Solar Focus SolarMio Pro from REI Review

This week I bought the SolarMio on sale.  It was the only one with a printed rating for the solar panel output and it was flexible cell.  It claims to be triple junction so it should be fairly impressive for the size.  I got home and looked around for any info or reviews, but I couldn't find a single one.  Fancy that.

So here are my initial impressions.

Solar Focus SolarMio Pro 

Packaging and Product Appearance

The SolarMio Pro comes in a swank, low environmental impact box.  No plastic clamshell to offset the "green-ness" of the solar panels.  It claims to be made in an eco-friendly, no heavy metal factory, which is nice on paper, but is to be taken with a block of deer salt as is anything from China.  The Solar panel itself rests in the box, along with a black nylon bag with a clear plastic window.  It also comes with a LOT of charger tips and a USB cable to match.  It also has the battery pack and a nicely color printed multi-language booklet.


Folded, the panel is 7.5cm x 22cm x ~3cm.  The panel unfolds to reveal a row of six flexible panels about 3.5cm wide and 16.5cm long.  Not the largest set of cells in terms of area or number.  Near each corner of the mat, there are nylon loops for hanging.  I would prefer grommets, but they are functional and it's not as if they need to handle a lot of weight.  The unit is fairly light and easy to stow.  In the center of the 6 cells, there is a male mini B USB cable about 48cm long.  The end attached to the panel is epoxied in usual Chinese fashion, but is probably waterproof and hold the cable regardless.
Turn the mat over and you'll find two elastic straps.  I was quite impressed with the retention design of the unit.  The thinner strap is used when the mat is folded up to keep it closed.  I am a bit worried about the force required to use the strap, but it works and it wont come open accidentally, that's for sure.  On closer inspection, the sewing around the edge of this strap has me worried, and I most likely will carry around a rubber band or something so as not to rip it off.  The second strap works in conjunction with the smaller strap when the waterproof bag is used for the battery pack and is sewn perfectly fine.  Again, I was impressed with the foresight of a company in designing a product with so much waterproofing, despite the fact it explicitly states it is not for use in wet weather...  
The batter bag uses a thick velcro band that in itself is fairly airtight.  The user inserts the pack into the bag with the pigtail attached.  Then the velcro at the top is sealed and the top is rolled down to create a waterproof pouch.  This then slips into the smaller elastic band on the back and settles inside the thicker band, secure and safe from the elements. 


The Battery pack is white and has a switch, LED, two female USB ports (mini B and standard), and a diagram printed on the back with instructions.  The instructions were a nice touch.  I found myself reaching for the booklet when I remembered the info was on the box itself.  The USB mini B port was roughly cut during manufacture and had some gunky residue like rubber cement.  Whatever it is, it was easily removed.

Included in the package is a USB LiON battery charger.  I haven't used it yet, but I have seen reviews for it.  

Function and Deployment

Here is where the honeymoon goes sour.  The way the panel is designed, the mini B pigtail makes charging any standard USB device impossible.  Moreover, it outputs unregulated 6v at supposed max 600ma.  I have no way of verifying that right now.  The only way to use it is to attach the battey pack to the panel, let that charge, and then use the pack to charge the device.  There is no power pass-through, so you have to wait, a definite issue.  This is a real deal breaker because there is no safe and easy way to charge without the pack.  


Deployment is simple, unfold and leave in the sun.  It works in shadow and from reflected light within reason.  It is flexible, so damage from dropping and other mishaps are not an issue.  You could hang this from a tree and not worry too much when it blows off and lands in the mud.  


I'm looking into a female mini B to female standard size adapter so I can test actual output in the sun using a multimeter.  I tried hooking it up to my USB charged APC LiON battery packs, but it wouldn't charge.  It could be insufficient light, or the panel's unregulated 6v messing with the device.

Final Thoughts

The unit is a mixture of large pros, and large cons.  The care and foresight shown by the designers when actually designing the mat is impressive.  Waterproofing, retention, and the smorgasbord of charging tips means anyone will be able to use this.  Unfortunately, usage is where this solar panel falls flat.  If you don't mind using the battery box, the charger works just fine.  If you were hoping to charge your phone or gadgets with this straight from the sun's rays, you will be sadly disappointed.


