Showing posts with label reviews of car batteries. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reviews of car batteries. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Audiovox SIR-BB3 Sirius Satellite Radio Boombox

Audiovox SIR-BB3 Sirius Satellite Radio BoomboxI love listening to sirius in my office during the day. The channels I like to listen to are Court TV and CNN, which are not available via the computer. The only down side to the boombox is that there is no carrying handle. There is a place to put one's hand, but it is not conducive to carrying. It is perfect if you are going to put in one place and keep it there.

Here is the new and updated version of the SIR-BB2! Since they do not make the BB2 anymore, this is what you want if you have the PNP3 as it'll allow you to take the boombox anywhere! Note, the PNP2 and other Sirius receivers will not work with this, only the PNP3.

Improvements include a better and lounder volume so that if you're outside you'll hear the program much better! The volume is adjusted by either pushing a down or up button. Also it's not as "thick" as the BB2.

Plug in some D Cell batteries and you can go portable with it!

It includes an adapter to plug in, and 20 wire and antenna for reception. Note many with Sirius have to put the antenna just outside their window facing the appropriate direction (read directions). And everyone can get reception, it's just a matter of proper antenna placement.

You may want to look into getting the 50 foot Sirius antenna extension cable (see above for item information) to connect both antenna wire and boombox. You can connect up to 2 of them making a total of 125 feet of antenna wire.

And Sirius lineup, you'll never be able to find something you cannot listen to! And with Sirius you also can listen to Sirius online FREE when you signup! Sirius has 65 commercial free music channels, TWO NPR channels, Talk channels (Patriot, Right, Left, Air America, Talk Central, OutQ) and spanish along with Radio Classics (Lone Ranger, Suspense, Dragnet, etc.) and more! Exclusive include Howard Stern starting January 2006, Maxim Radio talk (Mens Magazine) channel, Eminem Shade 45 channel (uncut hip-hop), over 40 NBA games per week, NHL, Tony Hawks Domolition Radio, Barclays English League Soccer, All Division I Mens Basketball.

The trick to finding what's on and when is to look online at the channel lineup for times or listen to Sirius information channel 184 or better yet, stay tuned to the channel you like!

Sports, Sirius is the only one that has a 24/7 NFL channel that has each and every NFL game including your hometown broadcast feed! NASCAR will be exclusive to Sirius starting in 2007!

I challenge anyone to find this cheaper than Amazon with free shipping and no tax. It won't happen!

So there it is, if you want to use the PNP3 in the house, this is what you need!

Buy Audiovox SIR-BB3 Sirius Satellite Radio Boombox Now

The Audiovox SIR-BB3 Sirius Satellite Radio Boombox is a wonderful alternative to the Audiovox home shuttle docking station. With the boombox, you can take the Sirius Radio Shuttle anywhere you want. You are not locked into your home stereo. It is convenient to take to the beach or on a picnic.

It operates on house current (for in home use) or batteries for outside use. The boombox has a very nice sound to it, even though there aren't any bass or treble controls. The speaker seperation is very good. The volume can be controlled from buttons on the boombox or through the shuttle with the remote control. Overall, I really like the boombox and feel it is money well spent if you already have a Sirius shuttle.

Read Best Reviews of Audiovox SIR-BB3 Sirius Satellite Radio Boombox Here

If you own the Audiovox PNP3 Sirius Satellite Radio receiver, then the Audiovox SIR-BB3 Sirius Boombox is a worthy, high quality accessory. This unit is well-designed, and solidly constructed. Great sounding speakers, CD quality output, just the perfect amount of bass boot. If you love SIRIUS Satellite Radio, then you will love this Audiovox boombox.

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This is the best thing that satellite radio has ever done! I can listen while im cruising and now i can listen while im at home or go camping! This is boombox highly recommended! I love it!

Monday, September 8, 2014

Schumacher PST-900X DSR ProSeries Battery Tester with Printer

Schumacher PST-900X DSR ProSeries Battery Tester with PrinterRemember people......this is not a $2000 machine....handle with care.......it works great in our shop!!.....really like the print out it gives......shows the customer in black and white whats up.......

It is very easy to work with, we love the printout option to show customers. Also at a great price.

Buy Schumacher PST-900X DSR ProSeries Battery Tester with Printer Now

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Parrot AR Drone 2.0 Charger Set

Parrot AR Drone 2.0 Charger Set
  • This kit includes
  • 1 LiPo charger (13,5V/0.9A Output)
  • 4 power plug adapters (for the US, UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, Japan).

Hey, it's a battery charger. What more can I say. It would of been nice if the AR Drone battery was able to charge on this charger.

Buy Parrot AR Drone 2.0 Charger Set Now

The charger does charge as advertised but I was a little disappointed with the performance. I have used many LiPo chargers and got the feeling it should be a little quicker. I put my amp meter on the charge line and found that even thought its rated at 1 Amp (the recommended current to charge a stock AR.Drone battery) it was a little shy and sometimes dips quite low at about 700mA during the charging process. In the end it does charge as advertised but not the fastest.

That being said I use one of these and found it charges in under an hour, worth a consideration ... note this charger comes with battery clips so you can open the hood of your car and charge from your car battery on location:

Bastens LiPo Battery Balance Fast Charger for the Parrot AR Drone 2.0 type batteries

Happy Shopping!

Read Best Reviews of Parrot AR Drone 2.0 Charger Set Here

Great quality, useful, best. Buy it. I'm a normal dude that doesn't go crazy with reviews. I would buy it again.

Monday, July 28, 2014

Blinc M1 Bluetooth 2.0 Integrated Communication Module Add On for All Helmets

Blinc M1 Bluetooth 2.0 Integrated Communication Module Add On for All HelmetsJust got the M1 in today and had to hook it up right away. I have not rode with it yet but testing it out around the house I noticed these points:

1. There is a slight static in background

2. The volume is GREAT for listening to music

3. The Music continues to play when using Vlingo (Droid Incredible) when it reads txt messages to me so I can't really hear what the "voice" is saying.

4. Tried calling another person and it worked great...they heard me fine and I can hear them perfect (again have not tried this on the road yet).

5. I mounted mine via the clip and holds tight. Might switch to adhesive mount for cleaner look at a later date.

6. Nice Matte Black finish

7. The cord length is fine...had extra I had to tuck into the helmet.

8. I found the user interface a little annoying to get used to...sometimes holding the button down for the "5" seconds didn't turn off and that type of thing...just have to get used to it.

Will update review upon first ride and test with product.

***4/11/2011 Update***

Product is GREAT!

1. You can't hear static when riding.

2. At 80mph could still hear when calling and person on other end could hear perfect. (I did not have wind blocker on helmet)

3. Once I got used to Blinc M1 the user interface works better.

4. Awesome part of product is that when synced to phone (HTC Incredible) the knob on side can be used to switch between songs!! Great for shuffle option on phone!

5. Clip mount works great...has not moved yet!

6. At just $100 I would highly recommend the purchase...can't beat the convenience.

PROS:

Paid $99 with free shipping. That's the cheapest one I've seen so far.

Controls are easy to use with gloves on, the dial for changing music tracks is very nice.

Loud. I can hear music at freeway speeds inside my full-face helmet.

People could understand me on the phone at 40mph.

CONS:

No dedicated plug for the charger, shares the same plug as the speaker/microphone assembly. You have to unplug one to plug the other in.

Proprietary charger plug.

