The strong, ergonomic hand crank allows you to generate power at a comfortable speed thanks to the 32:1 gearing ratio. The unit features an LED that indicates the optimum speed for hank crank charging - when the LED is green, the hank crank is producing energy at an optimum, efficient level. The anodised, aluminium casing is ridged, providing a secure grip even if your hands are cold/wet or you're wearing gloves. 10 minutes of hand crank charges the internal battery by 1% - equivalent to a 6.7% charge of an iPhone 5s. Once the battery is charged, the hand crank folds away neatly or can even be removed completely if required. The sun is the ultimate source of energy for our planet, so harnessing that energy is the most natural way to generate power. Supplied in the launch pack is the solarmonkey expedition - a solar panel housed in a very strong, lightweight, aluminium case which has been specifically developed to work with the powermonkey expedition. The solarmonkey expedition outputs 5 watts, 5V 1Amp and is capable of recharging the powermonkey battery unit in 12-15 hours in optimum conditions, perfect if you're in the desert, up a mountain or simply on the move. The aluminium acts as a heat-sync, making the panel both efficient and hard-wearing and it can charge devices even in low light conditions thanks to the MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracker) technology included. The powermonkey expedition is also supplied with an international AC mains charger that will work in over 150 countries around the world. The internal battery can be fully charged via AC mains in just 12 hours so you can be sure that you have power before you head off into the unknown. The international AC mains charger is a major benefit in remote areas where electricity may be limited or unpredictable. Featuring both 12V DC and 5V USB outputs, the powermonkey expedition is capable of charging everything from iPads/tablets, two-way radios, satellite phones and smartphones, to GPS, head lamps and SLR cameras, plus a plethora of other devices. Users can also charge from both outputs simultaneously while charging the internal battery, giving you the freedom to keep working. Both input and output cables are connected via a unique IP67-rated housing system, ensuring all connections remain waterproof, for up to 1 metre for 30 minutes. The powermonkey expedition has been cleverly designed so that additional charging options can be added at a later date. Whilst the hand crank, solar and AC mains are currently the primary power generation option, supplementary options will include wind and water (currently in R&D), steam turbine, gas and hydrogen fuel-cell, so whatever situation you find yourself in, the powermonkey expedition ensures your essential devices will never run out of power.