Need Goal Zero Extreme 350 Adventure Kit real user review

[Honu]

I know the forums said phones can be finicky ?

My iPad charges slow on the 350 compared to the puter ? But will have to see how it does overnight ?

[Fireman78]

I've got a set of the speakers...bought one at REI on sale, and then another came with a Guide 10 Kit from the Costco roadshow. Nice guy at Costco, it was the end of the day and he threw in a demo usb-powered light-stick-thingy for no charge. The speakers work pretty well. They're definitely small, so don't expect a really thumping base, but they put out a good bit of sound, especially if you chain them together. I haven't been able to tell how long one charge lasts, as they still haven't died on me and I'm probably getting close to the 20 hour battery life claim on the side of the packaging. It's also a good piece of mind that they're somewhat outdoor-proof...leave them outside and it drizzles or a heavy dew falls, and they'll still be alright. Overall, I'm a fan, we'll see how long they last!

OTOH, the Guide 10 power pack claims that it can charge just about anything with a USB cord...I think my phone (Casio Commander) is one of the exceptions. The Nomad 7 panel will charge the phone via the 12 volt socket, but the power pack won't...weird, and kinda a bummer, but other than that, I'm stoked with it!


Cheers,
West

I know this may sound like a silly question, but have you flipped the little on switch on the power pack? I too have the Casio Commando phone and use the battery pack all the time to charge it. The usb only gets power if the switch is on, the middle position. Also, try multiple usb cables! Some work, some wont. Or, the pack may be defective. My first one melted being charged with solar, but they replaced no prob.

[basicfish]

Well I have one more reason to buy the ranger kit, looks like I will be on a CPAP machine in the near future. The battery system for the CPAP is a 6 amp hour and for what it costs I could get the Ranger 350. So i have another reason to get a 12v power and solar system going. any sugestions on the best price dealer?

thanks for the advice

Ron

[Honu]

I got my stuff on Amazon ? went up a bit since then but the pack itself is still cheapest there ? or was

[kellymoe]

I have the Extreme 350 Kit, 4 30W panels, 2 350 power packs, 4 light a life and 2 Extreme Inverters plus all the cords and stuff that goes with it. The power packs are well built and hold a charge just fine. Both my inverters were junk, I plugged in a small radio to one and it struggled to get power to it, tried a small fan in the same inverter to see if that would work, barely turned the blades, swapped the inverter for the other and it ran the fan and the radio no problem. So one inverter needs to be returned, no big deal. The other day I go out to the garage and plug in a small overhead light to the one working inverter and hear a pop and smell burning plastic, second inverter is toast. I called Goal Zero about it and they were very helpful and sent out two replacements, only problem is that inverters they sent were the Sherpa Inverters and not the Extreme. Back on the phone this morning withGoal Zero and they are back ordered on the Extreme Inverter but will send them out ASAP.

Except for the inverter issue I have been very pleased with the product and also very happy with their customer service, the people I have spoke with have been polite and helpful. Getting the wrong inverter was simply someone in the warehouse stuffing boxes and misread the packing paper which clearly said 2 Extreme UI Inverters. I am hoping that when I finally receive the new inverters they will work fine, but the inverters do seem to be the weak link in the chain in this system.

[kellymoe]

Oh, I also have the Nomad 7 panel and speaker kit combo that I bought over a year ago. Works great with the exception of charging an Iphone. It will charge an iphone or other Apple gadgets but, you need to set the panel out in the panel in the sun for 30 seconds or so before plugging your phone in and if you walk in front of the panel or a cloud goes by your iphone will stop charging and will not resume charging unless you unplug the phone and plug it back in again. It's really not that big an issue for me but it would be nice to be able to strap the panel on my pack and have it charge on the go. I guess you these problems are solved with the panel/small battery pack system they sell now.

