B5 Systems Retro Line

Archive for the ‘Power’ Category

ZTS – Mini Battery Tester

Monday, September 19th, 2016

With all of the electronics we use these days, power collection and management is a serious concern. Because so many work-related items use standard commercial batteries, this is an item which is just as useful at home as on the job.

Kitbadger recently conducted a review of the Mini Battery Tester by ZTS. It allows you to quickly ascertain the status of the batteries you have on hand.

The MBT ests 1.5v alkaline (AA, AAA, C, D, N), 1.2v NiMH/NiCd, 3v photo lithium, and 9v alkaline. Interstingly, it uses 4 AAA batteries.

The MBT is available though Amazon.com.

Thanks Ivan!

ORSM – Blue Freedom

Wednesday, August 10th, 2016

Standing alone in the plethora of solar panels offered by various manufacturers at Outdoor Retailer is Blue Freedom, a personal water turbine which can be placed in running water to generate power (5 watts).  The internal lithium polymer batter has a capacity of 5,000 mAh.

Blue Freedom is 7.75 inches across and weighs 20 ounces.  Currently, Blue Freedom is not designed to generate power from the wind, but they told me they are working on it.

blue-freedom.net

ORSM – EnerPlex Jumper Quad+

Monday, August 8th, 2016

Power collection, storage and distribution in remote environments continues to be a major product category at OR.  The Jumper Quad+ from EnerPlex caught the eye of quite a few military users because it can be used to recharge AA and AAA batteries in the field as well as serving as a battery pack in its own right.

The Jumper Quad+ features a 5,000 mAh battery with a 2 Amp output via USB port.

www.EnerPlex.com

The BaseLantern from BioLite

Thursday, May 19th, 2016

BioLite has introduced a new technology to Kickstarter called the BaseLantern.

The BaseLantern is four times smaller than competitive lights yet incorporates bluetooth control and analytics high are used to create a miniature smartgrid built for outdoor environments. BioLite offers several different lighting options that can all connected.

BioLite also introduced a new technology to their devices called Edge-Lighting. It’s the same principle found in fiber optics which enables them to wrap their lenses tightly around the battery and LEDs, getting rid of the cavernous spaces typically found in lanterns.

Here are some features of this smartgrid.

1) Proximity Activation: The BaseLantern can geolocate to users and automatically turn itself off or on based on your relative proximity. It’s your very own beacon, clutch for hiking back to camp late-night.

2) Energy Feedback: When you’re outdoors and away from an outlet, managing your battery life is critical. The App gives you runtime right down to the minute and calibrates in real-time according to brightness settings and if you’re charging any external devices. No guess how much juice is left and you can optimize burntimes to last the length of your trip.

3) Color Spectrum Control: You can adjust the warmth of your light for task or ambience settings, turn it to red for night vision, or cycle through full colors if you’re looking to have a little fun. It all happens from an intuitive dial display that requires no learning curve.

4) Light Extension: The BaseLantern can integrate with BioLite SiteLights, compact string-lighting, and create an even wider perimeter of light, lighting large communal areas or utilizing a hub-and-spoke setup to light individual sites.

www.kickstarter.com/projects/biolite/biolite-baselantern-smartgrid-goes-off-grid

Solace’s Cutting Edge Technology Recognized By Sikorsky

Thursday, March 3rd, 2016

Solace Power, a wireless power technology company has been announced as top cutting edge technology for 2015 by Sikorsky Innovations. You can read the full release below:

St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador (PRWEB) March 01, 2016

Solace Power, developer of leading edge wireless power technology announces that it has been recognized as a top innovative technology company by Sikorsky Innovations, a Lockheed Martin Company. As the winner of the Sikorsky Entrepreneurship Challenge, Solace Power has been awarded a monetary prize, and the opportunity to jointly explore the impact of RC2 technology on Sikorsky’s product line.

“The Sikorsky Entrepreneurial Challenge was a fantastic opportunity for Solace Power to showcase its unique wireless power technology, and earn validation from one of the world’s most innovative companies.” said Neil Chaulk, Vice President of Business Development. “We are looking forward to working with Sikorsky to develop leading edge technology in the aerospace and defense market.”

Solace’s technology allows companies in the aerospace/defense, automotive, industrial and consumer electronics markets to eliminate the need for cables and connectors in many applications. Companies can take advantage of Solace’s spatial freedom and flexible integration capabilities to reduce manufacturing/maintenance costs, reduce cabling weight, and improve overall application design for the next generation of products.