The "clip" fastener was useless for me because the plug for the headset wiring sticks out pretty far and it would hit my shoulder and unplug. Using the stick-on mounting plate to place the unit higher on my helmet solved this.

OTHER:

Volume buttons could be bigger but they're adequate.

Play/Pause is handled by holding the "volume down" button for 3 seconds. Odd but acceptable.

It comes with a boom mic, it would have been better with a mic made specifically to go inside a full-face helmet.

Buy Blinc M1 Bluetooth 2.0 Integrated Communication Module Add On for All Helmets Now

I've owned the M1 for about a month now and have done about 250-300 miles using it. It does what it claims to do, which is why I gave it 4/5 stars but there are a few things that are really annoying.

Setup is easy, however, if you own a SHOEI RF1000 Helmet don't expect this unit to fit as easily as you see in the videos on Youtube. Unlike most of the helmets you see portrayed in the demos online the Shoei RF1000 does not allow you to pop out the rear padding of the helmet. I had to shove (with a pencil eraser) the wire between the helmet and the padding till it got stuck up there. So Shoei owners, and people who own helmets with a permanently attached rear padding, beware.

The microphone works great (I can only speak as to full-face helmet use)and up to 60 miles an hour the person on the other line doesn't really notice any difference. You can carry a conversation at 70 MPH but you will be straining a little. The speakers work great but I have a constant low buzz/squeaky noise coming from them when I get a call. I have yet to use this device to listen to music but I imagine you could hear music just fine no matter the speed. I ride a Honda 919 with Sato pipes so if your bike is quiet you could possibly get even better results.

I wish that there was some kind of clip holding the usb cables from the wiring to the unit as over time, I can definitely see the cables just falling out of the unit while going fast.

This is easy to use and setup and works pretty well. I will update this review once I get another m1 to communicate with my wife.

Read Best Reviews of Blinc M1 Bluetooth 2.0 Integrated Communication Module Add On for All Helmets Here

I bought this on a whim because I wanted to be able to listen to music on long rides. I opted for the permanent installation because the clip wouldn't fit my helmet. The clip was too small to fit around the bottom of my helmet (AFX DS-39 Awesome helmet BTW). So I carefully placed the speakers where they would fit comfortably on my ears, routed the wires through the bottom of the helmet and put everything back together. It was great, I had minimal wires showing where they connected to the unit and the speakers were just fine on the comfort scale.

I paired my phone to the unit and started playing some music. IT WORKED! Next, I wanted to test it on the road.

So I have a dual sport bike with a small Enduro tank bag. The tank bag has a velcro piece that sits on top with a clear plastic window that you can slide things in to. This, I figured, would be the perfect place to put my phone as it was the closest location to the bluetooth unit without being tied to my helmet (/joke).

Bottom line, this thing is crap. The phone was no more than 1.5 feet away from my helmet at all times and the signal would cut in and out. I'd rather listen to wind noise. It went a little something like this... 2 seconds of music, silence, 4 seconds of music, 5 seconds of silence, 2 seconds of music... you get the picture.

I could not, in good faith, recommend this to anyone in the market for a bluetooth helmet system. I am either going to sell this piece of junk or try to return it. I am very disappointed but that's what I get for buying the cheapest thing on the market.

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I bought the Blinc M1 cold with no background check at all. I figured if I didn't like it I would take it back. Anyway, no offense to the negative reviews but, it sounds to me like most of the problems are taken care of if you read the directions. Maybe I got a good one Idono but mine works like a charm. My range is over 20' its clear as a bell and phone calls work as they are supposed to. The only fault I can find so far is it is a little cumbersome to make an outgoing call while riding and listening to music. The unit has to be at idle to place an outgoing call. Safety measure, again Idono. I have only used it for about 2hrs but music, phone calls in and out, work great. It's plenty loud to hear over the bike even with aftermarket exhaust. I don't think I have it turned up as as loud as it will go. I haven't tried it with my gps or the intercom. I ride mostly solo so I really won't use the intercom. As of now would I buy another. Yep. I can't imagine one any better and for the price I'm very happy with it. Everything fit great and the wires tuck into the helmet with no problem. Like one reviewer said you do have to get the ear pieces just right but it only take a few minutes of trial and error. This seems to be what I have been waiting for at a very reasonable price.

I would like to see a battery indicator and a way to charge the unit from 12 volts. These things would be nice but I like the low price better.

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Sunday, June 15, 2014

ARB 10800472 Fridge Freezer- 50 Quart

ARB 10800472 Fridge Freezer- 50 QuartWe drive to and from a vacation house which we rent every year, a round trip of approximately 2000 miles. This involves travel where the temperatures can be over 90 degrees and which involves overnight motel stays on our way there and home. For the past few years we have packed our food (both for the trip and staples for our vacation) in our car, which is an added advantage of driving, which we much prefer, to flying. We have kept our refrigerated items in a 12 volt car refrigerator which we bought from the manufacturer of my wife's car as an relatively inexpensive option, and supplemented that with a cooler with ice packs. While that system kept the food cool, it was less than ideal for several reasons. First, we could not bring frozen items, since they would not stay frozen given the air temperature, the cooling abilty of the unit, and the length of the trip.Second, the battery draw was great enough that we could not keep the refigerator running during our overnight stays, thus the interior temperature of the unit would gradually rise and it only gradually cooled the interior when restarted. Third, it took a long time to cool items if we did not refigerate them first. Fourth, the seal was not very tight and the exterior insulation relatively thin. Fifth, it was only on or off, there was no temperature control. We also used the unit for other shorter trips or for transporting frozen foods from the grocery store during the summer, but these deficiencies were not problems in those circumstances.

That unit failed last winter after five years of use, and I decided to research the available options before our vacation last month. I only now wish that i had done that years ago. The refrigerator which we had had a thermoelectric cooling unit, certainly better than a cooler using ice packs but not capable of acting as a true freezer and most importantly having the disadvantage that i mentioned of a considerable power draw. This unit (and a few other brands as well) has a compressor and is a true refrigerator freezer. In addition to the power buton it has easily accessible controls (and a visible thermometer) on the front of the unit to change the temperature setting and also set the maximum battery drawdown allowable before the unit will shut off if you are not running your automobile engine. It has a lid that is both easily removed and reattached, and a 50 quart storage area with a basket and divider that allows the compartment to be subdivided into two or three sections. This is epecially convenient for separting things such as produce, dairy and fruit from other refrigerated items. The unit is completely CFC free, and the cabinet is coated zinc steel. There is also a 120-240 volt cord, so the unit can also be used in a home, cabin, garage or anywhere with electrical power. It does not evenm have to be emptied or restocked or can be used as supplemental refrigerator freezer for overflow (or beer or soda storage during picnics and parties) at any time.

The exterior dimensions are H20", W15"" and D27.8".The interior dimensions of the main compartment with the basket not divided are are H15.8", W11.2" and D13.3''.The adjacent small area over the compressor is H8.1", W11.2" and D6". Remember that you will also need to allow sufficient clearance around the unit for the air vents to have proper circulation, you cannot put it in a tight enclosed area or right next to a wall..

