Had a out-side the box thought after seeing so much discussion about re-charging batteries for GPS.CPAP and other electronics.

I know we have some engineers/ electronic guys here, so here's what I'm thinking :-?

What would it take to modify a clamp- on type transducer to power a battery charger?  I'm thinking some kind of paddle wheel on the transducer end. I know they have those hand crank devices to re-charge cell phones, maybe an adaption of that technology would work?

Your paddling anyhow, so why not let your effort charge your batteries?
I'm sure there are obstacles that I haven't considered, but that's why we have the brain trusts on the QJ ;D

I have NO clue about how to go about it, but I bet someone here does ;)

FWIW - If you're going to do it, perhaps it could be a small paddle wheel that could also be installed at a waterfall or stream near camp for overnight charging.

Geesh, with all this reliance on electricity, I'm sure in 20 years there will be a proposal for every designated camp site in the BW to have solar panels, wind turbine, hydro turbine or biomass reactor recharging station.   ;D ;D ;D  

I DON'T use any electronic devices, but many do, and the subject comes up fairly regularly. I'm sure that as the old school paddlers die out and the younger generation of paddlers, many who can't/won't do without their gadgets takes over, the search for power will continue ::)
 I did some research and found a couple of out-of the box ideas that were very clever.

One could be adapted to the paddle power idea, I think, IF one could find a "prop" that would turn the shaft ( like drill paint mixer) with enough force to generate power.

The other is a clever adaption of a crank powered flashlight to re-charge batteries. Maybe more suited to topping them off, than bringing them back from the dead?

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get me cell tower coverage first  ;D

wally wrote on Oct 11^th, 2010 at 11:07pm:

get me cell tower coverage first  ;D

Perhaps there is a way to mount one to a canoe with a bracket... :o

Could be powered with a wheel mounted to other side of canoe with solar panels... :o

I'm just curious , there are solar cells that are small and will charge battery powered stuff why would the additional drag of a water powered unit be preferred? REI has several in different sizes including ones that are foldable for compact storage. Just set them on your pack between thwarts while you are paddling.

Regards,
Chuck

Agree with chuck.  Solar is passive & free.  Some day our tarps & tents & clothing will be solar panels.

Like I said, I don't use electronics and even if I decided to get fish finder/GPS, I'd make do with lithium batteries for a little as I would use them.

Idea was just a out of the box thought, an alternative to solar.
My idea wouldn't be something you kept mounted permanently, something you would put in water if/when you need power. People paddle with outboard mounted fish finder transducers. If done right, I don't think the drag would be a big factor, especially in a tandem setting.

You could probably adapt to use with any running water source in or near camp?

I agree, solar will probably be in all the items mentioned.
I wouldn't be surprised to see some sort of lightweight/collapsible wind powered generator being developed for back country areas.

I also like the battery charging idea using the modified hand crank flashlight.
Maybe not to recharge totally dead batteries, but to keep them topped off.  Siting around campfire at night a few minutes of cranking right/left hands would keep the rod/reels muscles in fine tune ;)

solotripper wrote on Oct 25^th, 2010 at 3:01pm:

Siting around campfire at night a few minutes of cranking right/left hands would keep the rod/reels muscles in fine tune ;)

Fer sure be ready fer dem polyhumpers!

For another source of recharging ... here is another one a bit outside the box:

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Wonder if the wind turbine could be waterproofed to use as a water-driven impeller?

dd

DentonDoc wrote on Dec 7^th, 2010 at 12:50am:

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Awesome.  I need this.