MOVA - How Do They Work

Behind the Magic

Mova Globes rotate peacefully and silently using only energy from light and the force of the Earth’s magnetic field. From the inside mechanics to the outside graphics, each MOVA Globe uses revolutionary technologies to create a first-of-its-kind item and a magical experience unlike any other.

The Heart of the Motion

Each MOVA Globe is composed of an outer shell and an inner globe. The inner globe contains a carefully designed highly efficient drive mechanism that powers the rotation. Energy for the drive is provided by very advanced solar cells that activate when light passes through the graphics. A magnetised element in the drive reacts with the Earth’s magnetic field to set the globe in continuous motion.

Revolutionary, Inside and Out

Low-light Solar Cell Technology

The solar cells are placed inside and behind the globe’s graphics to remain hidden and unobtrusive. Because most of the ambient light is blocked by the graphics, these solar cells have to be specifically designed and tested to produce an efficient amount of energy even in a low light.

Counter-torque

The motion mechanism in the MOVA Globe needs a source of counter-torque to activate and sustain the perpetual motion-like simulation. Similar to a magnetised needle in a compass and how it’s held stationary by the Earth’s magnetic field as you rotate the compass, MOVA Creations use the Earth’s magnetic field to push against and be set into continuous motion.

Ultra-Low Friction Motor Design

The motor design in the MOVA Globe is at least an order of magnitude lower friction than current motors used in consumer applications. This makes it possible for the mechanism to rotate in complete silence with extremely low power in the microwatt range (a microwatt is one-millionth of a watt).

Micro Volume Fluid Levitation Technology

A very thin layer of fluid is key to the inner globe’s ability to awaken in light, levitate freely, and turn continuously without ever touching the outer shell.

Fluid-Aided Optical Projection Technology

The optical parameters of the micro-volume fluid and the distance between the inner globe and outer shell are precisely designed to project the turning graphics of the inner globe onto the outer shell, providing the illusion that the outer shell is turning on the stand and defying the laws of physics. This technology also allows the MOVA Globe to turn on any surface (except for those made of magnetisable metal, such as iron.

Can the Mova Globe be placed on a different stand than the one that came with it?

Certainly. Just about any stand will work as long as it has an adequate grip to stabilize the spherical globe so that it doesn’t fall off. Make sure the desired base will not scratch the globe and is not made of iron, as that will interfere with the earth’s magnetic field and the globe will stop rotating. You will also want to make sure the stand is not magnetized in any way as this will also possibly cause the globe to stop turning.

Tips for Getting the Best Results from your MOVA Globe

MOVA Globes need very minimal maintenance. To remove fingerprints and dust, rinse with water and wipe dry with a soft cloth. Do not use any abrasive cleaning solutions.

Why is there a misalignment on my globe's graphic?

Assemble the enclosed stand by inserting each of the three acrylic cylinders or “fingers” into the receiving holes in the acrylic base. Make sure that each acrylic “finger” is fully inserted into the hole. Make sure that the flat end of the “finger” is inserted into the hole in the base, leaving the bevelled end of the “finger” to support your MOVA globe. This will minimise the potential for scratching your MOVA globe as it rests on its stand.

The outer sphere of your MOVA globe is made by bonding two acrylic hemispheres together. This is done carefully, but even so, it is impossible to make the bond line completely invisible. To achieve the best results, the manufacturer suggests aligning the outer sphere so the bond line between the hemispheres is parallel to the equator on the inner globe. This will tend to mask the bonding line and will make it less noticeable.

The fluid in your MOVA globe is injected through a small fill hole that is subsequently sealed. Please orient the outer sphere so the sealed fill hole is located at the South Pole. This will hide the fill hole so it will not detract from your viewing experience.

Even with sufficient ambient light, your MOVA Globe may still have trouble turning steadily in some locations, such as high-rise buildings, where the Earth's magnetic field is deflected by the iron girders used in the construction of the building. If the Earth's magnetic field level is suspected of being the cause of irregular globe rotation, the manufacturer recommends:

1. Trying different locations in your room, particularly by a window, but not in the direct sunlight.

2. Avoid placing the MOVA globe near any massive iron object such as a refrigerator.

3. Trying a slightly dimmer light location, because less of the Earth’s magnetic field strength is required to stabilise your MOVA globe at a slower rotation speed. The rotational speed of your MOVA globe is directly related to the amount of light reaching the photovoltaic cells. Thus, the dimmer the light, the slower your MOVA globe will rotate.

4. Sometimes a globe in a weak magnetic field environment will have trouble getting started. This phenomenon is most common when a bright light is suddenly turned on in a previously dark room. If you suspect your MOVA globe is operating in an area with a weaker than normal Earth magnetic field, try slowly increasing the intensity of light applied to your MOVA globe. This will allow your MOVA globe to begin rotating without overpowering the reduced holding force provided by the weaker than normal Earth’s magnetic field.

5. Each MOVA Globe contains a strong magnet to interact with the earth's magnetic field. If two MOVA Globes are placed closer than about 12 inches from each other the magnets can interact with each other and interfere with the globe's normal operation.

6. Be patient, sometimes it just takes a few minutes for your MOVA globe to get going steadily.

7. Move the MOVA globe to another room or office.

8. Avoid any exposure to high heat. Your MOVA globe should not be stored or used outside the range of 40 F to 100 F.

9. The outer sphere of your MOVA globe is made from carefully selected, high-quality acrylic, but it can be scratched by rough handling or improper cleaning. Take care not to scratch the outer surface by rotating or moving the outer sphere while it is resting on its stand. This is particularly important if you use an alternative stand which is made of something hard like metal. (Improper assembly of the included acrylic stand will increase the potential for scratching. Small superficial scratches can be polished out using slightly abrasive toothpaste and a soft cotton cloth. Apply the toothpaste to the cloth; rub the toothpaste in a circular motion to buff out the scratch. Repeat as necessary to remove the scratch. Rinse with clear water to remove any residual toothpaste. Wipe dry with a clean, dry, soft cotton cloth).

10. Make sure that whatever stand you use is stable and can hold your MOVA globe securely without the risk of it rolling off of the stand. It is also advisable to use a stand no higher than 9" to reduce the potential of damaging your MOVA globe’s drive mechanism in the event an accidental fall occurs.

Troubleshooting tips for a non-rotating Mova Globe

MOVA Globes rely on natural elements like light and the Earth’s magnetic field to turn, so they are sensitive to even small changes in scenery or the environment. MOVA suggest the following if your globe is not turning and has no physical damage (drop marks, air bubbles, or cracks).

Try placing the globe directly under a lamp to make sure it has enough light. Move your MOVA Globe away from other MOVA Globes, iron objects and surfaces, or any electronics. Since there is a magnet inside the globe, these items tend to interfere with the globe’s rotation.

Place your globe in various locations to make sure nothing in the room or building is interfering with Earth’s magnetic field. This could mean moving your globe from your bedroom to the living room or from your house to your office.

Try setting a paperclip on top of the globe for about an hour. The paperclip will interact with the globe’s inner magnet and give it a “boost” if it is in an environment where the magnetic field is weak. If the paperclip doesn’t “catch” with the globe’s magnet and the globe doesn’t start spinning while the magnet is on top, a replacement may be needed.