You can also purchase an optional transit bag to keep the exterior scratch free or a tie down system if you plan to use it in offroad travel or boating, but we did not consider these necessary so I cannot review them

After a lot of research and reading reviews on several different sites, I decided that it was worth the much higher expense of buying a true refigerator frezzer with a compressor rather than a thermoelectric cooler. A 50 quart unit seemed adequate for personal needs, and units approximately that size seem to be the most popular among casual users who use them for personal trips. I decided to buy the ARB unit, which was neither the cheapest or most expensive. ARB is the largest Australian manufactucter and distributor of 4X4 accessories, and this was originally designed for use in the rugged (and hot) Australian outback. It had gotten excellent reviews and I liked the design, the capabilties and the ease of use of the controls. Amazon had a very opmpetitive price and free shiiping with two day delivery, which guaranteed that it would arrive in sufficient time before our trip so that I could test it for a few days to make sure that it functioned properly.

We used it during our sixteen day trip which totaled over 2300 miles and it performed flawlessly. The unit cooled to the indicated temperature rapidly. It kept our food cold, it kept our drinks cold and even kept the remainder of our subs fresh when we stopped to eat on the road. The power draw was low enough so that the unit did not warm up during our overnight stays. It has also been a real benefit to use it recently to transport our refrigerated and frozen food to our home from the warehouse club about 25 miles away.

My wife still considers it an expensive toy, but agrees that it worked exceptionally well and made our trip simpler and more enjoyable. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Tucker Andersen 5/22/2011

This fridge/freezer is amazing. I live in hot east texas and drive a black truck with black interior. I keep this fridge set on 33 degrees farenhiet. I always have cold food and drinks. If I don't start my truck for 3 days, the fridge will automatically shut off. I have the cut off voltage on the fridge set to the middle position (can't remember the exact voltage). Even if the fridge has shut off, it leaves plenty of juice for my truck to start. This was in the dead of summer when my inside truck temps probably exceeded 140 degrees or more, so I'm sure the fridge was running a lot. I drive around 10,000 miles a month, so my truck doesn't normally sit for 3 days without being started. I love being able to keep meat, leftovers, or whatever in this fridge without having to buy ice, or worry about everything being water logged. I think this fridge should pay for itself in no time. I buy cases of ozarka water to keep in the fridge and this saves me about a dollar every time I grab one ot of the fridge instead of stopping at a convenience store. Not to mention the money I save on power aid, gatorade, and food. I am absolutely impressed with this fridge!

Follow up: 12-5-11

This Fridge continues to perform flawlessly! Not cheap, but one of the best purchases I've ever made!

Buy ARB 10800472 Fridge Freezer- 50 Quart Now

I drive a delivery truck in the Texas heat, and this fridge is the best investment I have ever made. I can't tell you how much money I have saved by not stopping for food and drinks. Even if I wasn't saving money, I would probably still buy one. It is so convenient to be able to reach behind the seat and grab a cold drink. I don't have to worry about ice or loading it in the morning. I just refill the fridge once a week, and I am set.

As a test, I put the fridge in my car to see how long it would last before it shutoff due to low battery voltage. After five days, it was still going strong, but I had to end the test because I needed to drive my car. My point is that I have no worries about leaving it running for long periods of time.

When I bought the fridge, I was a little concerned about how well it would cool in a hot car. It does amazingly well. My car gets up to over 150 degrees when it is sitting in the hot sun, but the fridge stays at the preset 33 degrees all day long.

There are several manufacturers of these 12 volt fridges, and I did a lot of research before I purchased the ARB unit. It is a very well designed fridge, with the removable lid, easy to use controls, and low power usage. My only complaint is the price, but Amazon has the lowest price I've found.

Read Best Reviews of ARB 10800472 Fridge Freezer- 50 Quart Here

I have owned the ARB Fridge/Freezer for about a year now and it is awesome! I've taken it on several campouts where I powered it only with a deep cycle battery and a solar charger. This unit quickly gets down to the temperature you select and stays there. I also take this fridge once a month to the closest military base where I load up on groceries at the commissary. The base is about an hour away and I usually make other stops along the way. No need to hustle home to keep the ice cream from melting! Everything on this unit is built rugged. The motor is whisper quiet and it will not run down your battery. The removable lid is excellent for use in SUV's where it can be difficult to open a cooler lid all the way. Cleanup is a breeze, just rinse the inside, pull the drain plug and let it air dry. It's nice going camping and not having to go back into town to buy ice, having ice/water sloshing around in a cooler, or having to deal with soggy groceries. The ARB Fridge/Freezer is an esential part of my vehicle camping gear.

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For Christmas my husband wanted a fridge for his 1965 FJ-45 shortbed pickup. I know that he likes ARB products, so I bought him the ARB fridge freezer. He was a very "happy camper". In fact, we have taken the fridge with us on several business trips (one to Phoenix where you really need the cold to keep anything from spoiling). We were able to pack a couple of growlers of beer, six pack of sodas, water, meat, cheese, vegetables and fruit (without them freezing in the special compartment). We didn't have to spend nearly as much at restaurants, our items didn't get wet (like they did in an ice chest) and were able to be comfortable on the long trips. It opens and closes easily and doesn't take up any more room than our cooler that we used to carry. All-in-all we are both very pleased.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

XAct XS027 Sirius Satellite Radio Portable Boombox with CD Player and AM/FM Tuner

XAct XS027 Sirius Satellite Radio Portable Boombox with CD Player and AM/FM Tuner
  • Satellite radio boombox for XAct XTR1 plug-and-play Sirius satellite radio receiver
  • Front docking slot holds receiver and delivers access to Sirius' 120 satellite stations
  • Top-loading CD player with 45-second shock protection supports CD-R/RW and MP3 discs
  • Digital AM/FM tuner with 10 presets; attached 4-inch full-range speakers (5 watts x 2)
  • Works with 8 D-size batteries; measures 20.8 x 10.2 x 5.25 inches (W x H x D); 1-year warranty

I purchased two of these units and found that the volume function on the remote does not work on either unit. I contacted XACT (which was a huge hassle) and talked to supervisor after supervisor and the only explanation they could give me to why the volume could not be adjusted from the remote was that " it was manufactured that way"... are you kidding, i had stereo's 20 years ago that had a remote that could control volume. Other than that the unit is fine, but I just feel a state of the art "deluxe" boom box should be able to adjust the voulume via the remote. Why else would you waste 2 buttons on the tiny remote. It is just a pain to have to physically increase or decrease the volume manually.

Buy XAct XS027 Sirius Satellite Radio Portable Boombox with CD Player and AM/FM Tuner Now

Must I give this unit 1 star? It deserves ZERO stars.

I purchased XACT model XS027 Boom Box from BEST BUY. The AM/FM "radio" in this model is pure junk. I have been a broadcaster and electronics product design engineer for over 30 years. Typically in a radio receiver design you have to choose between good selectivity (ability to select one channel and reject adjacent channels) and good sensitivity (ability to receive weak broadcasts). The fact that the XS027 does not have an external FM antenna (nor AM antenna) was surprising. I figured that perhaps it had a little bit better RF amplification and therefore would perform just as well. Combine that with the fact I live in the Northern California (Sacramento area) where there are an abundant number of 50K Watt stations on the air, I the last thing I expected was not being able to pick up a very strong local station.

But to my dismay, the AM/FM receiver design in the XS027 is pathetic. I can get some channels even though I am selected as much as 300KHz+ off frequency. For example KHWD 93.7 comes in just as good when the receiver is tuned to 93.4, 93,5, 93.6, 93.7 or 93.8 MHz. And it is not the only station to do that. And I am NOT even close to their transmitter(s).

