I'm spending too much time on the computer and I need some exercise. But I'm too lazy to exercise, and too addicted to step away from the computer.
It occurs to me that maybe I can take care of both problems at once: power the computer from a bicycle-type generator, so that in order to use the computer, I have to pedal the generator for a while. The computer is a full sized laptop (700 mhz PIII) using maybe 40 watts on average. At moderate pedalling intensity (equivalent to a mild uphill grade) I can put out maybe 80 watts. So I'd have to pedal for 1/2 an hour to use the computer for an hour, which sounds like a good trade-off for me. At 20% efficiency that burns 340 Calories/hour. I'd use the generator to charge an SLA battery and use the SLA battery to run the computer through an inverter.
Any idea where to get the pedal powered generator? Can I buy stuff like that ready-made without spending a bundle? I know there are dynamo bike headlamps but those are in the under-5-watt range, I think. I could imagine trying to cobble something up out of an exercise bike and a car alternator, but it sounds clumsy.
It occurs to me that maybe I can take care of both problems at once: power the computer from a bicycle-type generator, so that in order to use the computer, I have to pedal the generator for a while. The computer is a full sized laptop (700 mhz PIII) using maybe 40 watts on average. At moderate pedalling intensity (equivalent to a mild uphill grade) I can put out maybe 80 watts. So I'd have to pedal for 1/2 an hour to use the computer for an hour, which sounds like a good trade-off for me. At 20% efficiency that burns 340 Calories/hour. I'd use the generator to charge an SLA battery and use the SLA battery to run the computer through an inverter.
Any idea where to get the pedal powered generator? Can I buy stuff like that ready-made without spending a bundle? I know there are dynamo bike headlamps but those are in the under-5-watt range, I think. I could imagine trying to cobble something up out of an exercise bike and a car alternator, but it sounds clumsy.