View Full Version : Solar Charger
CentralVaAt
04-15-2012, 21:07
I have an iphone4 that I absolutely love and use as my mp3 player when hiking. Could anyone recommend a good solar charger that I could use for multi-day hikes so that I could keep it charged when it's sunny out? I have read about the Surge but think that was just for the iphone3? Thanks!
The amount of direct sunlight you are going to get will mean that a solar charger isn't going to work very well. If you get one of the (roughly) 6000mah type battery/chargers you'll get about 3 re-charges for a similar weight and can recharge it at any town to keep you going.
I have one of these, build in ipod/iphone cable and incredibly light http://www.amazon.com/myCharge-RFAM-0007-Portable-Power-Bank/dp/B0056GJLUI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334538645&sr=8-1
Wise Old Owl
04-15-2012, 21:49
Rp isn't up to speed - Yes we can! Goal Zero Plus is designed to charge your I phone in less than two hours of sunlight.
http://www.rei.com/product/827122/goal-zero-guide-10-plus-mobile-kit
Use the search engine - there is a lot of folks that are not up to speed on this - I own one and love it. Keep in mind there are a lot of folk that have 1/2 watt and 1 watt panels or solio that won't work and many compare those exsperiences on that old information.
Also remember to read all the directions - some phones need to be switched off while charging due to power saver apps.
Hmm, says it charges in 4hrs, but the battery pack requires 8-10, not sure which is which, sounds promising.... Yes, I was basing my comments on the Solio type chargers that require a lot of direct sunlight.
kayak karl
04-15-2012, 22:05
thanks WOO. will check it out.
on another note does anyone know of a waterproof (class 4 (http://www.thewaterproofstore.com/wara.html)) one.
ty
kk
Wise Old Owl
04-15-2012, 22:12
Hmm, says it charges in 4hrs, but the battery pack requires 8-10, not sure which is which, sounds promising.... Yes, I was basing my comments on the Solio type chargers that require a lot of direct sunlight.
there is some info that was withheld - an Android only needs 2 hours direct or 1 hour per day at noon... I am still discovering the real numbers. - the battery pack is not something to charge the Iphone... what I mean is charge the Iphone direct from the panel all other devices can be charged from the pack
ChinMusic
04-15-2012, 22:16
I have an iphone4 that I absolutely love and use as my mp3 player when hiking. Could anyone recommend a good solar charger that I could use for multi-day hikes so that I could keep it charged when it's sunny out? I have read about the Surge but think that was just for the iphone3? Thanks!
You don't want to mess around with some solar charger that will prob just piss you off anyway. Get something like at this link: http://www.newtrent.com/
They are cheaper than the solar chargers and lighter and you don't have to worry about spending time on it. You can get models that will charge a 4S 5 or 6 times if you want. For something like a thru hike you would just recharge it when you get into town.
No fuss, no muss.
Wise Old Owl
04-15-2012, 22:26
I agree with you Chin on this one - and if someone needs to go cheaper - and doesn't have an I phone there is two or three extra batteries. Its a little lighter sometimes.
Oh FYI to everyone the Nomad 7 Panel by itself is 12oz, from my scale.
I got mine from www.browndoggadgets.com. it works great and it's only $30. It's in a mint tin but it's light and I didn't spend a fortune on it.
dornstar
04-16-2012, 00:40
With a daughter with an illness, I have to remain in touch and have tried EVERYTHING from carrying 10 extra phone batteries, large external batteries and solar...
Solar = Joos Orang (http://solarjoos.com/)e.... by a considerable margin. Everything else on the market is sketchy at best, but solar is not light. The JOOS is 24 ounces, charges fast and is indestructible.
With weight being a concern, I have gone to two Anker Astro 5600mAh (http://www.amazon.com/Anker-5600mAh-External-flashlight-Motorola/dp/B005K7192G/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1334550421&sr=1-2-catcorr) external batteries. Each one is 4 ounces (119 grams), so combined 8 ounces with 11,200mAh which gives me enough juice to recharge my Droid Bionic (1735mAh) about 6 full charges. There's not very often that I charge from 0%, so I usually get a good week's worth of power. I don't think there's a better weight to power ratio for an external battery and they're relatively small.
Wise Old Owl
04-16-2012, 08:29
Ok I have seen this post before... Here is my take on that... yes its light its also =to 1/4 of the ability to collect light. So the panel I am talking about is 14" by 9" or 3x larger. The larger the collection surface the better... Output is also key...
Orange is 2.6 watts or 1. Amp weight 24 ounces
Nomad 7 is 5 watts or 1. Amp weight 12 ounces (without battery pack) - honest - I would not take it along
19 ounces if you take it along.
I have another panel and its the same size as the Orange and it won't charge a Iphone or Blackberry but will charge a Android.
