The Updated OSI Model

Scarily true...

Power Strip with Four Alexa Controllable Outlets

WiFi Smart Power Strip, Conico Smart Surge Protector with 4 USB Charging Ports and 4 Smart AC Plugs for Multi Outlets Power Socket Extension Cord, Compatible with Alexa, Voice Controlled by Echo for $28.

I'm not sure where I would use this, but having four separate outlets (plus the USB ports), is cool.

I don't think plugging my dish washer, coffee machine, and TV in to it would match my use case.

Bike Generator

My wife made me get a bike generator to power my rig. I showed her... I only run QRP now!

@HamHijinks this type of irresponsible "reporting" only serves to give disgruntled spouses new ideas https://t.co/EKx7ohj6bA …

— BobW (@K0NR) November 6, 2015

SnapPower Charger

I've looked at face plates that have integrated USB ports, but the SnapPower Charger is different in that it requires no wiring.

Via Uncrate

Green Power Supplies

Recycle!

Computer supplies converted to 12vdc 20a running great as station DC power source. pic.twitter.com/gIuwFQGxDS
— Dave Hockaday (@WB4IUY) January 22, 2015

FINsix: Shrinking the Power Brick

FINsix wants to change power adapters by increasing the frequency at which they work:

"4x smaller and 6x lighter than today's adapters
Built-in USB port replaces phone/tablet chargers
Charges laptop and 10W devices simultaneously
Wall plug form factor eliminates bulky AC cable
Only occupies a single socket when plugged in
Compatible with all major laptop brands
Ideal for mobile professionals and students 

Product Description
The FINsix laptop charger is a full-powered AC adapter that is four times smaller and six times lighter than what is typically found on the market today. The reduced size allows for a form factor which plugs directly in to the wall and only consumes the space of one socket. This eliminates the bulky "inline brick" implementation as well as the thick AC-side cord that is commonly found on laptop chargers. Also, with its auxiliary USB port for powering other devices, this adapter replaces your phone and tablet chargers as well."

Via Technology Review via Ace of Spades HQ

Wouxun SPS30 III Switching Power Supply

For those of you who want to have 100% Wouxun shack, you can get a step closer. The Wouxun SPS30 III Switching Power Supply is $75 from BuyTwoWayRadios.com

Specs:
- Input voltage: 110V/220V AC
- Output voltage: 13.8V DC - adjustable between 9.0 and 15.0 V
- Output voltage regulation: less than 2%
- Protection: short-circuit - Automatic current limiting within 30A
- Output current: 30A(max) 20A(continuous)
- Ripple: less than 80mVp-p at rated load
- Fuse: 220V:5A, 110V:8A
- Meter: single volt/current meter - backlit

Power

Looks like the ReVolt is no longer available, but they are working on a replacement that may show up in June. (Kudo's to Bill of ReVolt for noticing my original post dropping by to comment.)

While we are waiting on the ReVolt, I've been looking for something smaller to meet my portable, emergency power needs for my phone and other devices. The WireCutter did a round up recently and recommends the Satechi Energy Station 10000.

• Instant dual power - recharge your tablet and smart phone or other mobile devices simultaneously.
• 10000 mAh Lithium Polymer Battery - Rapid charging - faster than charging from a traditional outlet
• Battery life indicator & auto OFF feature that detects when fully charged.
• Lightweight and compact - easily carry it on long flights in your laptop or tablet bag
• Safety Features: Overload protection - Short circuit protection - Overcharge protection - Overdischarge protection

FYI - If you buy through those links, Amazon will be backing up dump trucks full of money at my front door - at no extra cost to you.

"Basically, IT magnifies power"

I like this quote from Bruce:

"Basically, IT magnifies power"

He is using it to discuss the activities of the Syrian government to deal with dissidents, but I think it applies to more mundane situations - like running a business.

Emergency Power

Some interesting emergency power options from Portable Universal Power for the ham on the go. I need a yellow or red ReVolt to match my radios. Check on the pictures on that page of the ReVolt in the Molle pouch and charging the iPad.

Via SaysUncle

Sign Me Up!

Do Not Kill Registry

(Disclaimer - probably only as effective as a no weapons sign.)

Via Slashdot.org

Power Company Controlled Thermostat or Blackout

I was reading this article about a UT professor's work to gather data about the power grid in order to better manage demand. It talked about rolling blackouts as a method to prevent the total collapse of the system when it is overwhelmed by demand.

I've read other stories about the power company wanting to have the ability to reach in and change the settings on my thermostat to reduce energy usage during peak times. I usually get my feathers ruffled by the idea of the power company controlling the temperature in my house.

Then it occurred to me that a house that is a little too warm is better than one that has no power, so no air conditioning either - and no lights, internet, etc. Of course, this also reminds me of the Ben Franklin quote about the choice between liberty and security.

Which poison would you choose? Rolling blackouts or a remote controlled thermostat?

Watching

Continuing on today's theme of watching, I found this scary infograph about the data a phone company collected about a customer in Germany. (See the interactive version here.)

Or the government could team up with a mobile phone company to track you via Silent SMS texts.

So big companies are tracking you. The government does lots of tracking.

I think we'll see more things like this neat bit of technology (Escort Live) that help level the playing field...

"Escort Live (an accessory for Escort radar detectors) not only detects police speed traps, it also broadcasts their times and locations to other Escort Live owners. They (the traps, not the owners) show up on a map on the phone’s screen, thereby creating a speed-trap social network. The police can’t be thrilled."

OLPC - QRP PC Style

I love projects like the OLPC. I believe that the Internet is the great equalizer and the more people we can get on-line, the better the world will be. Battery evolution seems slow, so it is fantastic that they can make the laptop faster while reducing the power requirements. The QRP hams have to think this is cool, too.