Data Hacking

Chapter 3 — Power Hacks
7. Finally, test the connections to make sure that they are sound, and add a small bit of tape
around the base of the pot (to cover the paper-clip holes). If you want, you can wrap the
entire pot in tape (as I’ve done in Figure 3-19).
FIGURE 3-19: Completed film pot battery holder
That’s it! Project done! These battery packs offer a great lifespan (a good 8 to 10 times the
lifespan of normal alkaline AA batteries). Another advantage is that these batteries also perform
well in cold conditions, and are far superior to alkaline batteries.
Alternative Power Supplies
What if you could carry something with you that could, under the right circumstances, give
you unlimited power, a source that wouldn’t run out. What am I talking about? Solar power,
of course.
What you need to harness the power of the sun (apart from clear skies) is solar panels. Don’t
worry, you don’t need an enormous panel like the kind on a satellite. In fact, you can find reasonably
small, portable solar panels specifically designed to recharge batteries and power small
devices. You can purchase a unit similar to the one shown in Figure 3-20 for under $50.
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