Voltaic *hearts* Peace CorpsBy Admin
If you know anyone leaving for the Peace Corps, let them know that Voltaic offers a discount for their service. Just send us a letter of acceptance and we’ll provide a discount code for any solar charger in our quiver. Even better, let us know what devices you’ll be charging and we can advise on compatibility.
In just the past few weeks, we’ve heard from volunteers heading off to Zambia, Sierra Leone, Armenia, Kenya, Mali and Ghana. Keep ‘em coming and don’t forget to send us back pictures.
Hi,
I’m leaving for Benin in June as a Peace Corps Volunteer. I have an Acer Aspire AS5560-8480 15.6-Inch Laptop, do your products support it, and which one do you recommend? Trust me when I say, all of us Peace Corps volunteers are grateful for this offer. I can email my acceptance letter asap.
Thank you!
Hi Pape,
For a laptop, we have two setups we recommend, read here for more details: http://voltaicsystems.com/blog/peace-corps-advice-laptop-charging-setups/
For your Aspire, we have a new adapter we just came out with. Be sure to add our optional computer adapter: “E” 5.5×1.7mm to your order.
Send your acceptance letter into sales@voltaicsystems.com for the discount code.
Best regards,
Jeff
Hey! I am also leaving for Sierra Leone as a Peace Corps volunteer this June. I will be needing to charge a Cannon Power Shot SX500 IS, a Peace corps cell that I will get in-country, a HP Pavilion dm1z laptop, kindle, and an ipod. It’s awesome that you are helping us out with this! Not only is packing confusing, it is getting expensive too.
Thank you,
Laurel
Hi Laurel,
Congratulations. Laptops are the hardest and most expensive things to charge. If you can skip that, there are a number of inexpensive options like the Amp that will charge cameras.
If you have to bring the laptop, see: http://voltaicsystems.com/blog/peace-corps-advice-laptop-charging-setups/
For the camera, get the NB 6L cradle here: http://www.voltaicsystems.com/solar-camera-charger.shtml
Code coming via email…
/jeff
OK great, thank you. This might be a dumb question but if I get the Fuse 10W and the camera cradle would I need to buy anything else to make it work? Tech stuff isn’t exactly my thing…
thanks again
Nothing more. We do suggest testing everything out before you leave and give us a call if everything isn’t 100% clear. My extension is 706.
Hey,
I bought everything you recommended, and I’m having a hard time figuring out how to charge my Ipod. Do I need another attachment?
Hi Laurel,
We hope to get you working smoothly.
Please plug the white cable that comes with your iPod into the USB port on the silver battery. Then press and hold the power button for 2 seconds. Your iPod should start charging. If not, can you try a different USB device? Also, we can provide more consistent support here: http://support.voltaicsystems.com/customer/portal/emails/new
Thanks,
Jeff
Hello!
What an awesome offer for PVCs! I am a Peace Corps Volunteer scheduled to leave for Sierra Leone this June. I will be needing a charger for a Canon Powershot SX500, a cell phone provided by the Peace Corps as well as a Chromebook (netbook) and iPod. I am able to submit a copy of my letter of assignment upon request.
Best regards,
Taylor
Hi Taylor,
If you’re doing a Chromebook, then you’ll need one of our laptop charger solutions, see: http://voltaicsystems.com/blog/peace-corps-advice-laptop-charging-setups/
For the SX500, you’ll need an NB-6L camera battery cradle, see: http://www.voltaicsystems.com/camera
The phone will charge from any of our systems.
Thanks,
Jeff
Greetings!!
I am so excited to learn about this awesome Peace Corps discount! My adventure will be taking me to Sierra Leone this June. I am looking to charge a Canon Powershot A2300, a cell phone (issued by the PC so I don’t know what it’ll be), my iPod, and if it doesn’t up the price/weight too much, a netbook. Thanks so much!
Paige
iPod and cell phone are straightforward and can be charged with any of our chargers. The Amp and Fuse 4w are our least expensive, and very portable chargers.
http://www.voltaicsystems.com/amp
http://www.voltaicsystems.com/fuse4w
If you add a netbook, you move up quite a bit in size, cost and weight.
To charge the battery in the A2300 (an NB-11) you need to remove it from the camera and charge it from a cradle. You can order the camera cradle from here: http://www.voltaicsystems.com/camera
We’ll email you the code directly,
Jeff
Hello,
I am leaving for Burkina Faso on June 1st (2013). I am looking for a solar charger for my 11″ mac book air, my Panasonic Lumix camera, and my Kindle (and cell phone if possible). On behalf of all volunteers, THANK YOU for your assistance! I will be happy to email a copy of my acceptance letter.
Thank You,
William Hernandez
Hi William,
We’ll send you the information to your email address privately.
For your devices, we suggest either the Fuse 10W or 16 Watt Kit, see here for the comparison: http://voltaicsystems.com/blog/peace-corps-advice-laptop-charging-setups/
Also, http://www.voltaicsystems.com/mac for more information on your Mac
Finally, let us know which model Lumix, you’ll likely need a car charger cradle, see: http://www.voltaicsystems.com/camera
Thanks!
