Speenth Posted January 22, 2008 Share #121 Posted January 22, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) I always travel with an extension cord, mult. outlets, and adapters. Otherwise, how do you charge so many different devices.... . Hello Bill, Google 'Powermonkey eXplorer' for the solution to your question! In an earlier post in this thread I suggested this tiny device as an alternative solution. If Tim designed a small cradle incorporating the necessary electronics for the M8 battery as a 'power-tip' for the Powermonkey we'd have a highly portable an versatile solution. Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 22, 2008 Posted January 22, 2008 Hi Speenth, Take a look here Any sign of the Hahnel twin charger yet?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
marknorton Posted January 22, 2008 Share #122 Posted January 22, 2008 Even if it works, it will take forever to charge an M8 battery. These are charged at 0.7A, more than 3 times what this will provide. The M8 battery is rated at 1900mAH, you might expect it to take 10 hours to charge an M8 battery. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speenth Posted January 22, 2008 Share #123 Posted January 22, 2008 Even if it works, it will take forever to charge an M8 battery. These are charged at 0.7A, more than 3 times what this will provide. The M8 battery is rated at 1900mAH, you might expect it to take 10 hours to charge an M8 battery. Hi' Mark, Ah hah! I think I see why people aren't biting on this proposal of mine! The Powermonkey eXplorer provides power in THREE ways: Solar and lithium battery at 0.2A AND via the mains at the M8 battery's required 0.7A. Plugged into the mains it charges devices at a rate similar to any other charger. The Powermonkey eXplorer has two notable advantages: First, it will charge almost any low-power gizmo you attach to it (providing you can source the appropriate 'power-tip' to fit the device). It won't charge a high-power item like a laptop, but M8 batteries don't present much of a challenge. So if you take only this charger with you on your travels then, with a bit of forethought, you can plan its continuous employment to charge your M8 batteries, your phone, your MP3 player, your PDA, your GPS and your nostril hair trimmer etc. Second and vitally, this tiny, highly portable piece of kit will also charge your toys (albeit slowly) when you have no available mains power supply. It can do this via its onboard lithium cell (rated higher than the M8 battery) or using the supplied solar panel. If like me you spend a lot of time in the open (I cycle everywhere with my cameras in a rucksack), then the solar panel can be slung on the outside of the rucksack, casually charging whatever device is currently most famished. In short, you need not be stuck for power in an emergency and you only need to travel with one charger instead of many. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
footnoteblog Posted January 28, 2008 Share #124 Posted January 28, 2008 By the way, I think you guys should think about using the Solio Magnesium charger (cheaper at REI) for smaller devices (Treo, iPhone, iPod, Motorola phone, PSP, Nintendo DS; no, we don't carry ALL of that ), as well as an iGo (though it appears they don't make the accessory-only (no-notebook) charger ) when you're on the grid. The advantage of the Magnesium is that it utilizes the iGo tips, thereby reducing redundancy, and of course if you know about the iGo, it generally covers most small devices (just run into your local Radio Shack and try out their tips, though this is no guarantee that it will charge your device). I'll post up a review on the iGo/Solio system when I've had more experience, but suffice to say the iGo has reduced carrying quite a number of wall warts. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wlaidlaw Posted January 28, 2008 Author Share #125 Posted January 28, 2008 By the way, I think you guys should think about using the Solio Magnesium charger (cheaper at REI) for smaller devices (Treo, iPhone, iPod, Motorola phone, PSP, Nintendo DS; no, we don't carry ALL of that ), as well as an iGo (though it appears they don't make the accessory-only (no-notebook) charger ) when you're on the grid. The advantage of the Magnesium is that it utilizes the iGo tips, thereby reducing redundancy, and of course if you know about the iGo, it generally covers most small devices (just run into your local Radio Shack and try out their tips, though this is no guarantee that it will charge your device). I'll post up a review on the iGo/Solio system when I've had more experience, but suffice to say the iGo has reduced carrying quite a number of wall warts. So lets get this straight - you carry a Solio, the Solio 12 volt adapter, the Leica 12 volt cord and the Leica charger - nope don't think so. Tim and my idea is to have a minimalist travel charger, that takes up about half the space of a pack of cards, with a choice of thin, short (maybe curly as they tend to pack more easily) figure 8 leads. The sort of thing which at a pinch, you could carry in a pocket. Sales pitch for those of us, who like me, like to travel light - when I go out with the M8 and no bag with maybe just one other lens in a pocket, I use one of Luigi's (Leicatime Luigi Crescenzi : leica cameras leica compur mp elmar 250 reporter leicavit) very neat little battery cases that goes onto the camera strap. You should always carry a spare fully charged battery in case of lock ups. It also holds two cards, so I carry a spare 2GB plus a 16MB card with the current firmware on it. If I have had a lock up, I always reload the firmware. Wilson Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhoersch Posted January 28, 2008 Share #126 Posted January 28, 2008 You should always carry a spare fully charged battery in case of lock ups. It also holds two cards, so I carry a spare 2GB plus a 16MB card with the current firmware on it. If I have had a lock up, I always reload the firmware. Wilson It's really amazing what people are willing to put up with when using an M8. I admire your perseverance and determination! And I wonder how long Leica will get away with things like that once the M8 is no longer the only digital M rangefinder on the market. Of course, I have no right to point a finger at anyone, though, because I use one, too. Actually two, that is, one as a backup... