- Powermonkey eXtreme
- Powermonkey, in box
- Powermonkey, in crystal-pack
- Powermonkey eXplorer, in box
- Powermonkey eXplorer, in crystal-pack
- Minigorilla
- Powergorilla Laptop Charger
- Gorillapad iPad adaptor
- Solargorilla Solar Laptop Charger
- Solarmonkey & Solarnut
- Powerchimp
- Startmonkey
- Motormonkey
- UVmonkey
- Accessories
- Charging Adapters
- Coming Soon
FAQ
Powergorilla
Q: I can't find the correct tip for my laptop.
A: Please email info@powertravellerusa.com with the make and model of your laptop
Q: How do I work out which voltage setting to use with my laptop?
A: You will need to look at the sticker printed on your laptop's AC Adaptor. Match the output voltage as closely as you can with the option on the Powergorilla e.g. 19.5v laptop will require 19v from the Powergorilla
Q: How can I connect my Powergorilla to my Macbook, Macbook Pro and Macbook Air?
A: The Powergorilla is compatible with Apple Mac laptops using the MagSafe type connector. You will need an Apple MagSafe Airline Adaptor, which you can purchase from Apple directly. This plugs in to the 12v car charger socket that comes with the Powergorilla.
Please note, the MagSafe cable is only suitable for Apple Macs incorporating the MagSafe style of connector. If you are unsure if your Mac uses MagSafe, please email info@powertravellerusa.com - you may require the L77D tip for the older Mac laptops (such as PowerBook.) The MagSafe adaptor will only POWER you Mac laptop, it will not charge it.
Q: How do I charge my iPhone/iPod from the Powergorilla?
A: Connect your white sync/charge cable that came with your iPod/iPhone to the USB port on the Powergorilla.
Q: What performance can I expect from my Powergorilla?
A: In most cases, the Powergorilla will run your laptop (similar to an external battery, below 60W). If your laptop is switched off, the Powergorilla will begin charging it. With lower consumption laptops, the Powergorilla can charge and power your laptop at the same time
Q: My Powergorilla will not charge my laptop
A: Please ensure you are using the correct tip for your laptop. Once you've confirmed the tip is correct, read the instruction guide that came with the Powergorilla and make sure you have selected the correct voltage. If the Powergorilla still does not charge your laptop, please remove the laptop's internal battery - details on how to do this will be in your laptop's documentation.
Still having problems? Please email info@powertravellerusa.com
Q: My Powergorilla shuts down unexpectedly - why?
A: This is safety feature of the Powergorilla. This could happen if the Powergorilla is being put under too much strain, is too hot, has run out of power or has finished charging your laptop.
Still need help? Please email info@powertravellerusa.com
Q: My Powergorilla shut down and now will not turn back on - what's wrong?
A: Your Powergorilla may have activated a safety feature and will need to be connected to the Powergorilla wall adaptor to give it a "soft reset".
Q: What is the life expectancy of my Powergorilla and does it have a user-replaceable battery?
A: As with all of the primate power range, we recharged the Powergorilla 1,000 times without any significant decrease in battery performance. The Powergorilla does not have any user replaceable parts (including the battery).
Q: How can I charge my Powergorilla?
A: You can charge your Powergorilla from the wall adaptor included, from your laptop's standard wall adaptor (using one of the converter tips included in the tip pack) or from our Solargorilla (available separately).
Q: What do the symbols on the LCD screen mean?
A: Refer to following picture of Powergorilla LCD screen...
Q: How can I get the best performance from my SolarGorilla?
A: You should ensure that your SolarGorilla is outside in direct sunlight, glass will greatly reduce the performance of the SolarGorilla. You will also need to ensure that the panel is perpendicular to the sun and that the panel surfaces are clean. It is also worth letting the solar panel "warm up" by leaving it in the sun for 10 minutes prior to connecting a device.
Q: I can't find the correct tip for my laptop
A: Please email info@powertravellerusa.com
Q: How can I connect my SolarGorilla to my PowerGorilla?
