Power on the Go–Voltaic Systems’ Fuse 4W

It seems that no one these days , including myself, does much of anything without some sort of electronics nearby; especially bicycle touring. I personally have a GPS, cell phone, MP3 player, front light, three rear lights, digital camera, heart rate monitor, and a SPOT gps tracker for use with Bertha. I carry some or even all of these things with me when I am on my bike (depending on length and type of trip), and every one of these things needs batteries or recharging on a somewhat regular basis. To this end I use a Voltaic Systems Fuse 4W solar charger.

Many people consider a solar charger unnecessary especially when traveling in the U.S.. Afterall, there’s power everywhere. It is true that access to a power outlet is universally wide-spread throughout the country, but sitting still in some restaurant or Seven-Eleven while waiting for my phone to charge, or some rechargeable batteries to top off is not my idea of fun, especially when I can have these same things happen while I am riding or sitting outside my tent. I have been using the Fuse for about five months now, mostly at home and while commuting, but also on three ‘weekenders’ (2-3 day trips), and it has exceeded my expectations.

Before I continue I want to mention that I am in no way sponsored by Voltaic Systems and have no connection to the company. They did give me a good deal on my Fuse when I told them my story, but there were no endorsement strings attached–I simply like the Fuse, think it’s a great product, and wanted to tell people about it.

The concept of the Fuse is quite simple. It has two two-watt solar panels connected to a rechargeable power-pack (battery) all contained in a water-proof case which also stores attachments and other small items. The solar panels charge the battery which has a USB port to plug your device into. A small red LED on the outside of the case in the Voltaic logo lights up when the panels have enough light to charge something.

Fuse 4W Outside Front

Voltaic Systems has several configurations of their solar charging systems; from systems designed primarily to recharge small devices like phones to systems designed to charge laptops and larger cameras. I got the Fuse because it will charge the items I typically carry and is still small enough to comfortably pack around. With spare AA and AAA batteries, battery charger, and the adaptors and cords I use the system weighs about one and a half pounds, about the same as a jar of peanut butter. They have a smaller system which has the same power and takes up less space, but it has to unfold like a billfold for both panels to come into play making it a lessor option for power on the move, and the weight difference is minimal.

You can use the Fuse in several ways: 1) you charge the battery, then later use the battery to charge your device, 2) you can charge your device directly from the panels, 3) you can charge the battery while it is charging a device or 4) you can even charge a device that is plugged into the battery while charging the battery, while at the same time charging a separate device which is connected directly to the panels. Granted, the charging times are greatly increased if you use options 3 or 4, but it’s handy when you need to top off the power-pack or some AA’s and your phone at the same time.

When charging you also have a few different options for where the device is while it’s being charged. You can remove the battery from the case and connect your device (charging separate from the case). You can pass the charging cord through a seal on the back of the case (bottom right picture below) and connect it to the battery (connected to but outside the case). Or, if the device is small enough, you can put the device inside the case plugged to the battery or panels and zip the case closed (charging inside the case). The last method is especially handy for charging something while riding. And if it rains–no worries, your device is safe because the case is waterproof.

Outside Back

While you can use your own USB charging plugs, the Fuse comes with an assortment of adapters to fit most phones, MP3 players and similar items, and they sell adapters for darn near everything else. The adapters plug directly to the panels via a port inside the case (upper left-center picture below) or plug into a USB adapter that plugs to the top of the battery.  It also comes with a USB plug to charge the battery from a computer and they sell AC adapters to charge the battery from an outlet, and DC adapters to charge it in your car. All of the adapters, and any other cords you would need can be stored in the mesh pockets inside the case.  I highly recommend storing cords and adaptors inside the case:  arriving somewhere and realizing that you don’t have a plug you need can be quite upsetting–I learned this the hard way.

The Fuse also comes with two straps and two sets of the 3/4″ male/female buckles found on most backpacks. With the straps and buckles you can attach the Fuse to most anything. The only thing I have had to buy separately was a USB battery charger for AA and AAA batteries.

I did buy Voltaic’s USB flexlight which is an LED light that plugs into the battery and serves as a reading light or low power tent light.  I originally bought it because I thought it was a cool idea.  It has come in handy a couple of times and takes up very little space(you can see it in the picture below).

Inside

I originally got the Fuse with the intention of using it on tours, but have since started using it when I commute, and when I am at home. When on a trip I attach the Fuse to my trailer or rear rack with the straps that came with it. When commuting it is attached to the rack, and at home it sits near a South-facing window or under my desk lamp. I have gotten to the point that I never charge anything by plugging it to the wall or my computer–I just let the Fuse and the Sun (or ambient light) take care of all of my charging needs.

I know that not everyone feels the need for a solar charger while on tour, but for those of you who do like the idea of power on the go check out Voltaic’s website–they will probably have what you’re looking for.

The Fuse on tour (Bertha’s accesories have changed quite a bit since this photo was taken)