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Articles in the ‘DIY Green Gadgets’ Category
By Dan (EnviroGadget Writer) on September 11th, 2009
The Human Powered Ferris Wheel, otherwise called the Star Wheel, is a device created by Paul Cesewski. The contraption weighs 2000 pounds and reaches up 22 feet into the air. There are 3 seats inside the wheel, and each passenger has their own set of peddles. As you cycle inside the wheel, you’re driving yourself around the inside of the wheel. Gravity then causes the outer wheel to move forwards too. (more…)
By Dan (EnviroGadget Writer) on August 19th, 2009
The Solar-Powered Bicycle GPS gadget is the creation of Brian Nadel, who wanted to be able to get home when he’d gotten lost whilst out cycling! Made from old computer parts in his office, Brian’s gadget cost him virtually nothing. Brian estimates you could build a similar unit using items from eBay and discount stores for around $150. (more…)
By Dan (EnviroGadget Writer) on July 23rd, 2009
If you love a little DIY gadgetry, then take a look at this simple Eco-Friendly Mobile Phone Charger gadget. You put your mobile phone inside and connect it to the phone charger to charge it up. To electrically switch off the charger (so that it doesn’t use any energy), you simply close the lid! (more…)
By Dan (EnviroGadget Writer) on June 29th, 2009
For us tinkerers, there’s nothing more satisfying than making your own gadgets, especially if you’re making eco-friendly gadgets. The DIY Solar Powered Boombox is a relatively simple speaker and amplifier unit that cost just $75 to make! The system is neatly housed using plywood, creating a very portable and very usable music system. Just plug in your MP3 player, and off you go. (more…)
By Dan (EnviroGadget Writer) on March 9th, 2009
A chap by the name of Knut Karlsen has been playing with flexible solar panels, and developed a basic solar-powered rechargeable battery concept. Using some specially cut solar cells, the cells have been wrapped around NiMH rechargeable batteries. (more…)
By Dan (EnviroGadget Writer) on March 3rd, 2009
It appears that the Nintendo DS Lite was made for solar panels, as the Instructables author dark sponge has created a useful solar charger for the DS Lite. The top face has enough space for two 60×60mm solar cells side by side, each outputting 3V at 40mA. (more…)
By Dan (EnviroGadget Writer) on December 19th, 2008
This guest article was kindly written by Ron Bean of The Green Chameleon. It’s a great introduction to domestic Solar Heating and how it all works.
It’s that time of year again – time to break out the sweaters, winter coats and watch those winter heating bills go up every month. Chances are that along with those monthly energy bills, you’re also contributing to global warming.
If your home uses a conventional gas-fired furnace, or fuel-oil, both of which are fossil fuels, which generate greenhouse gases. If you have electric heat, you are indirectly generating greenhouse gases, since the electricity needed to power electric heaters is often provided by coal-burning electric power plants.
But what if you could keep your home toasty warm all winter long, generate zero greenhouse gases and your monthly heating bill was zero? That’s right, I said zero – as in nada, nothing at all. (more…)
By Dan (EnviroGadget Writer) on July 18th, 2008
The team over at Tom’s Hardware Guide have had a flash of inspiration and created a new eco gadget, a solar powered Wii gamestation. Using a high-def screen, a Wii, solar panel, inverter and heavy duty battery, they’ve created a slightly odd looking portable and green entertainment device. The whole system gives them an estimated 8 hours of playing time, however, the charging time via solar panel is a little longer than that. (more…)
