Online shopping from NZ - Overseas/USA websites shipping reliability help

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#516253 3-Sep-2011 21:49

Hmm, thats a good price. Hope it holds till I get some more money in.

Trying to decide between the lacross and the maha at the moment, but at that price vs the ebay prices I think the decision is made for sure ;)

Richard rich.ms

dontpanic42

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#516310 4-Sep-2011 02:00

richms: Hmm, thats a good price. Hope it holds till I get some more money in.

Trying to decide between the lacross and the maha at the moment, but at that price vs the ebay prices I think the decision is made for sure ;)

The Maha seems to be available at a couple of Australian stores.
http://protog.com.au/maha-powerex-mhc401fs-charger-aa-8x-imedion-aa-bag-bundle-p-275.html
http://www.alliedfusion.co.nz/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=3 (this has a .co.nz suffix, but the whois says it is run out of Collins St in Melbourne).

Depending on the shipping costs, it could be a fairly comparable option.
Maha also look to have an impressive looking "Eneloop" type of battery... IMEDION.
2400mAH rating for the AA version, and 950mAH rating for the AAA version. Looks very tempting, I must say.

The Lacrosse does look pretty smart(pun), but the 12volt option is the trump card for me.
Although Lacrosse do have a 12volt option too. BC-500
It doesn't look as full featured as the mains powered BC-700, or for that matter the BC-1000.

Decisions, decisions.

snowkiwi

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#516315 4-Sep-2011 06:12

dontpanic42:
richms: Hmm, thats a good price. Hope it holds till I get some more money in.

Trying to decide between the lacross and the maha at the moment, but at that price vs the ebay prices I think the decision is made for sure ;)

The Maha seems to be available at a couple of Australian stores.
http://protog.com.au/maha-powerex-mhc401fs-charger-aa-8x-imedion-aa-bag-bundle-p-275.html
http://www.alliedfusion.co.nz/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=3 (this has a .co.nz suffix, but the whois says it is run out of Collins St in Melbourne).

Depending on the shipping costs, it could be a fairly comparable option.
Maha also look to have an impressive looking "Eneloop" type of battery... IMEDION.
2400mAH rating for the AA version, and 950mAH rating for the AAA version. Looks very tempting, I must say.

The Lacrosse does look pretty smart(pun), but the 12volt option is the trump card for me.
Although Lacrosse do have a 12volt option too. BC-500
It doesn't look as full featured as the mains powered BC-700, or for that matter the BC-1000.

Decisions, decisions.

I agree, I too looked at both and am still also looking at the 12v Maha above. Talk on forums compares both Maha, and LaCrosse favorably. The guys at candlepower forums have bucket loads of knowledge on the subject and batteries/torches.Regurgitating some of that LaCrosse talk: The BC-700 seems the most reliable and around for several years now. BC-900 and 9009 may have overheating issues, Latest BC-1000 may just be a relabeled 900. The Mahas are looking interesting. I need to play with my LaCrosse when it arrives to know what features I need.

Amazon ships one LaCrosse 700 for NZD 19.34 -they don't allow any Maha to ship (because of its enriched plutonium core wrapped in state secrets engraved shielding I guess! ;)

The Shipping for the Maha 401F from ProTog seems high Au$32.33. But Allied Fusion its only $9 (1-3 days) which is quite decent.
I'm grateful for Autofill with all the bloody site account forms I'm filling, just to see what the shipping is for me.

"Believe nothing of what you hear and only half of what you see"-Edgar Allan Poe...and my Dad (Words I live by).
"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt"-Many...and my Dad (Words I should live by ;) )
If it ain't broke, fiddle with it ... till its broke! (Words I should really not live by)

snowkiwi

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#520611 13-Sep-2011 19:20

snowkiwi:
richms:
snowkiwi:
On a related note though I have been told when trying to order a La Crosse Technology BC-700 Charger from amazon and told that can't ship to NZ. But last week I tried again and not allowed as usual, then suddenly was allowed!!

What was the price shipped from amazon? I have had one on my watchlist on ebay for ages since I have such a mismatched collection of AA's now.

