WTB: VW Solar panel - Page 2

onlyn8v · January 25th, 2012, 09:21

Also. Harbor freight makes one for $15 that does the same 1.5 amps. I have both at my house, and they do the same thing. Except, the HF one has a little LED that blinks to let you know its charging.

SFHGolfTDI · April 9th, 2012, 09:55

I have a question on these. Will the OBD version work on MK4 platform cars (2002 Golf), or only the lighter version? Thanks.

JSWTDI09 · April 9th, 2012, 10:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by SFHGolfTDI

I have a question on these. Will the OBD version work on MK4 platform cars (2002 Golf), or only the lighter version? Thanks.

As long as your cigarette lighter works with the key off, either (both) will work.

Newer VWs the 12 volt power outlet (they no longer come with cigarette lighters) goes off with the ignition (key) so the ODBII version is required.

Have Fun!

Don

SFHGolfTDI · April 9th, 2012, 10:32

Thanks for the response, Don. Would the OBDII version be preferable then since it outputs more? Is there any reason that the OBDII one would NOT work in a 2002 MK4 (non-CAN, I assume)? I've done tons of searching and see no discussion of this.

JSWTDI09 · April 9th, 2012, 10:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by SFHGolfTDI

Thanks for the response, Don. Would the OBDII version be preferable then since it outputs more? Is there any reason that the OBDII one would NOT work in a 2002 MK4 (non-CAN, I assume)? I've done tons of searching and see no discussion of this.

In an OBDII connector the 12v and the ground pins are the same no matter what communications protocol (K-Line or CAN) is used. More info here:
http://pinoutsguide.com/CarElectroni...2_pinout.shtml
or
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...OBD-II-Wire-up

I do not believe that the OBDII version has more power output (I could be wrong about this). The size of the solar panel is the same, so the output is probably the same too. The OBDII one should work on ANY car with an OBDII connector. Therefore, there is no reason why the OBDII version will not work with a Mk4.

Have Fun!

Don

SFHGolfTDI · April 9th, 2012, 11:23

Thank you, Don. That is helpful. I'll go for an OBDII in that case. I did read somewhere that there is a slight bump in the specs on the newer OBDII. Not sure if this is accurate at all: http://www.ehow.com/list_7637396_vw-...nel-specs.html

JSWTDI09 · April 9th, 2012, 11:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by SFHGolfTDI

I did read somewhere that there is a slight bump in the specs on the newer OBDII. Not sure if this is accurate at all: http://www.ehow.com/list_7637396_vw-...nel-specs.html

Very interesting. In that case, I'd get the OBDII version too, if I were you.

Have Fun!

Don

SpamJ · April 9th, 2012, 12:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWTDI09

Very interesting. In that case, I'd get the OBDII version too, if I were you.

Have Fun!

Don

Just remember, some us have a Scangauge plugged into our OBDII port, so if you are planning adding a Scangauge, think about adding an always powered power point.

james12lucy · April 9th, 2012, 12:16

Would anyone know if this would keep my battery topped if my trunk 12v was constantly in use?

JSWTDI09 · April 9th, 2012, 12:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by james12lucy

Would anyone know if this would keep my battery topped if my trunk 12v was constantly in use?

That really depends on how much current was being used by whatever is "constantly in use". These solar chargers are only trickle chargers (well under 0.5 amp in bright sun, according to the link above). They are designed only to keep a fully charged battery fully charged. To properly know the answer to your question, we would need to know what is "constantly in use" (or at least it's power consumption).

Also "constantly in use" implies 24 hours a day. Solar chargers only work when the sun is shining on them. Therefore your device that is plugged in must only draw 1/3 to 1/2 what the solar charger can put out.

Have Fun!

Don

JSWTDI09 · April 9th, 2012, 12:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpamJ

Just remember, some us have a Scangauge plugged into our OBDII port, so if you are planning adding a Scangauge, think about adding an always powered power point.

...or you could (God forbid) unplug you ScanGauge while your car is parked for 2 weeks at the airport (or wherever). Since it appears that the OBDII version puts out a little more current than the power outlet version, you could also change the connector on the solar panel to use it in either place.

Have Fun!

Don

SpamJ · April 9th, 2012, 14:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWTDI09

...or you could (God forbid) unplug you ScanGauge while your car is parked for 2 weeks at the airport (or wherever). Since it appears that the OBDII version puts out a little more current than the power outlet version, you could also change the connector on the solar panel to use it in either place.

Have Fun!

Don

What! And have the little star meaning it's been unplugged? Well, I guess if you want to use logic.

Der MEKnIZEd Wolf · April 9th, 2012, 16:36

Stealerships, steal you blind of your VW given right'S. Didn't get this animal or the first aid kit, which I was told they didn't order the cars that way. Liars

SFHGolfTDI · April 13th, 2012, 20:35

Anyone know if the little box where it looks like there are some LEDs or something on these things is supposed to light up to indicate it is working? I just received my OBDII one off ebay, and I'm not sure how I to tell if it is actually working or not.

GarrettSR5 · April 13th, 2012, 23:51

If you're still looking for one

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Volkswagen-S...#ht_500wt_1076

http://www.ebay.com/itm/12V-VW-Solar...r#ht_654wt_825