Clockwork radio
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A clockwork radio is a radio that is powered by clockwork wind-up mechanism driving an internal generator, rather than batteries, solar cells, mains electricity, or thermoelectrics. It is intended primarily for use in areas of the world where there is no mains supply and replacement batteries are hard to obtain. It sometimes incorporates a flashlight or other useful device. Some models have a multiple power sources: wind-up, solar, conventional batteries, A/C, etc.
The modern clockwork radio is a patented design by Trevor Baylis through a company called Baygen. The key to its design is the use of a constant velocity spring to store the potential energy.
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[edit] Usage
The clockwork radio is used in isolated communities in Africa, but is also sold in advanced countries, where it may be used for camping or emergencies.
[edit] Antecedents
Early antecedents of the clockwork radio would include:
- potter's wheel - hand or foot operated.
- Singer sewing machine - pedal operated, leaving hands free.
- Royal Flying Doctor pedal powered two-way radio developed in 1920s, but these are too heavy to be portable.
- School of the Air - students in remote locations use RFDS radio to talk to teachers.
[edit] Patent Dispute
An inventor from Bangladesh claims a 1975 patent on the FreePlay Radio.
