

Thank you for posting these videos! You're a great teacher.

[@ANDREW-oy2vh]

Excellent video and content as always Tim. I always looked forward to coming home from school to watch the Secret Life of Machines when I was in my mid teens. I enjoyed my visit to Novelty Automation when I visited London last September for a few days holiday and thought it was a fascinating place. I will most certainly visit again some time soon. Interestingly in the Servo section of your upload/video I noticed that the Motor was produced by Moog, the Parent Company that owns the Company I work for. Thanks again Tim, Andrew,.

[@ByWire-yk8eh]

Hi Tim. Excellent. You might have disassembled one of the tiny vibrator motors. They are used in all kinds to stuff including small remote control cars, airplanes, etc. As I'm sure you know, they are DC motors, but constructed "inside out". They are called "coreless". The permanent magnet is stationary and is in the middle and the armature is a tiny fiberglass cylinder with fine wire woven over it. There are brushes and a commutator. The cylinder rotates around the magnet.

[@paulskorbinski123]

This is the best tutorial on motors I’ve ever seen.

[@jonnection]

Wooo!!!! More goodness! Thank you Tim!!!

[@MattTester]

I always enjoy watching the section of an old Robot Wars video where Rex talks about running the 12V motors in his robot Cassius on 24V to get more power, arguing that they don't have enough time to really get hot. It clearly worked. It was good to see inside the 'Fakita' drill with the brushless motor in this too.

[@Rick-O-Shay60]

Tim, your videos are always a pleasure to watch, explained in fun, easy to learn tutorials. Thank You sir.

[@projectartichoke]

What a wonderful video! And, what a wonderful person in it!

[@harriehausenman8623]

Thank you so much! Fantastic video and great topics. I really enjoyed it and learned quite a few "bits" 🙂

[@robertgolding5398]

hi tim glad to see you are still amazing people with your ideas. i am planning a 6 dof stewart platform for a vr fligt simulator. i went tjough the possabilities and decided used wheelchair motors were the best option given the price.to get around the speed issuses, they are too fast asthey come. thry ru at aroiund 125 RPM and i need around 60, i am going to try old 230mm disc cutter gearboxs. i also need the output shaft to be parallel to to the motor ideally. they only need to cover 180 degrees of travel in both directions. i loved the look on your face when trying the drill motor lift.!

[@rdhunkins]

Tim, I remember with fondness your secret life shows on PBS back in the day here in the states. It's an added bonus to me that we probably have a common ancestor, given the similarity of our uncommon surnames. Glad I found your videos again!

[@TheHughzt]

Yet another brilliant, interesting, entertaining video, thank you so much

[@markusfuller]

Thankyou Tim for your quality educational teaching with added fun factor.

[@priestblood]

Hi ,I am new to your channel and found it fascinating, I really enjoyed watching you it reminded me of a teacher I had in the 80s ,he was a great teacher.I will work my way though your video archive and look forward to seeing your next.stay healthy, keep teaching

[@dev-debug]

I have Clearpath SK series on my CNC milling machine, they were a great upgrade over standard NEMA 34 steppers I used to run on it. I use a linear power supply to run them, it's an inexpensive toroidal transformer setup but works great. The Clearpath motors don't get along very well with switching power supplies due to the amount of back EMF they can generate. You obviosuly put a lot of time into this video, even having worked with alot of motors it was very enjoyable and one can always learn more so thank you !

[@HowardAlison]

Thanks for doing these videos, they are so educational and a huge encouragement to any maker. Off the back of them I have now been to both of your amusement arcades and must say they are both inventive and pure genius, mixed with a wicked sense of humour. I'd recommend them to anyone. Keep going Tim.

[@islandbry]

Another great video!! Thank you for putting in the effort.

[@MrGesutton]

I agree that your legacy has made me a better engineer. I still am amazed as to how you showed how a sewing machine works.

[@makermatthew]

Hi Tim, wonderful video, I remember both Rex and yourself explaining how a VCR worked 'with sticky tape and rust' :); those were wonderful programs. For the tidal gauge you really need a '"stilling well" then you could try the float again bit I would also recommend ultrasonic or radar sensors (there are some wonderful industrial process level sensors out there; pricey but wonderful). The stilling well is essentially an open topped closed bottom tube mounted in the water with a small opening beneath the low water line. This device smooths/averages the irregular surface of the water making measurement easier.

[@mikeadler434]

Great video, thank you for taking the time to create it. 👍👍

[@7000fps]

I always have been a fan SLOM . also like all Tims videos. I wish there was a way to drop in some fitting B-roll of Rex through out the story.

[@TheRealBanana]

This series has been amazing so far, I can't wait for the next installment! If you ever run out of ideas for videos It would be cool to go through your arcade machines and tell us how you developed them (especially all the problems and solutions you came up with).

[@dandare1001]

Thanks for that, Tim. I used to read the Rudiments of Wisdom as a child, and I watched the Secret Life of series. Probably thanks to you I became a mechanical engineer. :) I took my daughter to the under the pier show last week, and we had an excellent time. Hilarious. We were hoping to bump into you, but sadly it didn't happen. Keep up the brilliant work!

[@bigjd2k]

Thanks again for a very well put together video! Must be great fun developing those machines!