Also, is it preferable to let the battery/light run down completely before recharging (solar) or can I "boost" the charge in short spurts?
1643789
I haven't noticed any change. I set it in the window the next day and leave it there. It seems to perform just as well if I use it for an hour or three hours.
1643790
I haven't noticed a difference. It works the best when it gets at least 4 hours of direct sunlight prior to use. What's amazing is that it will last you all night and more.
1354778
You can use it while charging. Though the panels will not keep up with typical use, it will extend your time before battery depletion. The best part is, you can also charge from you house or vehicle and give yourself a full charge starting point before use. We have used ours very little, but it is well made, and all the features seem to work without flaw.
998697
If you use it as a stand-alone, charge it after each use. I like a float charger, leave it plugged in all the time, no damage. Simple trickle chargers can shorten their life.
1698745
No, that's ridiculous. I ran mine last weekend for a solid seven hours, with intermittent bursts on full power to get from one point to another. I also run my fish finder off the same battery. When I got home the battery was still 80 percent charged, and that's the most I've ever drawn it down.
46637
I'd have to say do as the battery states. For if you do anything different the battery will burn out faster or take a false charge.
406159
My battery had a minimal charge when I RECEIVED it.I believe we are expected to fully charge it before using.
1789667
I recharge overnight, but only when needed. DO NOT let battery run all the way down before recharging. My buddy with same light said he keeps his on charger all the time.
1583920
No, Anything over a 5w panel and you want to run it through a charge controller first. You risk overcharging a battery (which will eventually kill it) if you don't, even 5w is pushing it unless its a 70ah+ size battery and it has a constant small draw from it (Like in a car where electronics are being run even when the car is off)
1535493
Before you return, try resting it by a window to charge the solar cells. I have found that if I don't use it for a while it may not come on until it gets a few minutes "in the sun". I think that it should not do that but after 10-15 minutes it was functioning, and for weeks.
1371682
I fully charge first then recharge when they drop below 3.7 volts I read that letting them get to cut off point 3.2v is not really good for them.
925844
The short answer is, "Yes." You could connect the output of the solar panel to a 12 volt battery bank. The battery bank will recharge. HOWEVER, if you don't either monitor or regulate this, you will damage the battery bank from overcharging it. Specifically, if you could manually check on the voltage very couple hours, you could disconnect the solar panel when the voltage reaches full charge. or you could get a charge controller that is wired in between the solar panel and the battery bank. This inexpensive device will both optimize the charging current to the battery and will stop the charging when the battery is full.
1069077
Yes. If you read the comment below, you will see that I was/am correct.The panel MAY have a diode, which would prevent it from actively discharging your battery when the sun goes down, but the comment below seems to refute that. The other problem is that this panel will cook your battery, because it will apply voltage and current anytime that light shines on the panel. It will do this regardless of the state of charge of your battery... This will boil the electrolyte, and you'll be left with a 12V paper weight.
546984
I don't usually let the battery below 20%. One thing I have learned is that some chargers will burn out a battery if left plugged in continuously. Unplug when charged.
2284815
You are more likely to over charge the battery with a 12 volt unit. Just ensure the whole solar array is in the sunlight for optimal charging.
896851
I always leave it on charge overnight. Sometimes a little longer, and it seems to be ok. It is a very powerful light, but the instructions say to only turn it on for 30 seconds at a time, I guess it's because the drain is high, and it gets hot. So, for a quick look around, it's great. But not for continuous use.
1563374
If you charge it fully you should be able to get 1-1 1/2 charges out of it before needing to be recharged. If in the sun it will charge the phone battery till full then itself.
1874896
In my opinion I would say . Recharging while still half charged will indeed shorten the batter life. It will be over a period of time. It will be hard to say how fast. Best ans. use till quits & carry a spare