A: Simply attach them using the 6’ extension cable and the L52D tip.
Q: Can I use my USB charging port while charging another device from the main output?
A: You can only charge one device at a time from the SolarGorilla.
Q: What will my SolarGorilla charge?
A: Your SolarGorilla will charge most handheld devices via the USB port, such as mobile phones, iPods/MP3 players, Sat Navs, PDAs and handheld gaming devices. The SolarGorilla will also charge laptops, ideally in the 10W to 40W range. If the laptop is in use while the SolarGorilla is connected, it will only slow down the depreciation of your battery, it will not run or charge your laptop unless your laptop is off.
Q: What are the solar panels made of?
A: The solar panel is made from polycrystalline which gives it a distinctive look, sometimes mistaken for cracks in the panel. The solar panels are then sealed with special glue which can give a slightly uneven surface to the panel.
Q: How do I know the SolarGorilla’s output voltage is correct for my laptop?
A: The SolarGorilla has just one output voltage, this is >20v. The SolarGorilla will not damage your device as it can only output up to 10 watts max.
Q: Does the SolarGorilla store power?
A: The SolarGorilla does not store any power. If you require a gadget to store the power generated by your SolarGorilla, please consider the PowerGorilla.
Q: I have plugged my SolarGorilla into my laptop but nothing's happening?
A: Please follow these tips to see if you can get the SolarGorilla to charge your device:
- Ensure the solar panel is in direct sunlight (glass will not allow the solar panel to work efficiently)
- Allow the solar panel 5 minutes to soak up the sun before plugging it into your device
- Make sure the solar panels are clean and free from any dust or dirt
- Make sure the solar panel is perpendicular to the sun and rotate the panels as the sun moves through the sky during the day
- Please do not expect the solar panel to work on overcast days or when the solar strength is not at the recommended level
- Please ensure that you have selected the correct connector tip from the pack for your device
Q: Can I leave my SolarGorilla outside?
A: Yes, you can leave the SolarGorilla outside. However, although the SolarGorilla is water resistant, it is not waterproof. To protect it if it begins raining, please bring the SolarGorilla inside as the ports are not water resistant and may become damaged if soaked. The Solargorilla is supplied with a 6’ cable to allow you to leave the unit in the sun whilst you sit in the shade.
Q: The LED on my SolarGorilla is RED and not GREEN?
A: Some unit are fitted with RED LEDs, Either RED or GREEN indicate that the solar panels are charging
Q: I have an Apple Mac using the MagSafe type connector. Can I charge this from a SolarGorilla?
A: The SolarGorilla is compatible with Apple Mac laptops using the MagSafe type connector. You will need to purchase the Apple MagSafe Airline Adaptor, however this will only allow your Mac to be powered from the SolarGorilla - this is a limitation with the Apple cable, not the SolarGorilla. For further information please email: info@powertravellerusa.com
Q: Can I use my SolarGorilla through a glass window or under a light bulb?
A: No, the SolarGorilla needs to be outside in bright sunshine.
Q: What devices can my PowerMonkey-eXplorer charge?
A: Your PowerMonkey-eXplorer can charge a wide range of handheld devices such as mobile phones, iPod / MP3 players, PDAs, Sat Navs, handheld games consoles and much more!
Q: What is the difference between the PowerMonkey-classic and the PowerMonkey-eXplorer?
A: The PowerMonkey-eXplorer is more advanced. It has an LCD screen to display remaining battery capacity, is shock and water resistant and has a larger amount of safety features including auto-shut off to save power. It also comes with the SolarMonkey as standard.
Q: Where can I purchase additional PowerMonkey tips?
A: You can purchase additional tips online HERE
Q: How do I know the PowerMonkey-eXplorer is safe to use with my device?
