Ben Heck builds kinetic, wind-up charger for Android phones
updated 02:05 pm EST, Mon January 24, 2011
Ben Heck builds wind-up charger for Android phone
In the latest episode of The Ben Heck Show on element14, modder Ben Heckendorn has built a kinetic wind-up charger for Android phones. For the project, Heck used a wind-up flashlight and a micro USB adapter, along with some solder, a Zener diode and a 10Ohm resistor. The total cost for the parts required is reported to be under $10.
Heck also introduced a voltage regulator circuit to get the required five Volts an Android phone requires for charging, rather than the 12 or 13 Volts he was getting when cranking vehemently.
Attempts to make the device charge phones by using kinetic energy generated from the motion of walking didn't work, however, as the motion of the step wasn't enough to create the electricity required.
Hopefuls can enter to win the creation at element14.
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Joined: Jan 2011
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