Since installing a Biard 100W solar panel on the roof of the campervan, I’ve experienced the benefits of solar power while away with the family. I’ve also noticed a few downsides to a permanently fixed installation and the biggest problem came when we needed to park the van in the shade due to the sun’s […]
Campervan Solar Panel Installation
I’ve been running a rigid frame 50W solar panel at home for a number of years to provide 12V lighting with the intention of using it on the caravan and then the campervan but I just couldn’t bring myself to mount such a big frame on the roof of a moving vehicle. After noticing a deal […]
The Really NOT Very Mobile Solar Project
The caravan has been put away for the winter so I decided to try and use my 50W solar panel for something at home. First thoughts were based around a test project to see if a 50W panel could be used to keep all my tech charged during winter in the UK. But then my […]
Powermonkey eXtreme – Mobile Power Review
When I first saw the Powermonkey eXtreme listed in the ‘coming soon‘ section of the Powertraveller website I got a little excited. I had previously seen they had a larger battery called the Startmonkey200 and thought this could be a backup power consideration for campers but I somehow thought they must be developing a dedicated […]
Off-Grid Power Research
Once again I’m investigating ways of generating electricity off-grid (not necessarily green power). Part of the emphasis will be on mobility, this doesn’t mean it will fit in my pocket, but certainly could be used for living in a caravan, boat, tent or nuclear bunker 😉 The main point is to create electricity from a […]
6.5W Folding Solar charger MMP4
This week I’ve been testing a portable folding solar panel. It’s called the “6.5W Folding Solar charger MMP4” it costs £110 and was provided on loan from @Select_Solar I’m trying to find a lightweight panel that can easily be carried and would provide a decent enough current to charge the Kensington USB battery (http://j.mp/df3uGI)This panel […]
Touring Caravan Energy Systems
If you grew up in the UK then a fairly high percentage of you will of been away in a caravan. I spent many a happy six week school holiday with my brother and sister totally off grid with only foot pumps for water and a gas bottle for light and heat. Things have got […]
Three MiFi Mobile WiFi
I’ve had my eye on a Three Mobile WiFi unit for a while, I managed to blag one of the original Three units from @Documentally which used my USB dongle but wasn’t battery powered. @ThreeMobileBuzz contacted me via twitter and asked if I would like to trial the new unit – luckily I was destined […]
Energizer Rechargeable Solar Flip
As mentioned in the video above, this is an AA or AAA battery charger from Energizer. It comes with an AC adaptor but also a solar panel to recharge your batteries. The pack also includes 2 x 2000mAh rechargeable Energizer batteries and feels quite solid with a rubberised finish. It claims to be […]
Touring Caravan Kit
So at the start of 2009 I’ve been thinking about last year and the touring Caravan we bought in March 2008. We have been thinking about where we might go in 2009 and what extra kit we might need. When I first got ‘the van’ I was totally unprepared for the onslaught of kit required […]
Solar Power Trickle Charger for £30
So here is an idea I had to get cheapish solar power via a trickle charger. I bought a portable Jump starter from Maplin for £19.99 and a 12V 1.5W solar panel for only £9.99 to keep it topped up with power. Total cost £29.98! I removed the tyre air compressor from the back and […]
3G/4G WiFi Mobile Internet Bridge Router
The concept: Use four 3G USB pens from different mobile internet providers, plug them into a Belkin wireless hub, power it all with a Solar charged PowerMonkey and bridge all connections to get the best speed from all four networks while in a mobile location …. I made this image to demonstrate the concept … […]