This is a great topic. Great video. It would be just great if a second series was filmed with other chargers. In addition, we really need a video with a similar topic, but not on chargers, but on power banks.
I'm learning so much from your solar system demonstrations. I could not figure it out on my own between the solar panels and USB chargers and voltage indicators that are all sold separately.
No problem. This one is cheap and works. www.ebay.com/itm/USB-Charger-Doctor-Capacity-Current-Voltage-Detector-Meter-Battery-Tester-WIS/182233441232?epid=1283203252&hash=item2a6df5a3d0%3Ag%3APc0AAOSwzJ5XbPLg&_sacat=0&_nkw=usb+detector&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313 This one is nice becasue it has an attached cable to allow easy viewing. www.ebay.com/itm/LED-LCD-Digital-USB-Charger-Doctor-Voltage-Current-Meter-Tester-Power-Detector/201389370707?hash=item2ee3bded53%3Ag%3AypwAAOSwQItT4JcK&_sacat=0&_nkw=usb+detector&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313 This is the best pannel deal going. www.ebay.com/itm/LED-LCD-Digital-USB-Charger-Doctor-Voltage-Current-Meter-Tester-Power-Detector/201389370707?hash=item2ee3bded53%3Ag%3AypwAAOSwQItT4JcK&_sacat=0&_nkw=usb+detector&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313 It works well with this charger which can also double as a powerbank. www.ebay.com/itm/LiitoKala-Lii-100-HOT-Smart-Battery-Charger-IMR-Li-ion-Ni-MH-Lithium-18650-S8W6/223066793275?hash=item33efd1253b%3Ag%3AYEMAAOSwWV9bTIsw&_sacat=0&_nkw=LII100&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313.TR2.TRC0.A0.H0.XLII100.TRS0 get this battery. www.illumn.com/18650-keeppower-3500mah-sanyo-ncr18650ga-protected-button-top.html all of that probably is less than 25 bucks. Hard to believe but I use that exact combo and it's really really good. Thanks for watching!
The XTAR VC2S (VC2 2019) is very solar compatible! I tested it with my X-Dragon 40W solar panels charger. The current is near 2 amps (1.8) even when you charge 1 battery (if it is not too old, internal resistance below 60 milliOhm). And it increases/decreases the current dynamically, depends on the sunlight intensity!
One reason why I like surefire host with Malkoff drop-in for a light. Fixed blade of tool steel for a knife. Ferro rod to start fires. Less to go wrong and it appears that also applies here. Thanks for watching
Tested the Klarus CH1X with my TopSolar Solar Fairy 30w panel and it passed with flying colors. I was unable to force a charge error, and the battery ramped up to full charge speed VERY quickly. 2 amp charging and output. Plus it functions as a power bank. I am using this in combination with some $2 usb powered dimmable LED chips as an ultralight headlight-and-power bank combo.
Hello, fantastic compatibility / reliability tests with the chargers. Have you done the exact same compatability / reliability test with different solar panels (goal Zero, Anker etc) and connecting connecting them directly to different devices like cellular phones (Samsung, Iphone), Handheld GPS (Garmin 64 etc), GoPros, and other devices that you might consider common devices for bushcraft survival? If you haven't done this type of testing, i am sure many people would find it very helpful if certain devices get charging errors when the solar panel/s are blocked from the sun.
Exactly the information i needed to chose a good charger for mi goal zero nomad..think i will buy the olight for my AAs, it's small,lightweight and perfect for my gear in the mountains of argentina..like your friendly smile and your handsome way of doing the reviews😀saludos de la patagonia, André
The Olight UC did much better in these tests in terms of solar reliability than I expected. Often terminates charge a 4.1 volts but that's ok. The 3/4 amp for lithium ion was a good compromise as 1A would be too much for smaller lithium ion batteries like 14500 of 16340. Does fine with AAs as well. Thanks for watching!
Ok,i bought it,testing the 18650 , AA/A and C,doing very well,best choice!!My only fear is that i will loose it, it's so small,hahahah! Thanks Walker for your further information and your answer,hope to see more of your reviews..you can test it here in the south of argentina,we got lot of solar energie here for your goal zero! Howdy, André!
