Customer Care

FAQs

Why didn’t you use a battery with more storage power than 3600 mAh in the Power Pack?

It was a design trade-off:  more power versus compact weight and size; charge time versus solar panel output.  We considered many factors to arrive at a workable design that’s truly useful for two-wheel traveling.  As solar and battery technology advance, future versions of the product will incorporate these advances. 

Why a combined panel and battery system rather than just a 12 volt solar panel solution?

Simply put, the battery allows you to store the sun’s energy for use when and where you need it: at night, in the rain, inside a tent.  The other design consideration was a desire to keep the solar panel dimensions compact enough for use on a bicycle or motorcycle.  Where are you going to attach a 12 volt panel that’s five feet long? 

Any tips on how to attach my Solar Charger especially when my bike's panniers (saddlebags) are only partially full?

Obviously completely full panniers create a larger horizontal surface making it easier to affix the Solar Charger.  A simple solution for those times when your panniers are only partially full or empty is to create a solid base for the Solar Charger using a 12" x 14" sheet of rigid plastic sign board or artist's canvas board.  Any light, rigid material will work.  Simply slide the rigid board under the Solar Charger, tuck the two end flaps over the board, and attach using the D-rings and your bungee cords. Click here for a few pictures which illustrate the solution.

How do I know that my Solar Charger Panels are working?

Check the Charge Indicator light on the Power Pack; it will be illuminated when the panels are charging. But it will fade once the Power Pack is fully charged.  Don’t forget that the Solar Charger Panels must be in sunlight in order to work. If you’re electronically inclined, you may also test the panel output with a volt meter.

Can I leave the Solar Charger Panel outside for continual use?

The Solar Charger Panels were not designed for continuous outdoor usage; e.g., every day of the year as part of a permanent solar power installation. As good practice, we suggest you disconnect the Panel Holder from your bike or motorcycle at day’s end during your trip.  Feel free to use the panels every day during your travels.  If you are on a hard core adventure trip that lasts a year, use them every day, send us pictures!

Should the Solar Charger Panels be disconnected from the Power Pack when using it to charge a device?

No, the Solar Charger Panels can remain connected to the Power Pack and will not effect operation of the attached device or any of the devices electronic components.  However, if the panels are not being used to actively charge the Power Pack (indoors, at night, etc.), they should be disconnected.

None of the cellular phone or PDA connectors match my phone. What should I do?

Use the 12V CLA Female Output Connector along with the male CLA supplied with your phone or PDA.  Unfortunately, due to almost constant model introduction by cellular and PDA manufactures, it is not possible to maintain an up-to-date compatibility list for the supplied 7 Piece Set of connectors.

Will the Power Pack charge my iPod?

Yes, use the 12V CLA Female Output Connector along with a male CLA to match your iPod. 

Will I ever have to replace my Power Pack like other rechargeable batteries?

Yes,  but only after many, many discharge/recharge cycles. Partially charging then using a lithium-ion battery does not diminish battery life as is often the case with nickel-based rechargeable batteries.

Troubleshooting

Consult the following if you experience difficulties when charging your Power Pack or using your Power Pack to charge another device:

• Ensure all connections between devices are secure.

• Inspect all plugs, jacks, connectors and cables to ensure they are not damaged or cut.

• For AA/AAA rechargeable batteries, check to make sure that the battery is in good condition. Most small rechargeable batteries are nickel based and over time battery performance decreases due to incomplete charge and discharge cycles. If the battery performance is weakened, the battery may need to be replaced.

• Sometimes the internal battery of the device being recharged is at the end of its useful life.  If such is the case, it is not the fault of the Power Pack.  The suspect device battery must be either replaced or repaired.

• Some portable electronics such as computers require more power (current) than the Power Pack can supply making them unsuitable for use with the Power Pack.