A: The PowerMonkey has an output voltage of between 4.5v and 5.5v. Please check your device's documentation to ensure your device requires a voltage within the PowerMonkey's range. The PowerMonkey will then auto adjust the voltage as required by your device, it will also know when your device is charged to prevent overcharging.
Q: Can I charge my device directly from the solar panel?
A: Yes, you can charge most devices directly from solar panel. However, the panel does not have the complicated technology that the PowerMonkey unit has and some devices may not charge. If you are experiencing difficulties charging directly from the solar panel, please consider purchasing a SolarNut.
Q: Is the PowerMonkey-eXplorer waterproof?
A: No. The PowerMonkey is only water resistant, meaning that it can withstand splashes of water and not become damaged if it begins raining while it's outside charging. You should not leave your PowerMonkey outside in the rain for extended periods of time.
Q: Can I use a Nokia charger to charge my PowerMonkey?
A: No, the older style Nokia chargers may fit but will damage the internals of the PowerMonkey. Nokia chargers use a pulse type charge and this will damage the circuits inside the PowerMonkey.
Q: Will my PowerMonkey-eXplorer charge my laptop?
A: No, laptops require a much greater voltage than the PowerMonkey is able to provide. Please consider the PowerGorilla.
Q: How can I recharge my PowerMonkey-eXplorer?
A: You can recharge the PowerMonkey from the wall adaptor, via USB or from the solar panel (all included in the pack).
Q: I cannot get my PowerMonkey to charge via the solar panel?
A: Please follow these tips:
- Ensure the solar panel is in direct sunlight (glass will not allow the SolarMonkey to work efficiently)
- Allow the solar panel 30 seconds to soak up the sun before plugging the SolarMonkey into your PowerMonkey-eXplorer
- Make sure the SolarMonkey is facing the sun and rotate the panels as the sun moves throughout the sky during the day
- Make sure the panels are clean and free from any dust or dirt
- Please do not expect the solar panel to work on overcast days or when the solar strength is not at the recommended level
- Ensure the PowerMonkey is turned off once charging has started (hold down the button for 5 seconds)
- Please disconnect the PowerMonkey from the solar panel once there is insufficient sun to charge the PowerMonkey (i.e. early evening & night time)
Q: My PowerMonkey-eXplorer turns itself off, is this normal?
A: The PowerMonkey may auto-shut off to save power. This is either because the PowerMonkey cannot detect it is charging anything or your device is fully charged.
If the PowerMonkey is turning off prematurely on all new models you will be able to press the on-off switch quickly twice to lock on. The LCD screen will flash and remain illuminated to confirm the PowerMonkey is locked ON - repeat the steps to re-activate the auto-off feature.
Q: Why won't the PowerMonkey-eXplorer charge my camera?
A: Digital cameras are one of the most awkward devices to get to work with third party chargers. Some digital cameras can only be charged if you have to remove the battery to charge it and generally do not have a DC-in socket. If this is the case, the PowerMonkey will not be compatible. If the camera has a DC-in port - usually a round pin - then the PowerMonkey should POWER it. It is rare that a camera will accept a charge from this port so the PowerMonkey will act as an external battery.
Q: Is the PowerMonkey-eXplorer available in different colors?
A: Yes, the PowerMonkey-eXplorer is available in Blue, Grey, Pink and Yellow.
Q:
What do the symbols on the LCD screen mean?
A: Refer to following photo of PowerMonkey eXplorer LCD screen...
1. Screen displays battery capacity and level of charge in PowerMonkey-eXplorer
2. When the internal battery is getting low, the battery icon on the LCD display will flash to indicate that the PowerMonkey-eXplorer needs to be re-charged
3. Internal blue light lets you see screen at all times
4. By holding down the on/off button for 3 seconds, the user can turn off the LCD display to save power. To turn back on, hold down the on/off button again for 3 seconds.
Q: Can I use my PowerMonkey wall adaptor to charge my devices directly?
