CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Computers, GPS, 'Smart' 'Phones

Phone charging & touring

(13 posts)

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  1. Smudge
    Member

    As I was asked on another thread... (Take a bow Steveo)

    I'm away touring next week (starting at Thurso/JoG and taking a scenic meander south which will probably end up at Falkirk area and should hopefully incorporate Cullodden, Glenfinnan and other historical bits and bobs en route, all going to plan!) and I'm aiming/hoping to use solar to charge my phone. (I know, I know, it's Scotland and I'm daft).

    It will be an experiment as I haven't tried it before but I'm using a powermonkey explorer as a sailing friend has one and raves about it.
    I'll let you know how it goes, assuming I remember!

    Anyone else had experience of these or similar?

    Posted 13 years ago #

  2. chdot
    Admin

    That should work for you.

    I got a really cheap solar set that didn't live up to its claims.

    Just noticed this (know nothing about) -

    "The Solar Monkey is the successor to the highly acclaimed Power Monkey Explorer"

    http://www.ethicalsuperstore.com/products/powertraveller/solarmonkey-solar-charger

    Posted 13 years ago #

  3. wingpig
    Member

    Useless rubbish.
    Ours really struggled to acquire charge from the sun. It worked from the mains and so only functioned as a small spare battery for the times when my actual spare battery also ran out (or hadn't been charged). It didn't help that the Nokia connector was loose-fitting, requiring absolute stillness to attempt to recharge the phone from the monkey. I still need to acquire a mini-USB>stupidHTCminiUSB converter to prevent it being even more useless now that I've changed phones.

    Posted 13 years ago #

  4. chdot
    Admin

    This was a related thread -

    http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=2385

    Posted 13 years ago #

  5. steveo
    Member

    Smudge where are you attaching it? I considered rigging something up to my trunk bag but decided against it and just got a battery back up thingy. Getting a dynamo hub built up for next winter but won't have it in place for the next time i go a wandering.

    Posted 13 years ago #

  6. chdot
    Admin

    I've got one of these.

    http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/200609690338

    Does work, but quite inefficient in terms of converting energy.

    I've only used it with NiMh batts - 2.4v to 5v.

    Might be better with non rechargeables.

    But it is billed as 'emergency' - useful until you get to the next 13A socket!

    Posted 13 years ago #

  7. steveo
    Member

    I need to do some tests to find out just how (in)efficient it is.

    Posted 13 years ago #

  8. crowriver
    Member

    The Freeloader Globetrotter seems to work, but in Scottish weather it's necessary to have the additional Supercharger larger solar panel, which can attach to the top of your rear panniers while riding. The battery pack holds its charge quite well.

    It's recommended to charge your phone and the Freeloader up at home before going, then you can top up with solar power en route.

    Posted 13 years ago #

  9. Smudge
    Member

    I was thinking of putting it either inside my map case on top of the bar bag or cable tied on top of the luggage on the rear rack.
    My phone will hold charge for a couple of days so it realistically has over two days to top itself up. Will see how it (and the weather!) goes.

    Posted 13 years ago #

  10. ruggtomcat
    Member

    you want one of these http://www.paddedshorts.co.uk/2009/10/e-werk/

    Posted 13 years ago #

  11. chdot
    Admin

    This is cheaper -

    http://www.paddedshorts.co.uk/2010/08/the-bicycle-usb-charger

    But still not cheap.

    Posted 13 years ago #

  12. cb
    Member

    I have one of these:

    http://www.maplin.co.uk/stylish-solar-charger-with-led-light-389253

    I only paid about £7 for it though, I think it was on offer, but to be honest, it was the word "sylish" in the name that had me sold.

    It was OK when I had a simple Nokia, but it can only provide about a 1/4 to a 1/3 charge of an HTC desire. If I'm away from the mains then I tend to just try and not use my phone! Flight mode or switch it off.

    Posted 13 years ago #

  13. Nelly
    Member

    Apologies I realise this thread is old, but a friend who was at Glasto this year recommended this for HTC/iPhone etc - not solar/dynamo, but understand it works as described - i.e. 4+ charges for your smartphone.

    Trent ultra pack phone charger

    Posted 13 years ago #

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