Then there is KSEG 96.9; which I can not receive at all. I am in their grade A area, but their signal will not lock in on the XS027. KSEG's signal is "best" on the XS027 when I tune to 96.7. EVERY other receiver I have (including some that cost less than $10) pick them up just fine (on 96.9).

What gives? NO sensitivity AND NO selectivity????

Oh I suppose you really dont care about the AM/FM receiver since you figured that everyone would just use the satellite receiver. Well there is a slight bit of truth to that, but there are issues there too. I was out in the forest recently; a good distance away from any terrestrial transmissions. I was down in a canyon and unable to pull in anything on AM/FM (no surprise). Sirius came in just fine. But if I turned the volume up too high, without warning, the satellite receiver simply powered OFF. Once off, the load on the batteries was removed and so the satellite receiver powered back on. On and off like a flasher. Obviously if the batteries are not brand spanking new there is not enough power to operate the satellite receiver. But I used the same set of (dead) batteries to play CDs (at least when they'd play) for well over a week at a fairly high volume.

The CD player is not without its problems either. The spec claims to have a 45 second ESP, but even with the unit sitting solid on a table operating from AC power, CDs often skip, jump or stop playing altogether.

After all these troubles I decided that I must have a bad unit. Then I found out the same unit was on sale at Costco. So I returned my unit to Best Buy and bought an entirely new unit from Costco. The new unit works so identical to the prior unit it is scary. ALL of the same problems, right down to not being able to receive KSEG.

I had a conversation with some PR people from Sirius about this and they directed me to write to the manufacturer, US Electronics in New York. I wrote to them several months ago and did not receive any response. This design is so bad that it can not even be used for the purpose for which it was sold. To me that seems like a case for the FTC.

Read Best Reviews of XAct XS027 Sirius Satellite Radio Portable Boombox with CD Player and AM/FM Tuner Here

I've had the XM Delphi boombox for two years now. Today I bought the XS027 for a friend.

I too was frustrated with the volume control on my remote with the boombox. They need to put a info sticker on the remote. I have had equipment where the remote turned the volume knob with a motor. I like this type of analog volume control. I'm assuming the volume works with the car and home kits.

I think the box sounds really good. The inclusion of the radio and CD player is a plus for those very rare occasions. CD plays MP3 too. The aux is jack is something usually not included in products like this. Nice to see it and a rear line out jack on this product.

Want XAct XS027 Sirius Satellite Radio Portable Boombox with CD Player and AM/FM Tuner Discount?

The fact that XACT shipped this boombox without supporting the volume function on the remote is criminal. Basically I spent $130 for a pair of speakers. And now everytime I want to adjust the volume I have to walk across the room.

It's pretty neat the way the designed the box to 'flip' from satellite mode to fm/cd mode.

The cd player / radio are junk. Do not buy this item if you want to use it for anything other than satellie. The lcd display is tiny, not backlit, and hard to read. The radio doesn't even have a scan or seek function. I think they hired the cheapest engineer they could find to design the radio and CD because there was zero thought put into it. I could probably give our company intern a hundred bucks and a soldering iron and get something more innovative.

Another frustrating issue is that you cannot use a "universal" car type antenna with this unit. Yes, I know it comes with a home antenna but if you have an extra car antenna laying around and want to ever use it (say you permanently mounted the home antenna on your roof and want to listen to Sirus at your neighbors bbq with your car antenna) you are SOL unless you want to do what I did and hack the back of the unit up with a sharp knife so you can plug the antenna in.

All that said I am overall satisfied with it. For the money I would expect a nicer speaker setup than cardboard 4" full range but the sound is pretty decent and it looks cool hanging on my wall.

This radio is only good for Sirius. The CD player works on a whim and the controls are so tiny it was like they were designed for a mouse. The remote has never worked, even for selecting stations. No FM/AM reception and I live in a major metropolitan area on the east coast. It is far too big and bulky just for the Sirius part. I kept it tucked in a dark corner its infrequent usage warrants.My only regret about the review is that I cannot give it no stars.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Sunlinq Portable Solar Panel Charger 25W 12V

Sunlinq Portable Solar Panel Charger 25W 12VProduct Manufacturer: Global Solar Energy

Model Indication / Branding: Sunlinq 25 Watt folding solar panel

Manufacturer Model Number: PN 22127A

Weight: 26 ounces / 737 grams

Output Unloaded: 15.6 VDC

Rated Output: 12 VDC

Nominal voltage: 14.3 VDC(Averaged)

Power: 1500mA

Connector type: SAE 2 Pin Connector "Junction"

Sunset Anti-Feedback Diode: Yes

Cell composition: Copper Indium Gallium diSelenide (CIGS)

Open size: 34" x 20" / 86.36 cm x 50.8 cm

Closed size: 8.5" x 10.5" x ~2.5" thick / 21.59 cm x 26.67 cm x 6.35 cm

This panel is my first foray into folding portable solar storage. The outer shell material appears to be a plasticized ballistic "rip stop" type nylon material [pattern] of at least a few mils thickness. (I will break out the micrometer if anyone is truly interested)

This product does not technically fall under the mil spec construction guidelines as identified by the manufacturer. The mil-spec units start at 30 Watts (or 62 Watts) and do not include the "accessory kit" . The accessory kit is only included with the 25 Watt and below units. I have not verified the low end of the scale for the accessory kit being included. But the buyer would be wise to ensure that if the kit is not included, that they have it.

This product material is stiff below 75F / 23C and prone to maintaining a memory. If allowed to be stretched out during daylight hours it will mostly conform to the flat or mildly curved surface below it, however below this temperature one will experience some mild displeasure at attempting to fold it when the following to conditions have been met. The materials has a core temp of >75F / 23C and it has been allowed to cool in a open/unfolded position. To create the least amount of stress on the panel one must consider folding these panels when warm. Unfolding the panel does not pose the same challenge as they will conform to the open position once warm.

This solar panel creates voltages that can be unhealthy for sealed/maintenance free batteries/ gel batteries and other types of batteries that do not allow the replenishment of water/acid levels. While the amperage levels are well below the unsafe levels, overcharging batteries by applying high voltages over long periods of time can produce undesirable performance characteristics in the batteries. The optional voltage regulator / charge controller is HIGHLY recommended.

This is a casual use panel. The intended purpose is to suit the qualifications of being ultra portable, mildly rugged and super cool.

The efficiency falls in between that of a rigid glass /silicone panel and above the older amorphous technology. Under peak/ideal conditions somewhere around 19%.

This panel is capable of charging smaller electronic devices directly so long as its output is regulated. On extremely bright days with low load is easily capable of producing voltages that have the potential to severely damage most consumer electronics.

In my setting I use it to keep several gel cell batteries (in parallel) topped up while car camping. This is easily enough power to run many strings of LED lights, a moderate sized car based audio system and the 12VDC margarita blender occasionally through a night and easily for 5-7 days of car camping with no outside input.

I cannot speak to survivalist purpose, but I must say that given proper care and conditions I would expect these panels to work as well as any other glass / silicone unit without the weight. Perhaps even longer for the mil-spec version.

As far as bang for the dollar is concerned. If you are looking for huge power outputs. These are not the panels you are interested in. These panels are built solely for the purpose of being lightweight, rugged and portable.

And with that purpose in mind I must say that i highly recommend them!