New comer to your channel, dude nice video! Very thorough, as someone who is looking into rechargeable options for weekend trips this is very helpful. You have a new sub! Thanks
I am guessing that the chargers that errored, were not so much a failure but likely were engineered to work indoors and had that cut-off feature to prevent over-charging.
I know the type of batteries you are talking about and honestly don't know. I know Fenix makes them and I am a moderator over on CandlePowerForums. I can ask the Fenix rep if their USB built in lithium ion batteries will work in a USB charger. I will ask and get back to you Thanks for watching!
I asked over on the Fenix section of CPF. But then noticed information from Fenix which states USB and Charger chargeable. www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?431670-Two-New-USB-Rechargeable-Fenix-Batteries!&p=5137829#post5137829
MegaWoodswalker Thanks, RTFM ha ha. I like the idea of the 18650 as a centralized power unit, straight into devices and as a power banks, and able to recharge with solar. Your videos have been awesome for getting a handle on the immense variety and options and how well it all works together!!
My preferred 18650 are KeepPower for protected and Sanyo for naked. I have purchased them from this trusted seller. www.illumn.com/batteries-chargers-and-powerpax-carriers/18650-sanyo-ncr18650ga-3500mah-high-discharge-flat-top.html www.illumn.com/batteries-chargers-and-powerpax-carriers/18650-keeppower-3500mah-sanyo-ncr18650ga-protected-button-top.html
Would it be easier to charge a compatible power bank and then use it to charge any batteries.. I understand the Lost of energy that will occur but if you are on the go this seems easier since to my experience small as or aaa move and then stop charging when not in perfect position.
I have some solar panel chargers for which have countermeasures against charge errors. One resets after 3 minutes and another checks for draw then resets if there are issues. This mitigate charge errors from clouds etc. However at the time of this video it wasn’t a common feature. Overall you’re right. A powerbank tends to be more reliable as they tend to always accept a charge regardless of panel and conditions. Thanks for watching:
Thanks for the reply , it is sad to see that it is people like you and others who test and help people with their gears. Most of the marketing is based on look but to get real useful info regular users are often the best resource.
I hope you read this, considering how many comments you must receive from all of your videos. Since this video, have you found a device that: 1: passes this solar test 2: charges consistently at 1a like the mc1+ 3: charges AA/AAA(Nimh)/18650 like the Olight universal 4: acts like a batterybank like the nitecoreF1 I find all of these do 1 thing very well, but haven’t found 1 that will meet all 4 requirements. I would rather carry 1 device that does all 4 and is a little bigger and heavier, than 2 or 3 devices to meet all my needs. Thanks for any input 👍 p.s. more hot tent videos. there can never be too many 🙌🔥⛺️
I heave the X-Dragon Solar panel. I bought a couple of the aa chargers you recommened. I want to get the output meter you used for the video. Where did get it and what is its technical name?
Here is the link but shop for the best price. www.ebay.com/itm/X-DRAGON-USB-2-0-Digital-Multimeter-Power-Meter-Tester-Current-and-Voltage-Mo-/283431991456?_trksid=p2349526.m4383.l4275.c10#viTabs_0
Yes Nitecore UMS4 is solar compatible. I tested it with my Allpowers 60W (real power near 30-35W) solar charger USB output(5V 2.4A). The display animation slows down is there is not enough sun but then it goes charging OK.
Thanks for the helpful test! I bought a SUPEREX smart battery charger with 2 slots and a 9V plug. I did the same test like you and it PASSED! It has a USB, 12V DC car adapter and AC. Sometimes it displayed an error while I shadowed the panel. But it always recovered fine. I did not do the amp test because I have no USB meter but I will do the test later. The charger is is supposed to charge with 1A. Has anyone experience with connecting 2 solar panels with a Y-USB power cable adapter? It should double the amp while keeping the voltage. Usually such a cable is used for high power consuming devices like a big HDD or external blu ray player etc. But it should be good for chaining (parallel) usb solar panels too. Any comments on this would be appreciated.
