The Star/Asia News Network Saturday, Nov 26, 2011
Hand-crank/hand-wound or self-powered chargers come in different forms: some are made for mobile or hand-held devices while others are strictly hand-crank torch lights or radio.
Another popular option these days are solar chargers that allow you to charge your gadgets – mobile phone, iPod, digital cameras and GPS – on the go.
From my brief experience using hand-crank or solar chargers, I realise that you need to make sure your device’s battery is not completely dead when you use this type of charger. the charger’s main function is to top up your battery juices. (Some online reviewers claim that hand-crank chargers do not work on devices with completely drained batteries.)
Flexible and compact solar panels are all the rage nowadays. Some of these chargers can charge the device directly or top up your rechargeable batteries.
However, bear in mind that the charging ability depends largely on direct exposure to sunlight. it doesn’t perform well when it is used in thick canopy jungles or on cloudy days. Also, you need to make sure the output voltage is compatible with your device.
The different brands of hand-crank chargers in the market include US-based SOS Ready (sosready.com) and Eton (etoncorp.com).
Solar charger brands include Goal zero (goalzero.com), Brunton (bruntonoutdoor.com) and Solio (solio.com).
The Goal zero Nomad 7, for example, received rave reviews for its lightweight properties (about 300g) and ability to charge headlamp batteries, a smartphone and GPS in one full, sunny day. it apparently has reserve capacity to charge the devices in less than full sun (shady/cloudy). Some reviewers claim that the Goal zero can charge the iPhone from about 20 per cent to 100 per cent within two hours.