The power/solar/batteries/generator thread

[funkfool]

This looks like a good deal... but it also looks like it may be cheap and easily destructable...
Anyone have experience with a simple charger like this? Jerry?



Wavelength Emergency Radio, Charger & Flashlight

http://beprepared.com/product.asp?pn=CL%20L530&sid=INEM881&EID=ALL1010&l m=emer&bhcd2=1285948940

The Wavelength is a crucial emergency preparedness item. It is an AM/FM radio, a cell phone charger and a rechargeable flashlight all in one!

A hand crank charges the built-in Nickel Metal Hydride battery. The battery will run the radio for up to 12 minutes from just 1 minute of cranking.

One of the unique features of the Wavelength is its ability to charge a cell phone with its universal charging cable. Unlike other cell phone chargers, the Wavelength comes with a cable that looks just like your car's power outlet. This allows you to plug in phones, PDA's, and other electronics that have car-charging cables. Simply connect the included cable into the Wavelength™, then plug in your car charging cable, and finally plug in the electronic device, and begin cranking. It's that easy! The unit sends the electricity to your device as long as you crank at the rate of two turns per second. The Wavelength™ isn't any faster at charging your electronics than your car, so if you have a very low battery, you'll have to crank for a while to get a full charge. But in an emergency you should get about 3 minutes of talk-time for every minute of cranking.

There is also a 3 LED flashlight that toggles between two brightness settings. The flashlight will stay on for up to 30 minutes on the low setting (only using 1 LED bulb) for every minute of cranking.

We highly recommend that you include the Wavelength Emergency Radio, Charger & Flashlight in your emergency supplies.

[Irving]

Here is my failed attempt at trying to improve a similar flashlight. http://www.co-ar15.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20482

I love the concept, but the batter in all three of my wind up flashlights is a tiny button battery that really doesn't last long at all. I need to try this again but just haven't gotten around to it.

[jerrymrc]

This looks like a good deal... but it also looks like it may be cheap and easily destructable...
Anyone have experience with a simple charger like this? Jerry?


Wavelength Emergency Radio, Charger & Flashlight

http://beprepared.com/product.asp?pn...cd2=1285948940

The Wavelength is a crucial emergency preparedness item. It is an AM/FM radio, a cell phone charger and a rechargeable flashlight all in one!

A hand crank charges the built-in Nickel Metal Hydride battery. The battery will run the radio for up to 12 minutes from just 1 minute of cranking.

One of the unique features of the Wavelength is its ability to charge a cell phone with its universal charging cable. Unlike other cell phone chargers, the Wavelength comes with a cable that looks just like your car's power outlet. This allows you to plug in phones, PDA's, and other electronics that have car-charging cables. Simply connect the included cable into the Wavelength™, then plug in your car charging cable, and finally plug in the electronic device, and begin cranking. It's that easy! The unit sends the electricity to your device as long as you crank at the rate of two turns per second. The Wavelength™ isn't any faster at charging your electronics than your car, so if you have a very low battery, you'll have to crank for a while to get a full charge. But in an emergency you should get about 3 minutes of talk-time for every minute of cranking.

There is also a 3 LED flashlight that toggles between two brightness settings. The flashlight will stay on for up to 30 minutes on the low setting (only using 1 LED bulb) for every minute of cranking.

We highly recommend that you include the Wavelength Emergency Radio, Charger & Flashlight in your emergency supplies.

It would be alright to have for $12 as long as the shipping does not kill ya. The wife has one like it in her van. OK for what it is.

[tunielooney]

This is the thread for all things power related. In time I can show you how to build your own solar panels. How to hook up and use a solar powered system, Why you need to have a bunch of rechargeable batteries and why unless you are at your final location that a generator may not be your best friend. Just putting this out there now for the people here to think about.

Thanks buddy. But is it affordable to build solar panels? How much will I spend if I build one?

[jerrymrc]

Thanks buddy. But is it affordable to build solar panels? How much will I spend if I build one?

I will have to look at curent pricing but I was building 2 35W panels for $110.

[thecatsfan]

Just commenting on what I have seen, but there are numerous sellers on eBay offering 12 volt solar panels for less tnat $3 per watt - shipping included.

I know with eBay it is hard to know the quality, but that isn't a huge investment.

I am a network engineer, but I was an electronics technician many years ago. I have no doubt that I have the electromechanical assembly skills to build a panel, but I am not sure it is worth the effort for me to learn how. Of course there is always the benefit of knowing how to fix it as well.

Intersting to know this information. I definitely want to either build or buy some solar panels soon for my RV, and then maybe some for limited power at the house. And as luck would have it, I have access to lots of UPSs as they are retired. Even larger ones - like 3KVa units.

Thanks for the great info.

[offgrid]

Just commenting on what I have seen, but there are numerous sellers on eBay offering 12 volt solar panels for less tnat $3 per watt - shipping included.

I know with eBay it is hard to know the quality, but that isn't a huge investment.

I am a network engineer, but I was an electronics technician many years ago. I have no doubt that I have the electromechanical assembly skills to build a panel, but I am not sure it is worth the effort for me to learn how. Of course there is always the benefit of knowing how to fix it as well.

Intersting to know this information. I definitely want to either build or buy some solar panels soon for my RV, and then maybe some for limited power at the house. And as luck would have it, I have access to lots of UPSs as they are retired. Even larger ones - like 3KVa units.

Thanks for the great info.

With the falling prices of panels, would probably not build now.

Would suggest looking at nominal 24 voltage or higher panel. The higher voltage panels are generally available in higher wattage, less panels, less wiring.

There are several charge controllers available that have very efficient DC to DC converters built into them, allowing higher voltage panels to charge lower voltage battery banks. For example wiring the panels at a nominal 48-72 volts and charging a 12 volt battery bank. This type of charge controller has maximum power point tracking, MPPT. MPPT does not use the battery as a voltage regulator. I've been using a Outback MX60 charge controller for 6yrs on our offgrid system. It's not uncommon for me to see a 10-15% gain over the panels rated output, especially in the winter.

Sharp panels are a good value. Sanyo's are the best available.

[Irving]

Here is a website that offers solar light bulbs. Interesting idea.

http://www.nokero.com/

[thecatsfan]

With the falling prices of panels, would probably not build now.

Would suggest looking at nominal 24 voltage or higher panel. The higher voltage panels are generally available in higher wattage, less panels, less wiring.

There are several charge controllers available that have very efficient DC to DC converters built into them, allowing higher voltage panels to charge lower voltage battery banks. For example wiring the panels at a nominal 48-72 volts and charging a 12 volt battery bank. This type of charge controller has maximum power point tracking, MPPT. MPPT does not use the battery as a voltage regulator. I've been using a Outback MX60 charge controller for 6yrs on our offgrid system. It's not uncommon for me to see a 10-15% gain over the panels rated output, especially in the winter.

Sharp panels are a good value. Sanyo's are the best available.

Sounds like great advice. Definitely will keep that in mind.

[funkfool]

After reading a bit of the ferfal stuff.. I am going to prioritize getting a solar/crank radio and cell charger...
What do you guys use or suggest (Obviously one that won't break the bank...)
Like this or these...