Can I run my MP3 player from a dynamo?

LittleJules

Hi,

I walk about 6 miles from work most days and run my MP3 player whilst doing so. I would like to use some of the kinetic energy I am generating to recharge the battery (single AAA, 1.5V) by having a dynamo ideally connected to my person so it can charge all day as I walk about at work (on my ankle or something?).

Any ideas how I would go about doing it and how doable it is? Is there someway to make use of the technology in stepometers / self charging watches? Do I need to run it from a battery or will a dynamo be steady enough to run it directly if I am maintaining a steady pace? I would have thought the latter more difficult as you would get surges / dips.

Thanks,
jules

byb3

Its a nice idea, but I doubt it would be very practical given whats available at the moment.

You are ahead of your time. Give it 10 years and everyone will be doing what you've said.

fairytooth

how about a solar panel sellotaped to your hat instead?

:T

Omertron

You could adapt something from one of those wind-up DAB players. You could then exercise your arms while walking too

LittleJules

I did think of a solar powered effort - but even in Kent, that's not very practical. I'm serious though, ignoring the cost of building such an item (as it is likely to be more than the short term cost of a new battery / recharging from the mains) for interest - how would you do it? If we can think of a viable mechanism then ultimately you would make the money back in making such a device.

Is the problem the electronics or the need to create a stable rotational power to turn the generator? Most of the dynamos I have seen need a realtively fixed rpm to work. There are people out there on the web who have made iPod chargers for their bicycles - generating in excess of 6V, so my 1.5v needs from walking around on the face of it seems possible.

More ideas anyone?

quoia

How about modifying something like this ?

http://www.paramountzone.com/induction.htm


can get similar on eBay for £6.98 inc P&P (pen light version)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8805221075

or £14.98 (inc P&P) for a "3 cell version"

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8806064533

I presume the latter will generate more power and/or higher voltage.

or (all inc P&P)

£8.99 for the medium http://www.gadgetsquick.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=33&products_id=107

or the larger £11.99 http://www.gadgetsquick.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=33&products_id=74


If it was "mounted" in a horizontal position on the side of a shoe, I'm sure normal walking would generate a motion that would move the magnet in an appropriate manner.


Alternatively - the dynamo route :

http://www.gadgetsquick.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=33&products_id=164 at £14.99

or

http://www.gadgetsquick.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=33&products_id=218 at £19.99

This last one actually is a charger as well as a torch & radio.