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Elbow River at the Glenmore Reservoir (Nov 2019) by V.A. McMillan
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| Opening the Box - ROAMPROOF PWR27 |
January 2019: Kickstarter campaign PWR27 from ROAMPROOF has been an interesting process. The original information video showed a portable power unit that could survive a drop from 1000 feet. Later videos showed the unit being dragged behind a vehicle down a gravel road. Okay, you have my attention.
The unit provides DC power via a pair of USB ports and AC power from a single 110V plug-in. There is an LED light for emergencies and a lanyard hole, to tie a leash to.
The units were being offered at some incredible introductory price and the number of units were in limited supply...and the time to secure an order and support this campaign was running out. Click here to stay informed on this campaign.
A couple days go by and only 15 units are left. I had supported a couple Kickstarter campaigns before but never for an electronic device. Delivery time was estimated for the end of March 2019.
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| Solar Panel on the Back of the PWR27 |
The adventure begins. Product designs, production interruptions, something else, then President Trump and the Chinese have a trade war, tariffs, shipping delays, packaging and re-packing, more shipping delays; and, then they leave China.
The units arrive in the USA - October 2019. Then, the next batch of shipping issues. I get a tracking number, yes! The tracking info says the package is leaving Utah and heading for Compton, CA. Hey, I am north not west. Then, shipping is interrupted, again.
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| Inside the box |
It would be the final shipping interruptions that truly tested the patience of many of the supporters. I crossed my fingers and thought positive thoughts that my PWR27 would arrive if I waited just a little longer. January 2020 - a new series of company updates to the supporters. The third new shipping contract and the units should arrive soon. The end of January 2020 I receive an email from the US Postal Service and elect to receive email updates. 02 February 2020 and my package has arrived in Canada. 05 February 2020 and my package has arrived at destination post office. Today, 05 February 2020; my ROAMPROOF PWR27 portable power unit has arrived.
The Canada Customs form attached to the box stated to value of the unit in Canadian dollars was $261.55, I am sure my pledge was wee bit less than that, but the Canadian dollar has lost some ground against the USD since my pledge. To add injury to insult by the Customs department there are additional charges totally $42.25 ($18.31 for Duty, $13.99 for GST and $9.95 service charges.) So, we have a free trade agreement with our American cousins but I guess small packages do not qualify.
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| Power Supply |
These photos show what is in the box when a PWR27 arrives. First, there is a very fine display box with a magnetic closure. The interior is filled with foam and cutouts for the power supply, USB cable, lanyard, and a series of European power adapters.
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| USB Cable |
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| European Adapters |
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| AC Plug-in |
The power plug-ins are covered with silicon or rubber covers to improve dust and water control. The covers have some sort of cord keeper so you won't lose them. We will see how long they last.
Stats:
27,000 mAH (99wH)
TSA Approved
IP67 certified dust and waterproof
Integrated solar panel
Drop tested to 1000'
Crush proof to 2 tons
2 lbs (0.9 kg)
6.7" x 5.7" x 1.37"
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| USB Ports |
I will post an update once I have had an opportunity to put this unit through a bit of testing. No, I do not plan to verify the 1000' nor the waterproofness. I will take their word on it.
Until next time...find some new gear to test.
Mountainman.
www.roamproof.com
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| LED Emergency Light |
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| Logo |
