Post Apocalyptic Axim - Solar powered?

gurachn · 06-10-09, 12:46 PM

I seem to be hearing increasing warnings that the world as we know it is on the verge of total collapse, which got me thinking...
Once the power grids go down and after I have fended of the hordes of crazed zombie-neighbors, how am I going to recharge the batteries on my Axim?

I mean, I am sure I can get by without clean water, fresh food or electric lights, but giving up on my ebook reader and coreplayer and stuff is just a bit too much to ask!
I was wondering if anyone had any experience with using solar power for charging axim batteries/GPS, etc?

Aside from dealing with the almost certain impending downfall of civilisation, solar powered gear would also be really useful for extended hiking/canoeing/trekking trips.

Anyone have any input on this?

AKAJohnDoe · 06-10-09, 12:56 PM

Envisioning my tasklist on my Axim, post-apocalyse ...

Gather food
Gather combustible materials
Make fire
Sharpen stick for weapon
Patch roof and walls on lean-to shelter
Forage for artifacts from prior civilization
Recharge Axim

johnhu_2005 · 06-10-09, 03:00 PM

Personally, solar power hasn't reach the efficiency that even comes close to AC power. Why worry about this? If I was Christian, I would worry more about hell...

gurachn · 06-10-09, 10:30 PM

Originally Posted by johnhu_2005

Personally, solar power hasn't reach the efficiency that even comes close to AC power. Why worry about this? If I was Christian, I would worry more about hell...

Well certainly lots of energy to charge your solar cells down there!
But I wonder about the efficiency issue. Not so long ago I saw something about a fellow who was making a long motorcycle tour across Asia, and was blogging about his progress on his laptop powered by a solar power rig he layed out on his tank bag.

I have seen packs that have solar panels built in, but these are both very expensive and seem like an invitation to robbery/mayhem (and the shiny panels probably woud attract zombies!)
Ideally I would like to find some light and portable (something you could carry in a day pack or even bunji onto the top of your backpack) solar panels that would provide enough power to charge an axim battery in around 4 hours of sunshine.

Anyone have any experience with something like this?

emeraldgirl08 · 06-11-09, 02:28 AM

Pretty nifty idea. Why am I envisioning "Shaun of the Dead" antics here??? How about hand-cranked radios??? They have these things that have a radio, cell phone charger, flashlight, and zombie repellent all in one units.

Don't know if they have USB jacks on them though.

AKAJohnDoe · 06-11-09, 01:25 PM

Originally Posted by emeraldgirl08

Why am I envisioning "Shaun of the Dead" antics here??? ... Don't know if they have USB jacks on them though.

Zombies can have USB jacks?

**breley** · 06-11-09, 09:32 PM

Originally Posted by AKAJohnDoe

Zombies can have USB jacks?

Plug and prey?

AKAJohnDoe · 06-11-09, 10:31 PM

And I do not even want to think about "safely remove hardware" as it pertains to zombies!

msliberty · 06-11-09, 11:09 PM

I've often thought about those "last things you grab in an emergency" especially since I moved to South Florida and am facing hurricanes and such. So, I'd pack my bag with first my Axim, then my computer, netbook, Zune, camera, cell phone. And of course the travel chargers and cables and some extra memory cards. Similar to when I pack up my airline carry-on travel tote which is sometimes heavier than my luggage carrying clothing, shoes, makeup, brushes, hairdryer, flatiron.

Never thought about the possibility of not having juice at all.

Thanks for the creative solution. If not solar, perhaps a few handheld fans spread out windmill style?

msliberty

emeraldgirl08 · 06-18-09, 08:31 AM

Originally Posted by AKAJohnDoe

Zombies can have USB jacks?

Features
AM (520-1710 KHz) & FM (87-108MHz)
NOAA weatherband – all 7 channels
Built-in 3 white LED light source
Powered by solar or dynamo both of which charge internal Ni-MH battery
USB cell phone charger (USB cable not included)

This baby has a USB port... AKAJohnDoe- not the zombie :)

**breley** · 06-19-09, 08:06 AM

Originally Posted by emeraldgirl08

Features
AM (520-1710 KHz) & FM (87-108MHz)
NOAA weatherband – all 7 channels
Built-in 3 white LED light source
Powered by solar or dynamo both of which charge internal Ni-MH battery
USB cell phone charger (USB cable not included)

This baby has a USB port... AKAJohnDoe- not the zombie :)

I have something like this, plus a Black and Decker battery USB battery pack that came in handy when we were without power for nearly a week last September thanks to Hurricane Ike remnants.

LEDniac · 06-25-09, 09:40 PM

Originally Posted by emeraldgirl08

Pretty nifty idea. Why am I envisioning "Shaun of the Dead" antics here??? How about hand-cranked radios??? They have these things that have a radio, cell phone charger, flashlight, and zombie repellent all in one units.

Don't know if they have USB jacks on them though.

I've seen those hand crank chargers at places like the Discovery Chanel Store and other novelty stores...... but ...... how reliable can they be? can you imaging yourself cranking it for 3 or 4 hours? then you'll be easy prey for zombies having your hands busy like that......