Multitool.org Forum
Outdoor Section => Outdoor Tech => Topic started by: Grathr on July 23, 2015, 07:36:21 AM
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I have been wanting to get a proper portable solar charger for some time, and yesterday this arrived in my mailbox:
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/22/b3de13d150eae93c46c43d6013e2d7e8.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/22/1ac892c0a2cd253b25ddaa78cc7b35e1.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/22/9f64c31b96882368f930d61e6bc369d1.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/22/42997acdf521f8fed72b435c5c35feac.jpg)
It has two usb outputs, and claims to give a 12W, 5V 1500mAh charge in sunny weather. And the manual say its waterproof.
The plan is to use it with a power bank on longer camping trips and on my wifes parents cabin. Im not sure how well it will work in the winter though.
I tested it for a couple of hours yesterday, and it charged up the cheapo pad (in the pic)my son uses to play games in 1hour and 15 min.
I also tried charging my Iphone with it. It charged it up to 89% before I got a message that the Iphone might not support it. At this point some clouds had shaded the solar panels, so it might just be that the power got too weak.
The first powerbank tests will start today.
Ill report back after more testing.
In the mean time feel free to show your solar chargers and experience with them here.
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:drool: :drool: :drool: Very interested in these!!!! Want to charge AA's and such....
I only have this little Kodak Solar Charger put back in my Emergency bags....does 2 AA at a time.
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:drool: :drool: :drool: Very interested in these!!!! Want to charge AA's and such....
I only have this little Kodak Solar Charger put back in my Emergency bags....does 2 AA at a time.
How well does it work?
Sent from a device made from star dust using tapatalk
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:drool: :drool: :drool: Very interested in these!!!! Want to charge AA's and such....
I only have this little Kodak Solar Charger put back in my Emergency bags....does 2 AA at a time.
How well does it work?
Sent from a device made from star dust using tapatalk
Bought it...it was packed in a box during the divorce and discovered last year. I put into my bag and ...err, forgot about it due to family health issues (my Dad)....so, in short, I have no idea yet. :facepalm:
It's so so according to most reviews....really slow.
http://www.amazon.com/Kodak-KS100-C-2-Solar-Charger/dp/B002O0KP22
Been wanting a fold out one for years.
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I bought a SunTactics sCharger 8 (http://suntactics.com/shop/scharger-8-portable-usb-solar-charger/) last winter. Has two independent USB ports, one with an auto-retry that works great with Apple devices.
(http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab66/Xelkos/Camp%20and%20Trail/Solar%20Panels/DSC06089_zps2y2yqby0.jpg)
(http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab66/Xelkos/Camp%20and%20Trail/Solar%20Panels/DSC05078_zpsmszwbldz.jpg)
Have been pleased with it so far except when the ambient temperatures heat up the devices that are being charged up. That is when it is best to turn the phone off then recharge, or use a rechargeable battery pack when it is much cooler.
Winter charging did not do as well as Spring & Summer due to clouds, trees, and the sun arcing. Still managed to get things charged, even though the company said not to charge through windows as glass cuts out some of the needed energy from the sun's rays.
(http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab66/Xelkos/Camp%20and%20Trail/Solar%20Panels/DSC05612_zpsqprtefa2.jpg)
When working in the winter I would charge the phone during lunch breaks and it did rather well, even though it was behind the windshield. Was too windy to leave outside, and not found a neodymium magnet grommet mount set-up yet.
(http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab66/Xelkos/Camp%20and%20Trail/Solar%20Panels/SuntacticsCarChargeStation_zpsymum5sfn.jpg)
(http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab66/Xelkos/Camp%20and%20Trail/Solar%20Panels/SolarCarCharging%20003_zpstg3o7x5l.jpg)
This should be able to fit in a shoulder bag rather easily. I do recharge with three different rechargeable battery packs, and there is a 10 LED USB light that can plug into the USB ports of the batteries to provide ample light in an emergency situation or when camping.
