How does a Solar Monkey work?

Yesterday we decided to get a little bit more techno and do our first informative video which demonstrates the Solar Monkey, Power Monkey and Sound Traveller speakers all working together using the power of the sun!

We have to say, however, that we are not the greatest when it comes to acting in front of the camera so we decided to stay out of the camera view and just do a voice over, we think it turned out well so we decided to show you, our readers and ask what you think of our first attempt at Monkey-ing around on video?



What is Solar Power?
OK, techy's let's talk about Solar Power and why we need it, as we know electricity is free electrons flowing along a cable and the sun does this by bombarding specific a thin layer of silicon with photons.

The bombardment releases electrons from the silicon sending it down the cable, giving you electricity, because so few electrons are released this way, currently we need large Solar Panels to give us a useful amount of electricity.

Today, however, with the advancement in silicon and chemicals such as nano phosphates we are getting better and better at releasing more electrons, gaining more power for the size of the panel, who knows? One day we may be powering our entire houses with a small solar panel on the roof.

Enough Solar Energy falls on the surface of the earth every forty minutes to meet the entire world's energy needs for the year.

The sun's power is produced by nuclear fusion which converts about 700 million tons of hydrogen to about 695 million tonnes of helium, the remaining 5 million tons is converted to energy during the reaction in the form of gamma rays and produces about 386 billion, billion mega watts!!!


This LASCO C2 image, taken 8 January 2002 by the Soho Space Observatory, shows a widely spreading coronal mass ejection as it blasts more than a billion tons of matter out into space at millions kilometres per hour. If you could remember this day, you would probably remember that your TV went a little funny!

Travelling Accessories from Scorpion

Powertraveller manufacture a range of options directed at the modern traveller and here are some very useful products. You can view the full range of Powertraveller products by clicking the link above to go to our website.

The Powertraveller USB Travel Plug

One adaptor with four options that means power in over 150 countries worldwide.*

Not only is it a handy worldwide travel adaptor, but ours is unique as it has an additional USB converter - allowing you to recharge or operate your device directly from the main power supply, where ever you are!

Simply remove the usual cap, replace with the USB cap and hey presto!

Suitable for all devices without ground pin (2-pin connections; 2.5A; 110V - max.275W; 220V - max.550W).

When USB module is connected, voltage is reduced to 5 volts as per a standard USB outlet socket. Includes essential USB charging unit - charge your iPod, travel speakers, PDA, MP3 player and mobile phone via USB CABLE (not included).

Universal Travel Charger

For use with Soundtraveller speaker, Powermonkey portable charger and most Nokia phones!

This handy little charger comes with interchangeable heads for UK, Europe, US/China and Australia - meaning you can use it in over 150 countries around the world! Featuring Over Voltage and Short Circuit protection, this is a 3.3 Watt AC adaptor with a maximum output voltage of 5.5V.







Sound Traveller K3000ST
Introducing the new Soundtraveller K3000 ST! Editor's Choice winner - MacWorld, Feb 08 and Editor's Choice, iPodUser, July 08!

The big brother to the original Soundtraveller, the K3000 ST has all the style and portability of its smaller companion but is miles ahead in terms of sound reproduction. The K3000 ST pumps out a massive 6 watts of music power, amazing volume from such a small unit!

Soundtraveller K3000 ST is a top of the range sound system which gives crystal-clear audio reproduction - no distortion or tinnyness - so you can listen to your favourite tunes in style!

The highest quality materials and technical know-how have gone into making this speaker one of the best portable speakers available on the market today. Featuring touch button volume control, K3000 ST uses only 2 x AA batteries but also comes with a USB cable so you can hook it up to your computer.

The Soundtraveller K3000 ST will dock directly with all iPods including the new iPod Nano and iPod Touch. For those of you who don't own an iPod, it also comes with an audio adaptor cable so can be used with virtually any other audio device! So grab your Sony PSP or your Nintendo DS, hook up this little beauty and feel the noise!

Did we mention that if you've got a Bluetooth connectivity set - you can attach the receiver to the K3000 ST and connect to the speaker wirelessly!!

You never need to worry about not being able to power your Soundtraveller K3000 ST speakers...

• Power them via the 2 x AA batteries included


• Power them via the included USB cable


• Power them via the universal mains charger


• And you can even power them via our other great gadgets...

Hows this for compatibility? If you own a powermonkey-eXplorer - you can use it to power your speaker! Simply attach it to the rear of the K3000 ST and you can power your speaker without the need for batteries! With these two great devices together, you've always got power and music!

You can even use the Solarmonkey power the K3000 ST - giving you free play for your music! Simply plug the Solarmonkey into the back of the unit and it will run your speaker from the power of the sun - no batteries needed! The Soundtraveller and Primate Power ranges have been designed to work together - total convergent technology!

Brilliant for when you're on holiday, or if you're one of those really adventurous types who climb mountains and things!

(The Solarmonkey is available to buy separately or as part of the Powermonkey-eXplorer.)

Pack Includes:

• 1 x Soundtraveller K3000 ST Speaker


• 1 x Audio adaptor cable


• 1 x USB power cable


• 1 x Tough, protective travel case

Sound Traveller K3000


The SoundTraveller speaker delivers dynamic, crystal-clear audio reproduction from a unit small enough to fit in your pocket. Fantastic sound quality...made from the highest quality materials with precision engineering, this micro speaker delivers a massive 3 watts of total music power from just 1 x AA battery. One battery will provide 12 hours of continuous playback - more than enough for even the most hardened of party fiends!

Make the most of your Soundtraveller by purchasing one of our Universal Travel Chargers! This compact charger comes with interchangeable heads for UK, Europe, US/China and Australia - meaning it can be used in over 150 countries around the world! See below for details!

Connect it to your gadgets...
The SoundTraveller features an on/off switch and an adjustable volume control, so you can have your music as loud or as quiet as you want, whilst the 5 volt mains-in socket allows you to power the unit from the mains or from your computer via USB. The SoundTraveller will work with any iPods with a dock connector but also has the added benefit of having an audio-in socket, so you can use it with other MP3 players, PDAs, your Sony PSP, your Nintendo DS, CD & DVD players and more!

Great design...
The sleek metal front and rear is complimented by the luxuriously soft silicon skin which wraps around the speaker unit, making this unit stylish and coveted.

The SoundTraveller is available in Black, Blue, Pink, Red and Silver - so you can match your speaker to your mood! Essential travel companion... with the SoundTraveller, you have no excuse for being without music in your hotel room, apartment or even your tent! Small, compact and ultra-portable, this fantastic gadget will fit neatly into your hand luggage without taking up masses of space and you can watch others go green with envy when you crank up the volume!

SoundTraveller is the ONLY micro speaker system to be seen with!


Apple MagSafe Airline Adaptor



Use the Apple Mag Safe Airline Adaptor to connect your powergorilla or solargorilla(see separate blog) to your Macbook, Macbook Pro or Macbook Air!

Simply use it with our car charger socket (included with the powergorilla - available to buy for the solargorilla), and you can power your laptop wherever you are!

This useful cable is sleek and lightweight and will work with in-seat DC power ports that are now available on many commercial airlines (check your airline regarding the availability of in-seat power ports)

Powertraveller rechargeable AA 1800mAh batteries


4 pack A set of powerful, rechargeable AA batteries you can use again and again!
Taking only 5 hours to recharge from USB, these batteries have a 10 year shelf life - and will still have 75% capacity remaining after 6 months.
They can be recharged 1000 times - so plenty of power to be had from them! Use them in digital cameras, walkmans, shavers, toothbrushes, toys, PDAs, and much, much more!
Powertraveller batteries are made from Ni-MH and have no mercury or cadmium content.



Led Lenser Aviator V2 Torch


As used by pilots and professionals the world over, the Aviator torch from Led Lenser is one gadget you shouldn't be without! Featuring a cloverleaf 6-reflector system,3 x high intensity white light chips as well as 1 x high intensity red light chip, 1 x Blue and 1 x Green for night operation and signals! Aviator is made from tactical lightweight aircraft aluminium casing - meaning this torch is totally portable and compact.

Plus, the Quad Switch system means you can flick between all the different LEDs at the touch of a button. Weighing just 98gms and with a burn time of up to 50 hours from the 3 x AAA alkaline batteries which are included, this stylish and compact torch comes complete with a durable nylon travel pouch and lanyard for safe keeping.

Aviator V1 Torch


Used by pilots and professionals the world over, the Aviator V1 torch features five high-intensity white LEDs for an ultra-bright beam and has the added bonus of a high-intensity red light LED which aids night vision.

Beautiful lightweight aluminium casing means the torch is durable enough for anything. It even comes with a protective nylon pouch and lanyard. It runs on just three AAA batteries and weighs just 98g.


UV Monkey


Get the most out of your Solarmonkey and Solargorilla! This nifty little gadget has a chemical compound in its core which changes colour to indicate the UV intensity of the sun - the stronger the colour - the more effective your Solarmonkey and Solargorilla will be at charging your device!

UV monkey will even keep you safe in the sun - if the colour on the chart shows as strong, put up your parasol and get in the shade!

Made from the same tough, rubberised materials as the Solarmonkey and Powermonkey-eXplorer - chuck it in your beach bag and head out into the sunshine!