Freeplay FreeCharge Handheld 12V Portable Generator and Charger

The Freeplay FreeCharge 12V provides emergency power to a mobile phone, PDA, iPod, GPS receiver, or any other electronic device for which you have (or can get) a cigarette-lighter adapter. Wind its hand crank to generate electricity and put power straight into your device. Never be unable to use your mobile phone, or other important device, just because its battery has run down.

Freeplay Freecharge 12V Key Features

• Powers any device for which you have a cigarette-lighter adapter
• Lightweight and portable
• Easy to crank
• Can be stored indefinitely

About the Freeplay FreeCharge 12V

The FreeCharge 12V Personal Energy Source is a lightweight, durable and efficient power source for mobile phones and other electronic devices. The self-charge system is powered entirely by winding a hand crank, so is independent of all conventional power supplies or batteries, enabling you to make and receive calls, or charge other personal electronic devices, at any time.

The FreeCharge 12V consists of a generic base unit and interfaces to the coupled device through a generic cigarette lighter socket. The charging protocols are matched to each paired device by plugging in a cigarette lighter charger specific to each device (not supplied). With a comfortable and sustainable winding effort, the FreeCharge 12V will adapt its output to match the requirements of the recipient device via the cigarette charger.

Regulated to deliver the same voltage output as an automobile while cranking, the FreeCharge 12V provides a portable power supply for a wide range of applications using up to 12V. The FreeCharge 12V is equipped with an LED charge level indicator that illuminates when the crank handle is turned at an optimum speed. Charge and talk times will vary between devices and accessory chargers.

The FreeCharge 12V has no internal battery, allowing for the direct and efficient transfer of energy directly into the recipient device. Internal mechanical components are specified to industrial standards for repeated use and long life. There are no degradable components – offering extended storage life without any decay in performance – the generic cigarette lighter interface providing both forward and reverse compatibility for practically all mobile phones and personal electronic devices (iPod, GPS, PDA etc.), from obsolete older models to those yet to be released.

Freeplay Freecharge 12V Benefits

• Green energy – a sustainable energy solution that is built to last. The power mechanism is tested to 500,000 input cycles (or 12 million alternator cycles). Absolute independence from all conventional power sources – no grid or batteries required ever.
• The FreeCharge 12V has no degradable components, so can be stored indefinitely in an emergency preparedness kit, camping bag, holiday cabin or just around the house.
• The FreeCharge 12V contains no internal batteries, saving cost and increasing charge efficiency by transferring converted human energy directly into the recipient devices battery.
• The generic cigarette lighter socket allows you to carry one FreeCharge 12V and charge all of your personal electronic devices (cell phone, PDA, iPod, GPS etc.) with a single base charger.
• The FreeCharge 12V will charge your old products, your current products and those yet to be released simply by connecting the appropriate car charger accessory.
• It is lightweight and portable, and easy to crank.
• The plastic molding makes it easy to carry and use in cold weather.
• An ideal backup power supply that puts the power in your hands, ensuring that you will always be able to make that emergency call, get a GPS location fix, or just listen to a few more songs on your MP3 player.
• Instant power on demand, when you need it and where you need it.
• Lasts virtually forever.

Self-Charge

The Freeplay self-charge system offers you independence from conventional sources of electricity: as long as you can crank the handle you can generate your own power. The winder can be cranked in both directions, and the harder you crank the more energy you create.

Power Output

The FreeCharge 12V, as its name implies, puts out power at 12 Volts (nominal; regulated to a maximum 14.2 V).

The amount of current it delivers depends on your cranking speed. Typical performance for a mobile phone is that if you crank at 120 rpm then one minute of winding will give you 2-4 minutes of talk time (or much more standby time), while three minutes of winding will give you 9-11 minutes of talk time.

Durability

The Freeplay self-charge system is built around a custom designed, highly efficient alternator. The architecture of this patented system has been developed to maximize the ability of the user to convert human mechanical energy into stored electricity quickly and efficiently.

The winder handle is made from tough glass reinforced Nylon.

The transmission (gear train) is constructed to high manufacturing tolerances from glass reinforced Nylon and Acetyl – dissimilar engineering plastics that dramatically increase the life of the gear train.The transmission has undergone accelerated lifetime testing in excess of 500,000 cycles.

Power source (Self-Charge)

Direct drive spur gear transmission driving a high power 3-phase alternator with high efficiency 3 phase rectification (total system efficiency of 74%).

Alternator

• 6 pole pair of Zinc coated sintered Neodinium Iron Boron permanent magnets (N35H Grade).
• 3-phase winding.
• Skewed stator tooth faces to reduce cogging torque while retaining high efficiency.
• Stator laminations 0.5mm laminating steel to specification VM 350-50, double side insulated to Stabolit 20
• Permanently lubricated sintered Oilite bush for long life.
• Stainless steel base plate for non-magnetism, corrosion resistance, and strength.

Transmission and Winder

• Spur gears are manufactured in dissimilar engineering polymers - glass filled PA6 (nylon) and POM (acetyl) for optimum gear tooth interface, low noise signature and extended life.
• Stainless steel shafts for extended life.
• Large winder knob for easy grip
• Winder hub and bush are nylon and acetyl respectively for long life.
• Winder handle is high strength glass filled nylon.

Outer Casing

• Thick walls with reinforcement for high structural and impact strength
• Splash resistant
• ABS with non-gloss finish for lasting durability
• Ultra violet light (UV) stabilised for colour retention and stable mechanical properties
• Cadmium and chlorine-free, and fully recyclable

Output

Cigarette Lighter Socket
12V (nominal), 14.2V (max – regulated)
Output current determined by crank speed and typically governed by the load applied by accessory car charger and recipient device.

Typical Performance - Mobile Phones

360 turns (approx. 3 min wind) = 9 - 11 min talk time
60 second wind = 2 - 4 min talk time

For mobile phone applications talk time performance from the FreeCharge 12V is influenced by several factors. These include phone make and model, signal strength, battery condition, duration of winding effort and the charging characteristics of the accessory car charger used.

Most mobile phones have low voltage cutout circuitry in order to protect the battery and retain stored memory data when the battery is flat. In order that this circuitry does not impact on repeatable talk time performance it is recommended that a minimum of 3 minutes winding be applied.

Freeplay Freecharge 12V Dimensions

Height: 52 mm (2 in)
Width: 60 mm (2.4 in)
Length: 135 mm (5.3 in)
Weight:310 g (11 oz)