Mobile Phone Charging On the GO!

Dmak
Dmak Posts: 445
edited September 2010 in Tour & expedition
Hi!

I'll soon be setting off on a ride to the Netherlands. I'm mostly set to go except powering my mobile phone, I like to track my rides with Endomondo and listen to music at times so I need a reliable way of keeping it charged. I see many solar chargers on the market but I would appreciate a recommendation for something tried and trusted.

Many thanks,

Dan

Comments

  • alan_sherman
    alan_sherman Posts: 1,157
    Power from a dynohub. There are a whole load of options about to hit the market:

    Nokia (I've not seen it for sale yet):
    http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/n ... namo-26428

    Dahon (end of the month):
    http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDeta ... ctID=24552


    Busch & Müller eWerk are out already (not cheap):
    http://www.bumm.de/index-e.html?docu/361e.htm
    http://www.dotbike.com/productsP8333.aspx

    IKON pedal and power is flaoting around:
    http://www.ikonproducts.com/readme.htm
  • amaferanga
    amaferanga Posts: 6,789
    I'd get a Garmin that takes AA batteries (e.g. Etrex HCx) and an mp3 player that takes AAA batteries. Leave the phone switched off most of the time and only turn it on when you want to check-in with home.
    More problems but still living....
  • Dmak
    Dmak Posts: 445
    Thanks Alan, the Nokia device looks spot on, unfortunate that it's not available for this journey. I may email them for one to review! You never know :)

    The Dahon wouldn't work unfortunately as my Nokia 5800 doesn't charge from it's USB port. The Muller one is as you say is not cheap!! The Ikon device seems very elusive.

    Given my finances, as a backup I'll take my Nimh charger and a bundle of rechargeable AA's for my emergency charger, not the sleekest or easiest of solutions but it will work provided I stay at sites with facilities.

    The Dahon wouldn't work unfortunately as my Nokia 5800 doesn't charge from it's USB port.

    Can't wait for the ride!

    Thanks again :)
  • BigJimmyB
    BigJimmyB Posts: 1,302
    Thought about a freelkoade? You could strap one to your backpack and it should give you enough jiuce daily to charge the phone?
  • Dmak
    Dmak Posts: 445
    BigJimmyB wrote:
    Thought about a freelkoade? You could strap one to your backpack and it should give you enough jiuce daily to charge the phone?

    Looked at the freeloader chargers, will probably order the cheapest one and see how it fairs on the journey, it may not be completely up to the job but it will sure help! Cheers :)
  • ralex
    ralex Posts: 85
    My experience, backed up by information on other threads and forums, is that solar can't really cut it yet, in northern european conditions anyway.
  • Stellite
    Stellite Posts: 544
    I wouldnt waste your money on a freeloader. Ive not had much success with mine. It is ok if you charge it up prior to using it from the mains, but once discharged, you need a lot of direct sunlight to get a minimal charge.
  • andymiller
    andymiller Posts: 2,856
    Get a PowerMonkey or PowerChimp. Use it to recharge the phone. Recharge AA batteries at campsites (or hotels).
    Italy Cycling Guide
  • blorg
    blorg Posts: 1,169
    I use a PowerMonkey and would recommend ıt. I have the solar panel but ıt ıs slow to charge and I am cyclıng ın extremely sunny condıtıons 35-45C. In those condıtıons ıt ıs a useful backup but I doubt ıt would work well ın northern Europe. Chargıng ıt from the maıns ıs quıck though. Longest I have been away from the maıns ıs 2 nıghts.

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