Here's a topic that hasn't come up in the last year or more. How many topics can you say that about, given the broad interests and talents of this group? Are any of you using solar battery chargers on extended trips? Do they make sense for a paddler, or is it more practical to just take a bag of batteries along? Bob Tellefson Santa Barbara Kayak Assocation http://www.sbka.org 805-683-9717 *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Hi Bob, I haven't looked into solar chargers, but I do carry a very small gel cell 12V battery with me. (YT4L-BS - about $35) This thing is tiny (about the size of a 6V lantern battery). I've run my GPS (GPS III) for over 24 continuous hours without a problem, and it powers my bilge pump fine. The battery was still running my GPS after a day, but I no longer needed it on, so I turned it off. I have no idea how long it will really last. I would caution I haven't had it in salt water though. I'm not sure what would happen if suddenly immersed in salt water. Fresh water hasn't been a problem. I outfitted the kayak with an exterior grade power jack from Wal-mart (glorified car cigarette lighter receptacle) so other electronic items can be used as well. The GPS was the main reason for this since my GPS can eat up 4 alkaline batteries every 8 hours. The bilge pump and other electronic accessories were a side benefit. Woody -----Original Message----- From: owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net [mailto:owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net] On Behalf Of Bob Tellefson Sent: Monday, January 11, 1999 7:14 PM To: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subject: [Paddlewise] solar battery chargers <snip> Are any of you using solar battery chargers on extended trips? Do they make sense for a paddler, or is it more practical to just take a bag of batteries along? *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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