Solar Battery Charger

“I'm looking for a solar battery charger. One that charges AA batteries. I'd need it if I took an extended trip. My digital sucks batteries dry in a very short time. Has anyone seen anything lighter than this ? For 7.9 oz and $14, it seems like a good deal. Your thoughts??”

“Oops. Make that $18. Still a good deal, tho.”

“Hey, that looks pretty cool! If it works as well as they say, it'd come in very handy for extended trips. But I wonder if the hassle would be worth it compared to just bringing along a few extra batteries? But like you said, for an extended trip, it could definitely be worth it.”

“Well, I figger, for the price, I could save $$ in the long run by not having to constantly buy new batteries. I'm trying to conserve, dam it!! :-)

Regular ole AA batteries weight 1 oz each. My fancy schmancy camera takes 4 AA batteries. I could, quite possibly, need 2 spare sets of batteries... which would weigh a tiny bit more than the charger... But, it takes up to 12 hours to recharge the 4 I'll bring. So, that leaves me w/out batteries for several hours.

Oh, I don't know what would be better...”

“It really depends on your backpacking style... I'd be moving during most of the good sunlight and it would be a real pain to make sure I did recharging while there was light out. On the other hand, if you are base camping or like have some way to let it collect light while you are backpacking... it might be useful for an extended hike.

My sister used a solar battery recharger when she was in the Peace Corps in a village in Honduras and she loved it.”

“Neat idea, recharging batteries while hiking. It sez that it takes 12 hours, I believe, which if it did take the full 12, I don't think it would help out too much in the Fall/winter time. I might be wrong. I think REI had a recharger.”

“www.campmor.com item #22310 Solar battery charger that charges 2 AA batteries and weighs 4ozs and cost $16.99 . Theres a guy called sweeper that made a solar battery charger that he attaches to the shoulder strap of his pack ,if I can find his site ill post the url. Streamweaver”

“come to think of it I saw a rig in radio shack a while back... might be worth a look.”

“I have the same charger... never really got a chance to use it, but i did rig up a way to strap it to the top of my pack, to try and catch light while i'm hiking... but i haven't used it yet...”

“Boy, one can certainly add ounces (pounds) to the pack with stuff like this!

I'm not sure about trekking, but this certainly looks worth keeping in the car for keeping the other gadgets juiced.

I might have to place this on my wish list.

Thanks for sharing this info!”

“I have both of those tara. I'll bring them up to the Adventure Race this weekend for you to look at if you want me to.

Just let me know”

“tarabull:

I have one that's similar, but I only use it for when I'm traveling overseas for months on end. Other than that, I think the same way that Artex does...too much of a hassel to bring along when you can bring a few extra batteries instead.

Man, how inefficient IS your camera anyway, and how many photos DO you take?!?

You have to think: 12 hrs to recharge. That's 12 hours of daylight when you wont be able to use your camera unless you bring an extra couple of batteries. If you bring that extra set, then you might as well bring a third set instead of the charger...because that's how much weight you're adding by having it along (not to mention space).
As for saving money...can't you just bring along 3 pairs of rechargable batteries and then charge them when you get home with your gadget?”

“Try lithium AA batteries. Last longer, weight ~ .6oz each and cost much more but then how many extended trips do you intend to take?”

“Check with the manufacturer. My camera handbook specifically says not to use lithium batteries.”

“Hmmm, does anyone know what the concern is with lithium batteries and some cameras? The camera I've had for years only runs on a lithium battery but then it is not digital..”

“They probably sell a portable solar recharger that they want you to buy instead of just using lithium batteries...”

“tara - I'm speaking as an electronic engineer now.
This unit will not do what you want. I can not find any mAmp output specs for this unit. That tells me this is not a "real" charger. This is a toy.
The claimed time to charge 4 AAs is only valid in full sunlight under ideal conditions, with the solar panel pointed directly at the sun at all times. Unless you will be in camp for two or three days and keep the panel turned correctly, no go.”

“StoveStomper is right, it's a toy.

Notice it says it charges in "as little" as 12 hours. That mean ideal conditions, which you never find in the field, exspecially while trying to go from point A to point B(alright maybe in the dessert). Also realize that rechargeable don't have the same power output that standard alkaline batteries do.

In my Olympus D-520 I use one CR-V3 Lithium battery which replaces the 2 AA and is reported to last 20 to 30 times longer than AA alkaline batteries. I shoot hundreds of great quality shots with each of these batteries (I carry one spare).”

“Rechargable batteries don't have as long of a life as regular one timers. I used to use rechargable AAs for my radio at work. They lasted about half as long.”

“I've looked into this heavily, as my digital also eats batteries. Bottom line is you will not be able to pack in a panel big enough to do you much good. Even if you can manage to get 4 AA's charged during a 12 to 14 hour period, all you've done is barely keep up with the use.

If you plan to spend every day maintaining that level of success, and don't run into any clouds, you can barely keep up, with a 2 pound 1 foot by 2foot array, but then you don't have any days to take pictures.

One option is to load up on NiMH rechargables, at least 4 for each day you'll be out, and possibly invest in a 12v lighter socket plug quick recharger.

Best and lightest option is also the most expensive. Lithium cells, if your camera can safely use them. A set of Lithiums costs me about $20, weighs 2.5 ounces, and gives me two days of hard shooting.

A set of rechargable NiMHs costs me $10, weighs 3.6 ounces, and only buys me one day of use.

One and a quarter ounces per day for $20 per day, or 3.6 ounces per day for about 20 cents per day.

Of course, if you really gotta have those images, you better take both.

:-)”

“Thanks, everyone, for your input. Sounds like the charger isn't what it's cracked up to be.

My digital camera (Olympus C720 UltraZoom) can use lithium batteries. In fact, the first set of batteries (the ones that came w/ the camera) were lithium. Only lasted about 1 month (= 2 backpacking trips). I really limited the use of my LCD when taking pics and looking back at old images since I know that'll eat the battery juice. So, I was shocked when the batteries needed to be replaced so quickly. Maybe they were just poor quality. I'll give the lithium another try...

Again, thanks. TTers are so wise. :-)”

“you can charge my battery anytime, baby! vroom! vroom!”