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Author Topic: Solar Charger - Hong Kong Special  (Read 10438 times)

Dowser

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Solar Charger - Hong Kong Special
« on: July 31, 2010 »
I've been thinking about getting a solar charger for a while.  When I'm camping for anymore than a quick overnighter the battery in my Nokia N95 will be dead long before I get back to civilisation and the nearest power socket.

Any that I've seen for sale in the UK, like the Freeloader, have been quite pricey so I've been putting it off.  Then I remembered about Ebay and came across this item:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Solar-Power-Panel-Charger-Mobile-Phone-Camera-PDA-/300451427963?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Gadgets&hash=item45f44cf67b

I've decided to give it a go and at £6 it's not gonna break the bank if it's dung.  Has anyone ever tried one of these Hong Kong specials..?

I'd be interested to hear how it performed or if it even worked at all.  My plan would be to have it attached to the top of my ruck, charging my phone while I plod along, ready for a bit of music or a movie when I settle down for the night... especially when I'm doing a solo.

Possibly I'm being over optimistic to think that I'll get enough sunlight here in Northern Ireland for one of these things. Maybe it's a mini wind turbine I should be buying!!!
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ChuckMcB

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Re: Solar Charger - Hong Kong Special
« Reply #1 on: August 01, 2010 »
Came across a review of a similar item a while past: http://www.reghardware.com/2010/05/05/review_gadget_solar_freeloader_pico/

The lack of sun shine is a major downside...one of the folks in the comments suggests just buying a spare battery...
« Last Edit: August 01, 2010 by Chuck »
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RedLeader

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Re: Solar Charger - Hong Kong Special
« Reply #2 on: August 01, 2010 »
Wonder what weight/size it is?
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Dowser

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Re: Solar Charger - Hong Kong Special
« Reply #3 on: August 01, 2010 »
Quote from: J on August 01, 2010
Wonder what weight/size it is?

Well I've just got and email telling me I won the Ebay auction for the grand total of £0.01 plus £5.99 p&p so I'll be able to let you know soon enough hopefully!  Though it is coming from Hong Kong so it might end up being my Christmas present  ;)
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blokarter

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Re: Solar Charger - Hong Kong Special
« Reply #4 on: August 02, 2010 »
I have been using the Original Freeloader for about 2 years now without a problem. I am seriously thing of getting the Pro version as it has a higher output & storage capacity.
Plus I can charge the camera battery with the cam caddy which is included.

The EBay on looks a bit like the Freeloader Pico. Even if it isn't great you get more than £5 worth of fititngs and cables.


One thing I would say is follow the instructions carefully for the first use. Freeloader must be USB Charged first or it isn't as good.
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Dowser

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Re: Solar Charger - Hong Kong Special
« Reply #5 on: August 02, 2010 »
Quote from: blokarter on August 02, 2010
I have been using the Original Freeloader for about 2 years now without a problem. I am seriously thinking of getting the Pro version as it has a higher output & storage capacity.
Plus I can charge the camera battery with the cam caddy which is included.
The EBay on looks a bit like the Freeloader Pico. Even if it isn't great you get more than £5 worth of fititngs and cables.
One thing I would say is follow the instructions carefully for the first use. Freeloader must be USB Charged first or it isn't as good.

I'll keep my fingers crossed that the Ebay one works out ok... To be honest, I thought the Freeloaders were a lot more expensive.  If I had known you could get a Freeloader Pico.  for £16.99 at Surf Mountain I probably would have just bought that it there and then...  I must have been looking at higher spec models. 

I think this is gonna be an invaluable piece of kit for longer trips.
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Dowser

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Re: Solar Charger - Hong Kong Special
« Reply #6 on: August 02, 2010 »
Quote from: J on August 01, 2010
Wonder what weight/size it is?

The Freeloader Pico which seems to be very similar is:

Size – 105 x 45 x 11.5mm
Weight – 49g
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blokarter

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Re: Solar Charger - Hong Kong Special
« Reply #7 on: August 02, 2010 »
The one on ebay is 93×44×10(mm)
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fatty-arbuckle

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Re: Solar Charger - Hong Kong Special
« Reply #8 on: August 02, 2010 »
Your hong Kong special might turn out to be better than the freeloader.

I used a freeloader extensively in the middle east - it just didnt hold enough charge, nor does it let you charge and use at the same time.
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blokarter

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Re: Solar Charger - Hong Kong Special
« Reply #9 on: August 02, 2010 »
Yes it will be interesting to see how it fairs as the price is fantastic.

True about the Freeloader not alowing you to draw of the battery pack while it charges from the panels.
A bit of a pain sometimes alright.
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