USB, Laptop charger

Options
mr.radon
mr.radon Solar Expert Posts: 158 ✭✭✭✭✭
in Solar Product Reviews & Opinions #1
Anyone have a recommendation for a good portable (backpack) solar charger with a USB connector?

I guess it would have to be rugged, lightweight. Maybe 1-3 Watts.

I've thought of getting a pannel off e-Bay and adding a 5V regulator and USB connector.

Anyone use a product like this?
· Share on Twitter

Comments

  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #2
    Options
    Re: USB, Laptop charger

    You may need a large capacitor (or small battery) at the 12V side, to stableize the voltage, and use a DC-Dc convertor to get your 5V. A simple linear regualtor LM7805, will waste about 2/3 of the power as heat, and you ge1 1/3 of the power at the output. (power as in watts, not volts)
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

    · Share on Twitter
  • mikeo
    mikeo Solar Expert Posts: 386 ✭✭✭
    #3
    Options
    Re: USB, Laptop charger
    I've thought of getting a pannel off e-Bay and adding a 5V regulator and USB connector.

    check out this regulator
    http://www.dimensionengineering.com/DE-SW050.htm

    I have used them in several projects powering 5 volt cameras, 5 volt weather stations from 12 volt battery but should also work with tiny 12 volt battery and small direct connect solar panel.
    · Share on Twitter
  • dwh
    dwh Solar Expert Posts: 1,341 ✭✭✭
    #4
    Options
    Re: USB, Laptop charger

    Those fold up portable PVs are hella expensive.

    I'm seriously considering getting on of these:

    http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/travelpower/e193/

    Probably heavier than I'd want to pack though (if I still packed...I don't, I'm too old and fat for that anymore).
    · Share on Twitter
  • James
    James Solar Expert Posts: 250 ✭✭
    #5
    Options
    Re: USB, Laptop charger

    MikeO,
    thanks for sharing/posting the link.
    i've got a couple little projects..looks like the units might work great!
    james
    · Share on Twitter
  • mr.radon
    mr.radon Solar Expert Posts: 158 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #6
    Options
    Re: USB, Laptop charger

    I bought a 9v 1.5w panel. going to hook it to 6 1.2v aa batteries a Schottky diode a 7805 volt reg and a usb port.;)
    · Share on Twitter
  • mr.radon
    mr.radon Solar Expert Posts: 158 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #7
    Options
    Re: USB, Laptop charger

    Well, I tested the design. It works real well.
    Looking for a good light weight potting material. Suggestions?

    Used the mentioned components, however, I added a "OFF" switch since the 7805 draws 8ma when not in use. Not good ofr long term sotrage.
    The 1.52W panel was able to charge the batteries from 30% charge to 80% charge in a day (November). Given the long expidition will be Africa in the summer she should be able to recharge the battery pack 100% durring the day.
    · Share on Twitter

Categories