[Yr7-10it] charging laptop off solar etc?

Fri Mar 26 22:40:48 EST 2010

Hi Rob and all,

Not exactly what you're after, but, for info, the latest City Software
catalogue has a solar powered phone charger for $22 on the front cover.

On their website, complete with a video, they say:

<www.citysoftware.com.au/Greenpoint_Universal_Solar_Powered_Phone_Charger.
aspx>

Product Name: Greenpoint Universal Solar Powered Phone Charger 
Part No:  GPE0002 
Manufacturer:  Greenpoint 
Manufacturer Code:  GP10021 
Weight 0.50 kg 

Usually Ships Next Day  $22.00 

Ideal for charging:

• Mobile Phones (Iphone, Nokia N series, Sony Ericsson, LG, Samsung, 
  Motorola (not V6) 
• Ipods ( not nano) 
• MP3 /MP4
• GPS
• PDA
• Other USB charged devices

Specifications:

• Solar 5.5V/50mA 
• Built-in polymer battery 1000mAH
• Max output voltage 5.5V/500mA 
• High finished Aluminium body
• Phone charging time: 60min (the charging time can be varied depending
  on the mobile phone battery capacity)
• Charging time by sunlight: 12hr for fully charge
• Charging time by computer: 3hr for fully charge. 

Includes:

• 10 connectors 
• USB Cable 
• Hanging rope

Cheers,
Stephen
Nb: $0 City Software connection

> Andrew and Donna that all sounds promising and very generous
> 
> will go off list if this goes any further but let me ask Andrew one 
more question here:
> 
>  ... ie spell it out a bit more for me :)
> 
> the targus powerpack you mention ... what is that exactly ?
> 
> normal powerpack on laptop expects mains input of 240 V (AC)   - and 
delivers (according
to the text on my powerpack) 19.5 V DC and up to 3.3 Amp  (usually much 
less current i
guess)
> 
> so when i plug an inverter into say our car cigarette lighter, it takes 
12 V DC, inverts
and transforms to 240 V, which the powerpack changes back down to 19.5 V 
DC ... i can see
how thats inefficient, (but ok as long as the car battery keeps charging)
> 
> we can avoid some of these steps? -  your UPS 6.5 V batteries in series 
give 13V -
wouldn't be quite 'close enough' to the required voltage of 19.5 V i 
would think?   these
devices seem to be fussy about getting the right power?
> 
> basic questions but i don't quite see how it works :)
> 
> hoping though!
> 
> re time frame, a few hours a day over a week would be good
> 
> Donna - i can't pretend an XO would have the right software, but i 
would love to have a
play with Sugar on the real deal- would be very cool
> 
> rob
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: yr7-10it-bounces at edulists.com.au on behalf of WEIR Andrew
> Sent: Fri 3/26/2010 9:55 AM
> To: Year 7 - 10 Information Technology Teachers' Mailing List
> Subject: RE: [Yr7-10it] charging laptop off solar etc?
> 
> Rob,
> I must agree with Tony in the inefficiencies issues mentioned but I will
> add one thing.
> 
> What Time frame are you looking at working remotely for??
> 
> I frequently have to run a Laptop, Two Way Radio and Packet Modem from
> battery. I managed to source my self 2 pairs of 6 volt 135 A/H
> batteries. (Removed from a UPS after two years) When these are connected
> appropriately I have my 12 volts for running radio modem and laptop
> power packs.
> I have had about 3.5 days of 8 -10 hours a day. Laptop Is always running
> but modem and radio transmit about 10 secs every min.
> 
> This is laptop running through Targus portable power pack. Radio is
> 12volts naturally and modem run of usb power on laptop.
> 
> This is with no solar panel at all.
> 
> I have learnt the following,
> 1. Use a Portable power supply not a 12V/240V inverter running the
> laptops normal power pack.
> 2. Power Management is important. Lower Processor speed longer life.
> 3. Make sure your source battery's are as charged as possible.
> 
> 
> Anyway happy to talk further and if push comes to shove contact me of
> list, can possibly arrange to lend you the second pair of batteries I
> have.
> 
> 
> Regards
> Andrew Weir
> VK3HFT
> 
> 
> 
> Andrew Weir
> 
> Information Technology Co-ordinator
> 
> Thomas Carr College
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: yr7-10it-bounces at edulists.com.au
> [mailto:yr7-10it-bounces at edulists.com.au] On Behalf Of Costello, Rob R
> Sent: Friday, 26 March 2010 9:31 AM
> To: Year 7 - 10 Information Technology Teachers' Mailing List
> Subject: RE: [Yr7-10it] charging laptop off solar etc?
> 
> Hi Tony
> 
> thought you might have some ideas on this
> 
> i know the XO is designed for this but not a feasible solution in my
> case :)
> 
> i take your point on efficiencies - the steps in converting to AC and
> back to DC etc
> 
> sounds like still harder than i hoped
> 
> might need to look at generator
> 
> thanks
> 
> Rob
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: yr7-10it-bounces at edulists.com.au on behalf of
> forster at ozonline.com.au
> Sent: Thu 3/25/2010 10:40 PM
> To: yr7-10it at edulists.com.au
> Subject: Re: [Yr7-10it] charging laptop off solar etc?
> 
> > hello all
> >
> > anyone know any good shelf solutions for charging laptops from solar
> etc?
> >
> >   (for extended usage over several days at location with no power)
> >
> > is adapter off  lead acid battery (ie stand alone car battery?)  a
> possible solution? - i know it works in car but not sure how it would
> last without recharging - instinct says laptop is a trickle feed so
> should be ok if battery was in good nic?
> 
> You will get 2-4 hours out of a car battery. A solar panel produces
> approximately the equivalent of 4 hours a day at its rated power so you
> would need quite a big panel.
> 
> All the efficiencies multiply, panel x battery x inverter x laptop
> charger x laptop battery so if each was 80% efficient theres still not
> much left at the end.
> 
> Need aggressive power management, minimum hard drive time, minimum
> backlight etc. A netbook might be lower power. The OLPC XO laptop has
> been designed specifically for this application.
> 
> Tony
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> Year 7 - 10 IT Mailing List kindly supported by
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> 
> Important - This email and any attachments may be confidential. If 
received in error,
please contact us and delete all copies. Before opening or using 
attachments check them
for viruses and defects. Regardless of any loss, damage or consequence, 
whether caused by
the negligence of the sender or not, resulting directly or indirectly 
from the use of any
attached files our liability is limited to resupplying any affected 
attachments. Any
representations or opinions expressed are those of the individual sender, 
and not
necessarily those of the Department of Education and Early Childhood 
Development.
> _______________________________________________
> http://www.edulists.com.au - FAQ, resources, subscribe, unsubscribe
> Year 7 - 10 IT Mailing List kindly supported by
> http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au - Victorian Curriculum and Assessment 
Authority and
> http://www.vitta.org.au  - VITTA Victorian Information Technology 
Teachers Association Inc

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