Jeff
Hello, I’m heading to Zambia in February, and am looking for a solar charger for my ipod (touch) and camera. What would you suggest? I really don’t need anything super fancy.
Thanks!
The Fuse 4W or Amp would work well. What model camera? We suggest reading our camera guide here: http://www.voltaicsystems.com/camera
Fuse 4W is here: http://www.voltaicsystems.com/fuse4w
Amp is here: http://www.voltaicsystems.com/amp
My name is Jen, and I’m bound for Vanuatu with the Peace Corps. I’d like to bring my MacBook Pro (13.3″, i7/4 GB memory; purchased 2011) and would be very grateful for your suggestions about which of the external batteries to purchase–we’ve been advised that solar may not work at our sites, especially during cyclone season.
I’m mostly confused about how to charge the Universal battery from a generator–I’m worried about damaging the battery.
As you can tell, I’m teaching English and not IT, so I’d be grateful for any help you can provide.
The only battery that will work with the MacBook is our V60 battery + MagSafe adapter. It should roughly double your run time.
http://www.voltaicsystems.com/v60
http://www.voltaicsystems.com/adapters.shtml#magsafe
More on MacBook charging is here: http://www.voltaicsystems.com/solar-macbook-charger.shtml
For the sunny season, you could pair the V60 battery with our 16 Watt panel to charge from solar.
http://www.voltaicsystems.com/16watt
If your Generator has an AC outlet (like a wall plug), then you can plug directly into the Generator. Alternatively, the generator may have a female car charger socket (like in your car). In that case, you could use our “12V DC Charger”
http://www.voltaicsystems.com/adapters.shtml#chargers
Thanks,
Jeff
Jeff,
Would the AC adapter you provide be able to cope with the 220v current in my country of service? I’m told that the generators will output at this voltage and I’m concerned about burning out the battery, especially if the power spikes.
My thought is to use a surge protector to prevent burnout–so the question is whether I can use a surge protector that outputs at 220v or whether I need to use one at the US standard, in which case I’ll also need to get an adapter, to prevent burning out the surge protector.
Do you have comments or suggestions?
Thank you!
jen
Hi Jen,
The AC charger does accept both 110 (US) and 220 (EU, lots of other places) Voltage. That will not harm the battery. I’m not that familiar with generators, but depending on how sophisticated they are, the Voltage can “spike” – in this case, a 220V surge protector (probably available locally) would be a good thing. If it does per chance burn out on the Generator, we can send you a replacement although it may be a bit slow to get there. We try to support our Peace Corps customers wherever they are.
Jeff
Hello,
I’m leaving for Burkina Faso next month with the Peace Corps. What would you recommend to charge a Dell/Alienware laptop, kindle, and a Nikon D40? Would the backpack charger suffice?
Thanks!
Chris
Hi Chris,
Congratulations. Alienware laptops are pretty tough as they tend to consume a lot more power than a normal laptop, especially the new class of ultrabooks and other efficient laptops. What exact model number Alienware? Is it a must?
Kindle and D40 are pretty straightforward, any of our solar chargers from the Amp or Fuse 4W on up will charge them. For the Nikon D40 you’ll need our EN-EL9 cradle to charge the battery. Read more about camera charging here: http://www.voltaicsystems.com/camera
It’s an Alienware M11X R3, their 11 inch laptop. I usually average around 6 hours battery time. I have an Energizer XP18000 external battery that will extend the battery life to about 12 hours, and that’s with running photoshop/watching movies, fairly demanding stuff.
That’s pretty good runtime. I was afraid you were talking about a 17″ or something. In that case, I think you could do well with either the Fuse 10W or the 16 Watt Panel + V60 battery + 3511-Extension Cable. A number of people in Peace Corps are mounting the 16 Watt panel on roof of abode and connecting to the V60 battery inside. The Fuse 10W is more packaged, the 16 Watt panel gives you more power. /jeff
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Hello,
I’m leaving for Senegal in a month with the Peace Corps and I’m wondering the best solar charger for an Ipad? Also what % discount does Volatic offer?
Thank you!
Jamie
Hi Jamie,
We generally recommend the Spark for iPad charging which provides about 1 hour of runtime for every hour in the sun on the iPad 1 and iPad 2, about 40 minutes for every hour in the sun on the iPad 3. If you have a bit more time, I think the Fuse 4W with an upgrade to the V39 battery (see the tablet compatibility section of the Fuse4W page for details) would also work and would be a bit cheaper.
We provide a 30% discount for Peace Corps volunteers – send in your acceptance letter to sales@voltaicsystems.com and we’ll send you the code!
http://www.voltaicsystems.com/spark
http://www.voltaicsystems.com/fuse4w
Jeff
Hello,
I am looking for something to charge my iPhone, nook, and canon rebel…I am also leaving in a week so I am wondering if it is even possible to get your product before August 31?