“The Entrepreneurial Challenge, from an industry perspective, is truly a one-of-kind gateway, where disruptive ideas can quickly gain exposure and a customer base within one of the most exciting transportation verticals globally,” said Chris Van Buiten, Vice President of Sikorsky Innovations. “We look forward to exploring the applications of the exciting Solace Power technology.”

The Sikorsky Entrepreneurial Challenge has been designed to accelerate innovators and disruptive technology concepts with applications in the vertical flight market.

www.solace.ca

Biolite Announces 3 New Products

Friday, February 19th, 2016

Biolite has released three new products that were previewed at last year’s OR Summer Market. The PowerLight Mini, SolarPanel 5 and CookStove make up the BioLite Energy Ecosystem. Each can be used alone to cook, charge and light or in conjunction with the others.

PowerLight Mini

 

The PowerLight Mini is a credit card-sized rechargeable lantern.

Features:
Four lighting modes: white lantern, red night vision, strobe, and point light for maximum visibility
135 lumens
Slim Li-Ion battery that provides up to 52 hours of light, or a 50% power boost to most smartphones
Battery: 1350 mAh, USB rechargeable
Inputs/outputs: Micro USB in, USB out
Bike mount included
Weight: 2.82 oz.
Dimensions: 3.35″ high x 2.10″ wide x .59″ wide
Colors: Red, Teal, Yellow, Grey
MSRP: $44.95

SolarPanel 5/5+

 

The SolarPanel 5 and 5+ are mono crystalline solar panels.  The 5 delivers 5 watts of electricity and the SolarPanel 5+ features an onboard battery storage.

Features:
5 watt, high-efficiency monocrystalline panels. Can power phones, tablets and cameras, etc., as well as BioLite gear
Integrated sundial helps capture direct rays
360 Kickstand that provides easy positioning on uneven terrain, or the ability to hang from a tree or backpack
Auto-reconnect feature keeps panel charging after cloudy skies pass
5+ Model Only: On-board energy storing via a 2200mAh USB rechargeable battery (enough for a full smartphone charge)
5 Model Only: Auto-reconnect feature automatically reengages the device after cloudy skies pass
Dimensions: 10.12” x 8.19” x 0.94” (fits easily in laptop sleeves)
Weight: 5 Model is 12 oz., 5+ Model is 13.2 oz.
MSRP: SolarPanel 5 ($59.95), SolarPanel 5+ ($79.95)
Available: February 16, 2016

CookStove

 

The CookStove is a streamlined version of the company’s flagship CampStove at a lower price point to attract current gas stove users.

Features:
One charge provides up to 30 hours of clean wood cooking – the equivalent of 20 100g gas canisters
Four fan speeds to control the flame size, from rapid boil to campfire feel
Weight: 1.6lbs (725g)
MSRP $99.95

www.bioliteenergy.com

Thyrm – Rescue Orange Cell Vault

Wednesday, February 17th, 2016

The Thyrm Cell Vault is now available in Rescue Orange, featuring the same slim-line, attachable battery and gear storage as the other military/LEO colored models. Consider it for SAR and maritime use as well as survival applications since it will not only hold your CR-123A batteries, but other items as well. Additionally, the Orange really stands out on dark internal MOLLE/PALS panels.

www.thyrm.com

Beamshot – Insider Multi-Function Laser Light System

Thursday, February 4th, 2016

Rather than just a single light device, Beamshot’s Imsider is actually a system, consisting of multiple, plug-and-play components which can be quickly configured. In fact, it offers a minimum of two, and up to four different aiming and illumination combinations.

The system incorporates a visible laser sight (Red or Green) with either an IR or White LED or even an IR laser sight or laser illuminator. Multifunction light modes give you the flexibility for momentary, constant on, strobe and dimmer operation ambidextrously. The base model offers an infrared or 500 Lumen LED light. Upgrades include a red or green visible laser sight, an IR laser sight, a laser illuminator as well as a camera module or thermal camera module.

The battery power supply is interestingly contained in the pistol grip. They’ve developed a push-button system to “fast reload” a battery pack. The pistol grip also features a built-in switch, allowing one hand to operate the rifle, laser and light while giving you a free hand for another task. You can also see the wire chase which conforms to the side of the receiver.

 

Although shown here on an AR, they are also developing a variant for the AK. Finally, the Insider MFLLS is certified to IP67 Waterproof standards.

www.beamshot.com