Griffin Technology PowerJolt Micro For iPad Charging

I think I have solved my iPad charging woes with this little dubrey wotsit.

Img_8005

It's called the Griffin Technology PowerJolt Micro and enables me to get the maximum charge rate of 2.1A from my solar devices/ batteries and my car power socket etc.

Before using it my iPad would say 'not charging' but was in fact charging at the lower speed fed by a 'normal' USB 2.0 connection. It could take some time though. With this the iPad charges at the same rate it would when plugged into the wall.

In the photo below I have my iPad charging with my MiniGorilla. The PowerJolt micro is so 'micro' I had to cut a couple of notches into the cigarette lighter socket that is plugged in to the MiniGorilla battery. I think this is because the socket Powertraveller supplies is deeper than the norm.

Img_8009

Although I have been able to daisy-chain charge devices from the mains. I'm yet to effectively use the SolarGorilla into the Power or MiniGorilla and simultaneously have them charge the iPad. (I'd love to know if others have got this to work.)

This may be a good thing as it's way safer to leave your battery charging in the sun and recharge the iPad later, than leave the sleek black iPad out in the hot sun. If you do, it shuts down with an over heating icon and won't work till cool again.

At the moment as the battery in the iPad means it will run all day I can charge my batteries in the day and top the iPad up at night.

Img_8010

Incidentally the PowerJolt Micro comes with a really heavy duty apple lead for iPod/iPhone/iPad connectivity, way better quality than anything Apple have supplied me. I ordered them from Cancom for £11.95 who gave me next day delivery and really great service.

Img_8012

I'll keep playing and experimenting and let you know what works and what doesn't.

If you have any mobile off-the-grid power experiments with the iPad or suchlike please let me know in the comments below or through my twitter account.

I'm @Documentally on Twitter
Filed under  //   griffin   iPad   minigorilla   off grid   power   powergorilla   powertraveller   solar   solargorilla   technology  
Posted May 30, 2010
// 2Comments
 

Powertraveller MiniGorilla - Out of the box

Just a quick video with testing to come. You can get official stats from @Powermonkeys

I'm @Documentally on Twitter
Filed under  //   canon   ixus120is   minigorilla   portable   power   powergorilla   powermonkey   powertraveller  
Posted April 14, 2010
// 1Comment
 

MiFi powered by the Solargorilla

Mifi-solar_gorila

I am doing as much testing as I can with the Solar Gorilla in overcast conditions before the summer comes. I feel as we spend most of the year in over cast conditions I will get to see a more accurate reflection of the SolarGorilla's uses in the UK. If you do live in a sunnier climate then lucky you I imagine you are solar powered up to the hilt and if not.. Why not?.

At the moment the Novatel Wireless MiFi is sat on the dashboard of a car (behind a windscreen with a UV coating) and is managing quite happily to charge the MiFi while it is turned off. The little green light is flashing telling me there is power to the battery. If i turn the MiFi on it will power up but tells me with a little red light that the battery is not charging. Placing a small battery inline though, ensures that you can use the device at the same time it charges. (See this post.)

My next (not very scientific test) may be with the MiFi plugged into the PowerGorilla with the SolarGorilla attached. I suspect it may provide well over a full day of mobile wifi connection.

I'm @Documentally on Twitter
Filed under  //   gorilla   mifi   novatel wireless   powertraveller   solar   wifi  
Posted April 5, 2010
// 1Comment