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Solar Powered Camping Fan...Can anyone help?

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  • 22-06-2010 11:14am
    #1
    Giggernaut
    Registered Users Posts: 221 ✭✭


    I've googled and searched numerous gadget websites and all I could find was a baseball cap with a solar powered fan on ebay.

    Found plenty of usb powered fans but as Im going camping in Spain would love to find a solar powered alternative.

    Im leaving on the 5th which is why I would like to find something in Ireland or europe for postage.

    The baseball cap fan on ebay was based in cork but it looks naff:cool:,I''d prefer something I could hang in the tent or pass round.

    Many thanks.
    Gigs

    Development : found this nifty little gadget on a us site but it was sold out ,I was going to purchase but the missus said "ney"

    http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/travel-outdoors/c400/


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    #2
    watty
    Registered Users Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    You need 12V battery (say 7Ah Gell type), 12V car dashboard fan (Lidl had some recently, some may still have them) and at least A4 size solar panel. Only a much larger panel will run fan without battery. You can charge battery all day.

    Then you can use it to charge phones etc. Fit a 3 way "cigar Socket" to Solar panel/battery.

    Anything smaller is a novely / toy. ThinkGeek is toys.


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    #3
    Giggernaut
    Registered Users Posts: 221 ✭✭Giggernaut


    Cheers Watty for your suggestion.

    I checked out what you said and found this invertor in halfords :
    http://www.ringautomotive.co.uk/cats3.asp?cat1=7&cat2=34 for 40euro. Its not on their website.

    and on the same product website I found a solar panel kit http://www.ringautomotive.co.uk/cats3.asp?cat1=7&cat2=93

    that would suit me but as you'll see the website is trade only. I may leave the solar panel for now and charge up the battery during the day.

    Thanks again for the help delighted I didnt go down the "baseball cap fan" route :rolleyes:

    Thanks
    Gigs


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    #4
    watty
    Registered Users Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    I'd avoid mains electricity in a tent :)

    You can get 12V fans, fridges, CFL/tube lights etc..

    Maplin has a variety of solar panels. If you have a car + tent, you may not need a solar panel. You can also get 12V battery/lamp systems that can run a 12V fan and charge off car cigar socket when you are driving.


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    #5
    Giggernaut
    Registered Users Posts: 221 ✭✭Giggernaut


    Ive had a look at maplin and i'm gonna purchase the portable battery from halfords.

    The battery in the link i posted is different to the one on sale in that it has only a cigar output. As for the fan Im gonna buy in spain along with having a look at solar panels.

    I'm flirting with the idea of buying the battery there as well I'm told the hyper marche's are huge and have everything for camping but I think I'll air on the side of caution and arrive battery ready!

    Thanks Gigs.


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