Discussion
Can't say I've ever had much luck with solar chargers. Yes, if it's a clear, sunny Le Mans and you can keep the panels in the sun all day you might manage a full/significant recharge. Anything less and you get less of a top-up, how much depending on how much sun you got and how direct it was.
I've switched to taking a battery pack. Mine's a 3000mAh Tylt Energi which gives enough for 2 full phone recharges and you can get online for around £33. Couple that to minimising energy usage (if/when you're not using data switching the network connection from 3G to 2G usually makes a hell of a difference!) usually sees me through.
I've switched to taking a battery pack. Mine's a 3000mAh Tylt Energi which gives enough for 2 full phone recharges and you can get online for around £33. Couple that to minimising energy usage (if/when you're not using data switching the network connection from 3G to 2G usually makes a hell of a difference!) usually sees me through.
I have the PowerBee solar charger http://www.powerbee.co.uk/ that comes with about 10 different connectors & can charge from a USB, mains or car, as well as solar.
I bought it for Le Mans, a few years ago (& pleased I did!) and it's been absolutely fine
I bought it for Le Mans, a few years ago (& pleased I did!) and it's been absolutely fine
As long as you take your charger and Euro plug with you there are always opportunities to charge. I did mine a few years back during the parade plugged into a junction box outside the pub. USB charger for the car is handy though. I've also got a Kit: thing which can charge various devices and is just like a big AAA battery.
I have a cheap jumpstart pack with USB ports on it which I use for phone charging, and a couple of trickle charge solar panels to top it up during the day. As an added bonus I can use a 240v inverter to run mains voltage lighting (an energy saving bulb in a holder on the end of a wire) rather than messing about with torches and batteries.
Forget solar, you want an external battery pack. I've got a ticket powerzen 15000mAh, it will recharge an iPhone 6 about 5-6 times. £23 Amazon.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/TeckNet-PowerZen-15000mAh-...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/TeckNet-PowerZen-15000mAh-...
I just fitted a 12v outlet in the boot of my car on a fused permanent supply, charging a few 'phones won't cause the battery any issues. A marine plug off eBay with a cover is less than a tenner plus the cable, a couple of terminals and fuse, maybe £25 all in. If you've already got one in there that's ignition controlled, even easier, just re-wire it. Alternatively, the cigarette lighter socket in the car can be done the same way.
Don't be shy with the cable size (mine's rated at 20amps), you'd be amazed at how useful it becomes and without the faff of needing the key in the ignition. Better to have one with a cover as well to stop anything that shouldn't getting in there!
Don't be shy with the cable size (mine's rated at 20amps), you'd be amazed at how useful it becomes and without the faff of needing the key in the ignition. Better to have one with a cover as well to stop anything that shouldn't getting in there!
Edited by LFB531 on Thursday 7th May 14:13
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