With the flexible panels and supposed triple junction cells, it is a shame that the designers couldn't have included a voltage regulator in the panel itself, or at least a pass-through for the battery puck.  With that, it would have been the perfect backpacking panel.


Verdict: Skip 

                                  Unless you don't mind two step charging.


-edit-
12/6/2012
I finally got around to testing which pins are hot, and it turns out that it uses a non-standard pin-out for the 6v in.  Pin 4 is hot, and pin 5 is ground, as opposed to USB spec of pin 1 and 5 respective.  No one makes a pin 4-5 bridge, so if I wan to use it for charging devices, I have to fabricate one myself, which isn't actually all that bad, just a pain in the ass to have to do.  Also, I'll have to regulate it down or up to 5v nominal if the panel specs are to be believes (6v).

The other alternative, and one that seems much more attractive at the moment, is to cut into the pigtail and splice on a new end.  The included battery back is mostly rubbish anyway.  It has stopped charging on 5v usb from a computer/wall wart, so it's effectively useless without the panel.

Best of the Decade 2000-2010

What follows is a list of what I think are the must see anime of the decade.  There are some cult classics, popular series,  and a whole lot of obscure titles.  I hope you enjoy my list.

-A

#30

Vandread & Vandread: Second Stage

#29

Zipang

Oct 7, 2004 to Mar 31, 2005

Zipang is a seinen anime, focusing on alternate realities, WWII, and what it means to be Japanese. High production values, historically and technologically accuracy, and a good character driven drama make Zipang a must see for history, military, or non-romantic drama buffs.

#28

Voices of a Distant Star

Feb 2, 2002

Makoto Shinkai's 2nd work. Animated at home on a Mac G4, Shinkai and his wife performed the original voice roles in the initial release. Although it is only 25 minutes, Voices tugs at the heartstrings and marks the beginning of Shinkai's use of the “lovers separated by time and/or space” theme. His background art and mech. designs are beautifully rendered, but his characters lack definition and are crude. This is a problem that crops up in his later works as well. Tenmon's music helps seal the deal, placing this as a must see of the decade.

Fun fact: the ships seen in the final battle scene are almost straight from Gunbuster, right down to the space fold, jump, thingy.

#27

Kimi ga Nozomu Eien TV

Oct 5, 2003 to Jan 4, 2004

I once heard KGNE describes as an anime that “fucks you up” for a while after seeing the first time. The plot is full of angst and drama. If you're into the heartbreaking romances, this is a good one to watch.

#26

Onegai Teacher

Jan 10, 2002 to Mar 28, 2002

This iconic show is the first anime of the Onegai series. Full of fanservice and comedy, this isn't exactly a classy show. However, I believe it the romantic moments make up for its faults. A bit of a “love-it-or-hate-it” I suppose. Kotoko's opening theme, “Shooting Star” is instantly recognizable and a personal fav.

Fun fact: Onegai Friends, the sequel to Onegai Teacher and Onegai Twins is a Japanese radio drama.

#25

Innocent Venus

Jul 27, 2006 to Oct 26, 2006

I was a bit hesitant to but this here. I'm sure lots of people would argue with me on this, but I found the mech designs to be quite good, plot to be reasonable to some extent, and just interesting to watch overall. The animation is amazing and it is clear the production team put a lot of effort into it. If you liked this title, I recommend Ga-Rei-Zero. Very different, and much more of a mindfuck, the overall mood of the two are very similar. Far more than your generic shounen, but if you hate mecha/robots/fighting, then I'd skip this one.

#24

Bartender

Oct 15, 2006 to Dec 31, 2006

I hate alchohol. I hate the smell, I hate the taste, I hate what it does to you, however, Bartender is more than a drinking show. Although the drinks play an important part, they are a vehicle to tell a bigger story. Each episode tell the story of one or two people in good Slice of Life fashion. No explosions, no robots, no kung-fu-fighting—just good old fashioned storytelling. If you falla sleep at SOLs, skip this one, otherwise, its a good way to spend a few hours relaxing.

