A Conversation for Talking Point: Technology that's Supposed to be Helpful... but Isn't
An exercise in futility.
Vonce Started conversation Aug 2, 2001
I am currently planning to build a solar powered flashlight (torch). To do this, I will take a simple, cheap, flashlight, and attach a small, cheap (I know I said it before, but I really don't want to spend much money on a bit of technology this useless) solar collector. I will attack the collector directly to the flashlight; it will not be used to charge an internal battery of any sort. This way, the flashlight will only illuminate when light is shined on it. I know, useless, but it is something I've wanted to do. If any one has any suggestions or comments, please make them.
An exercise in futility.
Slick Posted Aug 2, 2001
Interesting concept, a solar powered torch. To make it really useless, and I mean really useless, I suggest that you position the solar panel on the handgrip, exactly where you have to hold it to use the on switch easily. So even on a bright sunny day it won't work!
An exercise in futility.
XRGon Posted Aug 2, 2001
I read about this idea in the April issue of an magazine about electronics. Great to hear that there's somebody out there who really realizes this device now!
In another April issue the mentioned magazine also featured a very useless device: an electric car keyhole defroster that connects to the cigarette lighter socked in the car (I hope that translates - I don't know the correct English terms).
An exercise in futility.
Ugi - Keeper of typos & spelling errers - MAT (see A575912) Posted Aug 2, 2001
Seems like a fine plan to me!
Surely the best place for the solar cell is facing the same way as the bulb, so that the lamp will only work when pointed directly at the sun, or other suitably bright object.
Ugi
An exercise in futility.
Wampus Posted Aug 2, 2001
A fine accompaniment to this invention would be glow-in-the-dark sunglasses. Glow in the dark sunglasses let you find your shades even at night during blackouts, so you always have the option to wear your shades in the dark.
And for an extra safety factor, you could use your solar-powered flashlight to find said glow-in-the-dark shades.
Wampus
An exercise in futility.
Lotte Posted Aug 2, 2001
any1 ever seen it'll never work?
how about an underwater hair dryer?
woddu mean?!
issa million dollar idea, i bet u will all steal it now.
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An exercise in futility.
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