And that mirror thing? - nope.
dornstar
04-17-2012, 14:47
Ok I have seen this post before... Here is my take on that... yes its light its also =to 1/4 of the ability to collect light. So the panel I am talking about is 14" by 9" or 3x larger. The larger the collection surface the better... Output is also key...
Orange is 2.6 watts or 1. Amp weight 24 ounces
Nomad 7 is 5 watts or 1. Amp weight 12 ounces (without battery pack) - honest - I would not take it along
19 ounces if you take it along.
I have another panel and its the same size as the Orange and it won't charge a Iphone or Blackberry but will charge a Android.
And that mirror thing? - nope.
1. The mirror is an extra accessory that boosts the Joos an additional 40% and isn't needed.
2. With solar, "converting efficiency" is THE key. A solar charger can have a great output, but if it sucks converting sunlight to energy, then it's worthless. That is where the JOOS destroys everything else on the market...
Nomad 7 = max 17-18% conversion rate
Joos Orange = max 96% conversion rate
My Nomad went on ebay after a month or so because it just couldn't keep up. If I was just car camping, it would probably be a great product, but it's not a solution for backpacking which rarely yields direct sunlight. I did love how easy it was to attach to my bag and the weight, but it just wasn't a viable option for our needs especially here on the east coast.
Now, my Joos is simply amazing. It tougher to attach to my pack and heavier, but the conversion rate is ridiculous and even in lower light, it gets the job done. It's nearly impossible for me to drain it during the day and I never have to worry about power. It's also VERY well built. I have no concerns with it taking a beating out on the trail. After trying a handful of solar chargers, this is the ONLY product I would recommend. The only drawback for me is the weight, but it's a keeper.
3. If you have access to a power plug once a week, there's external batteries that are better options than solar.
ChimneySwifty
04-17-2012, 19:08
This is what im getting to recharge my iphone on thru hike
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/dynamo-hand-crank-usb-cell-phone-emergency-charger-24036
kayak karl
04-17-2012, 19:24
This is what im getting to recharge my iphone on thru hike
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/dynamo-hand-crank-usb-cell-phone-emergency-charger-24036
have you every heard the sound that makes. you will be hated quickly.
mussleman1234
04-17-2012, 20:31
I got mine from www.browndoggadgets.com. it works great and it's only $30. It's in a mint tin but it's light and I didn't spend a fortune on it.
How long does it take for a full charge on a iPhone.
I use an IGo charger from Radio Shack or www.igo.com (http://www.igo.com). It runs off of two AAA batteries which I switch out with my headlamp.
JaxHiker
04-18-2012, 11:28
I use an IGo charger from Radio Shack or www.igo.com (http://www.igo.com). It runs off of two AAA batteries which I switch out with my headlamp.
I tried that. Sucked bad with my Blackberry. Wouldn't even try it with my Android. I've given up on solar. Too finicky about the quality of light needed to recharge and never achievable imho on the AT. I should have my new battery pack today.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
Wise Old Owl
04-18-2012, 11:42
My Office Blackberry doesn't appear to have power management - Android does. Hense I had problems charging the Blackberry from the homemade solar, I did not run into problems with the Android yet.
Wise Old Owl
04-18-2012, 12:06
1. The mirror is an extra accessory that boosts the Joos an additional 40% and isn't needed.
2. With solar, "converting efficiency" is THE key. A solar charger can have a great output, but if it sucks converting sunlight to energy, then it's worthless. That is where the JOOS destroys everything else on the market...
Nomad 7 = max 17-18% conversion rate
Joos Orange = max 96% conversion rate
My Nomad went on ebay after a month or so because it just couldn't keep up. If I was just car camping, it would probably be a great product, but it's not a solution for backpacking which rarely yields direct sunlight. I did love how easy it was to attach to my bag and the weight, but it just wasn't a viable option for our needs especially here on the east coast.
Now, my Joos is simply amazing. It tougher to attach to my pack and heavier, but the conversion rate is ridiculous and even in lower light, it gets the job done. It's nearly impossible for me to drain it during the day and I never have to worry about power. It's also VERY well built. I have no concerns with it taking a beating out on the trail. After trying a handful of solar chargers, this is the ONLY product I would recommend. The only drawback for me is the weight, but it's a keeper.
3. If you have access to a power plug once a week, there's external batteries that are better options than solar.
I read this - I read this again - what on earth are you talking about? Was this some sales hype you read on joos? I have 3 years of electronics school and have used solar panels since the seventies....
The solar panels even look like they come from the same factory. Please - give me a url where you read this.
I'm not quite sure how fast it, it charges AA batteries, so I make sure that the batteries are charged during the day and recharge my device at night.
Battery packs works great for the AT because of all the time one ends up spending in towns.
