Different kind of question...

Theradon

I have a question that is more an idea: I want to hook my treadmill to the power of my television, so I have to be walking on it to work. Is there a way to make this happen??? I'd also like it to be adjustable, so some days, I'd only have to walk to make it work, and others, I could set it to a high intensity cardio setting, that would require large amounts of effort to make the TV function. I know NOTHING about electronics, or anything else for that matter, at least pertaining to this idea. My question is purely speculative. Is this possible? If it is, what would it take to make it work? What would be the side effects, if any? I'd appreciate any input anyone has... Thanks!

oblioman

Kind of like the old Gilligan radio. Not very practical but one that would work goes like this - A generator/alternator attached to the treadmill. The gen/alt would have to feed a bank of batteries, which in turn would have to be connected to an inverter DC-AC to power the tv. This would not be an adjustable source.

glennb1

Simple answer - No.

ckone180

Simple sure, but not true. Sorry, but you can generate power from a treadmill, however less efficient versus a lowered gear, higher RPM apparatus. You would certainly have to remove the motor from the drive, as it causes resistance when it is not operating the belt. You can actually use the shaft of the treadmill to operate a generator, as oblioman outlined. And if you are inclined to do so, I say go for it. You will need some sort of electrical engineering to provide you with the correct plans to provide enough power to operate the TV, and if you incorporate capacitors, you can achieve a power source for those minutes you wish to stop and grab a drink of Gatorade! Good luck!

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gwhoughton

I thought about this, and I have a great idea!

As a temporary work-around, just untill you get your electronics degree, you could use a tool called WILLPOWER!

With willpower, you can set a rule for yourself, for example, that says that I will NOT allow myself to watch TV UNLESS I am actively walking on the treadmill.

Additionally, you could establish a varient on the original rule that says on THURSDAYS, I cannot watch TV UNLESS I am RUNNING on the treadmill...

...

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dsskid

I'm wondering if he walked to produce a SD signal, would he have to run faster in order to display a HD signal.

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PFC5

Funny but true.

And also much less expensive than designing such a device to do what the original poster wants to accomplish. Unless it is then marketed and makes the poster a millionaire by selling the design.

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gwhoughton

Hmmm...

Look what I just saw in my old home town newspaper:


Looks like I probably spoke too soon once again!!

Sounds like something like this could probably be tweeked somehow to achieve the OP's goal...

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