I don't know about connecting two panels like that however if the charger is 1A and 1A for a total of 2A that could be hard for solar powered USB chargers to hold. I have gotten 1.53A from the Nitecore F2 using a larger panel however it crashes so darn easy. Major disappointment on that. The more complex the charger the more likely it will default to a lower amperage in my experience. For example I also tested the Xtar VC4. It wasn't included as wanted to stay with more backpackable options and 4 slots was too much IMHO. It could default down to .25 amps. However the 2 slot chargers could default to 0.5 amps so at least odds are you would get a 1A and 5V charge if both slots were filled. Personally for max lithium ion I would consider 2X 1 slot Xtar simple chargers if the panel has two ports. I don't know if they make the MC1 plus anymore. The ANT MC1 plus is made. It can default at times to .5A but unlike the Nitecore F1 (still overall good gear item) it really doesn't want to. Kinda holds 1A during peak solar times and beyond if all is ok.
I think it works OK. For example my Nitecore UMS4 and UM2 are solar compatible ones. Not big differences with UMS2. I tested it with my Allpowers 60W (real power near 30-35W) solar charger USB output(5V 2.4A) 2 days ago and the current was near 1A per channel. The display animation slows down when there is partially cloudy but then it does charging OK.
nice field test. looking into the MC1 Plus and Ant as well as the Olight UC for my own purposes. Trying to Thru the PCT in '19 and want a solar panel for the desert sections. Not sure the Goal Zero was a truly valid test as it's designed to be used with a solar panel. And, I don't know of anyone who practices scientific "mythology" (check your description) ;-) Cheers! DonP
Just caught the spelling error. Thanks. You would be amazed as to how much stuff doesn't do what it's supposed to. For example the K2 has a powerbank function but it only actually transfers 1/2 the power from a 18650. The F2 shows a solar panel in the online description and claims solar as a potential power source but it is one of the worst I have tested for solar compatibility. Thanks for watching!!!
Can anyone recommend a compact Li-ion + Ni-Mh 2,3 or 4 bay charger that will be ok with solar? I have seen the XTAR MC4S and Fenix ARE-X2 but cannot find if they are solar compatible.
The Nitecore F1 is actually very reliable for solar charging. It does like to default to 0.5A from 1A if conditions aren't right (smaller panel/clouds). That said it is rock solid reliable for solar and will continue to charge even in the slightest bit of light. If not for the Xtar holding 1A better the F1 would have been the winner. It has other options like pass through charging and powerbank feature (also works very well with protected cut off for naked 18650). So go F1 for solar if yea like Nitecore. I carry it in my field kit as it's great. Thanks for watching!
MegaWoodswalker Thanks Walker!!! I've got Allpowers 21W 18V solar panel and I'll test MC1 and F1 chargers for the best results. By far the best video on youtube about chargers.
So long as they're kept out of the sun probably not but have no bases for my statement as the voltage and amps do sway a good dea though hardly over 5V underload or max amps of the USB port. Also Eneloops are a very stable type of battery. Thanks for watching and the sub!!!
A battery in the sun is a bad idea -unless you have zero other ways to make a campfire, but it isnt a guaranteed fire either. Especially li-ion, other types may just leak. When using solar pannels to run a battery charger, always shade the batteries in the charger with something. In direct light, even if the batteries dont leak or smoke, the heat itself is very bad for them. Do not leave batteries in the sun, dashboard or near high heat sources.
Hey Walker, there's a flashlight I saw on aliexpress that has a resistance to light up cigarretes ans stuff. It uses a 18650 battery. I think it could nice for camping or survival to start fire and so on. Do you want the link to that product? It is not a sponsored link. If I remember corectly it costs around 10 to 12 bucks and free shipping.
hello xtar vc2 plus its not good charger for outdoors especially with solar battery use becoz its allways drops to 0.5a wont stay at 1.0a. and olight uc charger is not good too with solar becoz it needs stable usb power to charge fully battery if no stable usb it will charge only to 4.1v lion battery... i was having high expectations for klarus k2 but it seems not good too for the charging error:( all other chargers that u showed its no good too becoz they charges only nimh or only lion cells...
