 |
Sign Up For Our
Mailing List
And receive product updates via email.
Voltaic t-shirt $19
“Leading by example”
“Looking Smart and
Doing Your Part”
“Innovative use
of solar energy”
“Keeps portables
going & going”
“Green Gadget
of the Year”
“Top 50 Gadgets”
“The latest bright idea”
“Backpack on steroids”
“This is a lovely bag”
“A stylish and
sustainable solution”
“Would be a great gift”
- Shalom Harlow
“Drool-worthy design”
“Pack To the Future”
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
What does the LED in the logo indicate?
 When the LED inside the logo lights up, it indicates that the solar panels are generating a charge. It lights dimly when the panels are in the shade and more brightly when they are in direct sun, reflecting the higher charge produced in direct sun. It will come on in some indoor light conditions; however, the power generated is significantly less than in direct sunlight.
^ back to top
What will happen if the bag gets wet?
The solar panels are waterproof and so will not be affected. The nylon used to construct the bag is also waterproof. However, water will eventually seep in through the zips and seams, so the contents can get wet. The only electrical component likely to be adversely affected is the battery pack, which you should treat as you would any other electronic device and keep it dry.
^ back to top
What care do the panels require?
Scratches on the face of the solar panels will reduce the amount of light hitting the solar cells and reduce the power generated, so it is best to avoid scratching them. The panels are coated with a material that will actually melt away some scratches when exposed to the sun.
Dirt on the panels has a similar effect. To clean them use a damp non-abrasive cloth.
^ back to top
Are the solar panels breakable?
They can be broken, but are unlikely to be damaged in typical use. They can easily stand up to being dropped and leaned on.
If you were to place the panel over a rock and stand on it you would cause the cells to crack, which would reduce the output of that panel. Since the three panels operate independently the other two would continue to provide sufficient charge to run most small devices, but charge times would increase.
^ back to top
What difference does this product make environmentally?
Solar power is obviously an environmentally friendly way to produce electricity. However to be fair, the total amount of power generated is a relatively small portion of typical every day consumption. Turning down your air conditioner in summer and reducing the thermostat in winter will probably have a greater impact.
However there are other benefits. This product should lead to less disposable AA batteries being used in emergency chargers and other devices (they produce way too much waste for a very small amount of electricity), and less discarded batteries finding their way into the wilderness.
It should also raise awareness of the advantages of solar power. A power generator that is tough, portable, runs on sunshine, and lightweight (the panels and battery pack weigh less than one pound) is illustrative of these advantages.
^ back to top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
How long does it take to charge a device?
If the battery pack is already full, a typical cell phone will charge in about the same time it takes using a car charger (roughly 2 hours, although it varies by phone). The ideal way to use this product is to keep the battery pack charged, so that the charge is available when needed.
The actual time in the sun required to fully charge a typical cell phone is 4-6 hours. This will increase in cloudy weather, or if the panels are not angled towards the sun. The following table shows the typical time in the sun required to charge different devices. These are estimates and will vary based on the battery power of those devices.
| Approximate Charging Times |
| Item |
Hours Direct Sunlight * |
| Voltaic Battery Pack |
8-10 |
| Cell Phone |
4-6 |
| Digital Camera |
4-8 |
| GPS |
4-6 |
| iPod |
5-6 |
| * Charge times may be increased in cloudy weather, high temperatures, or where panels are not angled towards the sun. |
^ back to top
How do you get the best charging results?
For maximum power output, face the panels towards the sun. If the panels are in direct sunlight but not angled towards the sun the power declines by about 20%. When they are angled away from the sun the power drops off by up to 90%.
^ back to top
Will the Voltaic bag charge laptops?
No, current models don't produce enough power to charge laptops (they produce 4 watts). To meaningfully charge laptops would require at least 10 watts of power and therefore 2.5 times the cell area. This will be difficult to fit on the outside of a bag. However we are experimenting with ways to do this.
^ back to top
Will the Voltaic bag charge iPods?
Yes. Using our iPod adaptor plug Voltaic bags can charge 3rd and 4th generation iPods, iPod Minis, iPod Photos, and all current models. (set the battery pack to 7.2V for all models).
All iPod models other than the iPod Photo (color screen) can charge using an iPod car charger connected to our battery pack (at 7.2V), using the car charger socket inside the front pocket of the bag.
The iPod Mini (all models) will also charge using the Apple supplied iPod USB charger, which attaches to the battery pack via our included USB adaptor (at 5V). However Apple has blocked this method of charging for other iPod models.
^ back to top
Can I charge a device that is on the shoulder strap or in another pocket of the bag?