(http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab66/Xelkos/Camp%20and%20Trail/Solar%20Panels/DSC04970_zpsyq0hyxz0.jpg)
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Nice setup!!!
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I bought a SunTactics sCharger 8 (http://suntactics.com/shop/scharger-8-portable-usb-solar-charger/) last winter. Has two independent USB ports, one with an auto-retry that works great with Apple devices.
(http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab66/Xelkos/Camp%20and%20Trail/Solar%20Panels/DSC06089_zps2y2yqby0.jpg)
(http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab66/Xelkos/Camp%20and%20Trail/Solar%20Panels/DSC05078_zpsmszwbldz.jpg)
Have been pleased with it so far except when the ambient temperatures heat up the devices that are being charged up. That is when it is best to turn the phone off then recharge, or use a rechargeable battery pack when it is much cooler.
Winter charging did not do as well as Spring & Summer due to clouds, trees, and the sun arcing. Still managed to get things charged, even though the company said not to charge through windows as glass cuts out some of the needed energy from the sun's rays.
(http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab66/Xelkos/Camp%20and%20Trail/Solar%20Panels/DSC05612_zpsqprtefa2.jpg)
When working in the winter I would charge the phone during lunch breaks and it did rather well, even though it was behind the windshield. Was too windy to leave outside, and not found a neodymium magnet grommet mount set-up yet.
(http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab66/Xelkos/Camp%20and%20Trail/Solar%20Panels/SuntacticsCarChargeStation_zpsymum5sfn.jpg)
(http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab66/Xelkos/Camp%20and%20Trail/Solar%20Panels/SolarCarCharging%20003_zpstg3o7x5l.jpg)
This should be able to fit in a shoulder bag rather easily. I do recharge with three different rechargeable battery packs, and there is a 10 LED USB light that can plug into the USB ports of the batteries to provide ample light in an emergency situation or when camping.
(http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab66/Xelkos/Camp%20and%20Trail/Solar%20Panels/DSC04970_zpsyq0hyxz0.jpg)
That is a very nice setup indeed!
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:drool: :drool: :drool: Very interested in these!!!! Want to charge AA's and such....
I only have this little Kodak Solar Charger put back in my Emergency bags....does 2 AA at a time.
How well does it work?
Sent from a device made from star dust using tapatalk
Bought it...it was packed in a box during the divorce and discovered last year. I put into my bag and ...err, forgot about it due to family health issues (my Dad)....so, in short, I have no idea yet. :facepalm:
It's so so according to most reviews....really slow.
http://www.amazon.com/Kodak-KS100-C-2-Solar-Charger/dp/B002O0KP22
Been wanting a fold out one for years.
Sounds like it might be time to give it a test then. ;)
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I tried one of those cheap battery banks with the solar panel on it a while ago and it didn't last long before crapping out on me, but then I haven't ever had many good experiences with battery banks anyway.
Sun is a rare commodity where I live, so I'm not convinced that a solar charger is much good for me anyway.
Def
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Nice! How long does it take to charge in full in the sun ??
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I have said most of that before, but since this is a relevant thread..
I have two powerbank chargers, claiming about 1W each, and I think a 30000mAh capacity, possibly 10000 or less in reality.
Now the sun here is bright as **** most of the year. :ahhh
I can have them charge themselves slowly, but it will take a month. If you leave them in the sun all day then you may charge 1/2 or 1/4 of your phone battery, so in an emergency, at a sunny place, they are good.
They can also be used to directly charge devices, that are not too demanding on the input current (older mobile phones etc.), using solar energy. Basically you put the charger in the sun, and connect the device (keep it in a shady place). again, they will charge your device slowly, but they will be better than nothing.
Again, you have to realise that putting the powerbank in direct sunlight will make it very hot, and this could cause problems..
You can also charge the powerbank from the mains, takes half a day, and you have a 1A or 2A or both power source that can charge your phone/device for a few days - combine that with some solar charging and they are not that bad for traveling.
