Tokyo Hackspace plans solar LED lanterns for use in relief efforts

Penguinsix sez, "The Tokyo Hackerspace is calling for help. They are planning to build 150 solar powered LED lanterns and are calling on hackerspace members from around the world to lend a hand, soon: 'Soon we will release a list of critical equipment and supplies which we may have difficulty sourcing locally. If you have access to anything on the list, please contact us to make shipping arrangements. If not, please DO NOT ship us anything not on the list (In some cases, it may be VERY specific)' (via Submitterator)

• [MollyNYC]

  The link provided doesn’t work, but this link gives a rather simplified page with the heading hi, you are seeing this page because our regular site is hosed, due to traffic

  They also have a Facebook page.

• [Anonymous]

  Hi guys,

  We design and sell the toughest solar lamps for Africa. They are also the cheapest in the world. See the work we are doing in Tanzania here: http://www.illuminationhq.com

  If we can help please let me know.

  Cheers,

  Sebastian

  http://www.frontier-carbon.net

• [Slightly Askew]

  Check out this site to see how we take for granted our ability to see at night. I know the founder, and the stories he tells about how much a light can make a difference is astounding.

  http://elephantenergy.org/

  Here are some of the orgs he works with. I’m sure they already have the resources to help here.

  http://elephantenergy.org/Technology.html

  Not to say the effort from the makers isn’t noble, but I agree with the earlier post. This is a need-it-yesterday situation.

• [fewz]

  Mod: “I’m sorry. I looked over on Submitterator, but I couldn’t find your submission with that link.”

  I’m not the media outlet that broadcast an urgent call for action, for a cause that’s essentially pointless (building your own lanterns), and for which YOU did not provide complete information and links. Like, the very parts list mentioned!

  You chose to be the/an official megaphone for this immediate demand for “some” electronic parts, so you bear the responsibility of vetting whatever you’re screaming for everyone to step up and do for you/the Tokyo Hacker Club.

  What kind of link do you expect me to provide? To the “secret parts list”? Or, if it’s to an online flashlight retailer, then neither BB nor the Tokyo Hackers Club is involved in my charity effort, any more.

  I expect anyone who wants to get flashlights to Japan, today, can do so without any kind “valuable link” you think I should have submitted. Here: http://campmor.com There ya go, mod!

• [bolamig]

  I heard the other day that UPS returned some packages of iodine pills that were sent to Japan from the USA. Better check if it’s even possible to ship things to Japan right now.

• [fewz]

  This sounds like fun for the makers both supplying parts and doing the construction, and is certainly a “feel good,” given the very serious cause/need. But don’t folks in Japan need these kinds of things yesterday, instead of after you’ve enjoyed building them?

  Maybe you can rally makers to do something like this, but _before_ a big disaster, just donating your work to the Red Cross, or similar (?)

  Hey, I’m a “maker” too, from an early age. But Cory’s near religious evangelism of “making” (and comic books) does get a little tiring some times. Obsession, might still not be a strong enough word.

  And I’m still really glad we have BB and Cory, no matter what!

  —
  “Our first course of action has been to order up the required parts for 150 solar powered LED lanterns. We will be assembling them here and shipping them up (or delivering by hand) to aid organizations. These lanterns provide just enough light so that people can feel safe at night without power, find their way in the dark, and maintain the sense of community. They charge during the day via the sun, and will help to light the way for 8 hours each night.”

  There is a desperate, dire need for things like flashlights, now! Why not just ship them a pallet of cheap-o, off-the-shelf solar rechargeable flashlights? Couldn’t cost any more than building your own, but I don’t think cost is any concern here. Saving lives, is. And time is of the essence!

  I do realize BB was just posting the call to action here, at the request of the Tokyo gang. But some times, and I am also proudly one of the same, geeks can miss the forest for the trees, even gladly. Let’s not lose sight of the underlying goal – supply of emergency essentials as fast as possible!

• [fewz]

  They’ve also put out the call, in urgency. Yet, there is no “list” of parts to supply them, yet. They do however, supply a link to donate cash money to them, directly.

  Come on. This isn’t about modifying your Roomba, ppl are dying right this second, when they can’t take of care of things for lack of a flashlight. A simple flashlight. Doesn’t even have to be rechargeable, for now, given the urgency of ppls’ needs.

  Put up a link where supporters can purchase an off the shelf flashlight, solar or not, and have it shipped to you. Or, find a nearby source that can supply 300 flashlights, post the cost, and start accepting donations for that cost, but buy and distribute the torches, immediately!

  Screw it, I’m donating again to my preferred int’l aid agency, who already have warehouses of flashlights ready to be distributed. Already distributed, and already in use.

  • [Antinous / Moderator]

    Put up a link where supporters can purchase an off the shelf flashlight, solar or not, and have it shipped to you.

    I’m sorry. I looked over on Submitterator, but I couldn’t find your submission with that link.