Cost NZ$24 shipping but that was for 4 items

Received an Amazon box on Monday with a La Crosse BC-700 Charger, and Nomad 7W solar charger plus other stuff (some fat-wood and a Smiths PP1 knife sharpener because they were dirt cheap and no extra shipping cost). Took less than 3 weeks to arrive.
I'm very impressed with the BC-700 Charger. Good functions, easy to use (after you do the unthinkable... and read the instructions) I've been running the refresh mode on my box of old AAs & AAAs and have saved about 30% of them
Im yet to use the Nomad 7. But its real pretty.
One thing I've worked out is Amazon shipping is a lot less if the products are all supplied and shipped from the same place, be that Amazon or another supplier that Amazon sells on behalf. This should have been obvious to me I know, but yeah. And some products have several suppliers. So a bit of juggling can get it all from Amazon or the same supplier. Anyway it now makes Amazon a major contender for most of my US shipping.

dontpanic42

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#520707 13-Sep-2011 22:03

@snowkiwi

What is the output voltage of the power adaptor for the BC-700?
It's hard to tell from the images on Amazon, and there doesn't seem to be any specs detailing it, so I wonder if you can have a quick look for me? :)

Thanks :)

Linuxluver

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#520713 13-Sep-2011 22:31

snowkiwi: I am looking at a couple of outdoor solar products from a USA store, REI. But shipping is like Amazon - expensive.

I've used comgateway.com

They were great. They shipped DHL, which I was fine with anyway. I don't like US parcel post because you're your own customs agent if NZ Customs want GST and fees...and that's just a hassle I do not need. I want the parcel in days, not weeks.

Three things in comgateway.com's favour:

1. Their US warehouse is in the state of Oregon, so NO SALES TAX.

2. They add very little to ther overall cost (unless you ask them to buy the item for you in cases where the vendor only accepts US credit cards).

3. They are based in Singapore, so you can get online chat support in the evenings in NZ.

NOTE: The first time you deal with them, they will want to verify your credit card, so allow 2-3 days for that. They add an amount to your card and you then tell them what that amount was. I did mine over the online chat (which was good!) and it only delayed my item by about 3 days. This won't happen each time. I think most responsible re-shippers do this to protect themselves...and you.

_____________________________________________________________________

I've been on Geekzone over 16 years..... Time flies....

New World

Shop on-line at New World now for your groceries (affiliate link).

snowkiwi

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#520743 14-Sep-2011 02:40

dontpanic42: @snowkiwi

What is the output voltage of the power adaptor for the BC-700?
It's hard to tell from the images on Amazon, and there doesn't seem to be any specs detailing it, so I wonder if you can have a quick look for me? :)

Thanks :)

3VDC input to charger (can't read the underside of power adaptor as its plugged in) but from memory its a standard 100-240V, 50/60Hz 2 pin plug - just needed a couple of twists to fit our wall sockets.

On a related note - how did you (dontpanic42) measure the nomad 7 output. Other solar cell users did this with voltmeters across successive power resistors to get the V and R parts. Did you measure at the cigarette lighter?

snowkiwi

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#520744 14-Sep-2011 02:52

Linuxluver:
snowkiwi: I am looking at a couple of outdoor solar products from a USA store, REI. But shipping is like Amazon - expensive.

I've used comgateway.com

2. They add very little to ther overall cost (unless you ask them to buy the item for you in cases where the vendor only accepts US credit cards).

If you get a chance it would be interesting to have an idea/example of shipping cost for a package using comgateway.com - Cheers

I may have been lucky with customs this time. That may have been due to its lowish overall cost - not sure.

richms

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#520811 14-Sep-2011 10:12

snowkiwi:
dontpanic42: @snowkiwi

What is the output voltage of the power adaptor for the BC-700?
It's hard to tell from the images on Amazon, and there doesn't seem to be any specs detailing it, so I wonder if you can have a quick look for me? :)

Thanks :)
3VDC input to charger (can't read the underside of power adaptor as its plugged in) but from memory its a standard 100-240V, 50/60Hz 2 pin plug - just needed a couple of twists to fit our wall sockets.

And ruin the socket in the process. Just get a travel adapter, and not one of those $1 ebay ones.

Richard rich.ms

dontpanic42

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#520906 14-Sep-2011 12:08

snowkiwi: 3VDC input to charger (can't read the underside of power adaptor as its plugged in) but from memory its a standard 100-240V, 50/60Hz 2 pin plug - just needed a couple of twists to fit our wall sockets.

On a related note - how did you (dontpanic42) measure the nomad 7 output. Other solar cell users did this with voltmeters across successive power resistors to get the V and R parts. Did you measure at the cigarette lighter?

