Thanks for the info Skunk!


MM

Thanks to Architect, I'm gettin' into AR's and M4"s.
Got a good deal on a BCM complete M4 and a BCM upper S&W lower AR15. Still have a lower to build but that may not happen due to above purchases.
OK who am I kidding, I'm sure I'll get it built, just don't know which one yet.

I do recommend the Powerfilm foldable arrays. For small to medium sized USB devices like smart phones, rechargeable batteries and any other small to medium capacity devices that use cigarette lighter adapters the 10W Powerfilm F15-600 is all you need. It can be found for about $100 if you shop around.

Paired with the Duracell AA/AAA/USB Duracell Mobile Charger - CEF23AU it is a perfect setup in my opinion. You can find this charger for about $15 if you search for CEF23AU. It comes with a regular AC adapter and a car lighter adapter.

I have recharged 4 AA batteries at 2000mah in about 3 hours in a total overcast of thin clouds.

I also suggest the Eneloop 1500 AA batteries. 1500 stand for how many times you can recharge them. I have the old versions (1000 times rechargeable) and have been using with this setup for years and haven't noticed any degradation in performance.

Check out Pelican's micro cases too. I use the 1015 to hold all my non-water proofed electronics like the charger.

Which powerfilm do you recommend? It would be cool to charge as you walked if they are tough enough to hang off of a pack.

Heck, there are several backpacks with built in solar chargers these days. Just nothing that is geared for more than kids really though.

I think JJ said he has the F15-600, 10 watts and does all he wants it to. See two posts above yours.

That's right. The 10W F15-600 is perfect for everything except laptops. I have charged my Galaxy Tablet with it, but it took more than 6 hours.

As for backpacks with solar built in, I haven't seen one worth a spit. I do tie my panel to my bicycle's saddle bags and my backpack and it works great, plus this panel produces more juice than any of those built in backpacks do.they have grommets just for tying down.

As for ruggedness, check out the videos on the Powerfilm website. They unload a 9mm magazine on one with minimal reduction in power. These panels are the same ones I have been issued in the Marine Corps while deployed except they aren't camo, but you can get those if you buy directly from Powerfilm. That will require you to pay $200 plus though.

Here is a chart to give you an idea of how much power and which model you need depending on your requirements.



If you are anything like me though, the majority of your loadout runs on the same type/size battery. Everything I carry minus a few things like my iPod run on AA batteries. This allows me to cannibalize.

Thanks for all the info JJ.

After I'm done with Christmas shopping I'm checking these out

MM

Hmmm...do I need one? I know I need some new boots.

Caught a close out on Woodsman Pal 2nd from Pro Tool Industries, Inc.

Woodman's Pal® Classic - Model 784 (Factory Second)
Nylon Sheath and Stone Set
Custom Engraving: RNM
Shipping: Free
Grand total: $49.95 <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />