4 MacGyver-Inspired Ways to Power Your Android Device

If you constantly find yourself in a situation where your cell phone dies and there is no charger or electrical socket in site, then this article is for you. Here are 4 ways to charge your smartphone in some pretty unusual ways when you are completely out of options.

1. Hand Crank Chargers

Image via Flickr by cogdogblog

Many tech manufacturers are coming out with hand turbine power generators, mostly for camping, but the best ones have a USB port you can plug your mobile device into and crank away like MacGyver.
Popular models come with a lithium-ion battery and if you can keep it cranking for a full minute it will give you enough power for a 30 second all or about three texts. A little elbow grease is all you need and to charge most Android phones.

2. Solar Powered Chargers

Image via Flickr by Mark Guim

Many tech developers are coming out with hand turbine power generators, mostly for camping, but the best ones have a USB port you can plug your mobile device into and crank away like MacGyver.

Again, most models were made for outdoor emergencies but many come with a USB port or USB cable. Common battery power is the 1500mAh battery and once powered by the sun, they can charge your phone 100 percent. Models do vary so check them out, some have lithium batteries, are in keychain form and there's even a bicycle helmet solar charger in the works.

3. Fuel Cell Chargers

Lilliputian Systems, Inc. is touting their "nectar power pods" as the next big thing for charging cell phones. Expert tech reviewers are saying this device is a "Zippo-like fuel cell" that can charge your mobile device 100 percent and each "nectar power pod" is good for 10 to 14 charges.
Small butane cartridges are the power behind this charging device and with the Nectar model, a USB port is built-in. As small as the palm of your hand, Lilliputian states the device is even airline approved.

4. Pan Water Charger

From the TES New Energy Company comes a real dandy of a device to charge your cell phone, especially when camping. Maybe real men don't boil water, but they will if they want to charge their iPhone.

TES makes the Wonder Pot 7, 20 and 30 models with hefty price tags starting at $125 up to $550. All you need is a campfire and the Wonder Pot of your choice to get the ball rolling. While the Wonder Pot is on the fire or other heat source, simply plug your smartphone into the USB cord and get a full charge. TES says this is the ultimate backup emergency charger because you don't need wind or solar power, just a heat source.

It's hard to be without your smartphone and many of us fear those bars and intensely watch them as they decrease one by one. Don't let this happen to you and instead, why not do what MacGyver would do and try one of these nifty gadgets. You never know, one of them could save your life.



Author Bio: Angela is a freelance tech, travel and health writer. When she isn’t writing she is playing guitar, hiking and attempting to cook. Follow her on twitter @ang_freeman3