Hi

Wondered if anyone has used a Freeloader Globe Trotter solar charger with the AD3500 and what the performance was like?

I go walking and camping, adn don't always have access to electric for several days at a time. I also try to walk about 6-8 hours each day and want to use the AD3500 to track my routes. From reading the comments on this forum, I think i will need two batteries each day just to get through a single days walk, never mind consective days.

Any other ideas on how to keep the batteries topped up?

Thanks all.

I use one of these....

http://www.portablepowersupplies.co.uk/usbliionbatterypack.htm

Certainly not cheap (I think I paid about £24 a year ago) but it charges my 3500, my iPod and my phone if I need it to as its a general purpose USB device when out and about. Great for transatlantic flights too. Large USB output, mini USB to charge the battery (same cable as the 3500) and comes with a mains adapter.

The battery pack takes about 6 hours to fully charge from empty. Certainly keeps the 3500 running when its getting low but I have not tested its power on time extension capacity with the 3500. I think I have only put it on the 3500 in anger 2 or 3 times.

There's a higher capacity version on the website, I have no idea how good that is.

Of course there are other devices around, and I am not necessarily advocating this one.

(No, I'm not connected to them other than as a happy customer, and the current model is a bit different to the one I have.)

Of course, the usual rider, your mileage may differ.

C

Thanks ceres.

Looks like a good handy reserve. I really wanted something I could charge up away from mains for a few days (hence the solar panel) but I suspect the Freeloader only holds enough juice to give me 1 charge (maybe not a full one) at best. This means I would have to have the rechargeable battery unit connected to the solar panel every day, attached to my rucksack. Your suggestion holds more power so would be better - so now I wonder if the Freeloader panel would charge it up?!

Out of interest how long does your AD3500 battery last? I intend to leave it on to track my routes......

Hi pagsuk,

With the backlight turned down in the memory map app to the lowest and the device setting brightness on one bar I get 8 hours no problem. You can still see the map with the backlight turned right down (you may have to tilt so you can see it) but it is very quick to press the power button then tap the screen + or - to change the brightness up or down.

I very rarely look at the gps I still use a paper map and is there mainly for route tracking and when I get stuck in a white out. I also use the supplied belt clip to attach the unit to my rucksack strap which means I do not suffer from unwanted screen inputs like others do on this forum.

:mrgreen:

Thanks Mark.

That's good to hear as it helps me decide how I'm going to power the uit when away camping. I've realised a solar charger just wont give enough juice to recharge fully and will take ages to charge in UK sunlight. So my thinking is I'll get a lightweight battery power back up - enough to charge up on the hoof if required - and another much larger one which I can leave in my tent which I can use to fully charge each night my MM, phone and camera. Found a wopping 20000 mAh one for just £60 which should just about get me through a week away from any power supply.

Anyone else got any thoughts? :?:

pagsuk,

What was the outcome, what did you go for in the end, how long did your battery last ect?


Cheers


Dave