Meet a LEVITRON™ MASTER!

Perhaps you don't own a Levitron and you're wondering what it's all about. Perhaps you've tried one and just couldn't get it to work. It does take a bit of patience to figure out all of the precise adjustments that need to be made. Most Levitron owners manage to achieve levitation for a few moments or a few minutes at a time. The more serious Levitron enthusiasts invest in the Perpetuator and thrill at the sight of levitation that lasts for hours or days. And then there is the Levitron Master...

Nathan A. Tarler is a Levitron Master. He reasoned that the Levitron system provides all the components to theoretically keep the top floating indefinitely. He just had to control a few environmental and technical factors that can affect the float. The result? Nathan's Levitron has been floating continuously since October 26, 2001!

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Nathan demonstrates his record-breaking Levitron system at his home in Plantation, Florida. To those familiar with Levitrons, the round copper-colored object may be a surprise. You'll read all about it below.

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Nathan's basic system consists of a Super Levitron, Perpetuator, and a starter. "I was never able to master 'the spin' using my fingers," said Nathan, "I always used the starter." Most Levitron users feel the same way - the starter is a "must" for a good starting spin.

THE LEVITRON

The Super Levitron has a permanent magnet base and a spinning "top" that floats above the base. The top is itself a disk magnet with its poles on the faces of the disk. Magnetic repulsion between the top and the base magnet counters gravity and holds the top up (no external power is used). Spinning the top is necessary to keep it from flipping over. Typically within a few minutes, the top loses momentum, the spin slows down, and the top falls.

THE PERPETUATOR

To achieve longer periods of levitation, the Perpetuator can be used. In simple terms, it creates a magnetic force that keeps the top spinning at a constant rate so that it doesn't slow down and fall. The technical term is "Oscillating Field Generator." The Levitron unit sits on top of the Perpetuator. The newer Levitron Omega can be used in the same way. The Perpetuator uses house current for its power.

Right away I'm sure you can see a problem for extended periods of levitation. What if you lose power to the Perpetuator? Nathan solved that problem with an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). "After a few power outages, I purchased an inexpensive UPS to eliminate that issue," said Nathan, "any inexpensive Battery Backup will keep power going to the Perpetuator. I saw an ad at our local Comp USA for an APC 350VA Battery Back-UPS for $19.99 plus tax."

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Block diagram of Nathan's system. All components are shown in their correct relative position. Of course, the UPS can reside anywhere within electrical cord distance to the Perpetuator.

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OVERCOMING AIR MOVEMENTS

Another condition that can affect the Levitron is air movements or even careless persons moving around the unit. Nathan solved this problem with a clear plastic cover that protects the setup while still providing a good view of the action. "I added the custom built clear acrylic display case to protect the top from anything that might be flying by and to enhance the overall appearance," said Nathan, "this case fits over the Levitron base and on top of the Perpetuator base. The display case cost $23."

CRITICAL ADJUSTMENTS

The Levitron and Perpetuator must be adjusted so that the magnetic field is as close to vertical as possible (i.e. the unit must be "level"). The Perpetuator has adjustable feet to achieve this critical alignment. The weight of the top is also critical. The top comes with various metal and plastic disks that you can add or remove until you find the correct amount of weight to get the top to float correctly. Nathan's top weighs 4.7 grams.

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Nathan and Romelle are proud of what they've achieved with their study and application of Levitron physics. "My wife enjoys this as much as I do," said Nathan.

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AIR TEMPERATURE

A final environmental condition that can affect the top is air temperature. Temperature determines how much weight is needed on the top, and when the temperature changes, the top can fall. Nathan's home is air conditioned and the temperature is about 78 degrees constantly.

THE SECRET SAUCE

Nathan explains the secret that he discovered to achieve maximum float time.

"In my quest to learn more about the Levitron science, I found Professor Ken Libbrechtthor and he provided me with the information regarding the advantage of adding a copper puck." "Mr. Martin Simon also confirmed the stabilizing properties of copper."

"I believe that the copper puck (mine is 3" in diameter x 1" high) is the most significant factor in keeping the top floating. Martin Simon and Professor Ken Libbrecht told me that the copper acts to damp out any oscillations that could make the top go unstable."

"Finding the copper puck was not easy. I found a supplier (Farmers Copper 800-231-9450) that would sell the item for $17 plus shipping. They have a $50 minimum order. I purchased the puck from one of their local customers (I had to wait from June to November 2001) when they were ready to order some copper. My cost was $36 for the puck. By the way, this puck is heavy!

To illustrate the significance of the copper puck, Nathan said " My best float time without the copper puck was 37 days. Using the copper puck, I have achieved continuous float since October 26, 2001 to the present, and it's still going!"

(Editor's note: Nathan's record is actually 586 continuous days. Recently, while the family was on vacation, there was a temperature change in their home and the top fell. However, it's floating again now and Nathan is out to beat his old record!)

THE CHALLENGE

Nathan would like to challenge others to duplicate his setup. This will provide independent confirmation that others can also achieve results similar to his. "Barring a significant temperature change, I believe the top will continue to float indefinitely," said Nathan. If you would like to discuss Levitron science with Nathan, you can contact him via one of the methods below:

Nathan Tarler
9760 NW 16th Street
Plantation, FL 33322
tarlern@bellsouth.net
954-475-9760

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PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND Nathan and Romelle live in Plantation, Florida. He is a retired Air Force Major and owns N.A. Tarler Enterprises, which provides computer and financial consulting services.

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NOTES

1. The Super Levitron has been discontinued and replaced by the Omega. You may still be able to find the Super Levitron for sale at some stores. By removing the Omega's own adjustable feet, it sits on the Perpetuator and works just like the Super Levitron.

2. Another source for the copper puck has been found: Online Metals



Levitron, Perpetuator, Super Levitron, and Omega Levitron are registered trademarks of Fascinations, Seattle, WA.