Yes. There is a wire that runs from the shoulder strap near the phone / MP3 pouch, through the bag to the battery pack. Just plug this wire into the "DC OUT" plug on the battery pack to receive power.
There are also wire holes throughout the bag to run wires, so you can channel the power out cable from the battery pack through these wire holes to the main pouch or to the right side pocket.
^ back to top
What should I do if the battery pack is flat and I need to charge something?
As soon as the battery pack receives a charge (from either the solar panels, the AC charger, or the car charger) you can begin to charge your device.
When using solar power, it is more efficient to let the battery pack partially charge (to amber on the charge indicator) before plugging in the device. However, if you have both a flat phone battery and a flat battery pack, you should be able to plug in your phone, angle the bag towards the sun, and make a call.
^ back to top
My device isn't charging, what should I do?
First see the basic instructions below. If the device does not charge even though the battery pack is charged, you have the correct adaptor, and the voltage setting is that required for the device, then the device is likely designed to only work with a manufacturer supplied charger, or at a very specific voltage.
In this case the best thing to do is use the manufacturer supplied car charger and plug it into the car charger socket in the bag.
^ back to top
What if I need to charge a device and the sun has set?
This is part of the reason we included a battery in the Voltaic bags. The battery stores energy generated by the solar panels until you need it, and will hold a charge for months. So even when you can't get access to the sun, you can plug a device into the battery pack and charge from that.
The battery can also be recharged using the included AC travel charger and the DC car charger, so you can use whatever power sources are available to keep the battery topped up.
^ back to top
|
|
|
|
How do I know if the adaptors will fit my device?
The adaptors included with the Voltaic bag, and many of the devices they will charge, are listed on the adaptors page. However, these adaptors may fit additional devices (particularly the universal adaptors). We have included photos and specifications for each adaptor to help you to determine whether they are likely to suit your device.
^ back to top
What can I do if I don't have the adaptor for my device?
The car charger for your device is the easiest solution; it will have the correct plug and adjust the voltage to that required by the device. The car charger can be plugged into the battery pack at 7.2V using the car charger socket inside the front pocket of the bag. For larger devices the car charger socket can also be attached directly to the solar panels which produce 10V @ 400mA.
We also supply a USB adaptor with the bag, which can be used with most standard USB chargers. Just attach this adaptor to the battery pack at 5V.
^ back to top
How do the universal adaptor plugs work?
These adaptors are standard sizes designed to fit many different devices. A device will typically have the required voltage marked beside the DC power in plug. Be sure to check the voltage setting on the battery pack before connecting to a device.
Most devices will also indicate the polarity beside the DC in plug with the following symbol:  . The polarity of the universal adaptors is center positive, which is indicated by this symbol. Almost all consumer electronics are made center positive, but you should double check before charging and do not connect the device if it indicates the center pin is negative.
^ back to top
|
|
|
|
How do I know what voltage to select on the battery pack?
The power requirement for a particular device is typically indicated, in the product literature, on the device itself, or on the charger (as power output).
Most cell phones charge at 5V when connected directly using an adaptor. USB chargers should also be connected at 5V. When using a car charger the 7.2V setting is usually the best.
Some devices will operate at several voltage settings. For the most efficient use of power, select the lowest setting that powers your device.
 Warning: Using higher than the required voltage may damage some devices. Check the voltage setting on the battery before connecting to a device.
^ back to top
What should I do if I need more than 7.2V?
The maximum voltage output of the battery pack is 7.2V. Some devices may require a higher voltage (such as some larger digital cameras). The best alternative is to use a car charger and connect the car charger socket directly to the solar panels which produce 10V 400mA.
^ back to top
How do you know how much charge is in the battery pack?
There is a test button on the front of the battery pack. This only works when the battery is not charging, so unplug the power source (or move the panels out of the sun), and press the test button. Red indicates low charge, amber indicates a partial charge, green indicates full. If no light comes on the battery is flat.
^ back to top
What does the charge light on the battery pack indicate?
When the battery pack is receiving a charge the charge light will light up. When charging with the solar panels the light will show green through the entire charge cycle, which indicates a trickle charge.
When charging using the AC charger or car charger it will initially show red (this indicates maximum power); when it is full the light will switch to green.
^ back to top
Does the fact that you offer the adaptor mean the battery pack will charge my device?
No, the availability of an adaptor does not guarantee that the battery pack will charge the device. The voltage requirements for your device may not match the output of the battery pack.
In some cases manufactures design their devices to only work with chargers made by them (e.g. Nokia). In this case it is necessary to purchase a car charger and plug it into the car charger socket inside the bag.