[kramme]

I have the 350 Adventure Kit with 4 of the 30 watt panels and the Tripod. I also have most of the lighting options (2 Light of Life, Estaella Light, Luna Light) I recommend a 30ft extension for the Battery Powerpack. The speakers are indeed awesome, I have 2 of them and they last a long time on a charge. I bought these panels for my 50 qt ARB fridge, lights, computer, fan and extra to share. Perhaps to use for some HAM related activities when off the grid.

I went to their offices/retail sales in Salt Lake City area and they were very knowledgeable and helpful. I tend to think they have had some growing pains but realize they need to get better at customer service.

So far I have just used it over a weekend. I will be at the Expo if anyone wants to take a look at any of their products that I have, I will be camping for a week (in the main camping area) before to get some mileage on the setup.

Mike at Mudrack in Sonoma is going to do a angle iron holder for the solar panels on my Thule rack to fit underneath my Airtop. I want to be able to set it up fast so I am attaching the 4 panels together and sliding it under the Airtop.

A tip, I was carrying the panels in a Trasharoo (all 4 fit in there perfect) and room to spare

A possible vendor "Get Prepared Stuff" http://getpreparedstuff.ecrater.com/...er-solar-lighthas very good prices and after placing a order he gave me a price break on my future purchases. Grant has excellent service, one time I needed something in 3 days and he did not have it in stock so he drove to Goal Zero (same city) and picked it up to send to me. Now that is true customer service. He is a small vendor and uses the product himself, same set up as mine. On top of that he gives free advice and has free shipping. If you do not see what you need ask him. Mels E - DV2012 Full setup.JPG

[mattm01]

I have the 350 Pack. It's worked well for my purposes. Can't say I've ever been thrilled with CS but as you said they might be on the upswing. I would highly recommend skipping the Nomad 27 panels and sticking with another source. I've found the N27s are grossly overrated in their power output so not only are you paying WAY MORE per WATT than other options, but real world cost is even MORE per WATT.

The Solar BLVD sale is still available and the 40W panel is CHEAP to rig into the system and puts out MORE than rated power.

[Honu]

Link to the 40 panels please

Also how what does one need to hook them up and charge the 350 ?
And say hook up to 4 of them together ?
And also be able to use them for the truck ?

Thanks

I have the 350 Pack. It's worked well for my purposes. Can't say I've ever been thrilled with CS but as you said they might be on the upswing. I would highly recommend skipping the Nomad 27 panels and sticking with another source. I've found the N27s are grossly overrated in their power output so not only are you paying WAY MORE per WATT than other options, but real world cost is even MORE per WATT.

The Solar BLVD sale is still available and the 40W panel is CHEAP to rig into the system and puts out MORE than rated power.

[mattm01]

http://www.solarblvd.com/Solar-Panel...duct_info.html

If you're planning on chaining multiple 350s together I'd suggest looking into a larger panel on the same site. They have larger sizes at prices that are still a STEAL. Also consider the upcoming Yeti 1250 which might provide more "bang" for your buck in a smaller and less complicated footprint.

To charge the 350 via the above Solar Panel I did this:
1) Chop off the MC4 connectors on the panel (probably voids warranty so you can go a different route using separate MC4 cables). Add 45amp ANDERSON POWER POLE Connectors.
2) Buy extra Goal Zero 8mm MALE cable (usually a "adapter" cable like a 4.7mm to 8mm - see their website) $5ish
3) Chop the GoalZero 8mm MALE cable and splice on a 15AMP ANDERSON POWER POLE connector.
4) I made a 20 ft "Extension" cord with 12gauge boat wire and 2 sets of ANDERSON POWER POLES. This lets me place the panel in much better locations.
5) Connect all components together. I'll post up some pictures soon but there's another thread on the Solar BLVD sale where I've posted pics of some of the setup.

To hook multiple 350s together you can buy the Goal Zero "chaining cable" or make your own. They're just short cables with Andeson Power Poles on either end.

Use them in the Truck I think you mean charge while driving? Goal Zero sells a 12v Cig charger for not too much $$.

Link to the 40 panels please

Also how what does one need to hook them up and charge the 350 ?
And say hook up to 4 of them together ?
And also be able to use them for the truck ?

Thanks