MICRO, are your solar cells able to be left outdoors or do you only take them out for experiment?
I am building a tripod-tower out back from bamboo poles, and would like to attach a solar panel on top to do something just like you're trying. The same structure will accommodate the 3-meter antenna and a weather proof enclosed transmitter.
It will probably be spring when I start building.
MICRO, are your solar cells able to be left outdoors or do you only take them out for experiment?
I am building a tripod-tower out back from bamboo poles, and would like to attach a solar panel on top to do something just like you're trying. The same structure will accommodate the 3-meter antenna and a weather proof enclosed transmitter.
It will probably be spring when I start building.
Hi guys:
It's so funny. Getting the C Crane transmitter
to run completely from solar energy was so
easy - I didn't expect any problems with the
49 MHz STL receiver.
To Ken: Thanks so much for your technical advice.
You're right - I am trying to do this just with parts
on hand. It's harder than I thought, but I am
enjoying it.
The selectable voltage unit is a good idea. I'll look
into that.
I haven't seen anybody recently use a car lighter for a
cigarette either. Probably the last time would
have been in the 1980s, before I got married. A better
12 volt connector would be OK with me.
I'm sorry Ken, I don't know enough to suggest any
backup switching circuits. Good luck with your
solar and wind generating plans. This is really
cool stuff.
To Carl: Carl, in answer to your question, my solar
cells do not stay outside. This whole experiment is
still in the "breadboard" stage, so when I am done
everything goes back into the house.
I really don't know much about this which makes it
exciting. I will post all of my data on voltage and
current consumption next time and thereafter.
That way, if you decide to try something like this, it
may be helpful.
Best Wishes,
Bruce, MICRO1690/1700
Hi guys:
It's so funny. Getting the C Crane transmitter
to run completely from solar energy was so
easy - I didn't expect any problems with the
49 MHz STL receiver.
To Ken: Thanks so much for your technical advice.
You're right - I am trying to do this just with parts
on hand. It's harder than I thought, but I am
enjoying it.
The selectable voltage unit is a good idea. I'll look
into that.
I haven't seen anybody recently use a car lighter for a
cigarette either. Probably the last time would
have been in the 1980s, before I got married. A better
12 volt connector would be OK with me.
I'm sorry Ken, I don't know enough to suggest any
backup switching circuits. Good luck with your
solar and wind generating plans. This is really
cool stuff.
To Carl: Carl, in answer to your question, my solar
cells do not stay outside. This whole experiment is
still in the "breadboard" stage, so when I am done
everything goes back into the house.
I really don't know much about this which makes it
exciting. I will post all of my data on voltage and
current consumption next time and thereafter.
That way, if you decide to try something like this, it
may be helpful.
Best Wishes,
Bruce, MICRO1690/1700
Unless your STL receiver maintains a fairly constant current draw putting a resistor in series with the supply lead would be problematic.
Since you only need to drop 3 volts, how about putting 4 or 5 silicon rectifier diodes in series. They will maintain a nearly constant voltage drop with changes in current flow.
Inexpensive 1n4001 diodes should do. They are usually reated for at least 1 amp. They would also waste less power than a resistor. A real plus for the limited power solar application.
Unless your STL receiver maintains a fairly constant current draw putting a resistor in series with the supply lead would be problematic.
Since you only need to drop 3 volts, how about putting 4 or 5 silicon rectifier diodes in series. They will maintain a nearly constant voltage drop with changes in current flow.
Inexpensive 1n4001 diodes should do. They are usually reated for at least 1 amp. They would also waste less power than a resistor. A real plus for the limited power solar application.
I have been driving my present car since 2007, but I do not know if it has the cigarette power lighter, nor an ash tray. The next time I drive I'll pay attention to what's on the dashboard.
I have always thought the lighter device is in an awkward place for powering add-on electronics. It could snag in the gear shift.
I have been driving my present car since 2007, but I do not know if it has the cigarette power lighter, nor an ash tray. The next time I drive I'll pay attention to what's on the dashboard.
I have always thought the lighter device is in an awkward place for powering add-on electronics. It could snag in the gear shift.
Hi MRAM - GREAT IDEA with the diodes!
I will definitely do that.
And Carl, if you really want to see a
cigarette lighter socket in a car leading
to a big tangled up mess of wires - our
car is probably the best example.
Thanks and best wishes
Bruce, MICRO1690/1700
Hi MRAM - GREAT IDEA with the diodes!
I will definitely do that.
And Carl, if you really want to see a
cigarette lighter socket in a car leading
to a big tangled up mess of wires - our
car is probably the best example.
Thanks and best wishes
Bruce, MICRO1690/1700
Referencing a series string of diodes, mram1500 wrote:They would also waste less power than a resistor.
Isn't power volts dropped times amps through regardless of whether it is resistors or diodes or ice cubes?
Granted, series diodes will yield a predictable voltage drop but they won't conserve energy.
Neil
Referencing a series string of diodes, mram1500 wrote:They would also waste less power than a resistor.
Isn't power volts dropped times amps through regardless of whether it is resistors or diodes or ice cubes?
Granted, series diodes will yield a predictable voltage drop but they won't conserve energy.
Neil
Neil, I had the same thought later after I posted that. I was focused on one diodes consumption and the fact that a diodes voltage drop does not change linearly with a change in current.
But, power for power, the diodes will hold the voltage drop nearly constant unlike a series resistor.
Neil, I had the same thought later after I posted that. I was focused on one diodes consumption and the fact that a diodes voltage drop does not change linearly with a change in current.
But, power for power, the diodes will hold the voltage drop nearly constant unlike a series resistor.
I just wanted to make sure I didn't miss something about this.
Series diodes don't work as well as Zeners but they are useful (dV/dI is higher) and your suggestion for this application is a good one.
Another trick is the reverse biased emitter to base junction of a silicon transistor can be used as a "poor man's Zener" with a voltage drop of 5 volts or so. Just don't exceed the dissipation rating.
Neil