Power with a twist of the wrist
Two rotary-powered products, the RotoGlo and the RotoRadio help when power goes down (as with hurricanes) or when power isn't available (as in camping).
The RotoGlo flashlight utilizes electromagnetic induction technology to power its LED light. Turning the crank activates what is essentially a mini-generator, just like the ones that powers electric power plants. One minute of rotating the power handle will provide about one hour of light.
LEDs generate a pure white light and run on 1/10th of the energy compared with batteries. The RotoGlo provide 10,000 hours of light – that’s about 10 years if you used it once a week.
RotoRadio uses the same electromagnetic induction technology as RotoGloLight. You twist the power handle and can have FM radio everywhere. The radio has a digital tuning scanner which automatically seeks out stations for you wherever you are. There is a built in solid-state LED light giving you a radio/flashlight. Approximately three minutes of twisting gives you 30 minutes of light and radio.
The company also will be introducing RotoCharger which works exactly like RotoGlo and RotoRadio in that you charge your electronic devices with just a "Twist of the Wrist"
RotoCharger charges cell phones, PDAs, digital cameras, and any small electronics that need recharging. Simply plug into the small palm size RotoCharger, twist the crank and charge whatever you need. Several minutes of twisting will provide approximately 5 to 10 minutes of power depending on your device.
RotoGlo is available online and has a special promotion: order 1 and get the second one free for $19.99. RotoGlo Flashlight is also sold as a 4 pack, 6 pack. RotoRadio costs $19.99. The charger, last we checked, was not ready for sale. The owners said Albertson's have them, some regional sporting goods chains, and they will be in Linens &Things this month. When in doubt, visit www.rotoglo.com
| Tap the power of the sun
The Voltaic solar bags are mobile power generators, designed to charge your devices without tying you to a power outlet, which makes them ideal for traveling. Just plug a standard car charger into the bag and recharge most small electronic devices including: cell phones, cameras, two way radios, PDAs, and MP3s (but not laptops).
If you don't have a car charger, the bags come with a set of 11 standard adaptors for common cell phones and other devices. The company also offers a full range of optional adaptors.
Embedded in the outside of the bags are three lightweight, tough, waterproof solar panels which generate up to 4 watts of power. This means quicker charge times. Included with each bag is a Li Ion battery pack which stores any surplus power generated, so it is available when you need it – not just when the sun is up. The battery pack can also be charged using an AC travel charger or car charger (both included).
The Voltaic Messenger bag costs $239 and comes with 3 voltage settings to store solar power. It is available in orange, green or charcoal and comes with 11 standard adaptors including a car charger socket and USB adaptor so you can always use a standard charger for your device
It also includes adaptor plugs in universal sizes and for common cell phones, which eliminate the need to use a car charger for common devices.
The three solar panels are tough, lightweight, waterproof, and generate up to 4 watts of power. Indicator light inside the logo shows when the panels are generating a charge.
The Voltaic Backpack costs $239 and is built tough for use as a weekend hike bag or as a large daypack. There are pockets and wire channels for multiple electronic devices and 1,850 cubic inches of storage space. It features extra padding in the shoulder straps and back panel for comfort plus nylon mesh backing material for better airflow
The solar panels provide protection for fragile items inside the front pocket. Wire channels throughout the bag take power to the shoulder strap and for headphones etc. It has an adjustable phone / MP3 pouch on the shoulder plus a second lined MP3 / sunglasses pouch inside. Find them at www.voltaicsystems.com
|
