On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 00:11:36 -0700, Roy Lewallen wrote:

If you're looking for a module that includes a built in voltage
regulator to limit the voltage to 6 - 9 volts, you need to make it
clear. Most of the responses seem to be referring to 12 volt panels,
which will be fine if you limit the voltage, but won't be suitable if
you need voltage regulation to be included in the external module.

my pcb has a Linear Tech LT1117-5 LDO regulator on board, regulates 5volts with
a min input Voltage of 6 volts, so I'm currently using 4 AA batteries in a
battery pack with a 9v type clip. Wanted to be able to charge the batteries with
solar cells basically.

But after searching the web a bit it seems cheapest to buy individual cells
then tie them in series...No?

thanks,







Remove "HeadFromButt", before replying by email.

maxfoo wrote:
On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 00:11:36 -0700, Roy Lewallen wrote:


If you're looking for a module that includes a built in voltage
regulator to limit the voltage to 6 - 9 volts, you need to make it
clear. Most of the responses seem to be referring to 12 volt panels,
which will be fine if you limit the voltage, but won't be suitable if
you need voltage regulation to be included in the external module.


my pcb has a Linear Tech LT1117-5 LDO regulator on board, regulates 5volts with
a min input Voltage of 6 volts, so I'm currently using 4 AA batteries in a
battery pack with a 9v type clip. Wanted to be able to charge the batteries with
solar cells basically.

But after searching the web a bit it seems cheapest to buy individual cells
then tie them in series...No?

For 6V, I would put two of these in series, along with a 1N5817 schottky
diode to prevent reverse current. Each cell is encapsulated with epoxy
and the wires can be soldered to the pads on the back. Each puts out an
honest 30 mA, or more in bright sunlight. Price is reasonable too.

http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bi...-60&type=store

You can also put two pairs in parallel to get a faster charge.

thanks,

But after searching the web a bit it seems cheapest to buy individual cells
then tie them in series...No?

thanks,



My experience with tying together solar cells is that you'll probably
destroy a few along the way (the pads lift very easily when heated
with soldering iron), so either get extras or go with a solution which
does not require you to solder cells together (or be more careful than
I was, I guess).

maxfoo wrote:
On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 00:11:36 -0700, Roy Lewallen wrote:


If you're looking for a module that includes a built in voltage
regulator to limit the voltage to 6 - 9 volts, you need to make it
clear. Most of the responses seem to be referring to 12 volt panels,
which will be fine if you limit the voltage, but won't be suitable if
you need voltage regulation to be included in the external module.


my pcb has a Linear Tech LT1117-5 LDO regulator on board, regulates 5volts with
a min input Voltage of 6 volts, so I'm currently using 4 AA batteries in a
battery pack with a 9v type clip. Wanted to be able to charge the batteries with
solar cells basically.

But after searching the web a bit it seems cheapest to buy individual cells
then tie them in series...No?

For 6V, I would put two of these in series, along with a 1N5817 schottky
diode to prevent reverse current. Each cell is encapsulated with epoxy
and the wires can be soldered to the pads on the back. Each puts out an
honest 30 mA, or more in bright sunlight. Price is reasonable too.

http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bi...-60&type=store

You can also put two pairs in parallel to get a faster charge.

thanks,

But after searching the web a bit it seems cheapest to buy individual cells
then tie them in series...No?

thanks,



My experience with tying together solar cells is that you'll probably
destroy a few along the way (the pads lift very easily when heated
with soldering iron), so either get extras or go with a solution which
does not require you to solder cells together (or be more careful than
I was, I guess).