Used this product only a few times so far. It has not let me down. I would recommend using the charge controller with it. I hooked up two 7A-hr batteries (from a computer UPS). My system filled my backpack, but wasn't too heavy for our hike. This system worked great to keep my sat-phone charged as well as power left for charging some dry cell batteries.

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This is actually a pretty nice solar charger. It only has two negative aspects. First, it only has an energy efficiency rating of about 7%, and even with tender loving care, you can forget about it lasting more than about 3-4 years.

Originally touted as "weatherproof," this Global Solar device actually can be ruined by rain. As for the sun, it tends to dry out and crack when exposed to long sessions and the materials break down with sustained use. Even when pampered, a 3-year lifespan is all that can be hoped for, and this according to the manufacturer. It's great for the camper or hunter, who needs to pack it in a backpack, but somewhat lacking for the survivalist, who expects a 25+ year service life.

The 6W or 12W may be the way to go unless money is no object. Sadly, there's no other option except heavier glass paneled portable units, which weigh about nine pounds. If cared for, though, the heavier glass unit will provide significantly longer, if still indefinate, use.

Read Best Reviews of Sunlinq Portable Solar Panel Charger 25W 12V Here

I had previously purchased the 12W version and discovered it to be very effective, especially on cloudy or overcast days. Since the 12W version had served me so well, I decided to purchase the more powerful 25W version even knowing the company is now out of business and the obvious greater expense.

I travel frequently in a van camper where weight & space limitations are an ever present factor, which is why I was attracted to the light weight, flexible technology in the first place. I also like to boon-dock; in those instances a well charged battery is essential.

The first thing I noticed about the 25W version is its tendency to retain a shape memory. Presumably, because the internal wires are heavier to be able to carry more electricity? Don't know, I'm not that savvy about these things.

My only concern about this model, is whether or not those wires will break with repeated opening and closing of the unit. The 12W version does not display that tendency.

A few months ago I replaced all the interior lighting in the van with LED bulbs, they are pricey but their lower power consumption, while providing adequate lighting, has proved to be very helpful, leaving more power available for the battery operated fan, TV or DVD player.

I also purchased the "Y" cable so both panels can be used simultaneously and as the literature recommended, a charge controller to prevent battery damage. So far it is all working well for my situation. If anything changes I will revise this review.

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Monday, February 10, 2014

iEssentials IESMPHFM iPod/iPhone Digital FM Transmitter with Car Charger-Speakers - Retail Packagin

iEssentials IESMPHFM iPod/iPhone Digital FM Transmitter with Car Charger-Speakers - Retail Packaging - BlackWhat I like about it:

1)Sleek design that matches exactly the style of my ipod touch

What I didn't like about it:

1)Slips out of the ipod rather easily because it lacks the little clips on the sides that some of these connectors have--very annoying.

2)The shaft of this connector that goes into the ipod wasn't long enough to connect properly after I put a rubber case protector on it. Not really the fault of this unit, but the reality is that most people will probably have a similar experience given that you buy this to use with your ipod in the car.

3)Not all channels are available, so if you find a clear channel on your car radio, it might not be available on this unit.

4)Does not scan automatically to find the next clear channel like some of the more expensive models do, so trying to get to a clear channel between this and your car stereo is at least as involved as texting while you drive. I don't recommend doing either. It's a royal pain when you're driving and you start getting interference.

To sum up, I decided to use an old cassette tape converter / connector instead. It makes a little noise due to the plastic gears spinning which is not ideal, but I usually only hear it between songs when no music is playing. (Maybe by now they've improved these and you can get one that doesn't have moving parts that make noise). That said, much better sound quality and not losing your signal and having to adjust your radio station and the station on the FM Transmitter while driving make it a much better option in my opinion.

I'm VERY disappointed with this product. I used it in the car and the transmitter piece was very loose and always fell out of my ipod, causing my ipod to fall down by my feet, under the the passenger seat, etc. while driving. Also, there is only one button on the transmitter to change the station, so if you go past the station you want, you have to keep holding it in until it gets back to the right one. And worse of all, after using this transmitter for about 2 months, it stopped working!!!!!!!!! Every 30 seconds it would turn itself off, so I had to keep pressing the button on the transmitter every 30 seconds. Talk about a p.o.s.! I definitely would NOT recommend this at all. I just bought the Griffin iTrip and I LOVE it! It's about the same price as this piece and works MUCH better!

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Usually FM transmitters of this size lack in quality compared to some of the mount styles out there. This one has really good sound, quality, looks good, and its easy to use. It's really small and compact. The only NON-compact thing about it is the charging cable for the car. I just leave that thing in the glove compartment in case I want to charge my iphone while I listen to it. Otherwise it just works right off of the iphone power and its a self contained FM radio station. They really have a nice balance of price / look / simple use/ and MOST IMPORTANT: QUALITY!!! Awesome I recommend..

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If you only need a charger, that is fine. FM trasmission does not work well, lots of background noise whenever you get a connection, very hard for radios to get connection with this device.... Also it had a loose fit so the phone releases itself often... Only good thing was the charging capability for the iPhone.

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Delivery time was good, I got it quickly. The problems are that the reception is not the greatest, sound not the clearest but it's better than the radio

stations in my area! The biggest problem I have with mine is that it doesn't click into the Ipod firmly. I can pull it right out without having to press the sides so it often comes out of the Ipod if I hit a bump & the Ipod moves at all. I wasn't willing to pay $75 or more for one though so this is an OK cheaper alternative for occasional use. I wouldn't recommend it for someone who is travelling in the car alot.

Monday, January 6, 2014

Goal Zero 12301 Nomad 7M Solar Panel

Goal Zero 12301 Nomad 7M Solar PanelI have purchased, used and tested every lightweight solar charging device on the market that I could find. The Goal0 nomad 7 and Guide 10 set is the only one that works sufficiently that I can be completely off the grid with my backpacking devices and have no need for extra batteries. See below for solar panels tested. I have been testing portable solar panels for several years now, and the Goal 0 products are the best.

The Nomad 7 is the only solar panel that has the capability to charge an adequate battery pack, my headlamp AAA's, AND my smartphone/GPS all in the same day in full sunlight. It is the only panel that has reserve capacity to charge my devices in less than full sun (shady/cloudy). No other panel has the output of the Nomad 7. Its closest competitor is the Brunton panel. The Brunton weighs 20% more and is rated to output 30% less than the Nomad 7 (Brunton = 5 watts, Nomad 7 = 7 watts). In my testing the lower output was verified. The off-axis performance of the Nomad 7 is superior. It maintains full output to a greater angle of sun than any other panel I have tested. The Nomad 7 is the only panel, in my knowledge, that uses the more efficient mono-crystalline panels. It does seem to give it an edge in real-world usage. As far as flexibility, that characteristic has nothing to do with panel efficiency. Another of the well-thought out features of the Nomad 7 is the connection options. The Xpal SP-2000 and the Solio both rely on many different tips to connect to different devices. The Nomad 7 has three great options built in: 6.5 volt fast charge for the Guide 10 charger, 5 V USB connector, and a port that the included 12V female car lighter adapter plugs into. Every portable device has the option of an inexpensive car power adapter, and the Nomad 7 nicely offers that ability.