I also have a 5W, 1A, solar panel. This can be used to charge most devices directly, quickly, using the powerful sunlight I get here.
Or, I use it to charge the powerbanks, and use the powerbanks for any late night charging.
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@dks, so probably it was one of your posts where I read it could take about a month.
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Everything you ever need to know should be in one of my posts!
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In sunny weather the panel charged my cheapo 2600mAh powerbank in 2hours.
I managed to drain the 9000mAh waterproof high quality powerbank last night. Its raining outside today but I tried laying out the panels in the winter garden, and it seems to get enough light to charge, so I have started charging the 9000 mAh bank.
Sent from a device made from star dust using tapatalk
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:drool: :drool: :drool: Very interested in these!!!! Want to charge AA's and such....
I only have this little Kodak Solar Charger put back in my Emergency bags....does 2 AA at a time.
How well does it work?
Sent from a device made from star dust using tapatalk
Bought it...it was packed in a box during the divorce and discovered last year. I put into my bag and ...err, forgot about it due to family health issues (my Dad)....so, in short, I have no idea yet. :facepalm:
It's so so according to most reviews....really slow.
http://www.amazon.com/Kodak-KS100-C-2-Solar-Charger/dp/B002O0KP22
Been wanting a fold out one for years.
Sounds like it might be time to give it a test then. ;)
Sent from a device made from star dust using tapatalk
On my to do list..... :)
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The panels did not do well in the rainy weather. It failed to charge the 9000 mAh bank to the first level (out of four)
Today the sun was out again for most of the day, and it charged it to full in 9 hours. This should be enough to charge my phone 4-5 times. :tu:
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/27/8150b3b4c06c54ca80a1783b9142ba2f.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/27/26f18eca4f7925ff6b7d06db7a518e4f.jpg)
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Ok, mine arrived today :D
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg95/nikoleta_rangelova/IMG_20150801_104829_zpsez8oeiyx.jpg) (http://s246.photobucket.com/user/nikoleta_rangelova/media/IMG_20150801_104829_zpsez8oeiyx.jpg.html)
It's supposed to be waterproof, dustproof, basically Niki-proof :D
5000 mAh
Came with a carabiner, cable for charging, manual.
There's a small LED light
The brand is Skywords, I think.
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Looks great!!!! Let us know how you like it!!!! :2tu:
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Looks great!!!! Let us know how you like it!!!! :2tu:
+1 :tu:
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Thanks, guys :D We'll see. As long as it does the job, I don't have any preferences just because that's my very first one ever.
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I got a clone of NNR's solar charger. Had it for a few months and started using it this week. Plugged into the wall it works great. I can re-charge my iPhone twice. Have not tried charging under the sun yet. Will try that sometime and give an update. There is an LED light which is not great but a good idea.
Paid $12 at Amazon. For $15 there is a version with a bluetooth shutter button for your camera and for $25 a version with an additional pullout solar panel for faster solar charging. I am cheap so I went for the cheapest :D
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I like the looks of that one and I'm somewhat interested in getting one so I'll be interested to hear how you are getting along with it. I have actually been looking a lot at the new solar panel from Bio Lite lately.
(http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/8b9cd186074d9f3e960009c3ce121011/203408843/201601powerlightmini-solar-1400JT.jpg)
But it is a bit bulky so a smaller one might not be a bad idea either.
Def
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(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/c1a21bf06ab95906a63e093b88e899dc.jpg)
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If it's stupid but it works..... :pok:
Def
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I actually think it's pretty cool haha.
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Is that a small car/motorcycle battery he has connected the solar panel and phone to?
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Apologies for the missing photos from my older posting. Had an issue with a previous Photobucket account and lost it along with most of the photos.
SunTactics (http://suntactics.com/) has provided excellent customer support and offers a 5 year warranty if you register the product. Did exchange one of my panels for an upgraded version, they will allow an upgrade if done in the first few months. What other company would do that?