#23

REC

Feb 3, 2006 to Mar 31, 2006

This 9 half-length episode series is short and sweet. Even with a fraction of the overall play time of a full season, REC manages to fit a completely fleshed out story without rushing or cramping the show. Romance fans and SOL fans should enjoy this one a lot.

#22

Genshiken

Oct 10, 2004 to Dec 26, 2004

This one is on here because it is a fun look into the world of anime and manga from the otaku's POV. Not the best writing or art in the world, but its a lot of fun to watch.

#21

The Cat Returns

Jul 20, 2002

A Ghibli film not made by Miyazaki, The Cat Returns is a lighthearted romp through growing up and discovering who we are. Great art and a fun story lock this movie in my top 30.

Fun Fact: Ocean Waves (“I can Hear The sea” if you want the butchered title) is another non-Miyazaki Ghibli and it is one of my all time favs.

#20

Shuffle!

Jul 8, 2005 to Jan 6, 2006

My guilty pleasure, I just like it. Art is good, it is however, a harem anime, so I understand why it got panned. Soul Link, another Navel anime, is one of my favorites and is disliked even more than Shuffle!. Guess that says something about my taste.

#19

Toaru Kagaku no Railgun

Oct 2, 2009 to Mar 19, 2010

Side story to Toaru Majutsu no Index, it takes my favorite character and expands her story. Lots of filler episodes keeps Railgun from being placed higher on this list, however, it is a lot of fun to watch and enjoyment is very high.

#18

Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha

Oct 3, 2004 to Dec 26, 2004

This show rewrote the rulebook on magical girl anime. It took the mostly shojou genre and turned it into a show almost anyone can watch ad love. Although the art is not as refined as in the sequels, I prefer the story of the original the most.

#17

Cross Game

Apr 5, 2009 to Mar 28, 2010

Adachi fans rejoice, Cross game is just as good as Touch or H2. This baseball anime focuses on both the sport and the human drama without boring the viewer. Even if you don't like baseball, Cross Game is a great watch.

Fun Fact: Adachi doesn't only write Baseball manga. Rough is about swimming and Katsu is about boxing. Both are a great read and don't drag out like H2 does.

#16

Elfen Lied

Jul 25, 2004 to Oct 17, 2004

Blood. Lots, and lots of blood. This isn't your average slasher flick though. Lots of character driven story and adorable characters, even if they rid heads off, make this one a winner. Elfen Lied touches all the familiar worries, fitting in, being different, and searching for happiness. Not for the young or timid at heart, Elfen Lied is well worth a watch if you enjoy psychological drama.

#15

The Place Promised in Our Early Days

Nov 20, 2004

Another work by Makoto Shinkai, Place Promised is one of my favorite movies. A bittersweet (I hate that word) romance, Place Promised has a beautiful, if repetitive soundtrack by Tenmon and great background and machine art. Character design is still not at the same level as his backgrounds, but is much improved from Voices of a Distant Star. This is a movie that will take your breath away.

#14

Full Metal Panic!

Jan 8, 2002 to Jun 18, 2002

Hard to have a list of the decade without FMP! Despite the slapstick humor, FMP does serious drama very well. The plot is more than predictable at times but regardless, it is well worth a watch. If you can't stand mecha and giant robots don't both with this one; these robots don't even transform!

#13

Millennium Actress

Sep 14, 2001

IMHo, this is the best of the late Satoshi Kon's works. It has amazing art and detail. You can even see the wood-grain on the roof rafters. Romance fans and high art critics can both find something to love in this movie.

#12

Clannad: Another World, Tomoyo Chapter

Jul 16, 2008

I'll say it right now. I am not the biggest fan of Key's game adaptations. Air was drawn out and generally boring. I enjoyed the Summer arc and I loved the happy ending (no seriously, it was surprisingly uplifting) but the first 5 or 6 episodes were a waste of time. For me, Clannad was okay. Definitely not my favorite ever, and certainly not in my top 30. Tomoyo's chapter however, is another story altogether. In one episode, Kyoto Animation was able to tell an amazing love story. Well worth the 26 or so minutes, you don't even need to watch Clannad to enjoy it.

