[Event] The Munga MTB 2017

[Slowbee]

29 Nov - 4 Dec 2017

[Slowbee]

Just a random question. Given that we will be in the Karoo, would it be worth it to ride with a small solar panel on the back pack to keep the cell phone charged ? Want to use the phone as a camera and also for staying in touch when we have reception.

 

the thoughts stray to not having to worry about plugging in to many things when resting at a spot, as when the sleep monsters arrive you might forget them behind when you leave.

 

are these things heavy ? would they suffice for say keep a cell phone charged and a GPS ?

[KingZA]

If you look at something like this then it's not particularly heavy (230g) and looks somewhat rugged.

 

http://www.sustainable.co.za/world-panel-sunstream-plus-solar-charger.html

 

You'd need to decide if you're going to charge your phone directly if if you'd want to charge a little powerbank and then use that to top-up your other devices.

 

Powerbanks can add a lot of weight as the capacity increases so if you are thinking of this then you shouldn't need anything bigger than the capacity of your phone's battery as that'll pretty much get you a single charge.

 

I'm assuming here, as I'm no expert by any means, that the biggest consideration is going to be if the solar panel is going to get enough of the suns rays to be able to operate effectively. This will be down to your mounting position along with course direction and time of day etc.

[Sepia]

Just a random question. Given that we will be in the Karoo, would it be worth it to ride with a small solar panel on the back pack to keep the cell phone charged ? Want to use the phone as a camera and also for staying in touch when we have reception.

 

the thoughts stray to not having to worry about plugging in to many things when resting at a spot, as when the sleep monsters arrive you might forget them behind when you leave.

 

are these things heavy ? would they suffice for say keep a cell phone charged and a GPS ?

I am not a Munga contender in any way but I have one of these which I use often.

I purchased it for R160 and thought it was a toy but it actually works and serves my purpose well.

 

It has led lights which show when it is charging and these come on even inside with the lights on.

It has a torch which helps when around camp or repairs at night.

It charges a mobile phone.

Tough and it has been dropped on occasions and it still works.

Keeps my GPS charged but is not powerful enough to take a charge at the same time.

Can be charged via USB or another type of plug.

2 x USB outputs  x 1A

Solar charging 5v/200mA

5000mAh

 

Use it as an emergency and it easy to strap onto a saddle bag and does not need much "light" to charge although full sunlight is better.  I am sure there are other solar goodies available but this is cheap and works for me.  Fits into my pocket.

[Long Wheel Base]

Just a random question. Given that we will be in the Karoo, would it be worth it to ride with a small solar panel on the back pack to keep the cell phone charged ? Want to use the phone as a camera and also for staying in touch when we have reception.

 

the thoughts stray to not having to worry about plugging in to many things when resting at a spot, as when the sleep monsters arrive you might forget them behind when you leave.

 

are these things heavy ? would they suffice for say keep a cell phone charged and a GPS ?

You get solar mats. I am not sure what they cost or where you can get one small enough but they literally look like a rubber mat so its not a solid panel. Might be worth looking into something like that as it can attach to something that's any shape. I have seen them advertised before as hail resistant so they fairly rugged. But the ones I saw where big and went onto a house roof.

 

EDIT: here is one on top of a car.

http://blog.dixieems.com/wp-content/uploads/PowerFilm-EP-Soler-Panel-Module-300x199.jpg

 

http://blog.dixieems.com/dixequip/streamlight-solarstream-emergency-vehicle-solar-mat/#.WNSuGNKGPIU

 

I just googled solar mat. A lot of pool stuff came up but a few of these came up as well.

Edited March 24, 2017 by Long Wheel Base

[Slowbee]

mmm, my "current" set up involves battery GPS / speed thingy with battery petzl on the lid and looking to buy extreme lights that should last the event when used on low power.

 

I would however like to use my phone to stay in touch with people (when signal) and take pics etc etc. Keeping the phone charged then becomes a headache. So looking at finding a way of making this happen.

 

That gadget Sepia posted my just work. It can keep the phone charged. And charge itself from the sun.

[dave303e]

surely your dyno hub can charge the phone during the day and then power light at night?

[Dogs]

I am not a Munga contender in any way but I have one of these which I use often.

I purchased it for R160 and thought it was a toy but it actually works and serves my purpose well.

 

Hi, where did you get this charger thingy?

[Sepia]

 

I am not a Munga contender in any way but I have one of these which I use often.

I purchased it for R160 and thought it was a toy but it actually works and serves my purpose well.

 

Hi, where did you get this charger thingy?

 

Local BorB I think.

[Sepia]

surely your dyno hub can charge the phone during the day and then power light at night?

Yes, quite right.  Don't need all the chargers anymore and I have an USB port on the dynamo so I am sorted.  Just portable light for cooking and repairs so I take it anyway.

 

Nothing worse than having to make a call/photo and you run out of battery.  Actually I can, not quite making it to the lav and having a fear of standing in .....oh, nevermind.

[Slowbee]

surely your dyno hub can charge the phone during the day and then power light at night?

$$$$$$ dont want to spend that much money on a dyno hub as this will be a once off use.

 

Trying to keep things as low cost as possible and simple as possible to show that you dont need fancy equipment to do the munga.

 

The advantage of the mini panel is it will come in handy on hiking trips, etc etc

[dave303e]

$$$$$$ dont want to spend that much money on a dyno hub as this will be a once off use.

 

Trying to keep things as low cost as possible and simple as possible to show that you dont need fancy equipment to do the munga.

 

The advantage of the mini panel is it will come in handy on hiking trips, etc etc

 

The other option but you gonna be carrying 4 odd batteries and spending a fair amount on batteries is to charge phone of light batteries with this-

https://www.extremelights.co.za/product/powerbank-usb-adapter-cycle-light-batteries/

 

My personal best option is, charge phone fully, switch off at start. After race you can turn it back on. Between start and finish you don't really need to talk to anyone, best part about EA every year is the week of being totally free, all you have to worry about is moving foreward...

[dave303e]

http://www.magiclight.co.za/lithium-ion-batteries

 

these are also useful, can mount to various places on bike and have a lot more battery life...

[jimmycool]

$$$$$$ dont want to spend that much money on a dyno hub as this will be a once off use.

 

Trying to keep things as low cost as possible and simple as possible to show that you dont need fancy equipment to do the munga.

 

The advantage of the mini panel is it will come in handy on hiking trips, etc etc

How about something like this? It is good for up to 10 full charges of a largish sized phone battery.

 

http://www.takealot.com/powerbank-30-000-mah-ad-dk-black/PLID43994011

[jimmycool]

http://media3.takealot.com/covers/covers_tsins/46821251/46821251-2-zoom.jpg?1484641060

[BuffsVintageBikes]

Anyone know if they have announced the winner of the Ride Magazine Comp for the Munga entry and Lynskey bike and kit? It was supposed to happen on the 15th April which has come & gone.