I found that if the Olight charged to 4.2 if it was connected to the terminals first or something like that. I forget but one would way cause it to charge to 4.1 volts (not the end of the world) and the other not. Going to have to look at my notes later. The Klarus K2 is really like the Lii200 (reviewing that and the Lii100). Prone to charge errors and just horrible as being a power bank. A disappointment for sure. The Lii100 on the other hand is a fantastic powerbank and really likes to charge at 1A 5v via solar (testing was surprising) though can in low light trigger a charging error but have panels which have 100% effective countermeasures against that. Working on a video for an under 50 dollar total back country/prep solar charging/powerbank solution video. Thanks for watching!
i have klarus k1 olight uc and xtar vc2 plus. what u suggest to use? :) i need 2bay charger i use suaoki 40w solar panel. do u recomend klarus k2? does klarus k2 u can change current independently for both slots? thanks
xtar vc2plus looks very nice to me but i hate that current drops to 0.5 if u touch cable or if cloud gets in. i changed the cable bought new its better but if u move it a lot it drops to 0.5 ( i move only cable not charger or solar panel, seems that if not good contact happens it drops current. same is on wall adapter)
I would love to see this on the Fenix ARE-X2 if you (or anyone out there) can get your hands on one. Its fairly simple, so it may be a good candidate. Especially since it is like the Klarus and is a 2 bay universal charger (li-ion/ nimh) plus power bank. many people out there need to charge both kinds, or 2 at a time. Im just not a fan of the larger Xtars since most of them only chrge at 1 amp per bay (unless input is below an amp.) Heat is the enemy and charging at 1A per bay in the (shaded) sun might not go so well after a few hours or on a basis like a survival situation may require. Or the week long outages we get here sometimes.
Adding to before, I have been using a nitecore i2 by the 12v barrel input, to a typical (approx 1'x1') 12v car maintainer solar pannel since before my original post. it resets on its own no prob. My issue is Im looking for a more portable, lighter and versitile setup. not many people testing chargers on pannels and I ran across this vid again
your aa charge current cannot be measured by the usb monitor. multi chemistry chargers have a buck converter. so your aa cell may be charging at 1a but the usb monitor shows 250ma. LOL at the ant showing up during the mc1 ant test!
Depends on the sun and charger. I was testing 1A chargers or below (many were actually ,5A or .75A so they very best they will do is 1A at 5 volts for 5 watts or less.. However the panel can do more. In this video I use a 2A charger and get nearly 7 Watts. ruclips.net/video/5nrMC4MlRIo/видео.html. Thanks for watching.
![Blox Fruits Dragon Rework Update [Full Stream]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EqDAp8udhm0/mqdefault.jpg)
thanks for info. You've become one of my favorite youtubers. Not only do you have great content, but you present it in a very clear and friendly way.
Thanks for the positive comment!
THANK YOU!!!!!! I have been researching without real tests given, yours is the first I have seen or read.
A much needed video for us hikers.
Hey Walker! Always appreciate your knowledge, your gear and your teaching expertise.
Thanks for watching.
@@MegaWoodswalker hi make a new review with some new chargers thanks :)
This is a great topic. Great video. It would be just great if a second series was filmed with other chargers. In addition, we really need a video with a similar topic, but not on chargers, but on power banks.
I'm learning so much from your solar system demonstrations. I could not figure it out on my own between the solar panels and USB chargers and voltage indicators that are all sold separately.
No problem. This one is cheap and works. www.ebay.com/itm/USB-Charger-Doctor-Capacity-Current-Voltage-Detector-Meter-Battery-Tester-WIS/182233441232?epid=1283203252&hash=item2a6df5a3d0%3Ag%3APc0AAOSwzJ5XbPLg&_sacat=0&_nkw=usb+detector&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313 This one is nice becasue it has an attached cable to allow easy viewing. www.ebay.com/itm/LED-LCD-Digital-USB-Charger-Doctor-Voltage-Current-Meter-Tester-Power-Detector/201389370707?hash=item2ee3bded53%3Ag%3AypwAAOSwQItT4JcK&_sacat=0&_nkw=usb+detector&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313 This is the best pannel deal going. www.ebay.com/itm/LED-LCD-Digital-USB-Charger-Doctor-Voltage-Current-Meter-Tester-Power-Detector/201389370707?hash=item2ee3bded53%3Ag%3AypwAAOSwQItT4JcK&_sacat=0&_nkw=usb+detector&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313 It works well with this charger which can also double as a powerbank. www.ebay.com/itm/LiitoKala-Lii-100-HOT-Smart-Battery-Charger-IMR-Li-ion-Ni-MH-Lithium-18650-S8W6/223066793275?hash=item33efd1253b%3Ag%3AYEMAAOSwWV9bTIsw&_sacat=0&_nkw=LII100&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313.TR2.TRC0.A0.H0.XLII100.TRS0 get this battery. www.illumn.com/18650-keeppower-3500mah-sanyo-ncr18650ga-protected-button-top.html all of that probably is less than 25 bucks. Hard to believe but I use that exact combo and it's really really good. Thanks for watching!
