FS: Solar Powered & USB Chargers -2 panels added

[diablo_331]

I received my charger yesterday. Very nice work! It works perfectly!

[cottonpickers]

Quick Folder update: Well I'm slowly building the new folders. I have been half waiting on my new higher powered mono cells and they landed this morning ! woohoo! These are rated at over 900ma each and (I hope) are exactly the same physical size.. so should allow me to drop them straight in. With the addition of a battery box I could make these Apple compatible on every port, but I'm not sure if its worth doing that on these (given that it comes with an ipad /iphone socket on the 12v output) thoughts? This will be a slowish build.
I'll likely make the older 800ma panels into a quad folder offering 1600ma on 5v and 1.6a on 12v. Happy days!

[tobrien]

I'm gonna go ahead and buy two voltmeters from you. I owe you $14 correct? Any idea if I pay tonight if it'd reach the southern US before the 19th? I'm moving on the nineteenth so I'm curious if it makes sense to wait or not till I move lol

edit: nvm got antsy and went ahead and sent you the paypal funds for two of them, thanks bud!

[JustG]

With the addition of a battery box I could make these Apple compatible on every port, but I'm not sure if its worth doing that on these (given that it comes with an ipad /iphone socket on the 12v output) thoughts?

I'd rather have one without the additional battery box personally. Having the 12v adapter is nice as an option instead of a battery box that's permanently connected.

[N7V]

Hey cottonpickers, I'm new here. Do you sell Li-ion batteries as well by chance? I could get everything out of the way in one purchase with you if so

[obriencr]

I'd rather have one without the additional battery box personally. Having the 12v adapter is nice as an option instead of a battery box that's permanently connected.

I second no battery box. Extra bulk without adding much value. (Time line and cost on the dual 900 mah set up?)

obriencr

[cottonpickers]

Tobrien: went in the post several days ago
Justg: thanks for the steer.
N7v: I don't really stock/ lions - have helped a few people out as a last resort though !
Obriencr: thanks for the steer. I'm going to drop the box. I think 2 - 3 weeks. Price will be the same ($139) and will include tracked and prioritised where available. I've made up 6 covers and cut outs are complete. 2 of these folders are taken. I just need to take it easy on making these so I can enjoy it.

[tobrien]

Tobrien: went in the post several days ago

thanks a lot bud! any ETA on how long it typically takes to get to the southern USA if you're aware or if anyone can chime in?

I'm so stoked to get these voltmeters. All the RHBs (really hot babes) are gonna love them!

[N7V]

Okay cottonpickers, I'll let you know when I have the funds and I'll place an order with you (without batteries).

[N7V]

Has anyone tested the durability of the different sized panels? There are a lot of posts in this thread, and I've read many of them, but could have easily missed something like this. How well do these panels hold up? What happens if it starts raining suddenly and you get a little water exposure before you're able to unhook the system while it's charging?

[cottonpickers]

N7V - I'll let others answer, but my view would be that some rain wouldn't hurt them (material for folders is waterproof) but that they should be looked after - ie not thrown around or left out for days.

Quick progress update on the folders. I'm making a batch of 6 folders (3 have been paid for) After these I may make an uber large 4 panel model likely from the 800ma panels I have rather than the 900ma panels that these folders will get.

Next step is to glue the panels in and do the electrics. Gluing likely tomorrow night as thats quite fun :-)

[drive]

Question, I already own a (popular) 7 watt and a 13 watt solar panel kits but desperately seeking a compatible charger
to charge 18650 3.7 volt batteries. Can my (popular) solar panel kits interface with your charger?

[Edvpt]

David, PayPal for my folder was just sent. 1RX5374948467571H

Thanks

EDVPT

[cottonpickers]

drive: Yes, if its got a USB output. If you have the goal0 then in my tests the USB output is limited to 500ma as it is supplied so all chargers will work fine, but you likely will only be able to charge at 500ma or lower.
Edvpt: Got it. will update this thread as the build progresses

[tobrien]

got my two voltmeters today, thanks! my coworkers think they're REALLY neat (as do I! ) thanks bud!

p.s.: about to shoot you a PM, cotton

[cottonpickers]

Quick pic update of the folder build. All panels now in. Electrics next - likely Wed. 4 of these 6 are paid for.
These have the larger 900ma cottonpickers panels in them. I'm hoping they may allow a neater finish due the tracks that I should be able to use.

