Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Camping Equipment and all Clothing
Camping Equipment and all Clothing Tents, sleeping bags, stoves etc. Riding clothing, boots, helmets, what to wear when not riding, etc.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia




Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 3 Nov 2001
Ian Ian is offline
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 443
Solar Battery Charger

Where can I buy one of these (for AA batteries) in the UK?

Thanks in advance.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 7 Nov 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Leamington Spa, England, UK
Posts: 5
A lot of Yacht Chandlery/Marine stores sell them as a lot of cruising yachties use them. There is a company called Waypoint Marine who do a mail order service (but dont appear to have a web site) Their number is 0845 1300 710. In their catalogue they have a "...pocket sized solar battery charger for AA batteries ....charges 4 at a time in about 12 hrs" It costs £19.95 and the code is 3202.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 7 Nov 2001
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Belgium
Posts: 469
Does anyone know about shops on the mainland (Belgium) where you can buy these nice gadgets?
And has anyone experience with mounting them on a bike? Where do you place them? Shock resistant?....
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 8 Nov 2001
mmaarten's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Thailand at the moment
Posts: 593
Hai,

I just got one from "Bever zwerfsport" a dutch outdoor-sports and equipement shop.
It's located all over holland, so maybe a quick trip over the border?

It costs 12 euro, holds 4 AA or AAA batery's and take's 2 or 3 hours per batery (so 12 hours when filled with 4). It has no moving or fragille parts, just the lid witch closses magnetic and holds the solar-cells. I plan to put it on top of my luggage.

Check out WWW.BEVER.NL for adresses.

Maarten
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 14 Nov 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 11
I've got one of the units that Rowey mentions and my experience is not good. I used it a lot in Senegal and Mali a few years ago and found that even with just two NiCads a complete days charging in direct sunlight would only give enough power for about 15 mins in a Walkman. In the UK it hardly works at all. I've checked it out with a test meter and it seems to be producing the volts, they just don't seem to be making it into the batteries Mechanically though its robust enough.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15 Nov 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Brora. Sutherland Scotland
Posts: 7
Put "Solar chargers uk" in a Search engine.
I came up with this one and many others
http://www.unlimited-power.co.uk/Sol..._Chargers.html



------------------
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Nov 2001
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Belgium
Posts: 469
Aren't there any chargers that you can plug in to the ciragette-lighter?
I can see some downsides to this option, but it might be faster and more reliable.
Only question would it drain youre battery when not riding?
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 16 Nov 2001
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Nomadic Man
Posts: 40
I've been looking for a solar panel to take on my bike for recharging all sorts of things including running a laptop. I found a good but expensive setup. It is made by a US compay called Powerquest. Have a look at http://www.powerquest.com/Products/S...bile_power.htm
I want the expedition model but the little one with a built in battery is pretty cool.

Jay
__________________
Safe Travels

Jay
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 16 Nov 2001
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Nomadic Man
Posts: 40
OOPS wrong link sorry.
Try this one. http://www.powerqwest.com/Products/S...bile_power.htm

The unit comes with a cigarette lighter plug and they are extremely durable, the expedition model is rated 25 watts and folds up nice and compact.

Jay
__________________
Safe Travels

Jay
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 16 Nov 2001
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Vancouver, BC - now at large in the world
Posts: 411
The best charger (and one that works well with the bike battery) is the following gadget. I bought one, and am VERY happy with it. http://thomas-distributing.com/mh-c204f-4aa170dc.htm

------------------
__________________
http://www.nohorizons.net
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 16 Nov 2001
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Vancouver, BC - now at large in the world
Posts: 411
I forgot to mention that you get 4 1700 Mah batteries as well with this thing. They are the ticket for long battery life. I have used my Olympus C03030 for a week now, and I have not yet needed to change the batteries. Usually, I need to change them every day, if I use regular NiCads.

------------------
http://www.nohorizons.net
__________________
http://www.nohorizons.net
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 1 Dec 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Tomahawk,Wisconsin USA
Posts: 9
I am surprised that no one has recommended the Tourtech Chala 12V rechargable Camplight. This is designed for the motorcyclist and does two things for you. First it is a light that works on rechargable batterys or supplied with power from your accesory plug. You can hang it in the tent and read easily because when it is plugged into the bike it runs two bulbs via a long power cord. You can put in halogen bulbs and get a really bright light. This is not recomended by Chala but it is done by travelers who want light and it works great. I have used mine for 2 years and it is tough. It is a camp light, set up light and reading light Second this device charges 4 AA batterys overnight if plugged into the bike. I cycle my head lamp/flash light batterys thru it as they go dead(ni-cads). It really works to recharge but is limited by the voltage your bike battery is at so the Ni-cads only last a couple of hours in steady service in my headlamp If you travel in the fall you know it gets dark at 5:30 and you are in the tent for long hours. I struggled with reading and writing for years but the problem is finially solved for me with this unit. It is German made and high quality. It is available from Tourtech or Aerostitch(who sells the halogen bulbs). It is an expensive tool but it does the job. Bill Shockley Tomahawk WI USA
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 15 Jan 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 95
Jeez some of those prices are outrageous .

If you want to charge Nicads then make your own charger for a couple of quid .

First , buy a battery holder , as in the back of your transistor radio , for the size you want to charge .

Second , buy a resistor that charges them at one tenth of their capacity . Battery = 1000mAh ? Then get a resistor and solder it into the positive terminal of the battery holder .

I=V\R , so .100=12\?? Nearest value is 150 ohms ( 1/2 a watt rating on that resistor ).

Buy a coupla alligator clips for the lead to the battery holder ( with resistor ) and job is done .

Then you will ask how they can charge so much in the shops ....
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 16 Jan 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Belgium
Posts: 469
Whaw, that is impressive. But maybe the fact that I don't know 'piep' about electronics explains it.

Questions: can damage your batteries by leaving them too long in the charger? How do you know when they are full?

really interested in this idea because you can actually fit a batterycharger under your saddle (or in the paniers). And off course, a lot cheaper.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 16 Jan 2002
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,216
Yes you can damage them by leaving them in too long.

Use the calculation given above to determine the approximate time required, then monitor closely - when they're warm they're fully charged.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 09:53.