View Full Version : Charging your personal electronics...not solar
Jayboflavin04
06-18-2009, 11:50
Found this while watching cnet today. This device works off kinetic energy and will charge many of your personal electronics. While it is pricey $149 it only weights 9oz. You can pre-order. It will work in your pack no need to hold it or shake it.
http://www.greennpower.com/personalenergy
Jayboflavin04
06-18-2009, 12:00
Just compared this to the small brunton solar panel ($295)....both these products are compariable. Almost identical, power output. Very comparible weight.
Buzz_Lightfoot
06-18-2009, 15:33
Cool, if it really works.
"Up to 4 watts". Hmmm. Probably 4 watts if you are jumping on a pogo stick.
Still, it is an interesting concept. Almost certainly works like those "shake up" flashlights. A permenant magnet and a large coil. Bouncing of the magnet through the coil as you walk generates power.
I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who actually uses one as to how effective it is.
BL
Would probably work better duct taped to a hiking pole. Those go up/down a lot more than my pack does
Wise Old Owl
06-18-2009, 19:52
Yea I am on the fence too.... pogo up the trail and it might work as described. I am not a nay sayer, just get back to us about how well it works later.
Jayboflavin04
06-18-2009, 22:45
I just read the FAQ's on the product. They claim that the product is much better than a shake/wind-up light because of better mechanical and electrical improvements. Also u dont need to "Shake" it, just constant up/down motion.
I am skeptical also, but this one may have promise. And lets say it will charge a cell phone in about a hour on a average road walk / bike ride. What about 5-8 hrs in a pack. I would be more willing to carry a camera with one of those proprietary batteries if I knew I could charge it with out looking like the International space station. I dont cary a phone on the trail unless I am with my son(8).
Jayboflavin04
06-19-2009, 10:34
The owner and developer came up with idea while backpacking on the AT!
mooseboy
06-19-2009, 13:05
It's a cool idea, though a bit pricey. $ I admit I'm curious to hear how it performs.
I backpacked with the Turbocharge (AA batteries to charge phone, iPod, etc.) this week, and so far am happy with it:
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=50596