The XTAR VC2S (VC2 2019) is very solar compatible! I tested it with my X-Dragon 40W solar panels charger. The current is near 2 amps (1.8) even when you charge 1 battery (if it is not too old, internal resistance below 60 milliOhm). And it increases/decreases the current dynamically, depends on the sunlight intensity!
I bet with a 40W panel it holds the 1A no problem. The power-bank function works great as well. Thanks for watching!
Always the simple stuff will work the more fancy you get the more that can go wrong Good Vid and good heads up thanks Matt.
One reason why I like surefire host with Malkoff drop-in for a light. Fixed blade of tool steel for a knife. Ferro rod to start fires. Less to go wrong and it appears that also applies here. Thanks for watching
This test was super helpful! Love all the battery charging and electronics info!!
Thanks brother!
Tested the Klarus CH1X with my TopSolar Solar Fairy 30w panel and it passed with flying colors. I was unable to force a charge error, and the battery ramped up to full charge speed VERY quickly.
2 amp charging and output. Plus it functions as a power bank. I am using this in combination with some $2 usb powered dimmable LED chips as an ultralight headlight-and-power bank combo.
Hello, fantastic compatibility / reliability tests with the chargers. Have you done the exact same compatability / reliability test with different solar panels (goal Zero, Anker etc) and connecting connecting them directly to different devices like cellular phones (Samsung, Iphone), Handheld GPS (Garmin 64 etc), GoPros, and other devices that you might consider common devices for bushcraft survival? If you haven't done this type of testing, i am sure many people would find it very helpful if certain devices get charging errors when the solar panel/s are blocked from the sun.
very helpful video, thanks man. It would be nice to see a usb camera battery charger comparison.
I actually have a few. Might be a good idea. Thanks for watching!
Hope you upload soon.
Just came across this in search. Good info. Thanks
he died a year ago
Exactly the information i needed to chose a good charger for mi goal zero nomad..think i will buy the olight for my AAs, it's small,lightweight and perfect for my gear in the mountains of argentina..like your friendly smile and your handsome way of doing the reviews😀saludos de la patagonia, André
The Olight UC did much better in these tests in terms of solar reliability than I expected. Often terminates charge a 4.1 volts but that's ok. The 3/4 amp for lithium ion was a good compromise as 1A would be too much for smaller lithium ion batteries like 14500 of 16340. Does fine with AAs as well. Thanks for watching!
Ok,i bought it,testing the 18650 , AA/A and C,doing very well,best choice!!My only fear is that i will loose it, it's so small,hahahah!
Thanks Walker for your further information and your answer,hope to see more of your reviews..you can test it here in the south of argentina,we got lot of solar energie here for your goal zero!
Howdy, André!
New comer to your channel, dude nice video! Very thorough, as someone who is looking into rechargeable options for weekend trips this is very helpful. You have a new sub! Thanks
Thanks brother. Lithium ion charges faster than NiMH so keep that in mind but AA LSD like Eneloops are a rock stable chemistry.
Learned a lot about solar chargers, thanks.
Thanks for watching.
Outstanding videos- subbed- been watching your videos a long while
I am guessing that the chargers that errored, were not so much a failure but likely were engineered to work indoors and had that cut-off feature to prevent over-charging.
Thank you for the valuable information, we commercialize OLIGHT in Argentina and it serves us to promote the product.
Olight makes great light. I have an old T10/15 combo. Thanks for watching!
What are you using to test with? More specifically what is the product that is giving you the solar amp/volt reading. Thanks
Can the 18650 batteries that have the built in usb be charged on the panel? Can they be recharged in these recharger units?
