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Pedal Powered Wireless Networked Computer?

Posted by Cliff on from the now-that's-just-too-cool dept.

Friends of Jhai asks: "An NGO called Jhai Foundation, which is building Internet learning Centers in Laos has enlisted Computer Hall-of-Famer Lee Felsenstein to build a cheap, locally assembled, wirlelessly networked PC and communications system. The current details of the machine are here and the application is here. They are looking for similar systems under way that they might work with or which might be ready for deployment. Anyone have any URL's we can check out?" Great! Now you can get your computing and exercising done at the same time! What other types of technology have people managed to adapt to man-power as opposed to boring ol' AC outlets?

4 of 93 comments (clear)

  1. Hopefully a typo by Alceste · · Score: 2, Interesting

    The link provided shows these energy drains:

    Computer: 5.5 Watts

    Display 13 Watts

    Printer (idle) 12 Watts (with inverter)

    Printer (printing) 48Watts (with inverter)

    Now, is this just a typo, or does a printer standing idly by truly drain twice the power consumed by the operating computer.

    I'm guessing the former. I looked quickly for a link webmaster of the site but in my minute of searching found nothing.

  2. The good old soviet stuff... by petrim · · Score: 4, Interesting

    The real masters of man-powered accessories were definitely the red flag guys. I've seen and touched at least gems like
    -hand-powered flashlight: you squeeze the handle to generate light. Works, but takes a superhuman to keep the light bright enough to be useful. Good if you only need a flashlight 2 seconds at a time once a day.
    -wind-up shaver: turn a handle for a good five minutes to get 30 seconds of buzzing. Wouldn't try if it really works.

    Both very recommended items for generating lively discussions at parties. Available in second hand stores throughout the baltic countries.

  3. Better Wind-up stuff available now by erpbridge · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Actually, there's some good wind-up stuff available now. A couple years back, I bought a wind-up AM/FM radio, which also has DC and solar capability. The solar doesn't work too well... if you're even the slightest bit in the shade, it kicks out, and even in the sun, it has problems. However, I wind it for about 45 seconds, and at a decent level of volume, it stays on for 15 minutes... If I turn the volume down so just I listen to it, it's more like 35 minutes.

    Same company advertises a wind-up flashlight... haven't got around to buying it yet, I might someday, but how do I find it in the dark?

  4. Re:5 watt computer? by keynet · · Score: 2, Interesting
    The system will be able to have solar power but in the first instance there is the cost factor, a car battery will be needed anyway and a bike is very cheap.

    Secondly, this is Laos, it may be tropical but in the monsoon there ain't much sun. Also, maybe a few turns of the crank is how someone who can't read or write, even in Lao, pays for the message to be written and sent, then read back.

    Third. A lot of the communication will be between local communities and their members who have left for work in other places and send home some money or want to buy approriate gifts for local cultural events. eCommerce is not necessarily about selling ethic items to rich people. Have a look at the figures for Grameen Phone and Ethiogift.