subject: Powering Hand Crank Equipment [print this page] There are many pieces of modern equipment available today that could be extremely useful in a variety of situations including emergencies. In addition, these pieces of equipment are becoming more and more affordable to the average American.
One of the relatively new inventions is that of the crank handle. This handle has been added to radios, flashlights, and a variety of other appliances.
It has even been added to ice cream makers. There are many advantages to the hand crank.
One of the most noticeable advantages of the hand crank is that it is a great source of never ending power. Pieces of technology that use hand cranks do not need batteries or electricity.
Electricity may simply not be available during times of emergency. During times of peace, electricity may be available, but it is expensive.
The hand crank can save you money on your electricity bill. In addition, it can also save you money on purchasing batteries.
Batteries can also be quite expensive and they can be easily lost. They also do not provide very much power for long periods of time and they can be a nuisance to store.
On the other hand, a hand crank does cost you some time. It will take time to wind up an appliance so that it will last for a significant period of time.
In addition, winding it up can be quite noisy. If for some reason you do not want to be heard, but you need light, you will probably want a battery powered flashlight.
A hand crank flashlight makes noise because part of the process of making energy from turning the handle is that friction is created and stored. After awhile, this friction making part can become worn and it will be less effective.
However, cranking an object to create power can also be a lot of fun. A hand crank ice cream maker makes making ice cream an experience or activity with family and friends, instead of something that machine does.
Fortunately with hand crank ice cream makers it takes the same amount of time to make ice cream as it would an electrically operated one. Somehow, the ice cream tastes even better when it is homemade and sweat and time has gone into carefully creating it.
With the improvement of solar power, many people have found that they prefer it because it does not require any work on their part. However, it is still good to consider that you may need the equipment at any time and any place.
If daylight is not available to charge your equipment, you may be in a tight place. Hand crank equipment can always be charged and used.
It does not depend on circumstances as to whether it is useable unless you are trying to avoid making noise or light. In which case, you will not need a radio or a flashlight.
Even though the hand crank does take work to power your electronic device, the ratio of work to produced power is pretty good. With only a few minutes of cranking, you can produce hours worth of power.
You will be able to tell when the power is running low because there will be a decrease in performance. For example, when the flashlight is running low on power, the light provided will become dimmer and dimmer.
Fortunately, there is no harm done if you completely run out of power. Simply start cranking again and power will be restored, unlike some pieces of electrically charged technology which are damaged if you let them completely run out of power.
For example, rechargeable batteries usually do not perform as well once they have been allowed to run out of power completely. This is particularly the case with laptop batteries.
Hand crank pieces of equipment can be as small as a flashlight and as large as a generator. These generators can be very useful whenever the power goes out.
You will be able to restore a little energy to your home so that you will be able to mostly continue your daily routine. You may still enjoy a hot shower in the morning or a hot breakfast, as long as you are willing to go out and do a little hand cranking on your generator.
These pieces of equipment can be very useful. Once you have them you may never want to be without these ever chargeable pieces of technology that will work in every situation you may need it in.