I know the type of batteries you are talking about and honestly don't know. I know Fenix makes them and I am a moderator over on CandlePowerForums. I can ask the Fenix rep if their USB built in lithium ion batteries will work in a USB charger. I will ask and get back to you Thanks for watching!
Awesome!
I asked over on the Fenix section of CPF. But then noticed information from Fenix which states USB and Charger chargeable.
www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?431670-Two-New-USB-Rechargeable-Fenix-Batteries!&p=5137829#post5137829
MegaWoodswalker Thanks, RTFM ha ha. I like the idea of the 18650 as a centralized power unit, straight into devices and as a power banks, and able to recharge with solar. Your videos have been awesome for getting a handle on the immense variety and options and how well it all works together!!
My preferred 18650 are KeepPower for protected and Sanyo for naked. I have purchased them from this trusted seller.
www.illumn.com/batteries-chargers-and-powerpax-carriers/18650-sanyo-ncr18650ga-3500mah-high-discharge-flat-top.html
www.illumn.com/batteries-chargers-and-powerpax-carriers/18650-keeppower-3500mah-sanyo-ncr18650ga-protected-button-top.html
Would it be easier to charge a compatible power bank and then use it to charge any batteries.. I understand the Lost of energy that will occur but if you are on the go this seems easier since to my experience small as or aaa move and then stop charging when not in perfect position.
I have some solar panel chargers for which have countermeasures against charge errors. One resets after 3 minutes and another checks for draw then resets if there are issues. This mitigate charge errors from clouds etc. However at the time of this video it wasn’t a common feature. Overall you’re right. A powerbank tends to be more reliable as they tend to always accept a charge regardless of panel and conditions. Thanks for watching:
Thanks for the reply , it is sad to see that it is people like you and others who test and help people with their gears. Most of the marketing is based on look but to get real useful info regular users are often the best resource.
I hope you read this, considering how many comments you must receive from all of your videos.
Since this video, have you found a device that:
1: passes this solar test
2: charges consistently at 1a like the mc1+
3: charges AA/AAA(Nimh)/18650 like the Olight universal
4: acts like a batterybank like the nitecoreF1
I find all of these do 1 thing very well, but haven’t found 1 that will meet all 4 requirements. I would rather carry 1 device that does all 4 and is a little bigger and heavier, than 2 or 3 devices to meet all my needs.
Thanks for any input 👍
p.s. more hot tent videos. there can never be too many 🙌🔥⛺️
The creator of this channel passed away unfortunately.
Can these chargers be used with NiMH aa and aaa batteries?
Which one would you recommend that has the fastest charge for the 18650, but also has a usb or usb type c port for charging other devices?
Sorry but I don't have a type C USB cable unless mistaken so not sure.
Great test and good info!
what type of solar panel do you have Woodswalker?
That's an Allpowers X-dragon 14w. Thanks for watching!
I heave the X-Dragon Solar panel. I bought a couple of the aa chargers you recommened. I want to get the output meter you used for the video. Where did get it and what is its technical name?
Here is the link but shop for the best price. www.ebay.com/itm/X-DRAGON-USB-2-0-Digital-Multimeter-Power-Meter-Tester-Current-and-Voltage-Mo-/283431991456?_trksid=p2349526.m4383.l4275.c10#viTabs_0
Sun tactics makes 2 main hiking panels - the 14 (larger one) is designed to reboot after cloud etc. fluctuations.
Thank you for this video. Much appreciated!
what is the meter you are taking the readings with are there any reviews on it
Anybody ever test Nitercore UMS4? (Same test perimeters?)
Yes Nitecore UMS4 is solar compatible. I tested it with my Allpowers 60W (real power near 30-35W) solar charger USB output(5V 2.4A). The display animation slows down is there is not enough sun but then it goes charging OK.
Very cool man thank you for all the information brother I really appreciate it
Thanks for the positive comment!
Thanks for the helpful test!
I bought a SUPEREX smart battery charger with 2 slots and a 9V plug. I did the same test like you and it PASSED! It has a USB, 12V DC car adapter and AC. Sometimes it displayed an error while I shadowed the panel. But it always recovered fine.
I did not do the amp test because I have no USB meter but I will do the test later. The charger is is supposed to charge with 1A.
