SideWinder, hand-crank, Cell Phone Charger

oregon

oregon

Joined
Jan 12, 2005
Messages
5,875
These devices look small, light and handy. However, they also look like you could break them just by looking at them.

Can anyone vouch for them: Do they charge the phone well? Are they fragile? Is there a better alternative when you are away from electricity but still want your cell to work?

I use a Samsung X426 and wonder if the required adaptor is a pain to use.

Thank you kindly in advance for any information.

http://www.istdesigns.com/product_info.php?products_id=1

All the best,

oregon
 
I havent used one... but would like to know as well.

Has anyone taken a radioshack battery tray (AA or AAA would be my thinking...) and done up a pigtail that would allow for the thing to charge up some batteries?
 
I have wondered about these wind up things too, like the freeplay wind up flashlight. Looks like a gimmick but if it works then it might be useful in a BOB

the other thing to bear in mind is what does it do to the batteries you are using it on? Constantly putting a few mAh into them and taking it out again. I think even NiMH batteries have some memory effect
 
wow this is cool! I had no idea these existed and I'm a gear nut.
 
My wife bought me a Sidewinder last Christmas, but I have to admit that I haven't used it since - even though I carry it in my "man bag" along with my little AM/FM radio and other gear. It stores in a nice little nylon case and takes relatively little room.

I would say it is definitely not fragile. It is pretty well made. The handle folds over onto the body so it won't break while carrying it. The winding mechanism has a pretty solid sound and feel to it - much like that on the Grundig wind-up radio.

The wire that goes from the Sidewinder to the cell phone is long enough to be useable. The attachments fasten to the cord securly, and at least the Motorola-style attachment fastens to the phone as well as my other charging cords (AC & DC).

It has a small LED light on the Sidewinder too, which I like. It reminds me of the LED on the keychain lights. Bright enough to do the job.

I'll try to make a point of letting my cell phone battery fade way down and then try out the Sidewinder.

By the way, on the same Christmas my wife also got me one of those flashlights that you shake to charge. It works OK, but take a lot of shaking to get the light bright enough to do anything. My advice on this one is to stick to high quality battery-driven LED lights --- or use the light on the Sidewinder.
 
Thanks for the information Kenk. This is encouraging data. :thumbup: Maybe this is a candidate for pass-around.

I have a winding radio. FreePlay, I think. Noisy to crank but worked great. Very reliable over the years. It sits in the pantry on the ready-line just in case.

I had a winding flashlight. Gave it to a frisky three-year-old for use as a raygun/space thingy. Miss it. Never gave me any reason to cuss it. $20 for two at Costco a while back.http://www.jakeludington.com/gadget_envy/20050707_hand_crank_led_flashlight.html

Like Gerber says, "fend for yourself." This attitude appeals to me and I am always interested in gear that enables me to do just that.

Best,

oregon
 
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