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4W Solar Trickle Charger

Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2011 9:50 pm
by lmol
Hi, This is my first post on the forum and being a brand new Bongo owner, I am learning much. I have noticed when I dont use my Bongo it struggles to start after a few days and all possible electrical items are turned off. I have a 4Watt trickle charger that can be plugged into the cigarette lighter - do people recommend these?

Re: 4W Solar Trickle Charger

Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2011 9:55 pm
by francophile1947
Afraid not (it certainly didn't on mine) :( The maximum output, in full sun, is only 0.33 of an amp and, unless you have your cigar lighter sockets rewired, you'll need the ignition on.

Re: 4W Solar Trickle Charger

Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2011 10:13 pm
by dandywarhol
Chocolate fireguard imol - and welcome :)

Re: 4W Solar Trickle Charger

Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2011 11:24 pm
by rapiddescent
4W is just not enough really - and remember that it will probably only supply 1/3 amp in optimal conditions, i.e. a 90amp battery would take 270hours of perfect solar conditions to charge.

I have a much larger fold out unit that supplies 1.2A (13W) on a cloudy day however, I'm probably going to upgrade it for a mobile 60W unit soon. My usage scenario is that the bongo is usually stopped for 3 days and has phones charging and computers running including a permanent 3G -> WiFi battery backed hotspot. Most USB devices charge on 1/2 amp or 1 amp.

I try to keep all the phones charging with DC transformers rather than stepping up to 240V AC because it's inefficient keeping the 240V transformer running and drains the leisure battery.