Archive for the ‘Gadgets’ Category

USB power for cyclists on iPods

USB Bike Generator

The USB bike generator is a device which enables one to charge their USB devices on the go, while riding a bike. The device is capable of providing power to two USB devices, through USB ports.

The device consists mainly of a stepper motor, which is used as a power generator for charging the USB devices and a voltage regulator for constantly maintaining the 5 volts of current required by the two USB ports. The device has a power conversion efficiency of 70 % from the generator to the two USB ports.

The device does have a limitation of providing not more than 5 Watts of power for charging the devices, which means one cannot charge high power devices through this device. The price of this device is currently not known, but it certainly looks like it will fit any cyclist’s budget.

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Entry posted on July 7th, 2010 and filed under Gadgets

Electricity from Shock Absorbers – Reality

Genshock

A company by the name of Levant Power Corporation has developed a new type of shock absorber which converts the movement of the shock absorber over bumps and potholes into electricity. The company has labeled the shock absorbers as the GenShock, and what these shock absorbers basically do is, they use the motion of the shock absorbers over the rough stuff and generate electricity.

Usually, shock absorbers dissipate the energy of bouncing vehicles in the form of heat. Genshocks use the kinetic energy of the bouncing vehicle to generate electrical energy. The harnessed electricity can power on-board electricals like headlamps, indicators etc.

These shock absorbers are expected to hit the market sometime around the second quarter of 2011, and while there is no word about the pricing, we can tell you that these will be priced more than your conventional shocks.

But there is one big question though, how long does it take for one to have a return on the investment into these shock absorbers in terms of fuel money?

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Entry posted on June 8th, 2010 and filed under Gadgets

Air conditioner for your motorcycle

If you thought that one can enjoy the benefits of an air-conditioner only in a car or bus and not on a motorcycle then think twice. EntroSys has designed an air-conditioning system(both cool and warm) for the motorcycles.

The EntroSys Motorcycle Air Conditioning system comprises of two main subsystems:a compact air conditioning unit and an air delivery vest which is worn under your riding jacket. An air hose is used to connect the air conditioning unit to the vest and thereby the cold or the heated air is driven into your riding gear keeping you cool or warm as per your requirement.

The A/C unit is controlled with the help of a wireless remote control unit mounted on the handle bar and can be operated in multiple pre-set modes which are 3 cooling modes, 3 heating modes and 3 ventilation modes.

The installation of the air conditioner unit is very simple and it can be easily installed or taken off your motorcycle within a few minutes.

The system is based on on solid-state technology and thereby do not emmit harmful gases and keep the environment clean.

The drawback which I see with this A/C system is that it can only keep the upper half of your body cool while no respite for the rest of your body. Not sure how successful it would be in India but at least things are progressing in such direction which will make the long journeys a bit comfortable in summers and winters.

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Entry posted on January 29th, 2010 and filed under Gadgets
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