Hydro Power

[cockpitbob]

This isn't for everyone, but if you are near a stream on a steep hill, this has potential.

On the AmRRON website store I stumbled across this "Backpacking Hydro Power System".
Here's the manufacturer's site with a video.
https://www.tacticalwoodgas.com/online-store/Tactical-Hydro-lightweight-hydro-power-system-12V-and-USB-5V-at-10W-p65900706
{He briefly mentions the KX3 in the video.}

It's also for sale on Amazon, but no reviews.
https://www.amazon.com/Backpacking-system-Provides-charging-batteries/dp/B01FH6UW7C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1504393363&sr=8-1&keywords=backpacking+hydro+power

$80
1.4 pounds with hoses and funnel
Needs 10' head of pressure
10W
12V output:  simple DC generator output.  No regulator
5V USB output:  plug the 12V output into included 12V-5V USB converter

It's actually a nicely thought out system with the funnel to gather the water and collapsible hoses.  It's light and packs small.  Give the video a look.

I have minor doubts about the 10W.  The turbine is rated for 10W but I think it needs more pressure than 10' to get that much power.

OR, you can roll your own.
Here's the turbine he's using($12)
https://www.amazon.com/Yosoo-Turbine-Generator-Micro-hydro-Charging/dp/B00ZCBNNOC/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1504391883&sr=8-20-spons&keywords=hydroelectric+generator&psc=1
(The link says $14, but it's available on Amazon for $12.  I used the $14 one because it had more reviews.

Here's the 12V - 5V DC-DC he's using($8)
https://www.amazon.com/Kimdrox-Adapter-Double-Connector-Charger/dp/B00XDSA82Q/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1504393105&sr=1-2-fkmr1&keywords=cpt+15w+dc-dc+USB

Even if you only get 4W out of it, unlike solar or wind, that's 4W 24/7.  You can charge about 8 18650 cells in 24hrs with that.

Unfortunately, where I live the glaciers sandpapered everything flat 25,000 years ago.  I have to go 75 miles to get to a 500' hill, so I won't be trying this any time soon.

[lc65]

Did you buy one of the mini hydropowers ?
If so, you can test it on a water hose at your residence.

[cockpitbob]

Did you buy one of the mini hydropowers ?
If so, you can test it on a water hose at your residence.

I really want to roll my own, just for fun, but it's unlikely I'll ever get a chance to use it.  I live in pretty flat country and don't get out backpacking much these days.