Self contained power sources for sculpture

[JHoughton]

I am just beginning to look into small portable power sources for my diorama works. I am currently looking at Hand cranked Generators to supply a very short glimps into my creations. Has any of you reseached these units before? Is there anything I should know before I start buying old surplus items. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

[fritchie]

Jarrod - No direct experience, but I just had to replace a ten year old studio wall clock (with wall plug) and could only find battery-powered replacements. Seems current batteries are so much better than older ones, they are very widely used if power requirements aren’t too great. Alternatively, the motion - powered lights on bicycles come to mind.n

[gordonrogers]

One possibility is the torches made by Baygen, powered by a wind up generator originally developed for the Freeplay wind up radio

http://www.keene.co.uk/system/keene.htm

I don't know if its still the case, but buying Freeplay products used to subsidise their supply to the the Third World, which is the market they are designed for. So you get to solve all your trailing cable problems and get a warm glow on the inside as well.



I was recently bought an always-on torch made by PALights. It uses an LED light source which can be switched to various intensities. It can't be switched off, but instead stays on at a low level, so that you can find it in the dark. Powered by a little 9v battery it will run for 2 years

[gordonrogers]

That last link seems to be a bit unreliable
Try this one

http://www.globaltechnoscan.com/14feb-20feb/wind.htm

[Randy]

Gordon. . .

I appreciated both your posts today, and enjoyed checking out your website. I like the speakers!

Look forward to your continued participation.

Randy

[JHoughton]

I agree, very interesting links that would have taken me a year to stumble across. Thanks

[Helenium]

American Science & Surplus sometimes has things like that. It's fun to look through their web site and catalogs at the odds and ends they have for sale. Also, if you call them at 847-647-0011, you can talk to someone who can tell you more about the item you are interested in and give some technical advice. See www.sciplus.com.

[jsimms]

Check out these guys for all sorts of goodies!!

http://www.herbach.com/

Great hi-torque low rpm battery powered gear motors. Most of the 24v motors will run on 12v with a loss of power.
john