As with all my folders, the build is not perfect. Getting panels well aligned is difficult, but the picture shows how they are coming out. Think of it like you are commissioning me to make a folder charger like you would want yourself.



The diodes just went in (Monday night) I use 2 diodes on the USB ports to drop the voltage, and one for the 12v line. Diodes stop reverse current.


All electrics are now in and the back is glued on. [Wed] Theres lots of work still to do (edges all need trimming/sealing and then sewing. Eyelets need to go in, and the 12v sockets need making up) but its nice to put the back on and make them look a little more like they will end up. 5 of these 6 are paid for.

[N7V]

Hey cottonpickers I just sent you a PM about making a purchase. Thanks

[genesol]

Hi Cottonpickers,
I transferred the money across for the folder and nona charger. Hope all is going well

[cottonpickers]

N7V: Got it, and PM back - Thanks!
Genesol: I've got it. I'm sorry I didn't acknowledge it - a little hectic at the minute, but all is well and yours folder is reserved.

All: All folders are now taken. I'll get finishing them off now!

[bmstrong]

What panels will charge an iPad 3? I've been thinking about a Solar Joos but these are still significantly cheaper. They probably won't take a such abuse as the Joos but I can accept that. Are the backs still open on the single panels, with the putty?

[cottonpickers]

Bmstrong: my 1000ma linkable with the included 4nimh box (you need to supply the cells) charges an iPad3 nicely at over an amp. Alternatively my folder will charge it (but none currently available). The 1000ma with the NiMH holder is $65 delivered. Its open backed' but linkable.


N7v: its in the post

All: FRI: 12v sockets all complete for the folders.
SAT Morning -I've just hot sealed all the edges.
SAT Evening - All the edges have been sewn and eyelets have been put in. I'm hoping to get some nice pics tomorrow in the (hopeful) sun. Need to make up the basic lion chargers which I'll set to 700ma unless I hear otherwise! so shout if you need a lower setting. Should be able to get one or two out on Monday.

SUN Night: Well they are all finished, but I haven't managed to package them up - so will end up going on Tuesday - sorry about that, but this way I won't rush the packaging or miss any items. Heres the final pics before they get wrapped:


These are all sold.

[HarmlessJohnny_5]

this looks really good, I think I'd like to buy one and then perhaps more of these from you. What is the best way to contact you and make arrangements?

[FlashlightInMyPocket]

I would like to purchase two of your latest foldables. Please let me know the price and I will send a payment. I didn't read the entire thread so I'm not sure if the price has changed with the improvements. Could you give me a price with the selectable rate digital display lLi chargers? I understand production may take time. Thank You.

[N7V]

Cottonpickers, I received the package. Have done some basic testing with all of the components and they seem to be working. Thanks a lot, this stuff is great!

[genesol]

I Cottonpickers,
I picked the chargers up from the post office yesterday. They look very good and once my new batteries turn up ill get them out in the sun and charging. Fingers crossed we get some sun next weekend. Thanks again.

[cottonpickers]

N7V,Genesol: thanks for the update!
harmless/flashlight. let me get the parts our ordered in. thanks for the interest!

[FlashlightInMyPocket]

Thank you. No rush, glad to see you are constantly making improvements. I showed a friend who is a survival nut your Foldables and he was amazed with the output.
Payment available upon request.

[DrtyD]

Cottonpickers - I would also like to join the requests for your new folders. I would like to order two of them and also two of the NONA chargers. I understand slow build/backlog so no problem there. If you will get me the total as you are able, I'll have it in PP immediately. Thanks very much for your work!

[cottonpickers]

Fimp: thanks for the feedback. Panels are on their way....
Drtyd: 2 folders and 2 Nonas is $380 as I can save some postage..

All: For those looking mainly for USB charging I'm looking to add the option of 1000 or 1100ma panels. It will drop the voltage on the 12v side but I believe that many 12v devices (especially those that are down converting voltage) will work fine as 12v batteries are often 10.5v-14.5v. Existing 900ma panel is the default with nice 12v output.

Target date for completing next batch is sep 10th

[DrtyD]

That will be great - PP sent 5FE832026Y947140F. I'm looking forward to them!