Here's a great design concept just in time for summer when gatherings move outdoors and you want the music to move with you. Finnish designer Pekka Salokannel has created the portable and solar-powered Gramo Speakers that allow you to hook up the music inside or outside while skipping the need for electricity.
The speakers are outfitted with three layers of solar PV panels that charge a built-in battery pack so even in the dark, the speakers can keep the party going. If you need to move the speakers further than your patio, they fold flat so that they can be easily carried in a pocket or bag. The volume is be controlled by soft-touch controls on the speakers.
The Gramo is designed to work with your computer, iPod or iPhone.
Since the speakers are still just a concept, there's no information on the sound quality or pricing. Regardless, it's a wonderful design. I hope to see these, or something similar, available soon.
via Ecofriend
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written by Nicholas, April 30, 2009
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written by Bob Wallace, April 30, 2009
So let's buy a device that's designed so that not all our panels can face the sun at the same time.
(Someone needs to install a common sense filter....)
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written by Bob Wallace, April 30, 2009
Mount the panels on an adjustable stand that can be angled toward the sun. (Remember, the sun is more overhead in the summer than in the winter. And it moves across the sky every day.)
Add some sort of readout device, meter - bank of LEDs - that will indicate when the output is getting stronger/weaker to show the user when the panel is best positioned. Turn it into a learning device.
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written by Mr. Sinister, May 01, 2009
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written by Bob Wallace, May 01, 2009
Put four small photocells in the bottom of small "wells". One pointing right, one left, one up, one down.
Just a bit of logic will tell the user when the panel is optimally pointed and when it needs to be readjusted.
(Some bi-directional solar trackers use this system to orient toward the sun.)
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written by Arjen, May 27, 2010
i'm planning to make a professionally looking design from aluminium.
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written by Jonothan, April 17, 2011
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