Review of the Citizen Skyhawk A-T

CITIZEN ECO DRIVE SKYHAWK movement with atomic timekeeping technology (as denoted by the A-T moniker in the name), and a new design, this watch not only makes a great companion while in flight, but looks great and gives you something to brag about back on the ground.

Features

The Citizen Skyhawk A-T is the third generation in the Skyhawk line, and represents a major step forward in features. While you do lose one alarm (from three alarms to two), you gain functionality such as atomic timekeeping, perpetual calendar, LCD backlight, and world time pre-programming for 43 cities and time-zones. Additionally, the watch is now rated to be water resistant up to 200 meters (about 650 feet), versus the 100 meters of the previous generation.

Features of the Citizen Skyhawk A-T include:


Citizen Eco-Drive movement. The combination of solar technology, a lithium-ion battery, and smart power saving functionality means no battery changes. Citizen claims that with no light and a full battery, the watch will maintain accuracy for six months, or up to two and a half years in power save mode.
Atomic timekeeping. The Citizen Skyhawk A-T is a multi-band atomic watch which means it will receive time radio waves in the United States, Europe (England and Germany), and Japan.
Two alarms.
The atomic timekeeping functionality of the watch (which sets it apart from previous models) is easy to use and gives you a sense of security knowing that you are almost never looking at an inaccurate watch. Every morning at 2, 3, and 4AM, provided it is within range, the watch will automatically synchronize with the atomic time radio signal. Only once, when returning from a trip in New Zealand, was I required to manually trigger the synchronization, mostly because I was too impatient to wait until the preset time. The process was very simple and required very few steps.

Suaoki Solar 100W Panel Review

This is a very short and to-the-point guide, with information included in a Suaoki Flexible Solar Panel review.

SUAOKI SOLAR is one the newer brands to introduce solar panels to the flexible solar panel range.

We discuss the 100 watt solar panel in particular, including uses, benefits, and drawbacks.

Let’s have a look at it now…

What’s Good About This 100 Watt Panel?

• Film material is bendable up to a stated 30 degrees > better for curved and uneven surfaces than solid panels
• One of the cheaper flexible solar panels on the market
• Water resistant
• Suaoki claim a maximum 23-25% efficiency of this panel
• Has pre fabricated metal ring mounts that you can put temporary, or permanent fixings through
• Easier than solid 100 watt panels to transport, hang, and remove – can even hang on a camping tent > VERY portable
• Can be used in a number of applications – boats, cabins, tents, cars/SUV’s, vans, motorbikes and Rv’s
• 100 Watt panel – good size for most singular 12 volt batteries which need 12.6 volts max charge
• Made of thin PET, EVA and TPT material – very lightweight at 4.85lbs
• 18 volt panel – will need a solar controller/regulator to charge a 12 volt battery
• Make sure you have enough space on the surface you want to hang or fix it – dimensions are 43.3 x 22.4 x 0.1 inches
• Has 31.5 inch long cables with MC4 connectors
• CE and ROHS certifications
• Can be used with a cheaper PWM solar controller

What Isn’t So Great, And Could Be Improved?

• Thin film material is more susceptible to sharp objects and rough surfaces than the solid panels – but, it’s still fairly durable to general surfaces
• Can’t mount this panel on an adjustable tilt rack, or a pole mount > this is more a surface mounting panel
• Pay attention to the key specifications of this panel – particularly the limitations on the maximum system voltage at 600volts
• Suaoki are not a company that specialise in only solar – they aren’t as established as a company like Renogy for example. This isn’t an issue in itself – but it will be interesting to see how long they offer their solar product for, and whether they develop them any further

What Other Accessories/Devices Might You Need With This Panel?

• Solar Charge Controller – Mohoo 20A Charge Controller with Intelligent USB Port Display 12V-24V
• Cable Connectors – Sun YOBA 5 Pairs of MC4 Male/ Female Solar Panel Cable Connectors

What Could Be Improved With Their Solar Panel Products?


This is not necessarily a problem with Suaoki, it’s an issue with all all flexible solar panel manufacturers.

Flexible solar panels are much newer technology that the rigid/solid solar panels. With this in mind, the companies manufacturing them have not had as much time to develop them and establish a high quality product.

The panels will certainly charge your 12 volt battery, or batteries, if that is your main purpose.

But, there’s definitely room for improvement in overall quality of this product and others on the market.

Potential issues can include bubbles appearing in the plastic, loose cables in the junction box, inconsistent packing/delivery – but these aren’t regular issues.

Also, be mindful of who you purchase the product from. Suaoki offer a 1 year warranty – so make sure that is guaranteed for you.