Did have an issue with one of their panels and the founder and I talked on the phone a few times and found out that it was my error in what I was expecting. That and the winter sun wasn't providing enough juice to recharge the same as in the warmer months. Suntactics goes out of their way to make the customer satisfied! And the panels are made & assembled in the USA.
They have sales throughout the year (one going on now) and offer a discount to military & veterans.
sCharger 5 (http://suntactics.com/shop/scharger-5-portable-usb-solar-charger/) - 1 Port
Weight: 7 oz
Dimensions: 6 x 5.6 in (closed) / 6 x 11.5 in (open)
USB Output: 5 volts, 1 Amp (1000mA), 5-Watts
USB: Standard “A”
Solar Cell Type: Monocrystalline
Solar Cell Efficiency: 20%
Indicator: LED (green)
Max Temp: 160F
Waterproof Rating: IPX 7 (40 FT)
sCharger 8 (http://suntactics.com/shop/scharger-8-portable-usb-solar-charger/) - 2 Ports (I have this one)
Weight: 11 oz
Dimensions: 7.7 x 7.1 in (closed) / 7.7 x 14.6 in (open)
USB Output: 5 volts, 1.7 Amp (1700mA), 8-Watts
USB: Standard “A” / Two (2) Independent USB Ports
Solar Cell Type: Monocrystalline
Solar Cell Efficiency: 20%
Indicator: LED (green)
Max Temp: 160F
Waterproof Rating: IPX 7
sCharger 14 (http://suntactics.com/shop/scharger-14-portable-usb-solar-charger/) - 2 Ports
Weight: 18 0z
Dimensions: 11.6 x 7.1 in (closed) / 11.6 x 14.5 in (open)
USB Output: 5 volts, 2.8 Amp (2800mA), 14-Watts
USB: Standard “A” / Two (2) Independent USB Ports
Solar Cell Type: Monocrystalline
Solar Cell Efficiency: 20%
Indicator: LED (green)
Max Temp: 160F
Waterproof Rating: IPX 7
Will admit I was a bit skeptical of their claims, but took the plunge. Only regret was not getting the 14 watt model. The 8 watt has been stupendous over the years and I use it about every day. Has been a Vehicle EDC item for several months now. :2tu:
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I have had success with this portable lighting/charging setup from Schneider Electric.
It was designed as a 3rd world lighting solution with charging capability and it actually works well. Long cable to install on a roof or up in a tree, light works all night after fully charging an iPhone on the medium levels.
Its part of my camping kit now.
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I think I posted this elsewhere, its the 3.5W older one. I got it for $15 so I couldn't say no. I haven't tested to see how long it would take to charge may large power bank 14k mah ( might not be possible ) or 4 eneloops AAs. The AAs should be enough for my phone and if it gives my large power bank a decent boost in tough situations then I'd be stoked.
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I have several " sun-catcher " rigs :) The GoalZero and SunTactics products are among the very best I have used. I recently found another product I am really happy with. The Nekteck 20 watt, foldable with dual USB ports. It maintains a very even output voltage, even on partly cloudy days. I have paired it with a Skilhunt M1 for charging my IMR and NIMH batteries. Very pleased with the performance of this portable combo.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2nl8v2f.jpg)
(http://i68.tinypic.com/5a12et.jpg)
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I like the looks of that one and I'm somewhat interested in getting one so I'll be interested to hear how you are getting along with it. I have actually been looking a lot at the new solar panel from Bio Lite lately.
(http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/8b9cd186074d9f3e960009c3ce121011/203408843/201601powerlightmini-solar-1400JT.jpg)
But it is a bit bulky so a smaller one might not be a bad idea either.
Def
General rule of thumbs, the larger the surface are the better the solar panel should be and the larger the surface the better chance in putting out enough charge on cloudy/overcast days.
First thing I look for is adaptability, and if it can go past 5V USB. Second most major thing is WARRANTY. Then how long the product should last before needing repairs.
Did test and interviewed a few solar panel makers. Grilled them on those three things and Gomadic actually had won every one of them save Quality. The wires were lightly soldered on the back of their panels then reinforced only with a dab of silicone.