Has anyone experience with connecting 2 solar panels with a Y-USB power cable adapter? It should double the amp while keeping the voltage. Usually such a cable is used for high power consuming devices like a big HDD or external blu ray player etc. But it should be good for chaining (parallel) usb solar panels too. Any comments on this would be appreciated.
I don't know about connecting two panels like that however if the charger is 1A and 1A for a total of 2A that could be hard for solar powered USB chargers to hold. I have gotten 1.53A from the Nitecore F2 using a larger panel however it crashes so darn easy. Major disappointment on that. The more complex the charger the more likely it will default to a lower amperage in my experience. For example I also tested the Xtar VC4. It wasn't included as wanted to stay with more backpackable options and 4 slots was too much IMHO. It could default down to .25 amps. However the 2 slot chargers could default to 0.5 amps so at least odds are you would get a 1A and 5V charge if both slots were filled. Personally for max lithium ion I would consider 2X 1 slot Xtar simple chargers if the panel has two ports. I don't know if they make the MC1 plus anymore. The ANT MC1 plus is made. It can default at times to .5A but unlike the Nitecore F1 (still overall good gear item) it really doesn't want to. Kinda holds 1A during peak solar times and beyond if all is ok.
Finally bin looking for this
Do u know how Nitecore UMS2 behaves ? Or anyone else please ?
I think it works OK. For example my Nitecore UMS4 and UM2 are solar compatible ones. Not big differences with UMS2. I tested it with my Allpowers 60W (real power near 30-35W) solar charger USB output(5V 2.4A) 2 days ago and the current was near 1A per channel. The display animation slows down when there is partially cloudy but then it does charging OK.
Could the F1 nitecore can be compatible ?
Yes. It will work with a 14W panel but seems to default to .5A if there isn't enough sun. Thanks for watching.
nice field test. looking into the MC1 Plus and Ant as well as the Olight UC for my own purposes. Trying to Thru the PCT in '19 and want a solar panel for the desert sections. Not sure the Goal Zero was a truly valid test as it's designed to be used with a solar panel. And, I don't know of anyone who practices scientific "mythology" (check your description) ;-) Cheers! DonP
Just caught the spelling error. Thanks. You would be amazed as to how much stuff doesn't do what it's supposed to. For example the K2 has a powerbank function but it only actually transfers 1/2 the power from a 18650. The F2 shows a solar panel in the online description and claims solar as a potential power source but it is one of the worst I have tested for solar compatibility. Thanks for watching!!!
Forgot to add in the future I might be testing the LiitoKala Lii - 100 and 202.
Have you considered Xtar MC2 Plus? Is it as fast as the MC1 Plus?..
Awesome video, can you try this test on the Thrunite U1 charger?
great test i have nitecore um20 and will test for charge error on this model.
Can anyone recommend a compact Li-ion + Ni-Mh 2,3 or 4 bay charger that will be ok with solar? I have seen the XTAR MC4S and Fenix ARE-X2 but cannot find if they are solar compatible.
Hi Walker!!! Very informative video. Did you find any reliable charger in Nitecore product line?
The Nitecore F1 is actually very reliable for solar charging. It does like to default to 0.5A from 1A if conditions aren't right (smaller panel/clouds). That said it is rock solid reliable for solar and will continue to charge even in the slightest bit of light. If not for the Xtar holding 1A better the F1 would have been the winner. It has other options like pass through charging and powerbank feature (also works very well with protected cut off for naked 18650). So go F1 for solar if yea like Nitecore. I carry it in my field kit as it's great. Thanks for watching!
MegaWoodswalker Thanks Walker!!! I've got Allpowers 21W 18V solar panel and I'll test MC1 and F1 chargers for the best results.
By far the best video on youtube about chargers.
Subbed you right away for this video! I wonder if consently solar charging shortens the battery life?
So long as they're kept out of the sun probably not but have no bases for my statement as the voltage and amps do sway a good dea though hardly over 5V underload or max amps of the USB port. Also Eneloops are a very stable type of battery. Thanks for watching and the sub!!!
Do they even make solar rechargeable batteries that you can just put in the sun and it can recharge by itself without using a battery charger ?
A battery in the sun is a bad idea -unless you have zero other ways to make a campfire, but it isnt a guaranteed fire either. Especially li-ion, other types may just leak.
