[socamusic]

Summer fun project. Simply put, an electric generator (gaining mechanical energy from say, the spinning wheel of a bike) sends energy to a dock that charges an iPod. Now, the output needs to be 5V for the iPod to handle it, and I am an absolute amateur at circuits (the whole purpose of this project is so I can learn). I've been advised (by reddit engineers) that I should include a capacitor and boost/buck regulator to ensure the iPod gets a constant charge, rather then going in and out of charging mode along a bike ride. But, I have no idea how to do this and Google is not helping me out much.

What kind of capacitor do I use, how exactly does the boost/buck regulator work, should I use the boost or buck, do you have any other advice, or at least who can I talk to about getting answers?

[tkrussell]

Perhaps buy one and reverse engineer it?

Hand Crank Generator ? Hand Powered Generator ? Hand Crank Charger