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Pedal Powered Wireless Networked Computer?
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?
.. just to pedal fast enough to get up to 55 FPS in quake3
Live web cams
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.
Imagine that all those over weight geeks (*cough* cowboy neal) who would be slim if they had to pedal to play on the computer. All those stats that america is getting fatter, etc. Make those gaming kids have to pedal to play PS/2, or Gamecube, or PC games...... It could be a great thing.
It's either on the beat or off the beat, it's that easy.
I moderate therefore I rule!
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check it out here (.mpg file)
I believe that the existence of women is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy
A man in Laos suffered a sudden heart attack when the computer he was powering by pedal received a massive DOS attack and quadrupled its power needs.
Local authorities beleive the DOS attack was caused after a neighbour, whom he has had many problems with, posted the address of the pedal powered computer to a popular web site.
Sparks:Gadget:Beer Maker
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?
If you've got a computer that an ordinary mortal could pedal power, would adding Lance Armstrong overclock it?
The next Cmdr Taco duplicate will be ready soon, but subscribers can beat the rush and see it early!
I have some alternative suggestions for low-power, easily self-manufactured products that will be appropriate for this project. For the most common needs, users will be satisfied by the Portable Engineering, Numeric Computation, & Illustration Recorder, and the storage medium referred to as the Portable Accumulative Permanent Encoding Recorder. The P.E.N.C.I.L and P.A.P.E.R. system requires no power to operate and can be manufactured in any low-tech country with local materials.
This story reminds me of what happened when someone first tried to bring the internet to Nepal. They tried to find a local English-speaker for a contact person, they could only find one or two, and they were not interested in the project. They said they were far too busy working with foreign countries that were helping install sewers and electricity.
All this project is going to do is make poor countries even poorer. They can make all the pedal-power systems they want, but still have to buy computer hardware from abroad, using hard currency. I urge people to stop and think about whether this computer stuff is what third-world countries really NEED. Maybe someone should ASK them what they need, instead of suggesting projects based on what WE think they should need. I betcha they'd ask for things like Vitamin A tablets and refrigerators and AM radios.
The first reported death due to the slashdot effect.
- Slashdot : Crank Up Your Webserver (18jun2001)
- Two days ago : Slashdot : First Wind-up Phone Charger Review (25jul2002)
- mini FAQ on bicycle lights (dynamo=3W)
- How to construct a permanent magnet alternator (this one is for windpower, ~180 watts)
- other homebuilt alternators (~100 watts) (again windpower. ?efficiency)
I did not find URLs for hand-powered military transmitters (but would be interested to get one). ? See also 'human powered flight' (Gossamer Condor), there are also submarines I thinkDon't exercice too much, keep some blood for the brains.