Gomadic had the sizes, great reviews, a Lifetime warranty or till End of Life of the product. They have decent cases and some options. However their Facebook posts have been far and few in between, though their emails are a week to two weeks out.
At the time of my year long review I grilled both SunTactics and Goal Zero on their pathetic 90 day to 1 year warranties.
Goal Zero had 90 day warranties at first, and some things have a 1 year warranty. The indicator I got on the Goal Zero was the panel connectors had reduced power and would break quicker. And at the time they did not have an auto-retry feature like SunTactics had. Gomadic had a device that hooked in-line that would adapter their to an auto-retry & 12V adaptability.
Gomadic & Goal Zero were the only larger known solar panel retail manufacturers that could charge 12V devices. Of the two Gomadic performed better. Warrant Gomadic performed better.
Then it came down to size. Well, Gomadic made large panels and they could recharge on cloudy and overcast days, and performed well in the Winter months when the other two weren't always so good. Reason for that was Gomadic has larger panels.
If it wasn't for the soldering and silicone issue I would of gotten a Gomadic. Still thinking I should have cause I heard there's will power some CPAP devices with enough charge to get the devices through the night for 8 hours, but only certain types of CPAP devices. The other two, nope. Only other way was to get a solar generator or a custom built device.
Towards the end of my review SunTactics claimed they would increase their 1 year warranty to 5 years if the panels were registered within 30 days. I had an issue with one panel but I think it was partially to do with a phone I had too. SunTactics replaced it and refunded my shipping to them! :D
Since my review there was a pathetic Browning rolled version that debuted but it got horrid ratings. Then I just threw the whole review thing in since everyone and their pet chihuahua were making panels. Unless I was to commit to one and suck up to their marketing I had to buy my own. An the only reason I did my review was I was looking for my best option. I think Goal Zero barely tolerates me anymore. LOL I goad them with, will the SunTactics Panel work with your xxx recharger? :P
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I am certainly interested in hearing more about your experiences. What were you hoping to achieve, what devices were you hoping to power, what seemed most portable, easiest to set up etc?
It sounds like you did a lot of research and testing, and I would imagine you had a goal in mind for it all?
Def
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Well, two years ago there weren't many solar panel retail manufacturers and commercial or custom was out of the wallet equation. First went out on a comparison, and was finding two retail manufacturer's did 12V as well as 5V, however amperage is king. More cells, more sunlight capture, more surface = more amperage.
Flexible Connections is one of them bottle necks. Regular Connections are not an issue like in fixed applications. But fixed also have regulators in between so many cells. That's not practical for smaller panels unless you want to go lugging around a solar generator in which is several hundreds of pounds. Perhaps in 10 to 20 years solar collection will advance technologically like portable phones have.
At best, retail wise, the best efficiency is 20%. Think it was NASA's solar panels have 40% - but they have the resources and funds are not so limited like you and me. 15% efficiency is about the norm.
So again, more panel space gives more output and more amperage - at the cost of weight & storage.
Some companies use battery packs in between device and cell to give you the power. This is not a bad thing as when the sun goes down there's no more power - unless you have a charged battery pack. And there are times when the ambient temperature is so extreme charging a phone isn't an option. Turn the phone off, let it cool down, charge from a power off state or charge a battery and then the phone in the evening.
Goal Zero uses a covering that reduces the efficiency rating but also makes the cells more rugged to various environmental effects. Bad part is their warranty stinketh. You can get a $100 panel and you will literally be sitting there wondering ... is it doing anything? Am sure there's works, yet side by side which panel will get that battery or phone charged faster?
Gomadic (http://www.gomadic.com/products.html) ... I didn't take the plunge. If money wasn't an issue I would of gotten a Gomadic too. Even though their panels are bulkier, the fitted cases are worth it for protection and carrying the many available adapters. There is no invasive coating neither. Their setup is very elite. Best thought-out product, past the soldering and silicone thing on the back of the panel. Though that should not be a problem, for some reason it stuck out in memory. Perhaps they've fixed that now??
