Clockwork Radio

[1]

The clockwork radio is a portable radio system that has a generator built into it so that it can run in an absence of a mains connection or batteries. Depending on the model, 1 minute of winding can allow the radio to run for approximately 1 hour. The overall time is effected by how loud the radio is playing [1]. In the UK, the price of a Clockwork Radio can range from £20 to £40 for an FM/AM radio, or around £60 for a DAB radio[1]. Some Clockwork Radios even have extra features that run off the same generator, such as a flashlight (like the example above), or even the ability to charge other devices like a mobile phone. I chose this as my project because being able to run a device with man power instead of electricity generated from a powerplant is a way of saving energy from non-renewable sources.

History

The idea for the clockwork radio came to it's inventor, Trevor Baylis, back in 1991 when he was watching a television program with a report on the spread of HIV and AIDS in Africa[2]. The reason for the spread was put down to a lack of education that was reaching the people. Radio and television broadcast were being aired in order to help educate, but most people in Africa did not have access to a Radio or Television. Even fewer could actually afford one of these appliences as well as the electricity required to power it. A set of batteries could cost more than a week's food for a whole family[3]. It was this point that turned on the bulb in Baylis' head. He soon went to his shed to start inventing, and after many hours' work he achieved his first working model, which ran a radio for 14 minutes on a two-minute wind. It wasn't until 4 years later, sometime in 1995, that the final design was completed and put into manufacturing. This design could run for 1 hour after 20 seconds of winding.

Relevance to Me

I regularly listen to the Radio at home, mostly to wake me up every morning. I even used to own a Clockwork Radio at one time. I bought it before I went for a holiday in Africa. I used it quite often during the breaks at the school I helped at, as well as around the houses I helped build. Before returning home I donated the Radio to the school as they had a greater need for it than I would once I returned to England.

I'm also into energy saving. If I can, I always try to cycle to places instead of using a car, bus, or train. When I leave rooms I turn off the light, all of which are energy saving bulbs. I only take showers and don't spend too long in the shower or have the water too hot or powerful. Instead of turning up the heating in the house, I will put more clothes on.

Plan of Inquiry

I shall primaraly try to get more information from the company who made the first few Clockwork Radios, Freeplay Energy, originally named Baygen Power Industries during the porduction of the first Clockwork radios[4], or I shall ask the Freeplay Foundation, a charity like foundation who focus on supplying radios and electoral education to places that need it.

I shall ask them for information such as how well their products have helped educate in general and raise awareness of HIV and AIDS and how to help prevent them. How many of their radios are in use and over how many countries. How affordable their products were, and have become with each new design, as well as how much their functionality, reliability, and effciency has increased. Wether they think their products can be considered as a sustainable technology. I may also ask what future plans they have for their line of Clockwork Radios.

Other places I will look for information are Newspaper archives, or news website archives, as well as Freeplay's own website and other websites that hold information related to clockwork radios.

Sources:
[1]http://www.windup-products.com/shop/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=20
[2]http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/enterprise/article524972.ece
[3]http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A810154
[4]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freeplay_Energy