Smart Energy FAQs

The adapter for my device is not included. How do I charge my device?

Rubytec chargers include adapters for the most common devices, including more than 80% of mobile telephones. It would be impossible for us to include every imaginable adapter with the charges, as this would make the product unnecessarily expensive. Check here to see which adapter is included standard with which charger. If your particular adapter is not included (or if you lose your adapter), you can purchase a new adapter from the Rubytec selection from your Rubytec dealer.
What is the 12V Universal Cable for?

Most people have a car charger for their mobile telephone. You can combine the 12V universal cable with your car charge and then use the Rubytec charger to load your mobile telephone.
Can I also charge other devices besides my mobile telephone with my Rubytec charger?

Yes. With the Motorola Mini USB, for example, you can charge most portable MP3 and MP4 players. In some instances, you can also charge your digital camera, GPS or PDA. The Kéa model also has adapters, for example, for PSP and Nintendo DS standard.
Am I always dependent on solar energy or mains voltage for charging my devices?

Not always. In an emergency, for example, you can also use the Naxos model. By means of your own energy (winding), you always have power in case of an emergency.
Why doesn't Rubytec use less-expensive poly-crystal or amorphous solar cells?

Poly-crystals and amorphous solar cells generally have a lower energy yield. The Rubytec-preferred mono-crystal panels convert 17% of the solar energy into usable electricity. Poly-crystal and amorphous solar cells achieve 12 – 15%; a 12 to 30% lower yield than with mono-crystals.
I have the used the charger a few hundred times now and I notice that the charging capacity is decreasing. Why does that happen?

All chargers include a high-quality Lithium battery that, just as with other rechargeable catteries, begin to decrease in performance after approximately 500 charges. It is important to fully charge the battery before you use the device for the first time.
Can I use the charger immediately?

We recommend that you first charge the battery completely before you use the device for the first time. This will benefit the charger’s service life.
Where can I see that my device is charging?

This varies by model. In most cases, this is displayed via an indicator. Refer to the User’s Guide for the specific model for more information. Often, the device itself will also indicate that it is charging.
How can I recharge the Chargers?

In three ways: with solare energy, using the USB cable on your computer or with the Rubytec A/C adapter (available with most models).
What is the fastest way to recharge the Charger?

On the computer and the A/C adapter, using the USB cable provided. This is because, even under ideal circumstances (130,000 lux), charging with sunlight can take 10 to 25 hours, depending on the model. Solar charging is intended as more of an alternative method in the event that mains voltage is unavailable or in case of an emergency when you only require a limited amount of power. You can find more information on charging with sunlight here.
What are the main differences among the various chargers?

The main differences are in the types of rechargeable batteries, from 350 mAh for the Kirk to no less than 4,400 mAh for the Kéa. The capacities of the mobile telephone batteries are usually between 700 mAh and 1,000 mAh. Bearing in mind a slight energy loss during charging, using the Kéa, you can potentially charge your mobile telephone more than 4 times. Another difference relates to the speed of charging with solar energy. Generally speaking, the larger the solar panel, the faster it will charge the battery.
Can I charge my laptop with the Chargers?

No. Unfortunately, laptops demand a higher charge voltage that the chargers cannot provide. It is possible that such a charger will be added to the collection in the future.