Hey guys
To my surprise Amazon now ships this product to AU. This solar panel is very handy to have in the when camping and such. The bigger 14W is also available for an extra cost.
Anker makes great USB electronics (Chargers, Hubs, Powerbanks). Sadly its not as easily available here.
CamelCamelCamel.
No its 5v as per USB standard. Its got a proper USB charge controller/regulator.
Seems to have USB output in photos & address "Foldable-Single-Port-Solar-Charger-for-5V-USB". No mention of voltage anywhere. http://vacuumsreviewer.com/p/Canister-Vacuums-Reviews/B00J3N…
It says it in the Amazon page 5v/1A for 8w and 5v/2A for 14w
No need for neg. Minor issue. (Panel voltage is different to regulated output voltage. With low output, as in cloudy conditions, it is important panel voltage is above regulator input to work.) No mention on mobile version of Amazon site I'm viewing. That's why I added extra details absent from mobile version I was viewing. So best to view desktop version.
Wasnt me.
Yes the panels open circuit voltage isnt rated since the output is dedicated to USB.
[@flipfire]
Realised that neg wasn't yours ;-)
Thanks for the deal - it won't be for everyone, but it makes people think about what they really need.
its just a USB charger for laptops and phones by the look of the pictures
These are pretty crap, you will struggle to fully charge a standard phone battery in 6 hours.. They won't charge anything that needs more than 1A, i.e iPad and most large tablets.
Easier to carry one of these around IMO https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/174006
And how do you charge that when remote camping for weeks as I have done (away from vehicles or generators)? Different intended uses.
If I was going away for weeks I wouldn't be taking some tiny 8w solar panel, I would take my 200w kit.
Thanks for the negs though guys, pointed out that these are crap and a valid reason why lmao
Could you link to where you bought your portable 200w solar panel kit? And how much was it?
How could you carry that on your back into a remote location.at this device would be fairly handy for? Helicopter assisted hiking is not a bargain I've seen on OzBargain ;-)
If you were taking a vehicle to lug in your power supply (which I assume from your next suggestion & avatar!), there is little need for a device like this. Plenty of options to deliver USB power from other sources.
But you aren't looking at this through the eyes of the intended user, who requires light weight, small folded size, and low power requirements.
This device has its uses. Just because you don't have a need doesn't not change that.
I'd say you were negged for not understanding there are ideal uses for this device, that a power pack can't meet. And your next overkill suggestion also misses the point. For instance it does not suit the multi day light hike possibilities of this device either. Of course 400g extra in the pack won't suit others. But a 200W 'kit' will be almost impossible to carry.
And how much does it weigh. What size is it?
As I said in my comment where I got negged for no reason (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/174006) this will charge your phone/gps at least 3 times over. These are probably much lighter and smaller..
Should easily last you a week or so if your not facebooking 24/7
@storyteller:
Relying on a finite quantity of charge in a remote location which may need far more power than expected can lead to disaster.
Having returned from a long hike to find a search party preparing to find me in shocking conditions made me change my views on preparedness. I had not counted on blizzard like conditions delaying me, nor the high risks of not carrying emergency supplies and more warm clothes. I survived, but… You find out afterwards what you really needed.
An emergency, poor weather, poor battery performance in power pack in adverse temperature, etc can leave you without power for vial equipment (I'm not talking Facebook). I've confronted all those.
There are various power supplies (you've suggested 2), for different uses. Its not a competition of devices, just what is appropriate for your uses. That's why this device has its uses, but obviously not for your needs.
And carrying any solar panel in overcast conditions would be useless, so a power pack would be more appropriate, but who wants to hike in poor conditions. (It's just above freezing outside where I am - I'm tucked up in bed with the cat.)
Just like buying sleeping bags / swags very much depends on where you are using it, in what temperature, and how are you carrying it. One designed for comfort in the back of a 4WD is not what you carry on your back up to 2500m. One is large, heavy, but hopefully comfy, while the other needs a light weight small and relatively far more expensive bag. Each have their use, but pretty useless if you don't have that use.
(I was installing photovoltaic devices decades ago, so good to read your exploits above.)
These are for remote camping and hiking, NOT for city commuting!
I just turn my electronics off until I need them when I'm hiking.
Even my 1+1 will last several days without a recharge. Weeks if I bring my battery pack (~250g).
Why do you guys need to use your phones and tablets while camping/hiking?
Things like camera, GPS, etc are handy in the bush. Even turning that off most of the time will not guarantee it will be available when needed. A light charger like this is a luxury, but good when it's needed
I've been in a tent in Tassie remote location, but still picked up mobile data & phone across ocean. Handy for emergency. I also use a rechargeable led light.
Of course a holiday from technology is always great. But when you are in a remote location for weeks, it does make life more pleasant.
Plus, I have accidentally left my tech on, with no way to charge them other than days walk out, or on an island with researchers - a very expensive charter boat ride. When that happens, you want a portable charger!
My friend works for about two weeks on an island doing wildlife stuff and makes calls each night, has iPad, lights etc.
Its not just for phones, there's tons of things that's USB powered/charged (CB Radio, LED torches, power banks, fans etc)
I normally use a 160w solar panel and 100Ah AGM battery for camping but a smaller solar panel just for USB charging is very convenient.
I did the Overland Track (6 days) in Tassie on a single charge. Though I don't really need the gadgets when I have maps/compass and most tracks in Australia are well marked.
But I'm a weight weenie, so a USB panel (400g - 14oz) is overkill when my battery pack could charge my phone several times over for almost half the weight, and no reliance on sunny conditions (and charging at night).
I could understand the panels for car camping but hiking grams add up quickly.
@Telios:
I was out 12 days on the Overland one time ;-) I go off track, with local advice. But back then I didn't take any more than a spare camera battery & definitely no phone.
Did an emergency rescue on day 1, but had to hike for help, rather than simply phone. The woman would have died without the medivac by helicopter. So you never know when that technology may get unexpected use, draining those batteries.
Camping with a vehicle has cheaper & easier solutions.
It's when I base myself in remote locations, sometimes dropped off by boat, that this device would be handy. Believe me, after weeks it's great to know the boat hasn't forgotten you & the phone/ radio still has charge.
You will know if this device is what you want. Even at this good price, I struggle to justify it's rare use & small added weight.
I want to know who pays $55 to charge usb devices via the sun?
Obviously this deal is not for you. Uses/users just above.
I have an occasional remote use, but I don't think I'll buy. I keep thinking who do I know has one to borrow - but I'm cheap.
I've had a really good experience with my Anker 6 port usb charger. I really trust this brand
Is this the crappy 6 volt ?