Solar Charging Systems

[OakLeaf]

Looks like the next generation of solar charging systems will be here soon - at least some devices in time for your tour.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/31/bu...novel.html?hpw

[oz rider]

Good info alimey. Does anyone know if the powermonkey eXplorer will charge a Garmin Edge 500? The website only seems to mention things like the 305 and forerunner, and I'm not sure if the 500 has the same USB and voltage.

[Eden]

The Edge 500 comes with a cable that is mini usb on one end and standard usb on the other - the mini end goes into the Edge The great thing about usb charging is that it is (as far as I know) all standard. My husband who is an electrical engineer tells me Europe has specified that hence forth all chargers for small electronics should be the same to cut down on waste of having 1000's of proprietary charging systems that are useless once you no longer have the original device, and they've standardized on usb. I've already used the wall charger that came with my (new!) Edge 500 to charge my Ipod with no ill effects, so if the solar charger you are looking at has a plug in for standard usb, I would think you should be in business.

[oz rider]

Thanks Eden. Sounds like it should be right but I emailed the local distributor and got a quick response, so it sounds like 95% sure . It's on the way.

[bikerHen]

I FINALLY got to try out the solar charging system my DH but together for me. Three of us ladies did a 2 1/2 day bike tour over the weekend. The weather was kind of marginial, but a good trial for the solar panel because we did have more clouds than beating sun.

Here's what my DH put together: He purchased a charging unit through Amazon, called "myPower All" from a company called Tekkeon. He got a Brunton solar charging panel at REI. The charging unit came with a bunch of different charging tips but all I need is the mini USB. The unit can be charged up with a regular wall plug or the solar panel.

I rigged the panel across the top of my back panniers. The first night out I recharged two Garmins and my cell phone. The next night, one Garmin.

I'm very happy with the set up and I think it will work fine for my upcoming trip. Two weeks camping in the Canadian Rockies. I should have taken a picture of the set-up, but I never think of that when I'm in the moment. If anyone wants more information, I'm sure my DH could tell you all you need to know. bikerHen

[divingbiker]

I want to hear every detail about your Canadian Rockies trip.

[Tri Girl]

I want to hear every detail about your Canadian Rockies trip.

me too!!!!!

[bikerHen]

OK, I'll keep notes and take pictures. But we don't leave until August 26. Our mini trip over the fourth was a good warm up. I think I'm ready. Just have to spend a little more quality time on pannier organization and packing. We're riding just over 500 miles and giving ourselves two weeks to really enjoy the journey. Well that and extra time to get over a couple of BIG mountain passes. bikerHen

[Catrin]

OK, I'll keep notes and take pictures. But we don't leave until August 26. Our mini trip over the fourth was a good warm up. I think I'm ready. Just have to spend a little more quality time on pannier organization and packing. We're riding just over 500 miles and giving ourselves two weeks to really enjoy the journey. Well that and extra time to get over a couple of BIG mountain passes. bikerHen

This sounds like a lot of fun! Looking forward to reading your report after your return - every detail now, leave nothing out

[shootingstar]

At a smaller, lower level, on alternative sources of energy: I had the opportunity to have bike front light and back light self-powering, self-lighting from merely cycling along. It was an option for my folding Dahon bike model.

There must be a term for this.

Anyway, I decided not to have it. If you can believe it, it was weight. I wanted the experience of having the lightest bike for the lst time in my life...before throwing on the panniers for self-loaded touring trips.

Yes, I'm a duh.

[oz rider]

Just an update on the powermonkey eXplorer. I used it on a three-week trip in Canada last month, charging the pod from mains when we had power every few days and using solar the rest of the time. The panel sat on the rack bag though mud and rain quite happily. The Garmin was as low as 34% some days so it needed charging every day. The solar kept up with the Garmin OK, but it would have struggled with the phone as well. It could do both in a day but that seemed to drain it too much and I didn't want to risk losing data. Glad to have it though; very neat and light.

[jolie]

Solar Charging Systems sounds great. But I'v never use it before and wanna have a try about it

[jezbael]

I know this thread is a couple of years old, but I've had it bookmarked for when I was ready to seriously start shopping. Since electronics so quickly change, I'm wondering what folks are using these days for solar charging. We have an iphone, ipad, and camera batteries that will need charging over a month long ride. We'll be staying half the time camping, and half the time in motels. So, we need the options of solar as well as plug in.