What is a Geneva drive?
Turns smooth spinning into step-pause-step. A pin on a spinning wheel pokes into a slotted wheel, pushes it a quarter turn, then slides out and lets it rest. Film projectors and clocks used this to move one step at a time.
Try Geneva Step Counter for freeMechanical Wonders booklet pack: 30 PDF booklets for $5.99. Instructions only; individual booklets remain free.
Explore the printable packTry it yourself
Count how many full turns of the driver make the slotted wheel go all the way round.
Build it: the build that teach Geneva drive
- ⏯️ Geneva Step Counter: Turn the handle smoothly — the pointer moves in jumps: click… wait… click! (level 3 of 5, about 30 minutes, 9 steps)
In the classroom
- M5 Machines That Seem Alive (Engineers, Advanced)
Common engineering questions
How can I try Geneva drive at home?
Count how many full turns of the driver make the slotted wheel go all the way round.
Which builds teach Geneva drive?
One MightyCog build teaches it: Geneva Step Counter. Start with Geneva Step Counter: 9 steps, about 30 minutes.