3VDC? - interesting. What is the amperage rating of the power adaptor? It must be pretty high for such a low voltage considering the charging current capabilities of the charger.

I simply measured the voltage (open circuit) at the cigarette lighter. It is pretty consistently 14.90volts, so I think there may be regulation circuitry inside the 'port box' on the panel.
For current I just used the DC current option on my cheap multimeter and simply short circuited the panel very briefly. That may or may not damage the panel, but it seems to be going OK afterwards.

I actually ordered one of these -
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/caravans-motorhomes/parts-accessories/other/auction-407115589.htm
- so I can charge my various 12 volt SLA/Gel Cell batteries.
Side note on the trademe trader for anyone thinking of buying one: Highly recommended trader. Overnight delivery. Immediate communication. A+++ /trademe kudos over ;-)
This charging unit will also give me a fairly true current output rating of the solar panel when I charge a nearly fully discharged 12volt SLA battery, so I will try and report back.

I already had one of these SunGuard units paired with another slightly bigger PV panel, so I know they are a great charging unit.

richms: And ruin the socket in the process. Just get a travel adapter, and not one of those $1 ebay ones.

+1 to the travel adaptor. It's probably too late now, but when you start mucking around with the terminals like that you risk ruining the wall socket, but most importantly you risk damaging the internals of the power adaptor and making it unsafe.

Still very much considering getting one of those Zebralights. How are you finding yours (snowkiwi) so far after a bit more use?

This is turning into a very diverse thread. I hope we don't get a telling off. ;-) It is in the "Off topic" area I guess. Actually that's another great reason why a "voted up" answer(s) would be a great addition to geekzone. So people don't have to trawl through a load of cruft to see a relevant answer.

snowkiwi

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#520939 14-Sep-2011 13:14

dontpanic42:3VDC? - interesting. What is the amperage rating of the power adaptor? It must be pretty high for such a low voltage considering the charging current capabilities of the charger.

0.4A@AC Input and 2.8A@3VDC

richms: And ruin the socket in the process. Just get a travel adapter, and not one of those $1 ebay ones.

Yeah - bent it and jammed it in - eagerness got the better of common sense there.

dontpanic42:Still very much considering getting one of those Zebralights. How are you finding yours (snowkiwi) so far after a bit more use?

This is turning into a very diverse thread. I hope we don't get a telling off. ;-) It is in the "Off topic" area I guess. Actually that's another great reason why a "voted up" answer(s) would be a great addition to geekzone. So people don't have to trawl through a load of cruft to see a relevant answer.

Im pretty impressed with the zebra lights construction and extras. The headband works comfortably as a neck band too, where it naturally illuminates the front without any normal headband problems I've had (eye glare or blinding of others). I used it for several hours up at Mt Hobson on opening-day-ceremony, and it worked a treat. I didn't hear one "Aww Dad. My eyes!!" The OS is fairy intuitive. 3 brightnesses within easy reach, each with 2 or more sub-level brightnesses. The 16day 0.2Lms level is actually usable for reading. I found I use the 2.5Lms though as my base level and click up to higher as required. Its nice to have the 16day level incase of longterm emergency. The 200Lm I swear is as bright as my 3 D cell LED maglite. I want to run a few tests on brightness, and a duration test of the 16day mode with my new AAs of choice (envelop). Im looking at a simple carry system - belt or neck cord. But to be honest its too handy leaving it on the headband as a headlight/necklight.

I think this forum is less moderated. I looked carefully for any sub forum that related but this is it. And its a pretty geeky subject so fits the site somewhere :).

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alliedfusion

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#526919 28-Sep-2011 19:42

snowkiwi:
dontpanic42:
richms: Hmm, thats a good price. Hope it holds till I get some more money in.

Trying to decide between the lacross and the maha at the moment, but at that price vs the ebay prices I think the decision is made for sure ;)

The Maha seems to be available at a couple of Australian stores.
http://protog.com.au/maha-powerex-mhc401fs-charger-aa-8x-imedion-aa-bag-bundle-p-275.html
http://www.alliedfusion.co.nz/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=3 (this has a .co.nz suffix, but the whois says it is run out of Collins St in Melbourne).

Depending on the shipping costs, it could be a fairly comparable option.
Maha also look to have an impressive looking "Eneloop" type of battery... IMEDION.
2400mAH rating for the AA version, and 950mAH rating for the AAA version. Looks very tempting, I must say.