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted January 28, 2008 Share #127 Posted January 28, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) It's really amazing what people are willing to put up with when using an M8. I admire your perseverance and determination! And I wonder how long Leica will get away with things like that once the M8 is no longer the only digital M rangefinder on the market. Of course, I have no right to point a finger at anyone, though, because I use one, too. Actually two, that is, one as a backup... I have never ever carried any digital camera without a spare battery and card, a battery dependent film camera without battery or film, and any other camera without spare film.....I don't feel these precautions are brand-specific. I must confess I carry two bodies too:D Three -including my own Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wlaidlaw Posted January 28, 2008 Author Share #128 Posted January 28, 2008 It's really amazing what people are willing to put up with when using an M8. I admire your perseverance and determination! And I wonder how long Leica will get away with things like that once the M8 is no longer the only digital M rangefinder on the market. Of course, I have no right to point a finger at anyone, though, because I use one, too. Actually two, that is, one as a backup... Manfred, What other digital M rangefinder is there apart from old unsold stock of Epson RD1s cameras, which I believe have not been made for over a year. I know they are sold with a guarantee but I would not like to try to get one mended. If Zeiss have brought out a digital ZI and they have not told me, I will be cross. Carrying a battery and firmware is my way of doing "reverse Murphy's law". If you have the fully charged battery and firmware with you, you will not need it. My M8 seems to be finally settling down after a year. It has not locked up since once in South Africa in October and the shutter has not stuck open on cleaning since September. I have threatened it with a trip to Solms if it does not behave and it seems to have listened. Wilson Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
footnoteblog Posted January 31, 2008 Share #129 Posted January 31, 2008 So lets get this straight - you carry a Solio, the Solio 12 volt adapter, the Leica 12 volt cord and the Leica charger - nope don't think so. Tim and my idea is to have a minimalist travel charger, that takes up about half the space of a pack of cards, with a choice of thin, short (maybe curly as they tend to pack more easily) figure 8 leads. The sort of thing which at a pinch, you could carry in a pocket. Sales pitch for those of us, who like me, like to travel light - when I go out with the M8 and no bag with maybe just one other lens in a pocket, I use one of Luigi's (Leicatime Luigi Crescenzi : leica cameras leica compur mp elmar 250 reporter leicavit) very neat little battery cases that goes onto the camera strap. You should always carry a spare fully charged battery in case of lock ups. It also holds two cards, so I carry a spare 2GB plus a 16MB card with the current firmware on it. If I have had a lock up, I always reload the firmware. Wilson Erm, no. I was refuting that the Solio may be a better alternative to the PowerMonkey eXplorer. The battery is already integrated with the unit; where as the eXplorer is two devices. Further, the Solio utilizes iGo tips, which can be used with, of course, the iGo which can charge two devices (or more with a splitter), including USB-powered devices (albeit slowly), using tips which match the accessory/gadget/phone you may be carrying. SO, if you provide a way to charge the Leica batteries via USB, somehow, this would fit PERFECTLY within the iGo (or iGo plus Solio) system. I'm currently trying to find a fit for the Solio to get charged from the iGo (how notoriously recursive), but you could always use the sun. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
35mmSummicron Posted January 31, 2008 Share #130 Posted January 31, 2008 I know this topic is probably insignificant given the M8 upgrade announcement, but i figured those who are interested in an alternative M8 travel charger, but this was just announced for PMA........ Delkin Devices Batteries I don't see any official information stating M8 batteries, but I don't see it being that difficult for them to make one.... /a Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wparsonsgisnet Posted February 5, 2008 Share #131 Posted February 5, 2008 I was reminded of this thread, today, by a new thread started by a user whose charger had died. Is there an update on the charger? I'm ready. Many thanks, Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arif Posted February 6, 2008 Share #132 Posted February 6, 2008 It's really amazing what people are willing to put up with when using an M8. I admire your perseverance and determination! And I wonder how long Leica will get away with things like that once the M8 is no longer the only digital M rangefinder on the market. Of course, I have no right to point a finger at anyone, though, because I use one, too. Actually two, that is, one as a backup... Fresh out of college and starting my first job in the auto industry, my biggest shock was to meet a Jaguar owner who had a spare Jaguar for the days his other Jag was at the shop getting fixed. Now I understand why Best wishes, Arif Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
footnoteblog Posted February 7, 2008 Share #133 Posted February 7, 2008 Erm, no. I was refuting that the Solio may be a better alternative to the PowerMonkey eXplorer. The battery is already integrated with the unit; where as the eXplorer is two devices. Further, the Solio utilizes iGo tips, which can be used with, of course, the iGo which can charge two devices (or more with a splitter), including USB-powered devices (albeit slowly), using tips which match the accessory/gadget/phone you may be carrying. SO, if you provide a way to charge the Leica batteries via USB, somehow, this would fit PERFECTLY within the iGo (or iGo plus Solio) system. I'm currently trying to find a fit for the Solio to get charged from the iGo (how notoriously recursive), but you could always use the sun. Actually, you could just ditch the iGo system entirely (except for the tips) and carry around the very small Solio. