Monday, March 17, 2008

Freeplay Energy


Specializing in solar and wind-up power, Freeplay products were first designed for self-sufficient use in poor African countries where villages lack basic services and utilities.

"The Clockwork Radio, as the device was first known, was proposed as a means of providing better communication and education in undeveloped areas of Africa, which could lead to an effective measure in stopping the rampant spread of AIDS. Traditional radio, although widespread, relied on an electrical supply or the availability of disposable batteries - both of which were in short supply across the continent."


Current Freeplay product catalog


REI is a good place to find Freeplay radios and flashlights. Find a local dealer with this locater.

New and improved technology has seen a change from the old steel spring mechanism to a direct-charge generator, allowing the user to keep winding for as long as they like - storing all the energy they need.

The latest generation of Freeplay products are: smaller, lighter, more efficient, rugged design, lower price point.

In addition to the fundamental needs of people - nutrition, hygiene, security - are the needs for communication and for light. Since the first wind-up radio was produced in February 1996, the Freeplay story has been one of pioneering and developing technology to serve the needs of humankind from all walks of life. Freeplay's success has been both commercial and societal.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Sardine Can Survival Kit

Some might consider this kit more of a gimmick -- a survival kit in a can? The trick about survival kits is to actually have a kit on your person when you desperately need it.

When I go hiking, I normally carry a small CamelBak pack filled with water and my survival gear: multiple ways to start a fire, first aid supplies, some snacks and energy bars, a pocket knife and a variety of other items which could include a GPS, a small camera, tissue pack, a signal mirror, and my cell phone. It's not a large kit, but there are times when I don't carry it.

The Whistle Creek Survival Kit fits in a normal shirt pocket. You can stash one in your car's glove compartment, in your hunting jacket, fishing vest, your bicycle's repair kit, at your workplace . . . any number of places and situations where you might not carry a larger 10 essentials kit.

Contents include: fishing hook and line, compass, tea and sugar, first aid supplies, duct tape, matches, whistle, signal mirror, razor blade, fire starter cube, chewing gum, salt and a safety pin.

Whistle Creek's Sardine Can Survival Kit

Whistle Creek
P.O. Box 3107
Estes Park, Colorado 80517
Phone 970 586-7310
Fax 970 586-3447