Hi - I've had a read of a few topics on here about solar chargers but wondered if I could get a bit more advice.
There seem to be quite a few solar chargers on the market that can charge mobiles, ds's, psps etc. We don't use ehu and the kids have usually flattened the battery in their DSs on the way to campsite so it can lead to fractious kiddies on the way back... I'd like a solar charger then, but prices seem to vary wildly, and do not always match up to the reviewers ideas of the quality of the charger.
So if anyone can recommend a good one, that works for UK level of sunshine, or tell me one to avoid, I'd be grateful!
We do have a car charger, but my sense of direction is useless so the Satnav is always plugged in there when we go anywhere!
Have a look at the Power traveller site. I have the Power Gorilla and it really does the job - can give up to 20hrs on mobiles and hand held games. I bought mine from Here as it was the cheapest.
I was planning to get the Solar Gorilla this year, but seemed a bit pointless with the cruddy weather we've been having. This is one of the major problems with using anything solar in the northern hemisphere in general. We seem to be one of the worse in terms of sun hours and that's the reason I went for the Power Gorilla rather than relying on a solar charger.
Do your reaserch thouroughly and check out YouTube for some helpful reviews.
Alfie
------------- In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. ~ John Muir
why not get a 4-way multiplug for the car? You can get them in the pound shop (I got one couple of years ago because my nephew wanted to charge DS whilst I used the sat nav).
Bought another last month (similar to below) that also had USB charge socket.
I have a similar adapter to the one Nico shows above. So long as you are aware of the maximum loads you should have no problems. Mine has a total max load of 5A with a max of 4A of the sockets and 500mA off each of the USB connectors. I think mine came from Lidl a couple of years ago. Another option could be to use something like an old TP2 off ebay with a cheap battery. Simply plug in to the mains to recharge or charge when driving from a split charge circuit. Most sites will have battery charging facilities if you ask.
------------- 'A sure cure for sea-sickness is to sit under a tree'
The Power Gorilla is fantastic. If it's just for an IPhone then : http://www.outdoorrascals.com/PWRCell-Mini-p/as001.htm but I'd recommend the Power Gorilla. Also used the Freeloader alot but didn't find it very effective.
But despite my reservations about the use of solar chargers at the moment, some good advice for when summer finally arrives!! Thank you ... we too have a plethera of electronic devices that seem to be attached to our children at times! ...and whilst I wouldn't mind them running out of charge, life will be more peaceful if they don't!!
------------- The Kale Family Campers
Test 1st camp - June, Witterings
August - 1 week in 'sunny' Croyde at Ruda
August - bank holiday weekend, Boarhunt, Hampshire
So, I've ordered one of the multiplug thingies for the car, thanks nic0.
Next question - birder99, what is a tp2 and could you explain a bit more about how I might use one?
A TP2 is what caravans used to use before integrated battery lockers were used. It is essentially a big plastic battery box with a build in charger that is easy to carry (subject to weight of battery!) In my younger days we had a split charger socket in the boot of the car and my dad had some sort of plug arrangement so that we simply placed the TP2 in the boot, secured the straps to stop it moving and plugged it into the split charger socket. The other advantage is you can easily charge it from any 240V socket using the built in charger. They are often on ebay for under £30.
------------- 'A sure cure for sea-sickness is to sit under a tree'
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Topic: Solar charger for games consoles, mobiles
