![Reply](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/buttons/reply.gif) |
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
1 Mar 2012
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: No Fixed Address (formerly Toronto)
Posts: 1,847
|
|
But if you're looking for portable USB power, I just picked up a Zagg Sparq, slightly larger than the palm of your hand. Here's a picture of the two devices for a size comparison:
![](http://mym0ry.smugmug.com/Other/Misc/1989975_5ZXhhk#%21i=1730911726&k=4ZgVQSR)
http://www.zagg.com/accessories/zaggsparq-c.php
It'll hold enough charge to fully top up an iPhone battery from empty 4 times.
Last edited by lightcycle; 1 Mar 2012 at 06:57.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
1 Mar 2012
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
|
|
Do you know what the charge time on the zagg is - one problem with charging from USB is that they take bloody ages (at least my contour HD does, haven't bought a stills camera yet)
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
1 Mar 2012
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: No Fixed Address (formerly Toronto)
Posts: 1,847
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by henryuk
Do you know what the charge time on the zagg is - one problem with charging from USB is that they take bloody ages (at least my contour HD does, haven't bought a stills camera yet)
|
The Zagg *is* a USB charger, so it won't be any faster than how you're charging via USB right now. Just that it's portable (won't need an electrical outlet - at least until the Zagg runs out of juice) and it's smaller than a motorcycle battery (which is I think what you were originally asking for).
The Zagg outputs 2000mA.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
1 Mar 2012
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
|
|
Sorry, what I meant is what is the charging time for the Zagg, rather than from it!
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
1 Mar 2012
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: No Fixed Address (formerly Toronto)
Posts: 1,847
|
|
Ah, gotcha.
I just got it, so I haven't drained it completely yet, but from what I've read online, they say about 6 hours to charge from empty to full.
And you can charge your USB devices while the Zagg is plugged into the wall recharging as well, so everything is recharging at the same time.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
1 Mar 2012
|
![Matt Cartney's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar14008_1.gif) |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by henryuk
The weight saving is part of the reason to bin the battery, also it's less to go wrong - a spare capacitor weighs naff all.
|
Henry,
Firstly, forgive my ignorance! Are you concerned about the battery getting dodgy and this interfering with the running of the bike? I won't pretend to know much about electrics (it's all the devil's business as far as I'm concerned) but my Enfield has been sat in the garage best part of three years and the battery is comletely screwed. At least half of the acid has evaporated and it holds no charge. However, I have a Boyer Bransden Powerbox fitted in place of the standard regulator/rectifier and the bike starts and runs fine.
Matt
PS - Wanna buy an Enfield?
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com
http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/
*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
1 Mar 2012
|
![mattcbf600's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar18480_3.gif) |
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: London, England
Posts: 706
|
|
Hi Henry - consider something from Power Traveller... if all you're doing is charging a camera and phone then something like this will be ideal
https://powertraveller.com/iwantsome...nkey-explorer/
The solar charger it comes with takes 8 hours to charge, but you can just leave it in your tank bag map case during the days riding and take it back up to about 75% from empty over the full day. 50% if it's overcast. But the good thing is it does 4 complete (when full) charges of my iPhone and 8 for my camera battery, 6 for the DSLR.
With just the monkey (not using the 12v socket) I can do 5 days on the road without needing a power socket - at which point I can plug that in and get it back up to 100% in 20 mins - and then I have another few days free of the grid.
If that's not go enough juice consider this one
https://powertraveller.com/iwantsome...r/minigorilla/
It runs up to a full 19v and has a higher output so charges things much much faster - including the monkey several times over. It can run my laptop from empty to 50% and takes 16 hours to charge (to full) with the solar panel sold separately or with the larger gorilla pad in a shorter time.
https://powertraveller.com/iwantsome.../solargorilla/
In practice I find that gorilla solar panel too large on the bike so rely on power points every 5 or so days and the small solar panel. The mini gorilla unit takes 45 mins - 1 hour to fully charge so it's a case of doing it over lunch / dinner rather than over a coffee for the monkey.
The monkey will charge over a 12v socket - the mini gorilla won't.