#11

Eve no Jikan

Aug 1, 2008 to Sep 18, 2009

One of my favorite ONAs, Time of Eve is one of this year's hit Original Net Animes. It has helped pioneer the net delivery vehicle for anime and is a great Slice of Life. Lots of story, relatable characters, and amazing cinematography make Time of Eve worth every minute of the 1 year I spent waiting for new episodes.

Fun Fact: My other favorite ONA of the decade is Candy Boy. As it is shojou-ai and borderline incest, it isn't for everyone so I kept it off the main list. It's a SOL so there isn't an overarching plot or story, just the lives of two (+1) cute sisters.

#10

Macross Zero

Dec 21, 2002 to Oct 20, 2004

This is a great, and generally unappreciated part of the Macross saga. The CGI is brilliant, the mecha is well thought out and production values second to none. The base story is a rehash of the same old story, outsiders ruin the traditional lifestyles of the natives, and the natives die. The way the producers took that theme and turned it into something beautiful and different is what makes Macross Zero shine.

#9

Banner of the Stars

Apr 14, 2000 to Jul 14, 2000

This show and the 2 sequels barely made it into the decade and the prequel, Crest of the Stars, just missed the cut. Altogether, they make up the Seikai no Senki series which is a space opera that rivals, and in my opinion, beats the pants off of the Macross saga. Romance, war, politics, all the components needed for a story of epic proportions. Besides, I love the ears and blue hair. XD Be warned, there is a lot of “hard sci-fi” in here and rather dull space battles. You won't find gundam-style flying tank-plane things, x-wings, or even Valkyries. What you get are well planned, arthritic-turtle paced, naval battles, so if you only watch sci-fi for the “epic” space dogfights, you may wanna sleep through this one.

#8

Koi Kaze

Apr 2, 2004 to Jun 18, 2004

Probably the most controversial title on this list, Koi Kaze is about incest, plain and simple. If you can't handle that, then skip it. If you make it past the cultural taboo, you'll find a touching love story. It's not porn, so don't worry, but I wouldn't show this to kids until they can actually understand the topic.

#7

Summer Wars

Aug 1, 2009

This movie was hailed as the blockbuster hit of the latter part of the decade. Although it isn't a Ghibli film, and therefore was not picked up by Disney, Summer Wars is to be nominated by Funimation for an Oscar. Pretty much everyone knows Summer Wars cannot win, but it certainly deserves to. From the get go, the animation is of top notch quality. The plot is very contemporary and, given a little stretch of the imagination, I can almost see it happening in the near future. There is a lot to like about Summer Wars and you won't miss the two hours you spend watching it.

#6

Spice and Wolf

Jan 8, 2008 to May 30, 2008

Spice and Wolf is a great series, no doubt about it. The problem is that many find the economics driven plot confusing and boring. If you cannot stand the first season, stay far away from the second. The animation is good and the plot is handled very well. The characters grow through the 13 episode season as does their relationship. Apart from the economics, this relationship is what drives the plot and their exchanges make Spice and Wolf fun to watch.

Fun Fact: Although many fansub groups use “Horo,” the offical English translation is “Holo,” much to my displeasure.

#5

Battle Fairy Yukikaze

Aug 25, 2002 to Aug 26, 2005

Yukikaze is based upon a Japanese game, and as such, uses 3D CGI for the animation. Despite being early 2000 vintage, the CGI is very well done and rivals Macross Zero's for image quality and cinematography. Yukikaze is very hard to explain, the plot is compressed into just 5 OVA length episodes. I admit, it was only after the third time I watched it, that I fully understood the background and plot. For any modern airplane buff, this might just be the holy grail of anime.

Fun Fact: If you're into older planes, Area 88 is a brilliant series. The CGI is crude but the plot is engaging and the plane models are carefully based upon the actual aircraft specs. I had a fun time naming every single airframe in the show.

#4

Rescue Wings

Jan 9, 2006 to Mar 27, 2006

Another seinen anime, Yomigaeru Sora is a slice of life show following the pilots of the JSDAF SAR division. Despite the fairly predictable and serial nature of the episodes, the characters grow through their experiences and each story well presented. Rescue Wings is certainly a show that deserves more love.

#3

Flag

#2

ef-A Tale of Memories

#1

Rideback

Jan 11, 2009 to Mar 29, 2009