Portable Solar Phone Charger for only $5..Really?

      Instructables user ASCAS has shared a project with worldwide viewers on how to make a solar-powered phone charger for simply $5. It's as small as a smartphone and does not include a back-up battery, which is more of a hassle to carry than being environmental friendly. ASCAS has tested the device on both Apple and Android devices and it has performed well with both devices.

       Materials include a 6V Mini Solar Panel, a torn apart 12V USB charger unit, the smartphone (for testing), phone's charger cable, and a flexible and foldable plastic card. With these materials, you will need a hot glue gun, a 30W soldering iron, and a leatherman multitool. You will need to assemble the parts together and also add a stand onto the solar panel to charge your phone with convenience. 

Clear instructions complete with photos are to be shown here. 

Solar-Powered Vending Machines Rent out Bicycle Helmets

      

        A Brooklyn-based company, known as Express Biker, has created a self-serve vending machine which helps cyclists in nearby communities purchase bike parts anytime in the day. The aim for this machine is primarily to help cyclists, who may be riding late at night or far distances from bike shops, in conveniently purchasing any biking needs. Examples of such is as follows: tubes, lights, co2, patch kits, various tools and parts.

       Following such an example, a Bostonian company, Helmethub, has also created a vending machine but it contains only bicycle helmets. Their aim is to help keep cyclists safe and without an excuse for riding helmet-less. In July, however, they are launching another vending machine with a twist: powered by solar energy.

         Each solar-powered vending machine holds 36 helmets and features a touchscreen panel like those on Hubway rental kiosks. Rentals costs approximately $2 and riders also hold the option to purchase one. The machine can dispense three different helmet sizes to make sure if the helmet fits the user properly. 

            When a cyclist is finished with using the helmet, the helmet is picked up by the team and sent back to Helmethub headquarters to be inspected and sanitized before being placed back into the vending machine. The machines, in addition, provides real-time information to the team so that they know when each machine needs to be restocked or used helmets need to be picked up.