Keeping Gadgets Charged

[Kelvininin]

planing motorcycle camping trips, I don't intend to stay in too many places that have hookups so the thought come along, how to keep gadgets, cell phones, cameras, Bluetooth communication, ect. charged.

Work recently gave me one of these... http://www.mophie.com/shop/iphone-5/powerstation-xl Is a battery back used to keep stuff charged when on the go.

My plan is to add power to one of my Jesse bags or the top case, then charge this thing by day, and use it to charge my cell phone and Sena by night. I also have a biolite camp stove that can charge gadgets while cooking, but to keep it fired to the two extra hours to charge a cell phone can be a bit tedious.

 

[markjenn]

If you've got the bike's battery at the campsite, why spend $130 and carry an extra pound of energy storage you don't need? I'd just get one of the cheapie (e.g, $5) gizmos that connects to 12V and provides usb charger ports. The amount of power you need to recharge "gadgets" overnight is very small.

- Mark

 

[Kelvininin]

Great question! I tend to listen to music and have killed batteries requiring jump starts in the morning. I would rather not rely on the vehicle batter. That and I ditched my 12V socket in favor of a bulkhead SAE power fitting thats hardwired, and use the 12V socket supply hardwired to my GPS. That and I would rather not drag wires into my tent. What I like about the power supply is it can be relocated.

As far as weight is concerned... Never really worried about it on trips I have been on.

Of course it helps I already have the battery pack at my disposal. One of the few perks of working for the company I work for.

 

[Z06]

I have a total of five USB ports to keep things charged. Also have a second battery in top case that is charged during day by bike and used to run my Cpap machine at night when no electric available.
Remember when we just used maps and keep a few dimes handy to make a phone call.

 

[Kelvininin]

I am pretty young but old enough to remember keeping a map on the bike and memorizing a days route. I didn't have my first bike mounted gps until 08. And always kept coins for phone calls. These days I don't even carry a map. I haven't owned at atlas in years.

 

[Topgear]

I use something very similar. I actually keep it plugged in to power while I ride, and plug my phone into it, which also keep it charged. This lets me charge my Sena and GoPro cameras while at camp and overnight.

http://www.amazon.com/New-Trent-iCarrier-Smartphones-Micro-USB/dp/B003ZBZ64Q/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1395702853&sr=8-2&keywords=new+trent

 

[saltcreep]

I use this for camping... and charge it in my tank bank while on the go
http://www.ebay.com/itm/7800mAh-External-Charger-Battery-Power-Torch-For-Samsung-Galaxy-S4-GTi9500-S-IV-/310661607701?pt=US_Cell_Phone_PDA_Batteries&hash=item4854dff115

 

[tomatocity]

I use the Brunton Torpedo 2800. Two USB outputs and one Micro USB input. Plugs nicely into the Tenere 12V DC outlet for charging. Not the power of the others but it will charge my iPhone. Have not tested it with my laptop.

http://www.brunton.com/products/torpedo-2800

 

[Taz1200]

I bought one of these ... http://shop.antigravitybatteries.com/micro-start-xp-1/. I have not used it on the bike yet but it will charge anything and will jump start your bike if needed... You don't need to carry the whole case just the battery and plug in whatever you need to charge in your bags.. Bought it since often spend time camping without electric ...

 

[patrickg450]

If I were to get one of the above I would go with that Brunton do-hcikey, looks like the best one for me. I added a dash board so I can charge all my stuff on the ride. Yea you have to run more wires and make it neat but we are here to ride. So most of the time I am on bike therefore I use what is easiest.

I have a question for Z06, how does your carry/useage of the cpap work for you on tent nights? I may need your input.


Thanks

 

[West]

I tend to listen to music and have killed batteries requiring jump starts in the morning.

I also charge during the day while riding. But one difference, when I'm in the middle of nowhere I tend to listen to the sounds around me rather than the distraction of a music source.

 

[Kelvininin]

I also charge during the day while riding. But one difference, when I'm in the middle of nowhere I tend to listen to the sounds around me rather than the distraction of a music source.

To each their own, I always have tunes going... I listen to nature when the tent is zipped up.

 

[becoyote]

I use something very similar. I actually keep it plugged in to power while I ride, and plug my phone into it, which also keep it charged. This lets me charge my Sena and GoPro cameras while at camp and overnight.

http://www.amazon.com/New-Trent-iCarrier-Smartphones-Micro-USB/dp/B003ZBZ64Q/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1395702853&sr=8-2&keywords=new+trent

TG is that the exact model you use? I have an Anker and although it will charge a tablet twice it will only charge a sena headset for a few seconds before shutting down. Not sure if the problem is with the headset or the charger.

 

[DubbleJay]

Ive messed about with this issue a lot. I have to say the mophie is the best. They are the most reliable, charge the fastest and have excellent build quality. My only beef is that it does not come with a dust cover for the charging ports. Minor thing, but as we all know gadgets are pretty susceptible to dust problems.