The Guide 10 charger works to its rated specifications, unlike most of the other solar devices I have used. It charges AA and AAA batteries. It charges them faster with the Nomad 7 than any other solar panel/charger combination that I have tested. The Goal 0 batteries that ship with the Guide 10 are the best of their type I have tested. They are low-discharge, like the Eneloops, but much better. The Eneloops are rated at 2000 mAh, but charge only to about 1900 mAh capacity. The Goal 0 are rated at 2000 mAh, but charge to 2200 mAh. The guide 10 has some very well thought out features, including the LED flashlight, the function switch and the built-in hanging loop. These touches all demonstrate that the designers are users, and thought well about how these devices would be used.

All is not perfect, though. The Guide 10 does have an overheating problem, but only in very strong sunlight and under certain conditions. This is a known issue that is being fixed as I write this. This brings me to one of my most important experiences; customer service. Goal 0 has the best customer service by far than any other of the solar panel manufacturers I have tested in this group. Immediate phone contact, responsiveness to questions and warranty service are far and away some of the best I have experienced.

Following is a list of the solar panels I have tested, and short comparison comments on each.

1. Powerfilm USB + AA: This one has a great form factor, is flexible and very durable, and is the lightest weight and most compact of all the solar chargers. Its fatal flaw is that it simply does not put out enough power to be practical in extended backpacking. It does not fully charge the AA batteries when it indicates a full charge, and is not nearly as flexible as the Nomad 7 for connection. The unit was replaced on warranty, but the replacement performed exactly the same. I tested a total of four of these, and all performed the same. Customer service was good, after spending weeks trying to get their attention, and this happened several times.

2. Solio Classic: This one has a nice form factor, but the unit simply does not charge its internal battery nor a connected device at all adequately. Just in case, I had it replaced on warranty and the replacement performed exactly the same.

3. Xpal Power SP-2000: Same as the Solio. Internal battery rated at 2000 mAh, only charges to about 1100-1300. Not enough power overall to be practical. Very good customer service.

4. Brunton Explorer: A good panel, but not enough overall power. Weighs 20% more than the Nomad 7, output is 30% less.

Since there isn't a lot of detailed info out there about this product, I'll give the obligatory novel-length review.

I actually purchased this on sale for $60 elsewhere, which was quite the steal (it's gone up in price since). I received it yesterday evening, so have had it less than 24 hours and just tried it today about an hour ago on my lunch break. Got it primarily for use with my iPhone 3Gs when camping and hiking this summer. Frankly, I didn't think it would work out of the box for my iPhone because Goal Zero states on their website that the Nomad 7m may or may not work directly with the iPhone and it's best to just buy a battery pack and charge from there. Their documentation also states you should let the panels warm up in the sun a bit before trying to charge anything.

I decided to try worst case scenario and plugged my iPhone in directly right away and stuck the Nomad in my car's front window on a very cloudy, rainy day in Seattle. Nothing happened. No charging, no messages from the phone. Let it sit with my iPhone plugged in for about 15-20 minutes and still nothing, so I unplugged the phone and let the panels continue to warm up in the car window. About 10-15 minutes later, the lower, darker clouds blew away and it was still quite cloudy but noticeably brighter, so I plugged the phone back in and got an error message that the phone didn't support charging from this device (which made me happy because at least SOMETHING was happening). I tried a few more times, got the same message, then decided to let it stay plugged in while I drove back to work. And, LO! About a minute later, I heard that blessed "buzz buzz" the iPhone gives off when it's been plugged into a charger.

My drive back to work was only about 5-6 minutes long and I'd say the charger was only directed toward the sun (still quite overcast) about 2-3 minutes, but the battery went up 1%, so I'm calling that a win. Every time the panels go out of the direct sun, it's the equivalent of unplugging your wall or USB charger, so I'm thinking that investing in the Guide 10 battery pack to harness power is a good idea if you can stand the extra weight. The battery pack itself is the size of an iPhone and the Nomad 7m is just a bit smaller than an iPad and a little over a 1 lb. in weight, so a backpacker might have a hard time justifying carrying around all of this gear.

One commenter asked if the cells were bendable and the answer is no. There's a slight amount of give so that it's not what I would call fragile, but the panels are, presumably, breakable. The case it comes in is sturdy, so I would think you'd have to be pretty rough with it to break anything. Like other reviewers have noted, the case it comes in is well made and there's lots of little hooks to attach it to whatever. Plus, it comes with a small, light caribiner which is handy.

I obviously haven't had this long enough or tried this in enough conditions to give an accurate star rating, but I'm giving it a tentative 4 because I'm pleasantly surprised that it worked directly with my iPhone in such crappy weather conditions, but wondering if the "warm up" time is a first time issue or a consistent issue. Having to wait almost an hour before it starts charging would be kind of a bummer. I may update my review after I know more. Going to try this with an iPhone 4 as well and will include an update if the experience with that is any different.

UPDATE:

Originally gave this 4 stars, just bumped to 5. Finally got a relatively sunny day yesterday and it charged my older generation iPod in 1 hour. Successfully charged an iPhone 3Gs AND an iPhone 4. Note: You have to take the bumper off, or the connection isn't good enough for the iPhone 4 to even recognize the device. It still took warm up time (about 20-30 minutes), but that was with cloud cover coming in and out on a cool day in Seattle. It's incredibly efficient when the sun is beating right down on it. Love this thing. Going to order the Guide 10 battery pack next.

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I've been using this SOLAR panel for a few years without any problems. There seems to be alot of mixed reviews for the SOLAR panel and I'm not sure why. To clear up a little confusion for the SOLAR charger I've listed the most common complaints and explained them below. As you can see, SOLAR panel will be in caps for the duration of the review for reason...

#1 It is a SOLAR panel. Many customers are upset that charging stops when the sun goes away. It is NOT a SOLAR/Cloud charger. While it's possible for the sun to penetrate thinner clouds and continue charging, it's quite possible the speed of such charging will decrease.

#2 Some are upset at the output. It is a small, compact unit designed to take hiking/camping or other places where space is of concern. It is not designed to charge a 12 volt battery. You cannot jump start your car with it. Use common sense when attempting to charge larger items. Which brings us too...

#3 It WILL charge a battery assuming your device is not currently using more power than it can provide. Again, this seems like common sense, however, some underestimate the power draining features of modern phones/tablets such as backlights, screensavers, GPS, WIFI, Bluetooth and networks. Turn your phone off if possible or dissable some or most of those options.

#4 Many people use this on the dashboard of their car. While it is a portable unit, there is a faster and more efficient method. Most vehicles, even old ones have at least 1 12 volt cigarrette lighter output. You can purchase a USB adapter for about $5 to charge your phone, ipad, etc.

#5 It is not durable. I have dropped this off a mountain side, into water and left it in zero degree weather for some time. It shouldn't work....It still does.

Please excuse the sarcastic tone of this review but I believe this product and company deserves some respect and praise for designing such a wonderful SOLAR panel. Thank you!

Read Best Reviews of Goal Zero 12301 Nomad 7M Solar Panel Here

I bought a Nomad 7 last year. Love it. It makes great power in all conditions.

I liked it so much I decided to pick up a second one to keep in the car. I went through two of them. The first wouldn't make power in full sun (obviously something wrong). The replacement for it, would charge my cell phone (via 12V cigarette lighter adapter) in direct full sun, but not in full sun sitting on my dashboard (something my original Nomad 7 has no problem with). Apparently the glass is reducing the light enough that it cannot get the power high enough to charge.

Needless to say, both were returned and I guess I am not going to get a second one. The first one is great, but the power output of the subsequent ones has been all over the map. A better job of QC needs to be done before the panels ship out to make sure they perform consistently.

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This is bar none the best portable solar charger I've come across. It charges basically anything smaller than an iPad. I've charged countless toys in little amounts of time during hikes in / or fly fishing. Amazing piece of technology. Secondly, their customer service is polite, know their products, and respond quickly to emails / phone calls. This company and their gear couldn't be more highly recommended. It's the best I've found.

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Friday, December 20, 2013

Cellet Vehicle Phone Holder with USB Charging Port for Smartphones and MP3/MP4 devices

Cellet Vehicle Phone Holder with USB Charging Port for Smartphones and MP3/MP4 devicesI don't usually review unless the product gets five stars. This one gets four. I wanted something just to hold my iPhone. Not charge it, or modulate music through FM. I didn't wanna use a suction cup on the windshield or buy an expensive vehicle specific mount. I wanted to use the 12V outlet on the side of the dash on the passenger side. For that it works. Problem is, it wont stay still. There are like three or four locks on the thing but they constantly let loose. For my needs for the next time I might just get the vehicle specific one.

The only real complaint I have is that the device has a bright blue light that glows when it's plugged in. It's not at all bothersome during the daytime, but at night, it lights up the floor of my car a bit. Doesn't bother me when I'm driving or anything, but it is just a little much.

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This holder works perfect for the Mercedes Benz c300. It's easy adjustable and allows different positions to avoid contact when switching gears. It fits tight in the lighter socket and once tighten up it does not move around (Samsung Galaxy S2). The blue light is not too bright considering the angle and it does not bother me at all at night. The holder does not come with a USB cable so I purchased a 6 inch micro USB cable that fits and works perfectly without having any long cables hanging around. The plastic quality is ok given that it is an under $20 item.

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It is hard to find the right mount for a car so that you can 1) See the screen, 2) charge the phone, 3) keep it out of the way.

This unit pretty much does the job. The only worry I have is that, over time, the weight of the phone and gooseneck may break either the male plug or the socket in my car time will tell.

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Cons:

Covered the charging port for the atrix 4G.

Not good fit on cigarette lighter, the goose neck positioning didn't allow for full insertion into lighter port

Annoyingly bright blue LED in front of mount (especially distracting at night)

Pros:

Good Swivel Action

Strong Gooseneck, held phone in position

Easily adjustable

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Monday, December 9, 2013

iKross Solar Powered Windshield Mount Wireless Bluetooth Speakerphone Handsfree Car Kit

iKross Solar Powered Windshield Mount Wireless Bluetooth Speakerphone Handsfree Car KitI bought this device because MD Law requires you use a hands Free Device while Driving. It connects easily to both our cell phones and is easy to hear.

Recently, our city, and state banned cell texting and some communities locally have banned cell use in cars.

I bought this unit because, it was small, solar powered and bluetooth. The unit is small,I have it on the upper left of my windshield, easy to use, works very well. I like the fact that I can audio text with my phone.

Two things could be better, the speaker, and the transmission quality. Otherwise, this is a great product at a great price.iKross Solar Powered Windshield Mount Wireless Bluetooth Speakerphone Handsfree Car Kit

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I put my order in and it arrived the day it was promised. I love this thing. It is portable and has good sound.

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Not Great .. Not Horrible .. Nothing to write home about!

I bought this cause it was cheap .. and guess what? its kinda cheap! LoL

Volume is fair .. could be WAY louder for me.

Mic is fair .. most people say it sounds like a speaker phone

( Probably because it is LoL )

But they say they can hear me OK Some back ground noise ect.

Like the other reviewer the volume controls are on the left side

which make it impossible to adjust the volume if you have it on

the edge of your windshield like Both of us do.

Good: Its Solar Powered Very Cool! So No charging .. no cords!

Bad: Freaking thing turns off after 15 minutes !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They say it has a standby of 1000 hours!

Well How can you tell??? If it turns OFF after 15 minutes!!!!!

( Wouldn't that be a standby time of infinity LoL )

Gave it 1 star because of it turning off after 15 minutes!

Also Because it makes it very inconvenient to use!

because you have to turn it back on every time you need it!

Other wise I guess its a 3 star because it does work.

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I'm editing my original review. Everything I wrote before is still true, however I almost never use this anymore. The main reason is the range it's too large. It say it has a 10 meter range, and it does but that's 30 feet. No cars are that big, but it's a large enough range to cover pretty much anywhere in my house or office when I'm parked.

I'll forget to turn this off before I leave the car, and the next time I try to make or answer a call in my house or at work, it sends the audio to the speaker. The only solution I've found that doesn't involve me going back out to my car is to turn off the bluetooth on my phone, which is a little too annoying, since I then have to remember to turn both the speaker and my phone bluetooth on the next day before I can use it.

A one meter range would have been sufficient, and done a lot to help with the usability. As it is, I can't in good conscience recommend this anymore, and I'm going to look for another solution myself.

******

The mount works well, the speaker is loud, and it's nice to be able to set it up there and forget about it.

However, the audio isn't that great. Usually it's clear, but sometimes it's hard to make out what the person you're talking to is saying. Also, the buttons to control the volume are on the left of the device, which make it impossible to adjust the volume if you have it on the edge of your windshield like I do. The instructions suggest mounting it in the middle of the windshield right in front of the driver (seriously, there's a photo and everything) but that's crazy.

It works well for what I wanted it for broadcasting my phone so I can hear Waze.

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Friday, November 29, 2013

Husky Liners Custom Fit Heavy Duty Front Floor Mat (Grey)

Husky Liners Custom Fit Heavy Duty Front Floor MatAlthough they said they would work for my Toyota Sienna, they don't quite line up perfectly. With that said, I still like them better than the normal floor inserts that come with the van. I believe they will hold up well and last a long time. I haven't cleaned them either, but I'm thinking they will clean up pretty well.

I like the mats but they are not exact fits for the acadia front seats-They are heavy duty liners but you might consider the custom ones for the extra money if you are going to keep your car for a long time

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will buy again. color matches trim. would be nice if drivers side was desinged to lock into the pin on the floor

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Perfect fit, keeps the car clean.

Recommended for anyone that lives somewhere that it snows or frequently has messy feet.

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Nice big mats but they are universal mats. I bought these mats for a 2011 Kia Sedona. No custom mats were avalible. Better than local Walmart mats.

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Saturday, October 12, 2013

Oticon No Wax

Oticon No Wax
  • Oticon, Sonic, Vivatone, HearPod Hearing Aid Wax Guards
  • Wax guards (6 in each pack) for use with many hearing aids

The item is great if you wear hearing aids. You can always have a clean guard near yoru ear. I highly recommend. Seller was quick to send as well.

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This is Manufacturer manufactured product and was designed for my hearing aids and they will not function properly when the old parts are plugged with ear wax.

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Arrived on time and seems to work as promised. I'd be happy to buy again from this vendor. Thank you very much

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I have not yet used them, I bought to have when I needed. They are the same as what I am now using, and I see no problem.

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Product works great for changing the wax shields in the hearing aids. Only drawer back is if your like me and like to change both at the same time you only got 3 sets per package.

Saturday, September 21, 2013

2nd Generation Audio FM Transmitter and Car Vehicle Charger for the Samsung Galaxy S II - Uses Goma

2nd Generation Audio FM Transmitter and Car Vehicle Charger for the Samsung Galaxy S II - Uses Gomadic TipExchange Technology
  • Full FM frequency spectrum is available and is user selectable in 0.1MHz increments from 88.1 to 107.9 MHz. Advanced Digital PLL sound coding maintains stable and high quality sound.
  • Transmitters emit a powerful FM signal that is the maximum allowed by FCC regulation. Advanced signal isolation provides crystal clear sound quality.
  • Smart technology circuit architecture provides precision voltage and resistor regulation specific to the Samsung Galaxy S II. Protects the internal battery longevity by modulating the charge in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Non-coiled cable design allows for easy routing around your vehicle trim for a more professional look. Durable construction is built to last.
  • Generous LED screen clearly displays current frequency setting. Transmitter frequency continues to be locked in even when vehicle power is cut.

This product has been useful for my Galaxy S2. I get to play my music in my car and charge my phone. I don't have any issues with the sound of the music. However, you cannot charge your phone and listen to your music without a high pitch tone occurring that only gets louder if you try and turn the music up. Although, you can be charging one phone while listening to music from a different phone, which works for my family since we all have Samsung phones that fit to the adapter; there is only an issue when you are trying to charge and listen to music from the same phone. Things I would like to see improved is a station scan for available stations; you have to go through each station individually, which is okay when I'm in my local area but not when I am traveling and don't know the stations. Other than that, I am happy with my purchase.

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But you can't charge your phone and transmit you music at the same time. Cause it'll interfere with the signal. also I had this blow my radio fuse multiple times. I replaced this item with Sprint Micro-USB vehicle power charger PLUS, I lost the transmitter feature with that plug, but I didn't blow anymore fuses. Over all this isn't worth any of your money.

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Product works awesome. Actually enhanced sound quality in my car. I would highly recommend this device. It's a great value.

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I drive an old car and I commute a long distance to work so I listen to a LOT of audiobooks on first an iPod and now a galaxy 2S. I have become a connoisseur of transmitters of all sorts. This is not a good one. The audio was terrible, very scratchy and distorted. If I held it a certain way it wasn't too bad but that is completely not workable for a car that bumps down the road. I don't want to have an accident from messing with my transmitter. I've had really cheap $5 models that were more clear. Customer service tried very hard to keep me from returning it but finally relented. That bothered me also. That sort of tactic makes me think their business model is based on selling cheap stuff that people won't bother to return and demand refunds. After I sent this one back I bought the GOgroove FlexSMART X2 ADVANCED Wireless In-Car Bluetooth FM Transmitter which was far superior and worth the extra cost. I bought another for my husband.

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Keyless Entry Remote Fob Clicker for 2002 Toyota Prius With Do-It-Yourself Programming

Keyless Entry Remote Fob Clicker for 2002 Toyota Prius With Do-It-Yourself ProgrammingI lost one, ordered this one to replace it, followed the directions, and now everything's fine. No complaints.

I received this fob very quickly, and the instructions for setting it up were decent (although I'll warn you: Toyota makes it really complicated, with opening and closing your door a couple of times, inserting and removing the key several times, opening and closing the doors again, etc.).

The new fob looks nearly identical to my previous remote, which means it's not taking up any more room in my pocket than the old one did (unlike some after-market remotes that are a lot larger).

The one gripe I've got is that the battery died about 6 months after I received it. Now, I realize that a new battery is just $4 or so, but my original Toyota battery lasted 6 years before I needed to replace it.

Overall, a minor disappointment, but one I can live with.

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I bought a used 2002 Prius that came without the remotes. I hesitantly purchased two remote, and was not sure if they are going to work. The remotes arrived within a few days. The instruction tells you to a website to read the instruction on how to program the remotes. I printed the instructions and wnet ahead with the procedure. It is kind of strange with all inserting the key and turn on turn off, then open door close door but the remotes worked like a charm. I was pleasantly surprised and very happy. I give it two thumbs up for this product and ease of programming.

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Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Car Charger Adapter for Philips Dual Screen Portable DVD Player

Car Charger Adapter for Philips Dual Screen Portable DVD PlayerThis worked well when the original adapter went out. I actually think it worked better than the original that came with the dual dvd player. I would definitely recommend this product.

fast and easy no issues with the it. came in just and it so ok okok ok ok ok ok

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fit just perfect and i searched everywhere for one... a life saver for long car rides with my toddler. so glad i found it

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Driving cross-country with these DVD players is wonderful, because the kids are distracted from fighting, and the parents don't go crazy! These are inexpensive replacements for original parts that were lost, so cheap and durable and do their job! Triple plus!

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I used the vehicle charger adapter less than a week and it broke. Some if the pieces stayed in the truck plug which ended up blowing my truck fuse and by the time my husband was done with his mechanic skills trying to fix it, I had to take it into the dealer to fix. What a mess due to a very cheap product.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Peak PKC0AN 700 Amp Jump Starter

Peak PKC0AN 700 Amp Jump StarterThis is definately a heavy duty unit all around. No wimpy cables, clamps or switches here. I expect to get good use from this unit for many years. It is great to add to my emergency road & vacation gear, so often handy in these New England winters. Especially nice are the extra long cables that allow maximum applications with ease. It would have been thoughtful to have included a ball/mattress inflator needle as one fits on the compressor connection perfectly. I had a spare & added it. The tire inflator screws onto the tire stem so no match-up problems are encountered. This definately is not a wanna-be, its a real tool & it could save your life (or at least possible frostbite).

I was excited! Got my battery charger in about five (5) days; I plugged in the unit, according to the instruction manual, to charge-up for 72 hours. You can't imagine my disappointment after waiting so long only to find-out that the units' "charged" light wouldn't light up. So now I'm stuck with this thing and have to initiate a fix for this thing. What compicates this process is that it's a. heavy b. hazardous material protcol c. by the time I get any re-solution on this it will be Spring! Should have gone to Sears!! Can't blame Amazon really...just the manufacter.

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Bought this unit 13 months ago. Followed the initial charging instructions exactly, and recharged periodically as directed in the manual. Used the unit twice, once to start my car and the other time to add some air to my tires. After only 13 months the unit won't hold a charge. It came with only a 90 day warranty so it's going in the trash. Stay away from this charger.

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I purchased this unit 3 months ago. From day 1, the door that holds the air hose will not stay closed which is annoying, but not a deal-breaker. Next, when charging, the 12V charger melted inside the unit which I had to remove with needle nose pliers. The battery also dies quickly just sitting in the back of my trunk and the alarm is annoying if you're driving on the highway with nowhere to pull over every couple of weeks.

Finally, I tried to use the unit for it's intended purpose, jump starting a car with a dead battery. The unit was completely charged, connected and switched on, cranked the ignition and not even a peep. Checked the unit again and it was dead.

Amazon won't let you return the unit, so we'll see if Peak will send a replacement unit and if there will be a charge.

For the price of this unit, it should be much better made. Knowing what I do now, I would have purchased a different product.

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I bought one of these in april 2011.

I tryed to use it about 6 months ago to start my diesel truck. It would not do it, I figured that was because the truck takes 2 batteries to start it.

I tried to start a 2004 Grand Pre yesterday with this and it would not work well enough to start the car. I called AAA and they came out with their unit ( slightly smaller ) and thiers had no problem starting the car. I had all but one of the battery charge indicator lights lite. When I tried it on the truck it was freshly / fully charged.

I will have it tested but for now I fell it is NOT RELIABLE.

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