Works ok, kinda quirky

By Radio Backpacker Ranked #88 - Lighting August 14, 2010

I have used the Brunton Sustain for a few trips now and still have mixed thoughts about it. I use it to power some lightweight communications radios and this thing puts out a TON of noise in the VHF spectrum, so-so on HF/Shortwave. If it is used to charge batteries, all is ok. I can power my laptop directly off of it with the 16v output and that is pretty cool.

One of the other big issues I have is that when the unit is being charged with a solar panel (I have a Brunton Solaris 26) the output voltage is much higher than what it should be. For example, the solar panel puts out about 20v in full sunlight. With the voltage output switch set to 12v, I was reading anywhere from 16-19v! This can damage some devices.

To make a long story short: Charge the Sustain with the wall adapter or a solar panel and THEN use it to charge batteries. Run your electronics after their batteries have been charged, not directly off the Sustain. This was somewhat disappointing. I am considering to return it but the thing is light compared to other power options.

View Details: Brunton Sustain Portable Power Device

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes