Can it be connected directly to a CANbus?
No, due to limitations on the vehicle's power output, your bike might shut off feed to the accessory plug. Please contact your dealer or refer to your manual to ensure that it offers sufficient power. Our best recommendation is to connect directly to the battery with the included battery harness.
How does it compare to Gerbing gear, Adventure Gear, Warm and Safe?
The ectotherm features a warm, safe, and CE Certified heat system. The system is 3.5 amps/42W and is comparable to other systems in the same power range. One main difference is that we have removed all extraneous connectors for other accessories, such as gloves and pants. The Extotherm is designed to be paired with heated grips and hand shields as a minimalist cold-weather solution for RTW and ADV travel.
Plug in only? Battery? Both? If battery, how long is the life?
The Ectotherm is designed to work with the bike's 12V battery system; that way your heat will last as long as your ride. Off the bike, it is 100g of Primaloft gold insulation with cross-core technology (aerogel) to keep you warm around camp.
What type of electrical connector is used to connect to the bike? I currently have an SAE type. Is it compatible?
The connection is a Coax Connector. We chose Coax over SAE as it has a light hold. If/when you forget to disconnect it the Coax will more easily disengage reducing strain on the connections and offering better safety. The Ectotherm comes with the required battery harness and we also sell an adapter that will allow you to connect to your home tender if desired. There are also adapters available to convert SAE to Coax if you choose—something like the SAE (Battery Tender) To Coax Adapter.
Are there any batteries from other vendors available so I could use them off the bike too?
Due to the 3.5Amp draw and Coax cable, there are limited batteries available to power the jacket. Many of us at Mosko have had great results extending the use of the Ectotherm off-bike using the micro-starts from Antigravity Batteries. You can find them HERE. It will also jump-start a vehicle and handle charging duties around camp; it's a handy bit of kit to have, for sure.
Keep in mind we prioritized on-bike performance to ensure the heat levels would be powerful enough to provide some respite from the cold while riding at high speeds. We depend on the garment's 100g insulation off the bike to keep us warm.
Do you have a modulation system, or is the jacket either all on, full power, or off?
The Ectotherm has a built-in connector. To operate, press and hold for 3 seconds to turn on. The jacket will start at Max power in HIGH (red); you can then press the button to cycle through the other settings: MEDIUM (Orange) & LOW (Green). They will cycle infinitely until you press and hold for 3-seconds to turn them off.
Can it be used directly in the rain without any rain gear?
It is safe but not recommended. However, the shell features a DWR and Cire Coating and does pass the "Rain Test" it's not meant to be a waterproof shell.
How to pack it? Can it be crumbled/stuffed in a dry bag without any special care?
Crumpled and stuffed into a dry bag is what we designed it for. The panels are completely flexible, and the connections are solid. Treated with a little care, ie not unpacking by pulling on the power cable, it can be packed similarly to a conventional puffy jacket.
How repairable is it?
The heated panels and wiring are contained within the liner of the garment and are not accessible. We do not recommend you try to repair the garment. If the device stops working or begins working erratically, please stop using the garments-powered functions and send it in for an evaluation and/or replacement.
Is it possible to use two jackets on one bike?
If the bike's power supply can handle the draw of 2x3.5Amp jackets, it is possible. For your safety, we DO NOT recommend RIDER & PASSENGER to share a single Battery Harness using a Y-Splitter. It would be possible with a separate battery harness (included with each jacket).
How resistant is it to the friction created by the body armor? Will we cover this under warranty?
The face fabric is a durable 30d Nylon Ripstop and will handle the abrasion of armor quite well. You will also note that the baffles at the top of the garment are all turned seams without topstitching. This hides the threads inside and further protects them from abrasion. If excessive damage occurs from normal use warranty or repair will be available.
Care Instructions:
Front-load ONLY Machine washable, use a mild detergent or tech wash product such as Gear Aid's Pro Wash on a gentle cold-water cycle. Do not use fabric softeners or bleach. Tumble dry on low or line dry. If tumble dry on low, promptly remove the garment to maintain the best loft.
The common "DO NOTs" for synthetic insulators:
- Do not use a top-loading machine with an agitator.
- Do not bleach.
- Do not dry-clean.
- Do not iron.
- Do not use standard laundry detergent.
- Do not forget to close all velcro straps and zippers.
- Do not use fabric softener.
- Do not store compressed.