I like renewable power sources, I also like casual video gaming. As some followers will be aware I am currently in the process of paying off a home loan, after I am unburdened from the pressures of this (and pay the last repayment with a few pillow cases full of loose change :P) I intend of installing a solar array on my home so I can cut loose from the grid, no longer paying for electricity is the goal and being one step closer to total self reliance/independence.
The plan is to get some in as soon as possible, then increase the number of panels over time. To motivate me and to remind me of the light at the end of the tunnel...I use a small solar battery recharger to provide my devices that use batteries (i.e. XBOX 360 wireless controller) with free power, from the sun.
It is really rewarding I must say, and interesting to gain some "hands on" experience with the technology. It's also nice to know that I no longer have to shop for batteries and discard them as waste as soon as they are used up. When I was 8 years old I remember using up 4 AA batteries in one day of continual Gameboy use, even back then I thought what a waste it was, and eventually got a AC power adapter/power pack (essentially an enclosure of 4 rechargeable AA cells as far as I'm concerned)
Ironically enough I was trying to think where else I use my solar charged batteries when making this entry, as soon as I posted it my wireless mouse failed (too much blogging!) .
ReplyDelete..it too, uses a solar powered battery - Lucky it was a sunny day today and I was prepared!
Hook up a dynamo generator on an exercise bike to power xbox -> play and exercise at same time!
ReplyDeleteDo it. We need more upstarts like you to take the first steps in the upcoming energy war.
ReplyDeleteSolar is the way to go if you live someplace sunny.
ReplyDelete=D How great! I just recharge them in the sockets tho...
ReplyDelete(I too used up 4 AA's per day, pokémon blue rocked)
Lol @sam idea sounds good actually but playing like that would be kinda hard i think
ReplyDeleteThat's a really great idea. Definitely the way forward.
ReplyDeletenice man , keep up the good work! :D following:-)
ReplyDeletehttp://pokeretc.blogspot.com/
Nice idea!
ReplyDeleteDamn i need to invest in some solar panels...
ReplyDeleteMy neighbor has some solar panels and he seems to be pretty happy with them; definitely a good investment.
ReplyDeleteThis is an awesome idea. Maybe a mini-wind-generator as well, for those cloudy days? Something small like a weathervane on top of your roof...
ReplyDeleteI'm going to be putting up solar panels soon. Way to go green!
Green's too expensive :(
ReplyDeleteIt's either a genius idea or you are going insane xD
ReplyDeleteWhere did you get that charger? Looks pretty awesome. How long does it take to charge your batteries, and how many does it take?
ReplyDeleteI saw a cool system with a guy who powered a TV and PS3 with a generator attached to a bike. He was pedaling really hard though, the video only showed him doing it for like 30 seconds lol
Cool blog
It's an old one my father had from Dick Smith Electronics (Australia). It takes 3-6hrs for AA batteries or 6-18 for D's.
ReplyDeleteIt can take AA, AAA, C, and D sizes - X2 AA at a time.
I took it apart once, doesn't look as though it would be too difficult to build one, although it's probably cheaper just to buy a manufactured one.
Sadly I live In the US and I doubt I could find that or afford the shipping. I might find a similar product here but I don't think I've seen it offered.
ReplyDeletePretty cool. Converting to solar power is loads cheaper if you can conserve as much electricity as possible. Buying energy efficient everything and doing things like drying your clothes on a clothes line can reduce your power needs from a 4000w system to a much more affordable 1000w-2000w system. And, if you're not going completely off the grid (battery banks are expensive) you can grid tie your system and use their energy at night, and sell back your excess during the day.
I'm an Environmental Health Officer in Local Government - I'm trying to get Government Green from the ground up.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard work trying to make change happen, a lot of people are comfortable with what they consider the norm.