Category — MOBILE

Researchers at Purdue University have developed an aluminum alloy that could be used in a new type of mobile technology to convert polluted water into drinkable, while extracting hydrogen to generate electricity.

The potable water could be produced for about $1 per gallon, and electricity could be generated for about 35 cents per kilowatt hour of energy, which is low compared to the cost of solar at 10 times that amount.

It might be used to provide power and drinking water to remote villages or for military operations, said Jerry Woodall,  Professor of electrical and computer engineering.

The alloy contains aluminum, gallium, indium and tin. Immersing the alloy in freshwater or saltwater causes a spontaneous reaction, splitting the water into hydrogen and oxygen molecules. (more…)

Being off the grid, your cellphone is one of the key pieces of technology. Which to buy, how to use it and how to preserve the battery life are all critical decisions to off-grid knowledge workers (and everybody else).
I first became aware of HTC phones in 2006, when Blackberries were beginning to appear on the market, and everyone who needed to show off how important they were had to have a Blackberry. It was obvious then what a brilliant product HTC had on its hands, especially being able to download entire documents rather than text only info. I wrote about them in my book How to Live Off-Grid, (I was not in any way working for HTC, nor even had a freebie from them). (more…)

Here is an excerpt from Seth Stevenson’s new book about travelling the world sans airplane. Of course, ground transport is just as polluting, and just as subject to snow delays as air transport, but somehow its less total – schedules are more flexible – there is always another bus, or another cargo ship coming along:

“Walking down the sidewalk, I instinctively check my pocket. There are no keys there, and it’s a bit unsettling. I find I keep reflexively patting at the void. I feel a moment of panic each time. Until I remember there’s nothing I need keys for anymore. No apartment, no mailbox, no car. I feel untethered. I’m carrying the whole of my existence in a backpack.

It’s a bright August day. We’re walking to the metro stop. Last week, my life lacked purpose, but today every step seems like a purposeful stride. Those people in front of us? They’re going to the office. Us? We’re going on an adventure. (more…)

A low tech, man-powered  yellow submarine may not be high on the list of requirements for la vie off-grid, but French adventurer Stephane Rousson and designer Minh-Lôc Truong have gone ahead and made one anyway. In Rousson’s garage.

The Scubster  is the world’s first pedal powered submarine and it has recently successfully finished its first test in the Mediterranean off Nice. (more…)

If you can manage to camp away from the water sources, and from the established campsites, then the many wonderful advantages of stealth camping will be yours. Stealth camping (also known as “wild camping”) is a cleaner, warmer and quieter way to camp, and it offers a much better connection with nature. In all likelihood no one has camped at your impromptu stealth-site before, and the ground will be pristine. (more…)

We rather like the Subaru Robin range of inverter generators. They are not too pricey and feature the latest in inverter generator technology. Models in the line, include the R1700i which kicks out 1,650 watts; the RG3200iS
at 3,200 watts (click here for the RG3200iS California Compliant), and the RG4300iS — the first-ever 4,300-watt inverter generator.

Generator noise is one of the main problems – especially on quiet summer nights. Subaru’s inverter technology reduces the sound level. (more…)

If you are in an RV, Boondocking is the only way to go—it’s cheap, eco-friendly, and adventurous. And remember, an RV does not have to be an expensive, purpose-built home on wheels – all you really need is a bed, storage space and preferably a way to cook food and power your cellphone.
What is Boondocking?
It’s living off the grid in your RV – usually on a short term basis – not connected to hookups like electricity or water. Much of the time, its free.

Where do people Boondock?

Everywhere. Even parking in your friends or parent’s driveway is boondocking. (more…)

Otto Poldermans charges his twilight blue Tesla Roadster exclusively with renewable energy at his off the grid  farm in a remote valley of Spain’s Sierra Nevada. The “retired plastic surgeon and electronics engineer” likes half a mile from the nearest grid, and also has the option of recharging in the local village.

The Roadster can be recharged at millions of conventional power outlets throughout Europe. In addition, “Project Movele” is building free charging stations in Seville, Barcelona and Madrid , but they are of little use to Amsterdam native Poldermans (more…)