Portable AM/FM/SW radio needs no batteries, uses clockwork generator; Designed for outdoors, emergencies, isolated areas; South African BayGen Freeplay radio makes U.S. debut.SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 9, 1996--A lunch-box sized portable radio that requires no batteries or outside power source makes its U.S debut. The BayGen Freeplay radio, introduced to Africa last fall, is now available in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. . Built by BayGen Power Ltd. of Cape Town Cape Town or Capetown, city (1991 pop. 854,616), legislative capital of South Africa and capital of Western Cape, a port on the Atlantic Ocean. It was the capital of Cape Province before that province's subdivision in 1994. , South Africa South Africa, Afrikaans Suid-Afrika, officially Republic of South Africa, republic (2005 est. pop. 44,344,000), 471,442 sq mi (1,221,037 sq km), S Africa. the radio, powered by a clockwork generator, can play for 40 minutes on one 30 second windup. The portable AM/FM/SW radio is useful for campers, vacation cabins or emergency home use. The BayGen Freeplay radio is available now for $149.00 from Windup Technology Inc., 888/946-3871 (1-888-WINDUP1) or 206/783-2880. E-mail: 74301.2203@compuserve.com. The BayGen Freeplay radio, invented by Briton Trevor Baylis Trevor G. Baylis OBE (born May 13 1937 in Kilburn, London) is an English inventor. He is best known for inventing a wind-up radio. Rather than using batteries or external electrical source, the radio is powered by the user winding a crank for several seconds. , is powered by a wind-up spring that turns an internal generator. This method, used in the Gramophone decades ago, has been modernized mod·ern·ize v. mo·dern·ized, mo·dern·iz·ing, mo·dern·iz·es v.tr. To make modern in appearance, style, or character; update. v.intr. To accept or adopt modern ways, ideas, or style. with new materials and computer technology. The radio, currently in production in Cape Town, has the backing of South Africa's President Nelson Mandela Noun 1. Nelson Mandela - South African statesman who was released from prison to become the nation's first democratically elected president in 1994 (born in 1918) Mandela, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and is endorsed by 20 aid and relief agencies. Charles Lukey, president of Windup Technology Inc.: "The Winter of 1996 was one of the worst in U.S. history. Millions of people turned to their battery powered radios after the lights went out -- many to discover the batteries had gone dead. The BayGen Freeplay radio is ready anytime." Operating the three-band radio is simple. Turning a crank for 30 seconds provides enough electricity to power the radio for about 40 minutes. The generator will last for about 10,000 winds. The U.S. version of the radio comes with a DC adapter A device that allows one system to connect to and work with another. An adapter is often a simple circuit that converts one set of signals to another; however, the term often refers to devices which are more accurately called "controllers. for wall socket convenience and retails for $149.00. The radio also appeals to those concerned about the cost and disposal of batteries. A comparable AM/FM AM/FM Amplitude Modulation / Frequency Modulation AM/FM Auto-Mapping/Facilities Management radio would require over 400 "D" cells to match the BayGen Freeplay's minimum rated generator performance of 6600 hours. The BayGen Freeplay radio is BayGen Power's first product. Other products currently in development include a windup flashlight and a windup Walkman-style radio. For information on the BayGen Freeplay contact: Windup Technology Inc., 7012 22nd Ave NW, Seattle, 98117-5625. Toll Free: 888/946-3871 (1-888-WINDUP1) or 206/783-2880. E-Mail: 74301.2203@compuserve.com. -0- Note to Editors: Photo available by request CONTACT: Windup Technology Inc. Charles "Luke" Lukey, 206/783-2880 E-Mail: 74301.2203@compuserve.com NOTE TO EDITORS: In the Internet/email addresses noted in this news release, there is an "at" symbol between: 74301.2203 and compuserve.com. This symbol may not appear properly (or at all) in some systems. |
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