[pct-l] SOLAR chargers including Solio ???????

[Eugene]

I was about to post an update about this.  I've been hiking for the past two weeks with this configuration.

 

Solar charger: Powerfilm USB/AA

Phone: Motorola L6

Email device: Peek Pronto

Batteries: Sanyo 2000 mah Eneloop AA & Sanyo 2700 mah AA

 

The Powerfilm quickly tops off the AA batteries, even when it's not directly facing the sun...it just has to be facing the sun.  A couple days ago I was able to fully charge the 2700 mah batteries in about a half day with the charger hanging off the back of my pack while hiking.

 

The Powerfilm needs fully charged AA batteries and to be in the sun to charge another device.  This is my only gripe.  I thought I could charge the AA batteries, and then use them at night to charge another device.  This isn't really a problem, but I wish this was clear in the sales/support information.

 

Not all devices use normal usb cables.  My phone looks like it uses a normal usb cable, but the wires must be crossed internally.  I was forced to spend $25 on another charger just to get a usb cable that could charge the phone.  This is not a problem with the solar charger, but an issue with cell phone companies trying to make life more difficult for their customers.

 

The Powerfilm has several grommets, which allows you to pin it down so it's not flapping in the wind.  Section A & B have been very windy lately, so this can be a huge benefit.

 

Also, the Powerfilm is much less expensive than the Solio.  I say save your money and get the Powerfilm.

 

Sir Mix-a-lot
 
> Date: Fri, 9 Apr 2010 12:53:04 -0700
> From: dbillings803 at yahoo.com
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Subject: [pct-l] SOLAR chargers including Solio ???????
> 
> http://www.solio.com/charger/faqs.html
> 
> I know some of you researched solar chargers and wondered if anyone had any further feedback on the Solio or other products ? 
> 
> REI has the solio....
> 
> Don 		 	   		  
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