Thanks,
Joseph
Hi Joseph, Our Fuse 4W would work to charge each of those devices. We ship orders received by 12 Noon Eastern the same day and ship from our warehouse in NJ. We can definitely get it to you by August 31st, but you might have to choose 3 Day if you are on the West Coast.
Which model Canon Rebel? If you can figure out the battery model inside, say NB-2L or LP-E6 then you can get the right camera cradle. See our camera charging guide here: http://www.voltaicsystems.com/camera
Hi,
I am interested in something that will be able to charge a kindle, phone, camera (Canon – PowerShot SX260 HS) and Ipod what would be my best option?
Kate Racy
Hi Voltaic-
I’m going to be leaving for Benin with the Peace Corps in June and I was wondering which of your chargers would work with a 2011 macbook air 11″? If possible, it would also be great to use it to charge other small electronics (i.e., a cell phone or something similar).
Thanks!
-Sarah
Hi Sarah,
We would reccommend either the Fuse 10W or the 16 Watt panel + V60 battery. In both cases you will also need our optional MagSafe adapter. Learn more about MacBook charging here: http://www.voltaicsystems.com/solar-macbook-charger.shtml
Both systems will charge your MacBook plus smaller electronics. The Fuse 10W is better packaged and is easier to manage any charging cables and attach to a backpack. The 16 Watt panel + V60 has more power (60%) and will charge electronics faster. You could also potentially mount it on the roof of your dwelling.
Here are all the links:
Fuse 10W – http://www.voltaicsystems.com/fuse10w
16 Watt Panel – http://www.voltaicsystems.com/16watt
V60 – http://www.voltaicsystems.com/v60
Reconfigured MagsSafe – http://www.voltaicsystems.com/adapters.shtml#magsafe
Hey Voltaic!!! I am in Zambia and am using your charger in my village EVERY DAY! It is amazing, very robust, and the absolute best purchase I made to prepare for my service. Everything else I brought with me has proved to break or be useless in time… my charger goes with me everywhere and honestly would recommend your product not just to fellow Peace Corps volunteers, but any true outdoorsman or anyone who plans on spending any time travelling around the world. You can depend on this product. Solar panels are cheap and inexpensive here, but can’t hold a candle to the quality you all provide. Makes me so proud that I can rely on American products still to be the finest in the world. Mwendangahu Mwani!
Hi Bryan & Voltaic! I’m also leaving for Zambia in 7 weeks and I’ll be using a solar charger to power my phone, ipod and camera. Which product did you purchase? I’m concerned because both cameras that I’ll be bringing require multiple AA batteries – will a solar charger work for rechargeable batteries? Recommendations would be WONDERFUL!
Thanks!! Kirsten
Hi Kirsten,
Any of our chargers will recharge NiMh AA batteries, but you will need an optional charger like this one from eneloop:
http://www.amazon.com/Sanyo-eneloop-Pre-Charged-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B004UAG776/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333045109&sr=8-1
Thanks,
Jeff
My daughter is leaving for Benin in June, I’d like to give her something to charge her iPad and iPhone.
Kindly advise.
Hi Rick, the Spark is probably best suited for charging the iPad. If you’re looking for something that costs a bit less, you could pair the Switch or Fuse 4W with the V39 battery upgrade. Send us an email to sales at voltaicsystems dot com with a copy of the acceptance letter and we’ll provide the discount code. Thanks, Jeff
We are leaving to serve in El Salvador in the spring and have a acer iconia tablet a500. What solar charger do you have to work for us?
Do you have any recomendations?
Neil y Viole
Hi,
The Iconia requires 12 Volts so you’ll need to get one of our laptop chargers for it to work: the Fuse 10W, Array or Generator. In addition, you’ll need our optional 3.0×1.0mm adapter as this is the right plug size to connect to the Iconia. Does that make sense?
Jeff
I am going to Cambodia with the Peace Corps in July. I would like to try to make sure my Samsung RV511 notebook, Nikon P100 and Canon SD750 remain charged if I don’t have access to electricity. Will your 15 volt solar charger work with my equipment? If so, I’ll send a copy of my invitation via email. Please advise.
–Joyce Jenkins
I want to thank your company. I am a PCV in Senegal (West Africa) and just place my order for a generator bag. I intend to use the MP3450 with it.
One question, could I purchase one or two of the 15 watt panels to put on the roof of my house and run a cable down to my room and charge off of the roof panels? If that would work, any chance you know of an outdoor enclosure that would work with your 15 watt panels?
Thanks for your support,
Kerry Johnson PCV Thies Senegal
Hello,
My name is George Helling and I’m headed to Guinea on July 7th with the Peace Corps! I’m interested in something that will be able to charge a lap top and small electronic devices like a camera and cell phone. Thanks so much for your contribution to Peace Corps volunteers! I’d be happy to e-mail a copy of my acceptance letter, I just wasn’t sure about the email to send it to. Thanks again,
-George Helling