When using solar pannels to run a battery charger, always shade the batteries in the charger with something. In direct light, even if the batteries dont leak or smoke, the heat itself is very bad for them. Do not leave batteries in the sun, dashboard or near high heat sources.
Great vid, thanks for the info
Hey Walker, there's a flashlight I saw on aliexpress that has a resistance to light up cigarretes ans stuff. It uses a 18650 battery. I think it could nice for camping or survival to start fire and so on. Do you want the link to that product? It is not a sponsored link. If I remember corectly it costs around 10 to 12 bucks and free shipping.
Funny you should bring that up as on my to do list is fire via flashlight but wanted to try it with a normal high output LED. Thanks for watching!
hello xtar vc2 plus its not good charger for outdoors especially with solar battery use becoz its allways drops to 0.5a wont stay at 1.0a. and olight uc charger is not good too with solar becoz it needs stable usb power to charge fully battery if no stable usb it will charge only to 4.1v lion battery... i was having high expectations for klarus k2 but it seems not good too for the charging error:( all other chargers that u showed its no good too becoz they charges only nimh or only lion cells...
I found that if the Olight charged to 4.2 if it was connected to the terminals first or something like that. I forget but one would way cause it to charge to 4.1 volts (not the end of the world) and the other not. Going to have to look at my notes later. The Klarus K2 is really like the Lii200 (reviewing that and the Lii100). Prone to charge errors and just horrible as being a power bank. A disappointment for sure. The Lii100 on the other hand is a fantastic powerbank and really likes to charge at 1A 5v via solar (testing was surprising) though can in low light trigger a charging error but have panels which have 100% effective countermeasures against that. Working on a video for an under 50 dollar total back country/prep solar charging/powerbank solution video. Thanks for watching!
i have klarus k1 olight uc and xtar vc2 plus. what u suggest to use? :) i need 2bay charger i use suaoki 40w solar panel. do u recomend klarus k2? does klarus k2 u can change current independently for both slots? thanks
xtar vc2plus looks very nice to me but i hate that current drops to 0.5 if u touch cable or if cloud gets in. i changed the cable bought new its better but if u move it a lot it drops to 0.5 ( i move only cable not charger or solar panel, seems that if not good contact happens it drops current. same is on wall adapter)
Good video very informative thank u for all the research.
Thanks!
Very helpful. I appreciate the review.
I would love to see this on the Fenix ARE-X2 if you (or anyone out there) can get your hands on one. Its fairly simple, so it may be a good candidate. Especially since it is like the Klarus and is a 2 bay universal charger (li-ion/ nimh) plus power bank.
many people out there need to charge both kinds, or 2 at a time. Im just not a fan of the larger Xtars since most of them only chrge at 1 amp per bay (unless input is below an amp.) Heat is the enemy and charging at 1A per bay in the (shaded) sun might not go so well after a few hours or on a basis like a survival situation may require. Or the week long outages we get here sometimes.
Adding to before, I have been using a nitecore i2 by the 12v barrel input, to a typical (approx 1'x1') 12v car maintainer solar pannel since before my original post. it resets on its own no prob. My issue is Im looking for a more portable, lighter and versitile setup. not many people testing chargers on pannels and I ran across this vid again
Nice video!you're my favourite american survival channel (from Italy😃👍)
Thanks brother!
I bought the x dragon 14 watt online at Walmart site on sale right now for$28
It is a good solar panel charger. Had mine for some time. Thanks for watching!
your aa charge current cannot be measured by the usb monitor.
multi chemistry chargers have a buck converter.
so your aa cell may be charging at 1a but the usb monitor shows 250ma.
LOL at the ant showing up during the mc1 ant test!
Absolutly perfect video......ciao da Italia......
I was more interested in seeing the performance of the solar panel. It seems it won't give you more than 4 watts of power at any time.
Depends on the sun and charger. I was testing 1A chargers or below (many were actually ,5A or .75A so they very best they will do is 1A at 5 volts for 5 watts or less.. However the panel can do more. In this video I use a 2A charger and get nearly 7 Watts. ruclips.net/video/5nrMC4MlRIo/видео.html. Thanks for watching.
Great thanks
very nice test , tnx
walker try opus btc100
I will. Thanks for watching!
That ant was hauling ass