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  1. #1
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    Default CRANK OR WIND-UP RADIO / TORCH

    Google shows overseas internet suppliers, but does anybody know where one can buy a wind-up or solar-powered style radio in South Africa?

    There was a locally made radio / torch combo years ago, but I believe they folded.

  2. #2
    Moderator camouflage762's Avatar
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    Default Re: CRANK OR WIND-UP RADIO / TORCH

    Quote Originally Posted by StanCT View Post
    Google shows overseas internet suppliers, but does anybody know where one can buy a wind-up or solar-powered style radio in South Africa?

    There was a locally made radio / torch combo years ago, but I believe they folded.
    We have these in stock.

    Ultratec LIL' BUD Emergency Light, Sound and Charging Station


    It can be charged from 220V AC mains, 12V DC or Solar Panel. AC and DC cables included. (Solar panel is an optional extra)
    Recent studies show that 1 out of every 3 liberals are just as dumb as the other 2

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    Default Re: CRANK OR WIND-UP RADIO / TORCH

    Thanks, that looks like a good option, Craig.

    Does one still get hand-cranked dynamo powered FM radios ?

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    Default Re: CRANK OR WIND-UP RADIO / TORCH

    Hi StanCT. An "energy expert" Steve Harris talked about windup radios and such on a podcast, and he said the spring/ crank life on those things in hours is less than the energy in 2 D cell batteries, nevermind the fact that you have to do a lot of work. Overall his verdict was that its way better to just carry a couple batteries

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    Default Re: CRANK OR WIND-UP RADIO / TORCH

    Thanks, P2W, that's a good point - by "spring/ crank life", do you mean how much stored kinetic energy you get from a single winding-up session, or the actual working life of the part before being due for replacement?

    I was thinking hypothetically in a post grid collapse SHTF nuclear winter situation with no direct sunlight to power my solar panel, batteries flat, the wind-up radio may be my only option :-)

  6. #6
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    Default Re: CRANK OR WIND-UP RADIO / TORCH

    Hahaha!

    IIRC he referred to the working life of the part

  7. #7
    Moderator camouflage762's Avatar
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    Default Re: CRANK OR WIND-UP RADIO / TORCH

    Quote Originally Posted by StanCT View Post
    Thanks, that looks like a good option, Craig.

    Does one still get hand-cranked dynamo powered FM radios ?

    I do not know of any locally.

    The various types of Hand Crank devices that I have seen are generally quite weakly constructed.

    However: In the near future we will be selling a Combo Solar Panel with Hand Crank that is able to store a charge, which can then be used to power any number of devices such as tablets, smartphones and the Ultratec LIL' BUD Emergency Light, Sound and Charging Station.

    Our initial testing shows it to be quite solidly constructed

    If the spec sheet is to be believed:
    10 Minutes in the Sun should result in 10 min talk time
    1 Minute cranking the dynamo should result in 10 minute talk time.


    I hope to have the in the next 2-3 weeks.
    Recent studies show that 1 out of every 3 liberals are just as dumb as the other 2

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    Default Re: CRANK OR WIND-UP RADIO / TORCH

    Thanks jenilmin, watching with interest!

  9. #9
    Moderator camouflage762's Avatar
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    Default Re: CRANK OR WIND-UP RADIO / TORCH

    Quote Originally Posted by StanCT View Post
    Thanks jenilmin, watching with interest!
    As discussed previously.


    TacQM Coughlans Power Bank
    Last edited by camouflage762; 08-11-2016 at 08:27.
    Recent studies show that 1 out of every 3 liberals are just as dumb as the other 2

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