I run off those two devices (and the small solar unit):
* Android Phone
* Casio compact camera
* VERY old iPod 2nd Gen
* Panasonic G1 DSLR
* Sony eReader
* Canon HD Camcorder
* Apple MacBook (13")
If I run as normal I get 5 days between sockets, if I'm careful I get a week - and as the monkey can charge in an hour off the 12v socket I can keep running permanently if I need to on the smaller stuff. (I know you can't do this). The only thing I require the mini gorilla for is the camcorder and the macbook.
I did a brief write-up of the gear over on the blog here
Powering on | The London Biker
I must do a video of it at some point.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
1 Mar 2012
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
|
|
Matt (Cartney) - the bike doesn't need a battery but it would have some bonuses - so I'm weighing up the pros and cons....
Pros of no battery:
Simpler to build
Lighter bike
No battery to leak/dry up/die
Less tempted to take non-essential gadgets
Putting a high-tech Li battery on an essentially classic bike might be sacriligous?
Pros of battery:
Very easy to add 12v charging socket
Can run LED lights and decent HID Headlights
Could even splash out on a GPS and have it running all the time!
Matt (Cashmore)
Thanks for all the pointers, I'll check the links out - see my final choice at Ripley
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
1 Mar 2012
|
![Matt Cartney's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar14008_1.gif) |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
|
|
Hi Henry,
Yes, makes sense. I did consider removing the battery from the Enfield for lightness (it needs all the help it can get!) but decided to keep it (or never got round to it really).
A lot of electronic gadgets you can do without or run on AAs. I'm sure there are one or two Digital cameras that run on AAs or AAAs, but it will limit your choices.
I see you considered a netbook - and they are fantastic - absolutely ideal for motorbike travel IMHO. Even a cheap one will do all you need in terms of writing a blog and editing pics. I use one, but I need it for writing when researching books. It would be tempting not to bother if I was travelling light and not writing. You could just take multiple SD cards and download your pix to Flickr or similar every time you come across an internet cafe.
What else do you need? A phone? Easily topped up with a USB charger at internet cafes or using a solar charger. I would imagine you can also use the SD card in a phone to store extra copies of your photos, although I haven't looked into this.
Just out of interest, why is it you can't charge devices off a 12v system running off an alternator with no battery?
Matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com
http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/
*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
1 Mar 2012
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
|
|
To be honest Matt it's because I know naff all about electronics (as opposed to electrics, which I have just about got my head around). I have no idea whether or not the erratic voltage coming off a magneto would fry the battery in a netbook or overcook a modern camera battery. If just wiring into the main loom would be an option that would be great!
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
1 Mar 2012
|
![Matt Cartney's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar14008_1.gif) |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
|
|
Like I said, I'm no expert, and I may be putting my electronics at risk! But, I have a cigarette lighter adapter which I wired directly to the positive and negative terminals of my XT. I know the voltage across the battery terminals depends on whether the engine is running and driving the alternator. I can't remember what the difference is, but it's a couple of volts perhaps between the engine on and the engine off. So that would suggest that the voltage is mainly dictated by the alternator, not the battery and also means I am getting a variable voltage at my cigarette lighter adapter. If I remember correctly this was the way the adapter was meant to be wired up and I didn't just assume (I do have a reasonably well developed assumption instinct) that it was to be wired up this way. This might suggest that you can charge off a battery-less system? I note that you are using a magneto of course, so I don't know what difference this would make. This is DC right? I'm guessing charging devices are set to run off AC and this might cause issues.
I'm just thinking aloud really. Like I said, its all the devils works to me.
Matt
PS - If anyone knows a good reason not to wire up a cigarette lighter adapter direct to the terminals of a battery, please let me know before I fry my netbook!
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com
http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/
*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
1 Mar 2012
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
|
|
I think the problem could be caused by the voltage constantly going below 8 volts whenever you go to idle, which is the minimum operating voltage of some gadgetry. The magneto works just like an old fashioned bicycle dynamo, so when the engine's not running there is 0 volts, and it increases linearly with revs.
It might be that some or all chargers can handle it but I've been unsucessful in finding a definitive answer on the internet so far
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
![Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.](/stuff/ripcord/ripcord-logo-250.jpg)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
![Five books by Graham Field!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|