This fella does the better review of the large 15W Gomadic panel
https://youtu.be/BLbyErQGW9M
Me, would of gone for the SunStash MAX 15W Solar Charger (http://www.gomadic.com/sunstash-max-15w-solar-panel-charger.html) for the ability to recharge a laptop, which would be great if you lived out of your vehicle
There is a smaller version available too, a 10W, based on the same principle.
SunTactics (http://suntactics.com/) grabbed me as they compared their products to others and showed the real-time results (https://www.youtube.com/c/suntactics).
Goal Zero started doing he same... but Goal Zero would pit their larger model against a competitor's smaller model. :twak: Fail attempt!
One has to determine which is the best value for Size, Functionality, Weight, Quality, Durability, and most importantly (in my book) Warranty. Warranty, to me, shows how much confidence the company has in their product(s). Then there is the thing of where was the unit constructed at, country wise. SunTactics is a USA made product. The other two are not. None of them are made in Canada. :-\
You have to find your fit. I was looking for THE BEST OF ALL WORLDS and Suntactics seals the deal with an encased product, real time and more fair comparisons, and durability tests. And when I thought there was a need for a replacement, BAM, it was there in a week!
Sure I talked with Dean Sala on the phone a few times first, but he gave me the option to send it in. Only wanted them to test the panel and send it back. Yet SunTactocs keeps on developing their products to perform better and recently acquired an advancement to get more juice out of their panels - for their size.
Got side tracked there for a bit. Many reviewers fail to understand basic fundamentals of solar panels. Unless the circuit is reset, any shadow will reduce the about of output a solar panel. Many devices that have built-in regulators, once dropped, will stay at that level of charging. Unless the circuit gets reset the charging stays low no matter what.
So if a reviewer is charging a phone, stands in front of the panel casting a shadow over it, the panel done lost 50% or more of it's output. The phone adjusts to that level of charge. When the reviewer moves out of the way the phone is still charging at that lower level due to the charging regulator built into the phone.
Unless the solar panel system has a device that resets the circuit the panel will only charge at that lower rate until someone unplugs the phone and plugs it back in.
Once another shadow crosses the panel, like a tree shadow, a bird, another spectator (Dude, you sure it's working, I can't see anything moving!), clouds, haze, solar eclipse, ect. the phone isn't going to bounce back up to maximum charge unless the circuit gets reset.
SunTactics has two ports on their dual-port models, (M) manual & (A) automatic. Automatic resets the circuit every so often to achieve maximum results. One problem with that is phones that have their screen staying on while charging will overheat. Found out the hard way. Lost a phone due to that and I thought it screwed up the panel too.
So allow the screen to turn off, turn off the GPS & WiFi too if you want the phone to recharge faster. or turn the phone off and charge even faster with it off. The more stuff running the slower the recharge and the greater the heat produced in the phone - especially it if has a case.
Goal Zero only recently put a circuit reset in their panels when SunTactics was outdoing them. :rofl:
Most solar panels do not have a circuit reset, and all it takes is one shadow or atmospheric issue to lessen the recharge on your phone. Not a HUGE issue with larger panels, though it needed to be brought up.
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Wow, that's a lot of info!
I'm going to have to go through it when I get to a computer and see if I can understand any of it!
Def
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I had a review blog, but got mad at the kiss ass to get free stuff bullsmurf. Only thing I got for free and a discount for afterwards, which could of been for life, was a review for NoseOffense (http://noseoffense.com/)! Which it does work, but I was MORE amazed by their industrial strength stuff that I sort of lost track.
