Pocket Socket
Hand Crank Generator

Human Powered Generators

Human powered generators can be used in the event of natural disasters, search and rescue missions, blackouts, or any other emergency situation to charge essential electronic devices. Back packers, boaters, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts will also find K-TOR® products useful.

FAQs
Pocket Socket Instructions
Repairs and Recycling

FAQ

How does it work?

A: Turning the hand crank on the Pocket Socket drives a generator inside the device creating electrical power. This power is converted electronically to 120 volts, the same voltage as a household outlet.

How much do you have to crank to use your device?

A: It is the same as plugging it in a socket at home. If you have a cell phone a couple of minutes cranking will allow you to make a phone call. One minute of cranking is equal to one minute of talk time. Other devices like rechargeable flashlights will have many minutes of use per minute of charging. This is determined by the charger. The Pocket Socket is more powerful than the charger so the charger determines the charge rate.

Can I use my cell phone or other electronic device while it is charging?

A: Yes. It is no different than using your device while it is plugged into a wall outlet.

How do I know it will work with my personal device and its charger?

A: Virtually every charger is compatible with the Pocket Socket. A cell phone, satellite phone (Iridium Satellite Phone 9505A), iPod, mp3 player, GPS, digital camera, camcorder, rechargeable light and flashlight, tablet, iPad and Kindle, and 60 W equivalent compact fluorescent light bulb have been successfully tested. Almost any charger that is less than the 10 watts will work. Laptops typically will not work. Cell phone chargers are typically 4.2 watts. To determine if your charger is less than 10 watts multiply the output voltage of your charger times the output current of your charger to find its power. This is written on the charger. Example 5V 850 mA (m is thousands so this is .85) is 4.25 and within the 10 W capability of the Pocket socket. If you are unsure contact us, or try it. It should not be hard to turn and should indicate charging after a few seconds. If it is hard to turn do not force it as you could damage the Pocket socket.

My device charges from a USB, will it still work with the Pocket Socket?

A: Yes, all that is required is a USB outlet converter, which will allow your product to plug into the Pocket Socket. These are cheaply available at most electronics retailers.

How long will my Pocket Socket last?

A: This product has intentionally been constructed from durable materials. You should expect it to last for several years under normal use. It comes with a 90-day warranty. K-Tor® has a recycling program that provides very reasonable repair cost or replacement parts should it ever wear out.

Can I take my Pocket Socket on an aircraft?

A: Yes. It will have to go through the same screening as any electronic device, but contains nothing potentially dangerous.

Where are K-Tor® products made?

A: Our products are designed and manufactured in the state of Vermont. Components for the product are supplied from the U.S. and around the world. Over 70% of the manufacturing content is from the U.S.

Where does the power come from? Is it green, renewable energy?

A: The Pocket Socket converts the mechanical energy you apply by cranking the arm into electrical energy. It is completely green, renewable energy as it is user generated.

Instructions for Operating The Pocket Socket

Step 1 After taking your Pocket Socket from its box remove the rubber band so that the arm and handle swing freely.

Step 2 Next, turn the handle of the arm 180 degrees so that it is facing away from the generator body. It should click in place. When brand new it will be stiff. Especially when rotating back into storage position. After some use/wear it will loosen up.

Step 3 Plug your charger into the socket on the Pocket Socket.

Step 4 Replace the rubber band around the Pocket Socket. The rubber band will help you grip the unit. You may also find placing the rubber band around the unit and your hand will help you grip the body of the unit.

CAUTION! Ensure you can safely rotate the arm of the unit without striking yourself or anyone else or any other object.

Step 5 Firmly grasp the body of the Pocket Socket with one hand and grip the knob on the end of the arm with the other.

Step 6 Rotate the arm in a circular motion to generate power. You should crank the arm at a speed of at least two revolutions per second, fast is better. Initially you will feel some resistance, which will then lessen after a few seconds. If you feel the resistance increase again, it means you’ve slowed down and need to speed back up.

Ken’s Advice:

• Finding the appropriate speed and technique will take a little practice. After you have spent a little time acclimating yourself to the Pocket Socket, you should develop an easy rhythm that is not strenuous to sustain.
• Although the Pocket Socket is easy to crank, you may eventually tire. When you find yourself slowing down, stop and take a rest, cranking slower is harder and may not generate enough power to charge your device.
• The generator can be cranked in either direction, with either hand.
• Try to rotate your hands around each other instead of trying to hold the generator still and moving one hand in a circle. This prevents one arm from tiring faster than the other.
• Experiment with what works best for you. As long as the handle is cranked at approximately 2 revolutions per second the generator it will produce enough power to charge your device.
• The charge rate is limited by your charger, not the K-TOR® portable generator. The generator produces enough power to charge at the same rate as a wall socket.

» Watch Instructional Video

Repairs and Recycling

Product Warranty: 90 Day Manufacturer Warranty

If it wears out or fails after warranty, K-Tor® has an efficient repair program. Mail it back to us at the address below. Repairs can usually be done for reasonable cost plus return shipping.

Recycle Program
If you no longer want your device, return it to us and we will make every effort to recondition it and deliver it to a needy party — domestically or overseas — or we will recycle its parts. Please: even though these are low cost items let’s keep them out of landfills. The earth is our back yard