2 posts tagged “wind-up radio”
Specializing in solar and wind-up power, Freeplay products were first designed for self-sufficient use in poor African countries where villages lack basic services and utilities.
"The Clockwork Radio, as the device was first known, was proposed as a means of providing better communication and education in undeveloped areas of Africa, which could lead to an effective measure in stopping the rampant spread of AIDS. Traditional radio, although widespread, relied on an electrical supply or the availability of disposable batteries - both of which were in short supply across the continent."
Freeplay product catalog
Find a local dealer with this locater.
New and improved technology has seen a change from the old steel spring mechanism to a direct-charge generator, allowing the user to keep winding for as long as they like - storing all the energy they need.
The latest generation of Freeplay products are: smaller, lighter, more efficient, rugged design, lower price point.
In
addition to the fundamental needs of people - nutrition, hygiene,
security - are the needs for communication and for light. Since the
first wind-up radio was produced in February 1996, the Freeplay story
has been one of pioneering and developing technology to serve the needs
of humankind from all walks of life. Freeplay's success has been both commercial and societal. Freeplay
Energy Group has raised over $45m in capital and sold over three
million units since its beginnings. Freeplay products are widely
available across North America and Europe, and are vital accessories in
the poorest non-developed lands.
While buying my dad one of these for Christmas 2006, I decided to get one for myself as well. I own one of the very first Baygen wind-up radios sold in the U.S., but it's very big and bulky -- nothing like this new EyeMax.
Besides the wind-up option, you can charge the batteries with the solar cell located on top of the radio. The audio sounds great for such a small unit, and tuning seems to lock on to stations (unlike most of my other analog radios in the house that tend drift and require retuning for best sound quality).
Freeplay Energy, Unit 12, M5 Business Park, Black River Parkway, Maitland, Cape Town, South Africa, Tel: +27 21 514 3800; Fax: +27 21 514 3900. Email: info@freeplayenergy.com
Available from Sharper Image and Amazon.com for $39.95.
Be prepared and informed with the Freeplay EyeMax Radio/Flashlight.
Ideal during emergencies, while camping, or at home, this portable
AM/FM radio utilizes a variety of power options (solar, hand-powered,
AC adapter) to ensure uninterrupted listening anytime, anywhere. A
built-in LED flashlight provides ultra-bright illumination for everyday
and emergency use.
To power and recharge this versatile radio, just position the solar cell collection panel toward the sun; or, if there isn't any sunlight, turn the hand crank or plug into an outlet using the AC adapter (included). The adapter provides a full charge and delivers up to 25 hours of continuous playtime; 30 seconds of manual cranking provides about 35 minutes of operation; the solar panel charges the battery and powers the radio when placed in direct sunlight.
The radio features a high-performance speaker and an external headphone jack for private listening. Includes built-in NiMH rechargeable battery pack, charge-level indicator and telescopic antenna. Measures 4 1/2" x 7 1/3" x 2 1/2" and weighs 2 1/2 lbs. Two-year warranty.
