Hand Crank Charger for iPhone 5

[solo118]

Hi

As some of you may know a huge storm is headed towards the North East. Its like deja vu from "Irene" last year

Anyways, I was lucky enough to only be out of power for a few hours during Irene, but what if Sandy is a worse situation?

I would like to be prepared in case of emergency. Last year I bought an Eton hand wind charger, but it was crap and did not charge my 4 as it said that the accessory is not supported.

I found this one on amazon, that actually shows a photo charging an iphone (but for some reason one of the reviewers says there is no standard USB output)

http://www.amazon.com/Ambient-Weath...=1351262071&sr=8-4&keywords=iphone+hand+crank

Does anyone think that this item can do the trick to charge my phone gd forbid if I am stuck without power for a couple of days? I obviously dont expect to crank my way from 0% to 100% in order to entertain myself, but to get a little bit of juice just in case.

I know I am thinking way out there, but better safe than sorry!

Thanks in advance!

PS I notice an external battery pack might do the trick as well, but that would only give me 1 or 2 extra charges... If I am stuck with no power for a few days it might not be so helpful.

 

[boshii]

Interesting. I never thought something like this existed.

 

[GoCubsGo]

Looks like a smart purchase. The reviewer who said it was not a standard USB is clearly confused. It is a micro USB, so not standard, but the included items would solve their problem.

Includes:
USB Charging Cable
Retractable Antenna
Wrist lanyard
Mini, micro, USB smart phone tips for charging

 

[Givmeabrek]

How many hours of cranking would it take to charge an iPhone??

 

[solo118]

How many hours of cranking would it take to charge an iPhone??

I have no idea, just trying to figure out if this could at least help a bit in case of emergency.

If its going to tell me "unauthorized charger" I will just skip it and get a charger like this http://www.amazon.com/New-Trent-IMP...iewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending

 

[Raegor]

I have this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Ambient-Weather-Emergency-Flashlight-Certified/dp/B0071BTJPI/ref=pd_sim_hg_35

We get more hurricanes down here in louisiana than anyone. But I haven't tried charging my phone with it yet.

 

[solo118]

I have this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Ambient-Weather-Emergency-Flashlight-Certified/dp/B0071BTJPI/ref=pd_sim_hg_35

We get more hurricanes down here in louisiana than anyone. But I haven't tried charging my phone with it yet.

Thanks. It looks as if the hand cranking is not that great.... one reviewer said 30 minutes of cranking left him with just 3% (this was on a different unit, not the one in the link)

I am going to go with one of these, hopefully 2 charging cycles is all I need (and I hope I do not even have that problem!)

http://www.amazon.com/5600mAh-Exter...hlight/dp/B005K7192G/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

http://www.amazon.com/PowerGen-Exte...&qid=1351268345&sr=1-1&keywords=powergen+5200

I am going to decide soon as I can still get it by Monday if I order today. If anyone has any experience with either (or a similar device) please let me know.

 

[kyellowness]

oh wow. That's pretty clever. Good for in case of emergency packs to keep in your basement for... in case of emergency. like zombie apocalypse.

 

[Appleseeds]

Nice idea
But if the power is out I think the cell towers go out also.

 

[Raegor]

No the towers stay up I'm sure they have backups or generators.

 

[solo118]

No the towers stay up I'm sure they have backups or generators.

I had no problem with cell service during Irene.

PS I went with the Anker battery backup... i hope I do not have to use it!

To all on the east coast please be safe!

 

[Giuly]

I'd go with the American Red Cross Axis, which has a standard USB port and is weather-proof:

 

[Ntombi]

I have this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Ambient-Weather-Emergency-Flashlight-Certified/dp/B0071BTJPI/ref=pd_sim_hg_35

We get more hurricanes down here in louisiana than anyone. But I haven't tried charging my phone with it yet.

That's the one I have as well. It's part of my earthquake/tsunami kit. I'm in earthquake country, and very close to the beach, so tsunamis are part of my preparedness since Japan's.

I did try charging my iPhone when I first got it, and it worked, barely. It's slow as the dickens, and only works when cranked in one direction, but it did work.

The other thing I have is a way to charge my iPhone in my car. I have a policy of always keeping at least half a tank in my car at all times, so we can leave without getting stuck in a long gas line if something happens. That means I'll be able to charge my phone as well.

Keep that in mind if Sandy keeps your electricity off for too long. Stay safe!