Freeloader solar power unit

[Miquel In De Rain]

I just carry three spare batteries for my phone.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bike-Char...isure_Cycling_Bike_Lights&hash=item4cfe6924c6

I've seen this though,bit pricey,dont know if i need it.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Portable-...ories_MobilePhoneChargers&hash=item4ab04c4710

I could have it to power my cameras but I already use this.^^^^^

 

[Crankarm]

Is the Power Monkey Extreme solar charger any good?

 

[middleagecyclist]

What kind of "gizmos" do you charge with the hub?

I can charge my: GPS, smartphone, bullet cam or Kindle from my Pedalpower unit, charge the unit itself for use off the bike (in the tent etc). Whether or not I am charging at the time my hub will also power the front and rear lights which I tend to run night and day

It does not provide enough power for a netbook battery or dSLR battery. I haven't used a netbook while doing my short tours so that is not an issue for me. I find the dSLR battery lasts several days and a mains charger is not very heavy for use at cafe stops, etc!

 

[bembledak]

I own a freeloader pro with the supercharger accessory and I found it worked well in direct sunlight. It's light and portable with good build quality and the company provide helpful support.

I used it to charge my HTC HD2 whilst cycle touring in May this year and whilst the weather wasn't great I got a full charge to the freeloader pro which charged my phone about 80%. I do have a larger MaH battery though so I expect it could charge a normal smart phone completely.

I expect with a bit more sunshine you could get 2 full charges in a day but I wouldn't count on it for all your power needs certainly in the U.K ;-)

 

[EstebanLundquis]

I was just trying to reduce weight in the panniers and thought long and hard about the freeloader solar charger and the solar panel it has. I'm not convinced the thing will charge up my htc phone TBH. Cant really test it in this weather either...so given that I have a car cigarette lighter >usb>phone connection to charge from a friendly car somewhere and a power cable for motels...I'm starting to think I wont take the free loader on the transam...I'll take a seperate el cheapo mobile with a USA sim and a fully charged battery for 911 use only and keep it in the bottom of a pannier somewhere just in case my phone does run out of juice at the crucial time.

Has anyone had any success with such gadgets?

Hello friend sorry for posting in bit old thread but have you gained any experience with these gadgets? I am thinking of using solar power so can you help me out?

 

[BigonaBianchi]

Hello friend sorry for posting in bit old thread but have you gained any experience with these gadgets? I am thinking of using solar power so can you help me out?

Others will no doubt have had more positive experiences with solar chargers on a long tour. My experience is limited to the Free loader.

I did eventually take th efree loader on the trans american tour. It was as good as useless to me even though it was the hottest summer there since the 1930's. It continually failed to deliver. I continued to carry it and persevere, but eventually ditched it. I was able to charge up my cellphone on tour from power supplies in food outlets, suoermarkets, public restrooms and on occassion car drivers on campsites and RV ers.

My best guess is that the solor panel and the extension panel I had were just too small. I did ride for a few days with a rider from Iowa whith a huge solar panel across his panniers, which he had better success with, although he had addtional weight and wind drag as a result I am sure.

Frankly, unless you are going to be riding in areas with zero human habitation, where the sun shines 24/7, for long periods I wouldnt bother.

 

[bluemint]

Hello friend sorry for posting in bit old thread but have you gained any experience with these gadgets? I am thinking of using solar power so can you help me out?

I used to use the freeloader pro kit. When i had it i didn't have that many gadgets apart from my power lite phone to charge. Nowaday I've got a gopro, dslr, and smartphone to charge. While freeloader have upped the capacity of the battery it's still not enough unless you get sun all the time, even with their supercharger.

My setup is a Portapow 2x panel solar panel and a large capacity portable battery (12,000 mAh). The panel can go on the bike and charge gadgets direct through the panel. Or just leave the portable battery in to top it up. I also have a pixo battery charger for the cameras and have a folding usb (uk) plug for any occasions that I may have access to mains power. Short, right angled usb leads are very handy too.

 

[EstebanLundquis]

I was just trying to reduce weight in the panniers and thought long and hard about the freeloader solar charger and the solar panels it has. I'm not convinced the thing will charge up my htc phone TBH. Cant really test it in this weather either...so given that I have a car cigarette lighter >usb>phone connection to charge from a friendly car somewhere and a power cable for motels...I'm starting to think I wont take the free loader on the transam...I'll take a seperate el cheapo mobile with a USA sim and a fully charged battery for 911 use only and keep it in the bottom of a pannier somewhere just in case my phone does run out of juice at the crucial time.

Has anyone had any success with such gadgets?
Hello friend sorry for posting in bit old thread but have you gained any experience with these gadgets? I am thinking of using solar power so can you help me out?

Still waiting for reply..

Moderator message: you have had some replies above, it would be more polite to acknowledge the helpful replies given by those two members, rather than appearing to demand a reply from the person you asked. The original poster is not obliged to reply, but he has done so. He is not obliged to give further information, and nagging for a reply is more likely to annoy him and make him not reply.