I've got two of these things. Both of them commercial solar/dynamo flashlight/radios modified to charge batteries. The one in the video is Richard Komp's version. It also has a DC output. Here's his schematic:
Solar Is Civil Defense.
In Afghanistan, NATO troops are distributing solar/dynamo AM/FM/SW radios. Designed in UK, made in China by JinKang, the model JK-008 is a 6 band world SW and AM/FM radio receiver which has internal NiMH batteries chargable by dynamo crank, solar, or AC/DC adapter. Alternate power sources AA batteries and 220V electric (direct).
I've been trying to find out whether the JK-008 solar/dynamo can charge AA batteries as well as the radio. If this solar/dynamo can charge rechargeable AA batteries then those batteries can power additional devices, a small LED light or even a cell phone, and build an AA scale low voltage DC electrical network. Could that help with nation building and economic development in Afghanistan?
I heard about this program from a friend who was serving in Afghanistan. My friend, the Major, gave me the details about the solar/dynamo but was unable to answer my question: do they charge extra batteries? I emailed the manufacturer, wrote to my Congressional Rep and both Senators but got no reply from any of them. Then I called the Pentagon and got the numbers of the US and NATO commands in Afghanistan. Called the US forces in Baghram and talked to a public information officer who said it was a NATO program and would get me a reply. After a couple of weeks, and a couple of emails, I called NATO in Afghanistan but nobody answered that number after 10 or 15 rings.
Emailed NATO today. Wonder if I'll get a reply.
See Solar Tactics in Afghanistan, Solar Swadeshi, and Solar IS Civil Defense for more.
Richard Komp will again be teaching a solar course this summer in Nicaragua with Grupo Fenix.
Thanks to Videosphere for their videos.