The Lacrosse does look pretty smart(pun), but the 12volt option is the trump card for me.
Although Lacrosse do have a 12volt option too. BC-500
It doesn't look as full featured as the mains powered BC-700, or for that matter the BC-1000.

Decisions, decisions.

I agree, I too looked at both and am still also looking at the 12v Maha above. Talk on forums compares both Maha, and LaCrosse favorably. The guys at candlepower forums have bucket loads of knowledge on the subject and batteries/torches.Regurgitating some of that LaCrosse talk: The BC-700 seems the most reliable and around for several years now. BC-900 and 9009 may have overheating issues, Latest BC-1000 may just be a relabeled 900. The Mahas are looking interesting. I need to play with my LaCrosse when it arrives to know what features I need.

Amazon ships one LaCrosse 700 for NZD 19.34 -they don't allow any Maha to ship (because of its enriched plutonium core wrapped in state secrets engraved shielding I guess! ;)

The Shipping for the Maha 401F from ProTog seems high Au$32.33. But Allied Fusion its only $9 (1-3 days) which is quite decent.
I'm grateful for Autofill with all the bloody site account forms I'm filling, just to see what the shipping is for me.

Hello,
AlliedFusion is a New Zealand business, GST registred, and operates from our shared warehouse and logistics facilities at 132 Portage Road, Otahuhu, Auckland. Orders can also be collected from here also where you don't want to pay shipping costs. Our website is hosted by WebhostingNZ , and I believe thier servers are in New Zealand also (?).

If you want something specific that we dont have in stock and on hand, we place bulk orders most months. So get in touch and let us know.

We have new stock of Maha C9000's, IMEDION AA 2400's and PowerEX 2700's.
if you place an order and put a comment in that you're from GeekZone, we'll throw in a Maha bag/pouch or a 12v adaptor for free.

Thanks,

alliedfusion

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#526940 28-Sep-2011 20:46

Hi again,
Sorry, previous post was from Charles Judd, product & sales manager @ AlliedFusion NZ.
My signature did not automatically add.

We sell only Maha batteries & chargers, we are also the New Zealand warranty provider. Local stock ready to ship with confidence of local warranty.

Cheers,

Charles

dontpanic42

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#526948 28-Sep-2011 21:12

Hi Charles,

Great to have you on-board the geekzone community! :-)

You obviously reside in Australia though? And according to the NZ Companies website, AlliedFusion Pty. Ltd. is an "Overseas ASIC Company"; Country of Origin: Australia.

http://www.business.govt.nz/companies/app/ui/pages/companies/3237427

Are you just contracting out warehousing/distribution within NZ?

alliedfusion

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#526954 28-Sep-2011 21:48

Hi,
Thanks for the feedback... here is some history. I'm a kiwi, lived in NZ until I was about 20, then moved to london for about 7 years. Thats where I met my wonderful australian wife and have since moved to live in Sydney with her and my two beautiful daughters. :o)

AlliedFusion PTY LTD (Australia) was established some years ago for my day to day IT consulting business.... then a hobby took hold. I'm a keen photographer (I shoot canon, couple of radio triggers, and 580 EX II's etc = lots of batteries and sensitive to "balanced" charging and need good capacity batteries).

I purchased and reviewed many chargers and batteries over the years and absolutely fell in love with the performance, consistency, and quality of Maha equipment. In particular the C9000 for awesome battery maintenance and testing functions, and 12V for running out of the car while shooting location.

We originally looked at importing Maha kit into Australia as a garage operator (like EcoBatts), but this distribution channel is closely held by Jeff @ ProTog. So what next? we love this stuff? so we setup in NZ. Albeit a larger scale than we first anticipated.

The easiest way to do this was to setup in NZ using an already trusted entity (AF PTY TLD), and also maintain the same name across both Countries. This also gives us the opportunity to get the best price based on what the $NZ or $AUis doing at any time compared to the US dollar. best buying power. good for our customers and keeps the price point cheaper than you can buy from Australia and even the US in most cases.

We have recently also purchased the icharger.com.au domain with an aim of setting up LiPo battery and charger sales. So the purchasing "umbrella" gives us some good options.

In Summary, AlliedFusion New Zealand = local warehouse, local stock, local staff, great services, awesome product!

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