A: Yes, you can use your PowerMonkey wall adaptor to charge your devices directly, as the tips for the PowerMonkey as compatible with the wall adaptor. Please be aware that the wall adaptor does not have the complicated technology that the PowerMonkey has, so your device may not recognize the charger. Please also note that the wall adaptor does not have protection circuits such as overcharging protection, which is incorporated within the PowerMonkey. However, most modern devices have this built in so harm to your device is unlikely. Powertraveller cannot accept any responsibility to damage caused to devices when being charged from the wall adaptor.
Q: I need an in-car charger for my PowerMonkey. What do you recommend?
A: Buy one of our fantastic MotorMonkey in-car chargers! You can charge your MotorMonkey using the retractable USB cable that comes in both the PowerMonkey and MotorMonkey kits.
Q: My PowerMonkey-eXplorer will not turn on?
A: Please ensure you hold the ON / OFF button down for a full 3 seconds.
Q: Why does my PowerMonkey-eXplorer turn off after a couple of minutes?
A: It could be your devices need less power, so the monkey it shutting off. Please turn your monkey on and then press the button twice. Now you will be able to manually turn your monkey off when you need to.
Q: How can I get the best performance from my SolarMonkey?
A: To get the best performance from your SolarMonkey, please read the steps below:
- Ensure the SolarMonkey is in direct sunlight (glass will not allow the SolarMonkey to work efficiently)
- Allow the SolarMonkey 30 seconds to soak up the sun before plugging it into your device
- Make sure the SolarMonkey is facing the sun and rotate the panels as the sun moves through the sky throughout the day
- Make sure the solar panels are clean and free from any dust or dirt
- Please do not expect the SolarMonkey to work on an overcast day or when the solar strength is not at the recommended level
Q: What is the SolarNut and why do I need it?
A: The SolarNut is a small battery which helps the SolarMonkey to charge your device. The SolarNut regulates the output power from the panel, so when the panel cannot generate the correct voltage your device needs, the SolarNut will take over. The SolarNut can also store enough power to give your device a small charge without the need for it to be connected to the solar panel.
Q: Where can I buy additional tips for my SolarMonkey?
A: You can purchase additional tips online HERE
Q: Does the SolarMonkey store power?
A: No, the SolarMonkey itself does not store power. However, the SolarNut can store enough power to give you a small charge on your mobile phone.
Q: What is the solar panel made from?
A: The solar panel is made from polycrystalline which gives it a distinctive look and is sometimes mistakenly deemed as being cracked. The solar panels are then sealed with special glue which can give a slightly uneven surface to the panel.
Q: Is the SolarMonkey waterproof?
A: No, the SolarMonkey is water resistant. This means that if it is left outside and it begins to rain, no damage will be done to the panel. The SolarMonkey should not be left in the rain for extended periods of time.
Q: How do I charge the SolarNut?
A: The SolarNut is designed to be charged only by the SolarMonkey. You should leave the SolarMonkey connected to the SolarNut in the sun for around 4 hours to give it a good charge. Please ensure the SolarNut is always topped up so it gives best performance.
Q: Is the SolarMonkey available in different colors?
A: The SolarMonkey is currently only available in grey. More colors should be available soon!
Q: I already have the previous version of the SolarMonkey which didn't come with the SolarNut. Can I purchase the SolarNut separately?
A: There will soon be a section on our website where you can purchase additional spare parts. In the meantime, please email info@powertravellerusa.com
Q: Will the SolarMonkey run my speakers?
A: The SolarMonkey will run the K3000 speakers. We do not recommend you use the SolarMonkey on other manufacturer's speakers.
Q: Can I use my SolarMonkey through a glass window or under a light bulb?
A: No, your SolarMonkey needs to be outside in bright sunshine.
Q: What devices can my PowerMonkey-classic charge?
A: Your PowerMonkey can charge a wide range of handheld devices such as mobile/cell phones, PDA's, iPod / MP3 players, portable Sat Navs, handheld games consoles and more!
Q: What is the difference between the PowerMonkey-classic and the PowerMonkey-eXplorer?