Here's another option that I saw at trail days last year, it's not actually out yet but a real interesting idea.
http://www.npowerpeg.com/index.php/learn-more/2-uncategorised/13-peg-faq
I am due for a new phone and might upgrade to an iphone. How long is the battery good for when using it in ipod/music mode?
ChinMusic
04-20-2012, 23:29
I am due for a new phone and might upgrade to an iphone. How long is the battery good for when using it in ipod/music mode?
Maybe 40 hours.
Wise Old Owl
04-21-2012, 10:03
Getting back to Dornstar's post... IMO that the physical size of the collection or number of panels allows the panel to be efficient.
After reading the product literature from both companies, If you are charging from the supplied batteries from the manufacture you might get a result like what Dornstar suggested. The power stored in a Lithium Ion AA vs a dedicated cell phone lithium ion used in the Juice Orange is a significant difference in the circuit, My guess, because its not listed-its a larger battery.
IF you use the Go Pro direct - in two hours direct (11-1pm) high sun your phone will jump to full charge. If you are hiking on the backpack it will go from 20% to 70% allowing for interuptions for trees and indirect sun. Because the voltage is more up and down the phone might try to analyze and give warnings - mine did and I discovered it's best to have the phone completely off during the charge. I spotted this section hiker and he said he was charging the supplied battery- which I would have left at home.
One advantage I know is taking the AA's out of the Guide ten and using them direct inside the Garmin. Now you would have two sets of batteries for the Garmin. Make sure you change the software so it knows they are rechargeable. Again something I wasn't interested in...
15782
Wise Old Owl
04-21-2012, 10:20
Smart Phone usage .... Lets talk... The drain on the internal battery has caused a lot of posts here at WB... Apps drain the battery! when you have a lot of apps they are almost all using the processor at the same time... it shows up in App management. Even though you are not using a specific app this moment - its still chugging life out of the battery. Vlingo was a wake up call. After listening last week how Rush explained his Iphone getting hacked I activated my car mode Vlingo and discovered the battery was going to 10% very quickly. The program takes your voice and works the phone calls while driving so you do not need to look or tap on the screen. So does the Turn by Turn directions on the Google Earth.... Deleting apps you don't use is key to saving the battery. Some Apps will crush the battery; Airplane mode is a quick answer- but not the best answer. If you are hiking and have a GPS mapping program running it will cut a two day charge to say 1 day of usage depending on the age of the phone. You cannot use airplane mode with a GPS app.
Battery packs works great for the AT because of all the time one ends up spending in towns.
Here's another option that I saw at trail days last year, it's not actually out yet but a real interesting idea.
http://www.npowerpeg.com/index.php/learn-more/2-uncategorised/13-peg-faq
Awesome concept....reserved one. I figure even if it's too heavy for longer trips it will reduce my footprint at home.
xiaoneitie
05-22-2012, 01:52
I was wondering if anyone has tried this solar charger, any input would be greatly appreciated. http://bit.ly/KBwFC8
Timinator
05-30-2012, 13:18
the goal0 nomad 13.5 http://www.goalzero.com/shop/p/12/Nomad-13-5-Solar-Panel/6:3/ is the only panel i have experience with and it will charge in almost all light conditions and its very powerful but its heavy and expensive. I think the only charger that youll find worth it to charge your phone will either be heavy expensive or both. There's also http://www.npowerpeg.com/learn-more which is a little tubular thing that captures your kenetic energy as you walk and move but it is also like $120, its free and light energy but i dont think it will charge your phone very fast as it says it takes 25min of walking for 1 min of smartphone talk. just my 2cents
I have a Novothink Surge (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR-S3fsIHYc) solar charger for my iPod Touch.
I don't think it is that great.
I have a Kensington Mini (http://www.pisupplies.com/MINI-BATTERY-PACK-CHARGER-FOR/dp/B006SHG80U?traffic_src=froogle&utm_medium=organic&utm_source=froogle) battery/charger that is so compact and lightweight, I like it.
Andrew King
06-01-2012, 09:46
what about the solio bolt i just ordered one I think it looks awesome.. Not sure yet. will post results
I purchased one of these recently as well, but just returned it. Not because I didn't like it, but because I decided I didn't really need it. I feel I'll be close enough to civilization often enough to charge my phone if I need to, so I didn't want the extra weight. I keep my phone turned off most of the time while on the trail anyways, so the battery lasts quite some time.
Adfischer
06-01-2012, 14:23
I have tried several different solar panels when camping and backpacking and as bad as I want to make it work, I just cant. I tried everything from a solio to a 15W fold out panel with not great results. These smartphones are more computer than phone and require a lot of juice. Unless you are somewhere you can keep the panel in the sun all the time it just wont work with the size panels that a backpacker would carry. On top of that, to be effective you really need to charge batteries then use the batteries to charge the phone - a huge weight issues.