Could probably place an order today and the product would come to my house at no charge. As much as I like the product, and recommended it to anyone with smelly pets & humans, I have to pay my way. Now if they NoseOffense (http://noseoffense.com/new-technology/l) could incorporate their anti-smell-agents into human underwear.... :D
(http://noseoffense.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/homepage-300x254.png)
Solar Wise, the only deal I had gotten was many tips about solar products. Dean Sala (https://www.linkedin.com/in/deansala) knows his smurf about solar! Call him up sometime and man, you can get an education. Another thing that SunTactics is that you can upgrade panels later on if still covered under the warranty. have to pay the upgrade cost, shipping, and send your unit back -- but what other company will allow you to upgrade products?!?
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I know the feeling- I've never been good at the kiss @$$ game either, which is why this forum has no sponsors.... :facepalm:
Def
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Remember me telling you how Goal Zero would test their higher wattage solar panels against a competitor's lesser wattage panel? Well, here are some live a demos of the SunTactics sChargers.
Suntactics sCharger-5 Vs. Goal Zero Nomad 7 Solar Charger Review
https://youtu.be/HzzmJ-x5Pqw
Suntactics sCharger-14 vs. Anker 14W Solar Charger Review
https://youtu.be/4UWnvJ671Os
Durability Tests:
DROPPING IPHONE SOLAR CHARGER OFF A ROOF! [TEST #1]
https://youtu.be/3LksBodQL2s
SMASHING SOLAR CHARGER WITH A HAMMER [TEST #2]
https://youtu.be/VgFt8ItUcFo
SOLAR CHARGER RUN OVER BY A CAR [TEST #3]
https://youtu.be/cE4Br1R9b30
THROWING SOLAR CHARGER LIKE A FRISBEE [TEST #4]
https://youtu.be/wK7lrB3mJ3g
BURN OUT + WATERPROOF TEST! [TEST #5]
https://youtu.be/esGxsur7jxE
I had recommended SunTactics to send it up in a helium balloon and have it free fall back to earth as a test. Not sure what happened, but not seen a video on it.
What is Auto Retry? - Suntactics Portable Solar Chargers
https://youtu.be/YR65MAzHAkI
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Thanks for the videos. The torture tests are impressive.
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They are indeed- I can see the validity of some of them, but some seem a bit excessive.
Def
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They are indeed- I can see the validity of some of them, but some seem a bit excessive.
Def
Like so much mil-spec testing I have seen, the manufacturer assures a high probability of functionality, even when said device is recovered from my severely mangled corpse. Comforting to know that the equipment will survive so many things that my old, brittle body will not. :D
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You are telling this to a guy with ten screws and a metal plate holding his feet to his legs.... :pok:
Def
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Going to revive this one. I am looking at getting a solar charger and wanted to see if anything new is on the market that I should look at. There are so many options out there, I am not sure what I should be looking at. At this point I am just reading reviews.
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I've got no negative reports from my previous setup. It's still in use, charging everything from AA nimh to 18650, etc. I do tend to place the NekTek 21W panel outside and feed a USB cord through a window. I let the Skilhunt M1 charger reap the benefits of HVAC in the hot central Florida summers. I've added a inline USB Charger Doctor to monitor voltage and current while charging. The rig is reasonably durable, lightweight and easy to transport. I could have built a complicated and rugged mini system, but this was simple, and well under $75.00 with some judicious searching of online auction sites.
I hope you find a setup you like, it really is a lot of choices and decisions
:climber:
(https://i.ibb.co/fDLrtSc/IMG-20191018-103813876.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hYw2HMq)
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Thanks for the heads up. I am going to follow your example and get the charging meter as well so I can monitor the charge.
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Ordered a 14 watt 5V panel from SunTactics a bit ago. They have blemished units on sale for a few bucks off the full version. Had contemplated their 14 watt panel mostly due to cost, as $160 is a lot of money when one does not have that cash laying around. Got one for $30 cheaper, only slightly blemished off eBay (https://www.ebay.com/usr/adsala?_trksid=p2047675.l2559&fbclid=IwAR1PPjPL31jhZQAUOTqnJOIPWK5XtwbVfs0OUDIF0S06qvxTSmQaDa-_Pps).
