Solar powered Radio / torch

Happywanderer · The Master

Solar powered Radio / torch

Duh · Guru

Marj,

I had one of those given to me as a present some time ago, same type, same colour, same functions etc.

I don't have it now, I think I left it out in the sun too long (forgot it was there) and it cooked it, wouldn't work after that!

Happywanderer · The Master

I will remember that Duh, make sure I don't overdo the sun.

jules47 · The Happy Helper

Had one of these for years Marj - worked a dream for years, then just died one day!!!

Happywanderer · The Master

Lets hope it works a dream for me for years too Jules. Sick of not having a radio when camped. Have had some little cheap ones that last 5 minutes so hope this lasts 5 years. lol

patrolst · Senior Member

Maybe this type of solar charging is not meant to be in the sun, you can purchase calculators that run on batteries but will charge in a room with a fluorescent lighting environment.

Do your instructions note that the unit can be charged in the sun, if so the added heat to the panel from the sun could be detrimental to the health of the battery if left out to long.

Gerty Dancer · Guru

A radio is essential when we are away fron towns camping in the bus/ beside a lake etc. On the day of the terrible Victorian bushfires we were camped beside a beach with no radio, no signal on mobile, and didnt know anything about those fires. Next day we went to the nearest town to try to find out where the smoke in the air was coming from. Since then we've got ourselves a "high gain" radio that gets a signal in most places, the trouble is, they are expensive.

Happywanderer · The Master

The instuctions say to put in sunlight for 4-6 hours which will give you 60% charge. To get a full 100% you would need to use other power, batteries, dynamo or plug in to 240.

Esmeralda · Guru

I might just pop into Jaycar next week as this looks like it will be good - I can't get the oen the van to work,

Happywanderer · The Master

I like the idea that I can use this one without using any of the van power Esmerelda. Anything solar I want it.

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

I agree with Marj - anything that does not draw power from my van battery is a plus for me .... I have one of these solar/wind-up torchs.

http://www.aussiedisposals.com.au/wind-up-solar-radio

About 4 mins of winding will give 20mins of radio. But I keep it charged by the solar panel on the top. It can also be charged via the provided USB cord from your laptop.

It is an AM/FM clock-radio with alarm with a built in flashlight.

I have had mine for a bit over three years and it is still going strong.

Cheers - John

Duh · Guru

Happywanderer wrote:
I like the idea that I can use this one without using any of the van power Esmerelda. Anything solar I want it.

Even if the solar does go eventually Marj, you still have the dynamo to charge it so don't have to worry too much if the batteries (if used) go flat, you will still have radio. I think when my solar went (same model and colour as yours) the dynamo and battery power still worked, I can't remember it having 240V power though, maybe because it was an earlier model. I gave mine away to someone as I wanted a more powerful radio.

Beth54 · Guru

rockylizard wrote:
Gday...
I agree with Marj - anything that does not draw power from my van battery is a plus for me .... I have one of these solar/wind-up torchs.
http://www.aussiedisposals.com.au/wind-up-solar-radio
About 4 mins of winding will give 20mins of radio. But I keep it charged by the solar panel on the top. It can also be charged via the provided USB cord from your laptop.
It is an AM/FM clock-radio with alarm with a built in flashlight.
I have had mine for a bit over three years and it is still going strong.
Cheers - John

I assume that this one works everywhere John? I only have my car radio, so I'm looking at getting one for the van. I often have trouble with the car radio not picking up stations. I don't know if it's the radio or the little antenna on the i30.

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

I only listen to ABC Local Radio and I usually pick up the stations where ever I am ... they are predominantly AM stations away from the 'cities' - eg outback QLD and NSW etc. It picks up the FM stations when closer into towns/cities.

I was pleasantly surprised that it picked up stations 99% of the time - I thought it may not have had the 'strength' in the aerial. Sometimes takes a bit of fiddling with the telescopic aerial but I usually pick up the ABC stations.

Cheers - John