A: The PowerMonkey-eXplorer is more advanced. It has an LCD screen to display remaining battery capacity, is shock and water resistant and has a larger amount of safety features, including auto-shut off to save power. It also comes with the SolarMonkey as standard.
Q: Where can I purchase additional PowerMonkey tips?
A: You can purchase additional tips online HERE
Q: Will the SolarMonkey work with my PowerMonkey-classic?
A: Yes, you can charge your PowerMonkey-classic using the SolarMonkey. We do not recommend using third party solar panels with any of our products.
Q: Can I use a Nokia charger to charge my PowerMonkey?
A: No, the older style Nokia chargers may fit but will damage the internals of the PowerMonkey. Nokia chargers use a pulse type charge and this will damage the circuits inside the PowerMonkey.
Q: How do I know when my PowerMonkey-classic is running low on power?
A: The flashing green LED will turn red and flash to signify that the PowerMonkey needs recharging.
Q: How can I recharge my PowerMonkey-classic?
A: You can recharge the PowerMonkey from the wall adaptor or via USB (all included in the pack), or you can purchase a SolarMonkey solar panel separately.
Q: Why won't the PowerMonkey-classic charge my camera?
A: Digital cameras are one of the most awkward devices to get to work with third party chargers. Some digital cameras can only be charged if you have to remove the battery to charge it and generally do not have a DC-in socket. If this is the case, the PowerMonkey will not be compatible. If the camera has a DC-in port - usually a round pin - then the PowerMonkey should POWER it. It is rare that a camera will accept a charge from this port so the PowerMonkey will act as an external battery instead.
Q: Is the PowerMonkey-classic available in different colors?
A: The PowerMonkey-classic is currently only available in silver.
Q: Why does my device say it is still charging when the PowerMonkey rewall adaptor connected, even though the PowerMonkey is switched off?
A: There is a small amount of residual power in the tail of the PowerMonkey. This may cause your device to recognize the PowerMonkey and display that it is still charging. Please disconnect the PowerMonkey-classic, this will then prevent the PowerMonkey from being drained.
Q: Can I use my PowerMonkey wall adaptor to charge my devices directly?
A: Yes, you can use your PowerMonkey wall adaptor to charge your devices directly, as the tips for the PowerMonkey as compatible with the wall adaptor. Please be aware that the wall adaptor does not have the complicated technology that the PowerMonkey has, so your device may not recognize the charger. Please also note that the wall adaptor does not have protection circuits such as overcharging protection, which is incorporated within the PowerMonkey. However, most modern devices have this built in so harm to your device is unlikely. Powertraveller cannot accept any responsibility to damage caused to devices when being charged from the wall adaptor.
Q: I need an in car-charger for my PowerMonkey. What do you recommend?
A: Buy one of our fantastic MotorMonkey! You can charge your PowerMonkey using the retractable USB cable that comes with both the PowerMonkey and MotorMonkey kits.
Q: The PowerChimp contains 2 x 1800mAh batteries, so why does it provide less power than the PowerMonkey which only has 1 x 2200mAh battery?
A: There are two rechargeable AA 1800mAh batteries in the PowerChimp, but the voltage is 1.2v. Mobile phones require 4.5 ~ 5.5 v, so the PowerChimp needs to convert from 1.2v to 5.5v. The battery capacity is almost divided by 5, 2 x 1800mAh NI-MH batteries are equal to 1x 1000mAh Li-ion battery, this is why the PowerChimp doesn't provide as much power as the PowerMonkey. PowerChimp is a typical emergency charger and therefore will give you up to one full charge of your mobile phone, however the PowerMonkey range will give up to 3 charges on your mobile phone.
Q: Can you use larger capacity batteries in the PowerChimp?
A: Yes. We didn't include larger capacity batteries because of the charging time from USB - we had to seek a good balance between capacity and the time it would take to recharge the PowerChimp.
Q: Can you use non-rechargeable batteries in the PowerChimp?