The only thing I can make work is a battery pack that I charge before I go. I have several from NewTrent that I really like because the capacity is so large for the weight. For the weight to power ratio I think it beats solar hands down. If I limit my iPhone use I think I could get about 2 weeks off one charge of my 11Ah battery. Thats with good power management, keeping it off when not using it at night, turning off unnecessary stuff, etc. At 10oz, its heavy but still less than a solar rig.
I hope you have better results, but I just dont think you will find them with solar. Good luck to you.
Check out Power Monkey . I saw a few thru hikers use that one this year.
JaxHiker
06-15-2012, 08:01
Check out Power Monkey . I saw a few thru hikers use that one this year.
I'm using the Powermonkey Discovery these days. Works well and provides a couple of charges for the Android.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
Wise Old Owl
06-15-2012, 09:31
http://www.amazon.com/Powertraveller-Powermonkey-Discovery-Portable-Charger/dp/B006OIU55W
IMO skip the Solio..
You don't want to mess around with some solar charger that will prob just piss you off anyway. Get something like at this link: http://www.newtrent.com/
They are cheaper than the solar chargers and lighter and you don't have to worry about spending time on it. You can get models that will charge a 4S 5 or 6 times if you want. For something like a thru hike you would just recharge it when you get into town.
No fuss, no muss.
+1 got it, like it, light and effective as long as you can occasionally plug in to current.
My son took one of these this year. http://www.amazon.com/Seidio-BD2-PBPT22-Charging-Vault-Devices/dp/B005ZI66YG/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1339771139&sr=1-1&keywords=seidio+vault
It worked well for him from Springer to the Maine border, then died. Given that it lasted 1900 hard miles, I don't have a huge problem with having to replace it once.
You cannot use airplane mode with a GPS app.
True, so to avoid having to go into and out of airplane mode (which is inconvenient and risks forgetting to go back into airplane mode and having battery drain), if you use AT&T you can have a "SIM lock" option selected (I went to an AT&T store to have this done), which means that when iPhone is turned off, then on, you have the option of unlocking or locking the SIM. A locked SIM means the phone will not search for a signal but you can still use GPS without airplane mode. Perfect for on trail use in areas without signal. If you want to make a call or check email, turn phone off and on and unlock SIM with a 4 digit code.
I don't know if Verizon has something similar.
RedRunnerJumper
09-20-2012, 15:34
This is what im getting to recharge my iphone on thru hike
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/dynamo-hand-crank-usb-cell-phone-emergency-charger-24036
How long does it take to charge a smartphone ?
AllTheWayToMordor
10-24-2012, 18:28
1. The mirror is an extra accessory that boosts the Joos an additional 40% and isn't needed.
2. With solar, "converting efficiency" is THE key. A solar charger can have a great output, but if it sucks converting sunlight to energy, then it's worthless. That is where the JOOS destroys everything else on the market...
Nomad 7 = max 17-18% conversion rate
Joos Orange = max 96% conversion rate
My Nomad went on ebay after a month or so because it just couldn't keep up. If I was just car camping, it would probably be a great product, but it's not a solution for backpacking which rarely yields direct sunlight. I did love how easy it was to attach to my bag and the weight, but it just wasn't a viable option for our needs especially here on the east coast.
Now, my Joos is simply amazing. It tougher to attach to my pack and heavier, but the conversion rate is ridiculous and even in lower light, it gets the job done. It's nearly impossible for me to drain it during the day and I never have to worry about power. It's also VERY well built. I have no concerns with it taking a beating out on the trail. After trying a handful of solar chargers, this is the ONLY product I would recommend. The only drawback for me is the weight, but it's a keeper.
3. If you have access to a power plug once a week, there's external batteries that are better options than solar.
Are you serious. If we had solar panels with 96% conversion rate the energy crisis would be solved. In labs we are still struggling to beat 40%.
AllTheWayToMordor
10-24-2012, 18:31
the goal0 nomad 13.5 http://www.goalzero.com/shop/p/12/Nomad-13-5-Solar-Panel/6:3/ is the only panel i have experience with and it will charge in almost all light conditions and its very powerful but its heavy and expensive. I think the only charger that youll find worth it to charge your phone will either be heavy expensive or both. There's also http://www.npowerpeg.com/learn-more which is a little tubular thing that captures your kenetic energy as you walk and move but it is also like $120, its free and light energy but i dont think it will charge your phone very fast as it says it takes 25min of walking for 1 min of smartphone talk. just my 2cents
Im curious about the nPowerPEG. I'd like to hear if any one has experience with it.
FarmerWastson
11-27-2012, 02:25
Well, I have heard that the PEG gathers kinetic energy when a weight on a spring bounces up and down and stores the power produced in an inner power supply. With the right adapter the power is transferred to a small number of personal electronic devices..
PowerWalk M Series
http://www.bionic-power.com/
Coming soon...