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Ortego Posted February 9, 2008 Share #134 Posted February 9, 2008 Another vote for a compact single battery charger, mains only 110/240v 50/60Hz (self adjusting). However, a smart-charge design would be cool. Meaning, a partially a charged battery would be discharged and charged from a fully depleted state. Regards, Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fotogo Posted February 10, 2008 Share #135 Posted February 10, 2008 Sorry, but this design will not allow a large enough safety margin between the "live" high voltage connections and the "safe" low voltage side. This is required to prevent leakage across the circuit board in humid conditions and, because there is no safety ground, it's a case of electrocution waiting to happen. You can see how they do it on the Leica charger - clear space between the high and low voltage sides - the small island is used by safety components. [ATTACH]70680[/ATTACH] Wilson, Mark et al, Here is another version properly separating the high and low voltage components, within my level of understanding anyway. The effort here is still to maintain the smallest volume possible while incorporating components from similar Lithium Ion charger designs, both of well know brands and unknown brands. I want to have a package here that is very nearly complete or at least workable so that I can sit down with some experts here, and see where we stand. I will of course be alert for any requirements that may force the case to be made larger. Also, I think the daisy chain option is a good one, provided things don't start melting or smoking or jumping about! More technical comments are welcomed. If you require any closer look at the circuit board layout let me know. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marknorton Posted February 10, 2008 Share #136 Posted February 10, 2008 Tim, you don't show the detail of the two "daisy chain" connectors but they clearly cannot be the same. Otherwise, you would plug the power cable into one and the pins on the other side would become live and lethal. I think you should make the case double width, single power connector and arrange for two batteries to be charged in sequence. There's no need to have sufficient power to charge both at the same time, what you want to be able to do is set both to be charged and then leave them overnight. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fotogo Posted February 10, 2008 Share #137 Posted February 10, 2008 Tim, you don't show the detail of the two "daisy chain" connectors but they clearly cannot be the same. Otherwise, you would plug the power cable into one and the pins on the other side would become live and lethal. I think you should make the case double width, single power connector and arrange for two batteries to be charged in sequence. There's no need to have sufficient power to charge both at the same time, what you want to be able to do is set both to be charged and then leave them overnight. Mark, you caught me being lazy. Of course I realize the two plugs will differ in shape (male female types), to prevent the short circuit, but I used the same socket on both sides to save some time creating the assembly. Understand the option for two battery ports, and sequential charging might make good sense as an alternative to the daisy chain. Of course, the charger will grow in size. Also, I am unsure how the heat build up will be handled or even if it will be a problem with the Leica battery. That issue may cause the case to grown in size anyway. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wlaidlaw Posted February 10, 2008 Author Share #138 Posted February 10, 2008 Mark, you caught me being lazy. Of course I realize the two plugs will differ in shape (male female types), to prevent the short circuit, but I used the same socket on both sides to save some time creating the assembly. Understand the option for two battery ports, and sequential charging might make good sense as an alternative to the daisy chain. Of course, the charger will grow in size. Also, I am unsure how the heat build up will be handled or even if it will be a problem with the Leica battery. That issue may cause the case to grown in size anyway. Tim, I am with you that a single "daisy-chainable" charger is a better solution or certainly a more sensible marketing proposition. If we went for a larger double charger, it would reduce the potential market considerably. Now that I have found that the battery in my wife's small Pana-Leica (Clux ?) is identical to the one in my Ricoh Gx100, that taken together with having a tiny M8 charger, will reduce to a fraction, the amount of charging gubbins I have to carry around. Keep up the good work! Wilson Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marknorton Posted February 10, 2008 Share #139 Posted February 10, 2008 Normally, the type of cable you are using has a cable mounted female connector with an AC plug on the other end. The link cable between two chargers will need to have a cable mounted male and a cable mounted female connector and I don't think I've ever seen such a male connector. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speenth Posted February 10, 2008 Share #140 Posted February 10, 2008 Tim, I am with you that a single "daisy-chainable" charger is a better solution or certainly a more sensible marketing proposition. If we went for a larger double charger, it would reduce the potential market considerably. Now that I have found that the battery in my wife's small Pana-Leica (Clux ?) is identical to the one in my Ricoh Gx100, that taken together with having a tiny M8 charger, will reduce to a fraction, the amount of charging gubbins I have to carry around. Keep up the good work! Wilson So this project is proceeding. I am pleased, given that in another thread there has been a slightly unhealthy enthusiasm for an alternative quick fix. On the subject of daisy chaining, I'd envisaged that one side of the charger would have a protruding female connector as part of the moulding. This would fit into the the male connector on the other side (not to be indelicate, the concepts of male and female are a bit confused with these figure of eight connectors and I am working on the basis that it is the pins, not the plug itself that are male). I still really like this concept and I wish it well - we do not need cheapy Delkins, thank you very much! Steve' Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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