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Um no, that only does 2.5 watts, the iPad needs 10 watts for the best charging experience.

Um, don't know where you're getting that figure (spec sheet shows a output range to 18W) and the linked review references their charging the iPad with it.
 
Um, don't know where you're getting that figure (spec sheet shows a output range to 18W) and the linked review references their charging the iPad with it.

Wired indicated 500ma at 5V which is only 2.5 watts. There is no way they can get 18 watts out of a 6x6 inch mono-crystalline solar cell, it's just not possible.
 
Wired indicated 500ma at 5V which is only 2.5 watts. There is no way they can get 18 watts out of a 6x6 inch mono-crystalline solar cell, it's just not possible.


What Wired wrote was:

"production models can be refilled at the standard USB charging rate (500 milliamps at 5 volts or 2.5 watts)"

That's a reference to charging from USB, not a reflection of the device's output. Go to the website and look at the spec sheet. It may prove to be vaporware, but Wired was able to fully charge an iPad from it.
 
What Wired wrote was:

"production models can be refilled at the standard USB charging rate (500 milliamps at 5 volts or 2.5 watts)"

That's a reference to charging from USB, not a reflection of the device's output. Go to the website and look at the spec sheet. It may prove to be vaporware, but Wired was able to fully charge an iPad from it.

This is because it has a battery in it, which the charging occurs from, pretty basic circuit. Charging from solar alone is what this thread is about, hence the brainstorming.
 
Wow, it's been awhile, and I haven't had time to actually build the damn thing yet. Got busy with a new job and stuff :(
 
HURRY UP TROOP!!

i have my iPad waiting ;)

sitting it in the sunlight wont hurt it much

Lol, sorry guys, I wish I had some free time to really focus on this project more, I know alot of people would buy it too.
 
I may make one from scratch... well steal some of my long cousins roof at least. I've worked with solar energy for almost 8 years now so making one for me shouldn't be a hassle - the time will be though. If anyone needs advice, please feel free to ask.
 
I kinda want to start at the project again due to getting an iPhone 4.
 
I kinda want to start at the project again due to getting an iPhone 4.

What was the point of u updating this thread? To announce news of non-news? Btw that joos charger will charge the iPad and it's actually not vaporware.

I think I'm going to make a thread on how to add more ram in the iPad then come back two months later and say I want to work on it again...
 
I like this project... wish you the best of luck.

you get solar trickle chargers for car batteries, maybe a few of them banged together might help.

Also if your going to make it pyramid shaped, thats going to leave loads of internal space, how about using the solar to trickle charge a battery then have the battery delivery a guaranteed solid power supply to the ipad?

basically like the solar charges you see on the market today.

I think this is the best way to go as you will be capturing the suns energy at all times and storing for a rainy day!

Good luck!
 
Btw that joos charger will charge the iPad and it's actually not vaporware.

Joos had several delays but they had a formal media event last month and they've lined up a manufacturer. The current release date is sometime in September.

I'm still skeptical but there are two independent reviews that give it a thumbs up.
 
How about an iPad case with solar cells integrated in the back of the case. Place your iPad in its case face down and let the sun charge her up while you're in the car, or at the park or...

This is the only solution I'd be remotely interested in. A nice folio case, with a (flexible?) solar panel integrated in the front. Just to trickle charge the iPad.
 
Has anyone tried the Suntactics PC5 solar USB charger?
It claims to be able to charge not just the iphone but also the ipad too, not using a battery but straight from the solar panels alone (which I think I am correct in saying that is what the OP wants.)

They had good reviews from amazon, so I ordered one..living in Japan and considering recent events here I thought it would be a good idea to have one just in case. I am probably going to combine it with a eneloop booster pack, so that I don't need to leave my ipad out in the sun, but being able to charge it straight from the panels would be a big plus.

If anyone has experience with either of these I would be glad to hear it.
(more of a reassurance that I haven't wasted my money, as it wasn't cheap:))
 
Has anyone tried the Suntactics PC5 solar USB charger?
It claims to be able to charge not just the iphone but also the ipad too, not using a battery but straight from the solar panels alone (which I think I am correct in saying that is what the OP wants.)

They had good reviews from amazon, so I ordered one..living in Japan and considering recent events here I thought it would be a good idea to have one just in case. I am probably going to combine it with a eneloop booster pack, so that I don't need to leave my ipad out in the sun, but being able to charge it straight from the panels would be a big plus.

If anyone has experience with either of these I would be glad to hear it.
(more of a reassurance that I haven't wasted my money, as it wasn't cheap:))

I've had the Joos for a few months and really like it. The solar/battery combination makes more sense to me unless you have reliable consistent sun. The battery does a great job bu itself (can get several iPhone charges out of it or about 1 iPad charge) but with sun it replenishes well. Have yet to try it camping but I'm confident it will work well given my experience with it so far.
 
I'm an airline pilot, and would LOVE a solar charger. So I take it there are a few options out there already? I haven't looked around, in fact - I didn't even think about the idea until I read this thread!!!!
 
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