One never knows when these will come in handy, and the 8 watt fits in most any pack. They can charge both phone and battery pack at the same time. Have even charged GoPro cameras out on bike paths. Was surprised the Hero4 Session was at 90% capacity in only 20 minutes one early June afternoon. Was able to finish more of the Weiser River Trail's recording.
Had the 8 watt charger well over 4 years now and it still works. Also have a BioLite Campstove 2 bundle to cook and charge up with if needed as well.
Stuff that GoalZero sells with fabric facial lining kills the collectivity of the panels. They need more panels to make up for what they aren't collecting.
The larger the panel the more charge one gets, providing the covering isn't limiting said collection processes.
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Ordered a 14 watt 5V panel from SunTactics a bit ago. They have blemished units on sale for a few bucks off the full version. Had contemplated their 14 watt panel mostly due to cost, as $160 is a lot of money when one does not have that cash laying around. Got one for $30 cheaper, only slightly blemished off eBay (https://www.ebay.com/usr/adsala?_trksid=p2047675.l2559&fbclid=IwAR1PPjPL31jhZQAUOTqnJOIPWK5XtwbVfs0OUDIF0S06qvxTSmQaDa-_Pps).
One never knows when these will come in handy, and the 8 watt fits in most any pack. They can charge both phone and battery pack at the same time. Have even charged GoPro cameras out on bike paths. Was surprised the Hero4 Session was at 90% capacity in only 20 minutes one early June afternoon. Was able to finish more of the Weiser River Trail's recording.
Had the 8 watt charger well over 4 years now and it still works. Also have a BioLite Campstove 2 bundle to cook and charge up with if needed as well.
Stuff that GoalZero sells with fabric facial lining kills the collectivity of the panels. They need more panels to make up for what they aren't collecting.
The larger the panel the more charge one gets, providing the covering isn't limiting said collection processes.
Thanks for the heads up on the blemished units. I purchased a 5W one.
I have an old Nomad 7 that I had been considering replacing. This might be nice paired with my Nitecore LC10 charger and one oof my battery packs.
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Holy cow guys, I lucked out. Got a new Nekteck 21w for $25 on the bay! Also ordered a couple of USB Meters. I figure that is a good idea to monitor the efficiency of the charge. I also ordered an Olight UC charger so I can also juice up an individual battery here and there for my aaa flashlights with Nimh batteries.
While researching, I also located a Solar Tender by the folks that make Battery Tender products. One of the challenges living in an apartment complex is that I cannot plug in my Battery Tender cable directly, so I would have to remove the battery to put it on a trickle charger. I ride through the winter, but all it takes is a week or so of seriously cold weather to sap a battery. Anyone who has a motorcycle can attest...batteries are not cheap. I figure a solar trickle charge is exactly what I need.
I did discover that you want to make sure you buy one with the circuitry that prevents the unit for draining off the battery at night.
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Have been searching around to find a decent USB power meter to plug in between the solar panels and what they are recharging. Still searching, hard to find the right one with the best reviews. Am open to suggestions.
Anyhow, saw this older Suntactics solar panel competition and they are using a patch cord to a digital multitester.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZP_iMSx03qs
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-Power-Tester-Voltage-Current-Capacity-Meter-4-20V-3A-Test-Chargers-Cables/123946852024?hash=item1cdbcedeb8:g:FssAAOSwhBFdyOzg
I bought this one and I have been pretty satisfied.
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Well I have a solar charger headed my way along with a larger capacity power bank and the usb voltage meter tester that spud has linked to just above this post :D
The solar charger is also one that was talked about here :D the Nekteck 21w solar charger :like: Hoping all of this will work :ahhh
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Found that the Black Web 10,000+ dual port portable chargers that Walmart sells, will take an input charge from solar panels and recharge a phone at the same time. It is not mentioned in their features, so they may not even be aware of the fact. :tu:
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That is a cool feature that would be something that they should advertise 8) :like:
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Glad you told us. Pass through charging is what I want in a power bank.
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blackweb model numbers: 1917A (newer), 1812A (older) both charge and take charge at same time.