A: Yes. Non-rechargeable batteries can be used in the chimp to charge your device, however, the chimp will auto-detect the non-rechargeable batteries to prevent accidental charging and damage to the unit.
Q: Can I get a wall adaptor for my PowerChimp?
A: Yes, you can purchase the Powertraveller Universal Wall adaptor for your chimp - click HERE
Q: How can I recharge my PowerChimp?
A: You can recharge your PowerChimp from the USB cable (included), the optional wall adaptor or the SolarMonkey.
Q: Why won't my PowerChimp recharge from my USB port?
A: You need to ensure that your USB port is powered, this will be a direct port on your computer and not a USB hub (unless it's a powered hub). Your computer will not need to "recognize" your chimp in order for it to recharge.
Q: Is my PowerChimp waterproof?
A: No, the PowerChimp is not waterproof or water resistant.
Q: Is the PowerChimp available in any other colors?
A: The PowerChimp is available in Blue, Grey, Pink or Yellow.
Q: Can I use a Nokia charger to charge my PowerChimp?
A: No, the older style Nokia chargers may fit but will damage the internals of the PowerChimp. Nokia chargers use a pulse type charge and this will damage the circuits of the PowerChimp.
Q: What are the charging times for the PowerChimp?
A: The PowerChimp can charge an average mobile phone maximum of once. It will take 5 hours to charge via USB and 3 hours via the wall adaptor.
Q: Where can I purchase additional PowerChimp tips?
A: You can purchase additional tips online HERE
Q: How does the UVMonkey work?
A: The centre of the UVmonkey has a special chemical which reacts to the levels of UV from the sun. The darker the centre goes, the stronger the UV. This will then give a good indication if the solar strength is good enough to charge your device using your SolarMonkey or if you just need to apply some sun cream! You shouldn't leave your UVmonkey out in the sun as prolonged exposure can cause the chemical to stay dark.
Q: How do I know when the UVmonkey is indicating that it's a good time to use my SolarMonkey?
A: The darker the better. We recommend for optimum performance the indicator needs to be equal to the last two darker segments of the UVmonkey.
Q: Can I charge my MiniGorilla from solar?
A: Yes, using SolarGorilla - available separately
Q: Can I use my NetBook wall adaptor to charge the MiniGorilla?
A: No, please only use the supplied Powertraveller approved wall adaptor
Q: How many extra hours of power can the MiniGorilla provide my NetBook?
A: The MiniGorilla will give you between 4-6 hours extra power
Q: How many times can my MiniGorilla be recharged?
A: You can recharge the MiniGorilla over 1,000 times without any significant decrease in battery performance
Q: How long will my MiniGorilla store the power for?
A: Your MiniGorilla will still have at least 60% of its power after one year.
Q: How do I charge my iPhone/iPod from the MiniGorilla?
A: Connect your white sync/charge cable that came with your iPhone / iPod to the USB port on the MiniGorilla
Q: I cannot find the correct tip for my NetBook?
A: Please email info@powertravellerusa.com with the make and model of your NetBook
Q: How do I work out which voltage setting to use with my laptop?
A: You will need to look at the sticker printed on the AC wall adaptor supplied with your NetBook. Match the output voltage on the NetBook wall adaptor as closely as you can with the voltage option on the MiniGorilla e.g. 19.5v NetBook will require 19v from the MiniGorilla
Q: Can my MiniGorilla charge my laptop as well as my NetBook?
A: The MiniGorilla is only suitable for NetBook. In some cases it can provide extra power for certain laptops, but we would recommend the PowerGorilla for laptops in all instances.
Q: How can I get my MiniGorilla to offer maximum extra power to my NetBook/laptop?
A: You should either ensure that your NetBook/laptop is fully charged before connecting MiniGorilla, this will enable MiniGorilla to power your device rather than having to increase its workload to charge it too. If its convenient you can also create the same effect and prolong the extra power available by removing your internal battery
