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Freeplay Companion (Radio / Flashlight / Cellphone Charger)

The versatile Freeplay Energy Companion is a radio, a flashlight, and a cellphone charger, all in a unit that's only 125 mm long (4.9") and 200 g (7 oz).  It has a solar panel and a crank so you'll never run out of power, and you'll never have to buy disposable batteries

The Freeplay Companion Radio promises assured listening, anytime, anywhere.  This compact, robust radio boasts a rubberized body with recessed control knobs for impact resistance and comfort.  Big on functionality, but small in size, the Companion is a radio, a flashlight and a cellphone charger that fits easily into your bag, your glove box or your drawer – ready when you need it, where you need it.  The AM/FM radio has an headphone jack for personal listening.  The flashlight has 3 LEDs with optics optimized for a focused light.  The integrated cell phone charger means that you’ll never be out of touch because of dead batteries.

Offering a choice of self-charge, solar and external recharge power options, the Companion delivers complete independence from wall power or disposable batteries while ensuring sustainable access to information and entertainment.  Freeplay’s patented self-charge technology means excellent reliability.  A 1-minute wind gives you 20 minutes of radio listening at normal volume, or 30 minutes of light, and you can wind some more at any time for as much play time / shine time as you want.  An LED charge level indicator tells you the best speed to wind.

In direct sunlight the Companion will charge itself and play continuously.  The internal NiMH battery can be fully charged from either the solar panel or an external charging adapter (any standard mini-USB AC charger will do), to give 12 hours of play time (depending on volume), or 16 hours of shine time.

Designed as a companion for those who appreciate the security of a failsafe radio and who value independence from conventional power sources, the Freeplay Companion is fun and convenient, anytime, anywhere.

Benefits

• Green energy – a sustainable product that’s built to last.
• The Companion offers a real alternative to grid electricity or fossil fuels – never worry about buying, carrying or disposing of batteries again.
• When the battery runs down and you need to wind for power, the Freeplay self-charge mechanism converts your kinetic energy into stored electricity.
• Wind even when the radio’s playing or the flashlight’s shining to top up the battery at any time – never be left in the dark, miss the end of that song, the end of the game or that last item in the news report.
• Wind to put power into your cellphone even while your call is still in progress – never drop that call.
  
• The plastic molding and rubberized grip makes it easy to carry and use when the weather is cold.
• Compact, rugged and weatherproof, the Companion is perfect around the barbecue, inside your home, out camping or as a vital source of information during storms or blackouts.

Video: Shiny Media profiles the Freeplay Companion at CES

Power Source – Self-Charge Direct drive spur gear transmission driving a high power 3-phase alternator with high efficiency 3 phase rectification. Alternator 6 pole pair of Zinc coated sintered Neodymium Iron Boron permanent magnets (N35H Grade). 3-phase winding. Skewed stator tooth faces to reduce cogging torque while retaining high efficiency. Stator laminations 0.5mm laminating steel to specification VM 350-50, double side insulated to Stabolit 20. Permanently lubricated sintered Oilite bush for long life. Stainless steel base plate for non-magnetism, corrosion resistance, and strength. Transmission and Winder Spur gears are manufactured in dissimilar engineering polymers – glass filled PA6 (nylon) and POM (acetyl) for optimum gear tooth interface, low noise signature and extended life. Stainless steel shafts for extended life. Large winder knob for easy grip. Winder hub and bush are nylon and acetyl respectively for long life. Winder handle is high strength glass filled nylon.
Power Source – Solar Panel 5.5V, 30mA polycrystalline solar panel with epoxy encapsulation under a polycarbonate lens. Power Source – External Charge Mini-USB charging socket (5V, 100mA, 5 pin). Charge rate: 10 hours – 100% capacity. Power Storage High conversion efficiency rechargeable NiMH 2/3 AAA cell 3.6V pack, 350 mAh capacity. Play Time Fully charged battery: 12 hours (at normal volume). 60-second wind: 20 minutes (at normal volume). 1 hour solar exposure: 1 hour (at normal volume, radio off while charging). Play time will vary depending on the volume setting. Shine Time Fully charged battery: 16 hours. 60-second wind: 30 minutes. Talk time 60-second wind: 2-3 minutes (varies depending on phone model, phone battery condition and signal strength).
Frequencies FM: 88-108 MHz AM: 500-1700 kHz Speaker Impedance: 8 ohms Output: 0.4 Watt (max) Antenna FM: Telescopic AM: Built in ferrite bar Construction Outer Casing Thick walls with reinforcement for high structural and impact strength. Rubber gasket seal for water resistance. Rubberized panels for comfort and impact resistance. ABS with non-gloss finish for lasting durability. Ultra violet light (UV) stabilised for colour retention and stable mechanical properties. Cadmium and chlorine-free. Polycarbonate lens for optical clarity and impact resistance.	Controls Recessed volume and tuning control knobs for impact protection. Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Compliant with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive, governing the use of: Lead (Pb) Cadmium (Cd) Mercury (Hg) Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6+) Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB) Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE) Dimensions Height: 60 mm (2.3") Length: 125 mm (4.9") Depth: 42 mm (1.6") Weight: 200 g (0.4 lb)

Check out the Freeplay Companion on Inhabitat.com