Blacks sale.

[Jamesey1981]

Just a quick heads up that blacks have an "up to 50% off" sale on.
Had a look through, some stuff cheap some stuff not so cheap, but there are some pretty good deals to be had if you're after any gear.
https://m.blacks.co.uk/?utm_source=Twit ... paign=sale

[Arzosah]

Thanks for this! I'm trying to get together a solar power setup. I have a 13W solar panel (which calls itself a solar generator on the box!). I know there's an inverter needed, and a battery, but I'm wondering if this: https://m.blacks.co.uk/product/powertra ... hub/124668

is a good output device for the setup? 4 USB ports, 2 are Apple and two are "other", it seems a good deal for the sale price. It specifically mentions using a solar setup with this.

Are they lying to me? Am I lying to myself?

[Yorkshire Andy]

No mention of battery capacity on that power bank

You don't NEED an inverter and to be fair most are inefficient if you can find a 12v or 5v USB version or tyeyvuse a plug in step down transformer look for travel charger....

Its a cheaper way (decent pure sinewave inverters start about £150 ish!)

If your 13w panel is for USB only its a decent size.. If its for a car / caravan its rather small... My 60w panel (big fold out panel think size of a open broad sheet ......) Only charges at about 3a on a bright gray day

[Arzosah]

I'd use it for charging phone and kindle, maybe a light or two, maybe even the dehydrator, which runs at 75w (i.e. less than an old lightbulb) ...

"Inverter" actually meant "'leccy gadget that completely mystifies me". I never seem to devote enough time to understanding it all ...

[Deeps]

I'd use it for charging phone and kindle, maybe a light or two, maybe even the dehydrator, which runs at 75w (i.e. less than an old lightbulb) ...

"Inverter" actually meant "'leccy gadget that completely mystifies me". I never seem to devote enough time to understanding it all ...

If you want to keep things really simple there are USB powered battery chargers, both 'normal' and the 18650/14500 types and of course most power banks, kindles, phones etc are charged with USB compatible chargers. The dehydrator might be tricky but depending on the length of any power outage you'll probably have enough to keep you going. You can even get USB powered electric tooth brushes.

The next stage is the 12V set up, that's on my 'to do' list as well, it gives a bit more 'oomph' but I want to research it before jumping in half arsed so I follow these kind of threads with interest.

[Arzosah]

Thanks for that, Deeps, do you mean like this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/PortaPow-Batte ... B00HCBDV10 - although that says a kindle won't get much charge from it.

This thing was advertised on the page where I found the above: https://www.amazon.co.uk/PortaPow-10200 ... V6GCTNDBAS
which I *think* is what Blacks is selling. And there's a newer version advertised too.

To be honest, I think I want to skip that level of setup, and go for the 12v kind. That's on your to-do list too?



Jamesey: sorry for the hijack!

[Deeps]

Thanks for that, Deeps, do you mean like this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/PortaPow-Batte ... B00HCBDV10 - although that says a kindle won't get much charge from it.

This thing was advertised on the page where I found the above: https://www.amazon.co.uk/PortaPow-10200 ... V6GCTNDBAS
which I *think* is what Blacks is selling. And there's a newer version advertised too.

To be honest, I think I want to skip that level of setup, and go for the 12v kind. That's on your to-do list too?



Jamesey: sorry for the hijack!

I use an Anker 14W solar panel which folds down nicely and I've a few standard AA/AAA chargers as well as one of these.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00 ... UTF8&psc=1


for the more exotic types. I've a fair few power banks as well that can be charged as well as being able to do kindles/phones etc. All very portable if required although not my plan. I've got solar panels on the house although they're not any use if the mains goes down, that's why I fancy the 12V system. My prepping finances are pretty much on hold at the moment, any spare funds are being diverted for a potential trip away watching football, so not likely to be doing anything about it until next year. Same with Blacks sale (trying to get it back on track).

[Arzosah]

I use an Anker 14W solar panel which folds down nicely and I've a few standard AA/AAA chargers as well as one of these.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00 ... UTF8&psc=1

So, that charges AA and AAA batteries ... but, what from? Where does the power come from? I want to be able to use solar power, does this recharger hook up to your solar panel?

for the more exotic types. I've a fair few power banks as well that can be charged as well as being able to do kindles/phones etc. All very portable if required although not my plan.

Again, I want to invest in the hardware that means I can do without the mains to recharge my kindle, if necessary.

I've got solar panels on the house although they're not any use if the mains goes down, that's why I fancy the 12V system. My prepping finances are pretty much on hold at the moment, any spare funds are being diverted for a potential trip away watching football, so not likely to be doing anything about it until next year. Same with Blacks sale (trying to get it back on track).

Blacks sale. http://www.blacks.co.uk/equipment/cooki ... ng-stoves/

Larger kelley kettle is £56.
Campingaz bistro is £12.50.
Single spork is £1
Goal Zero Guide 10 plus solar kit £120. Now *that* looks like it would do what I want ... tho I already have the solar panel. Is that still massively overpriced?

Very interesting!

[Deeps]

Sorry Arzosah, this is what I use to charge devices and batteries.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Anker-Solar-Ch ... er+charger

There are other ones about but when I got it this was towards the top end and its fine on even a half cloudy day. 2 USB ports to charge 2 different devices and folds down nicely although there is a bit of weight to it if you were planning on taking up hills. Clag the chargers or devices straight in and Bob's your aunties live in lover. As usual there's a range of prices on these things so you can suit yourself on power and budget.

[Arzosah]

Deeps! Thats amazing! It certainly looks top end to me Right, that gives me a baseline to work from, which is brilliant. I'd love to bring the panel I already own into play, but something like this is probably best right now for a noob like me. I'm going to have fun looking through those questions and reviews now