^ back to top
|
|
|
|
(  For a Printable Format, Click Here)
Welcome:
The Voltaic solar bag is a mobile power generator designed to charge portable electronics including: cell phones, PDA's, digital cameras, GPS's, MP3 players etc. (Note: it is not designed to charge laptops).
To charge a device using a standard car charger, just plug it into the socket inside the bag. Alternately, the bag comes with a USB adaptor and a set of adaptors for common cell phones and other devices.
The solar panels generate up to 4 watts of power. They are lightweight, waterproof and UV resistant, but tough enough to withstand the rigors of everyday use.
Power generated by the solar panels is stored in a lightweight Li Ion battery, ensuring a smooth flow of power, even when not in the sun. The battery can also be charged with the AC charger or car charger (both included), which makes it just as useful on the grid as off.
The battery clips into the front pouch of the bag where it connects to the solar panels. It can also be removed for use separately.
 |
 |
 |
Voltage switch: Controls the voltage output from the battery. Check the device being charged for correct voltage. USB chargers and most phones charge at 5V. For car chargers use 7.2V.
|
|
|
 |
DC OUT Plug: Connects to the power out cable, USB Adaptor, or the car charger socket to power various devices.
|
|
|
 |
Switch for Torch: Controls LED torch on the front of the battery. Approximate life 55 hours per charge.
|
|
|
 |
Charge Meter: Shows when the battery is charging (red for fast charge, green for trickle charge).
|
|
|
 |
Test Button: To test the charge in the battery. Green indicates full, amber partial charge, red low. No light indicates empty.
|
|
|
 |
DC IN Plug: Connects the battery for recharging from solar panels, AC charger, or car charger (located underneath battery).
|
|
|
Charging the Battery:
The battery stores any power generated by the solar panels until required to charge a device (similar to some solar house systems). Keep the battery connected to the solar panels whenever in the sun.
For the best results, place the bag in direct sunlight with the solar panels angled towards the sun. A green light on the battery indicates it is trickle charging. In good conditions it will charge in 8-10 hours.
When the solar panels produce a charge, an indicator light in the center of the Voltaic logo illuminates. Note: It will illuminate in some low or indoor light conditions, but the charge will be significantly lower.
The battery can also be charged from the AC charger, or the car charger (by connecting either to the DC IN plug). A red light on the battery indicates a fast charge. When full a green light will show.
Charging a Device:
Voltaic™ solar bags are designed to charge as broad a range of devices as possible. This requires first selecting the correct voltage, then establishing a connection to the device.
Voltage Settings: There are 3 voltage settings on the battery (3.5V, 5V, 7.2V). The solar power cable delivers 10V. To find the required voltage: check the device itself, the product literature, or the device charger for “output” voltage. Most cell phones charge at 5V, USB chargers require 5V. Note: Do not use a higher voltage than required.
Car Charger Socket: Car chargers are available for most devices, so the car charger socket is the default method for connecting a device. They typically function at 7.2V from the battery, or 10V from the solar panels.
USB Adaptor: We include a USB adaptor, to connect USB chargers (use the 5V setting). Note: some USB chargers only work with computers.
Adaptors: To bypass chargers, we include a set of adaptors for common cell phones and other devices. It is not feasible to include adaptors for all devices; however, additional optional adaptors are available online.
Tips:
If your device does not charge, check the battery has a charge, that the voltage is set to that required for your device, and that the plugs and wires are securely connected. In some cases a device will not charge even at the correct voltage with the correct plugs. This is typically because the manufacturer has programmed it to only work with approved chargers. In this case the manufacturer supplied car charger is the most likely to work (e.g. this is the case for Nokia phones).
When charging iPods you can use our iPod adaptor for all models, connected to the battery pack at 7.2V. For iPod Minis you can use the Apple supplied USB charger connected to the battery pack at 5V via our USB adaptor (however Apple has blocked this solution for other iPods). You can also use an iPod car charger for all models except the new iPod Photo (for that you will need our adaptor).
To avoid overheating the contents of your bag on a hot day, it will help to open the zip slightly (as you would the window of a car), or to remove sensitive electronics and just allow the battery to charge for use later.
Other Features:
The Shoulder Strap Power Cable allows you to run power to the shoulder strap and charge devices in the adjustable phone / MP3 pouch. To use this cable, plug it into the "DC OUT" plug on the Battery Plug.
There are various wire channels throughout the bag which allow you to run power wires or headphones to different pockets as required. Channels run along the seam of the bag (right side in main pouch), and along the shoulder straps. Holes for wires are marked with the following symbol:
For further technical assistance, please see FAQ's above, or contact support@voltaicsystems.com.
^ back to top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
