For cell phone users, how many times has the phone been useless because the battery was low and needed charging? Voltmakers is offering a special on the crowd funding site Indiegogo–$49 for the next 100 Voltmakers kinetic chargers sold. Help get the campaign extended past the current July 5, 2013 deadline for raising $200,000.
The kinetic charger is the solution for people living off the grid, camping, hiking, traveling, commuters stuck in traffic or in a car broken down on the road, natural disasters when there are power outages, or any time the battery is low and there are no plugs around. Features of the Voltmaker are:
- A device like a smartphone, cell phone, iPod, camera or GPS can be connected to the Voltmaker’s 5-volt Type A USB port at the bottom and receive the charge.
- If the Voltmaker is not charged, just a few minutes of hand spinning will create enough charge to make a short phone call.
- It is made of green, blue, pink or plain aluminum and is durable.
- It is sealed against dust and moisture so works well in the outdoors.
- Being small and compact at only 10.6 ounces and 6.1 inches long, it fits well in a pocket, purse, backpack, suitcase or glove compartment.
- It can be charged in an electrical outlet when there is one available.
- It can be fully charged in 2 hours when connected to a USB port on a laptop or computer.
- It contains a mic-controller so a plugged in smartphone via apps can tell the amount of power being generated and how fast it is spinning.
- It has an LED flashlight attachment that fits into the USB port on the Voltmaker’s bottom.
- It has a small rod that extends from a tubular charger that gets twirled by twisting the wrist to generate the power.
- It can run on renewable energy kinetically; no fossil fuels required.
- It makes an unusual and useful gift.
- Part of the funding will be used in helping developing off-grid countries have reliable access to a rechargeable and lighting solution.
- Delivery is expected October 2013. It is made in France so there is a $20 shipping fee to the U.S. and Canada.
This could be life-saving for someone lost in the woods who needs a flashlight or enough power to use a GPS to find their way even when there is no phone reception. See the Indiegogo site for many more pictures, detailed information, a video, and to order or donate.
