BT_Sentry : Sentry Power

RE: BT_Sentry : Sentry Power

ntewinkel — Sun, 27 May 2018 04:41:06 GMT

Those 3.2v solar lights look like a great find!

I've been thinking of using a 3.2v battery to power an ESP8266 based sensor, as the voltage range seems to fit well for the ESP voltage requirement without needing extra hardware.

>I spotted these, and the importance was they used a 3.2v battery

How did you know they had the 3.2v battery in them?

Also, have you figured out a solution to avoid low voltage situations? Or do you just let it run til the power runs out?

Cheers,

-Nico

RE: BT_Sentry : Sentry Power

mcb1 — Sun, 27 May 2018 01:08:32 GMT

[mention:d214a0a0f5594ee19515b2a3782e7070:e9ed411860ed4f2ba0265705b8793d05]

My earlier post BT_Sentry Introduction had some info in the discussions for anyone contemplating reliable Solar.

https://nicegear.nz/blog/what-size-solar-panel-and-battery-do-i-need/

I believe many of the later regulation systems use a buck/boost converter to convert the incoming energy into a suitable voltage.

Previously the method was simply to regulate it so the batteries aren't cooked.

This means that the solar panel is effectively more efficient with the sunlight available.

The biggest issue with using larger batteries is that at some point to need to " pay the piper " ... that is, you need to recharge the battery.

I've suggested to my friend that he split his batteries and charge one set, while using the other, otherwise he runs the risk of damaging them with the limited solar energy he has.

I don't have that option, so I may need to go to a bigger panel.

Thanks to everyone else for the comments.

As I understand the radiation is so much that liquid cooling is the solution ....

Mark

RE: BT_Sentry : Sentry Power

shabaz — Sun, 27 May 2018 00:02:34 GMT

Hi Mark!

It's a really cool idea to have your project solar powered.

Also, interesting teardown to see what is inside these existing solar powered products!

I hope you have an excellent time off at the beach : )

RE: BT_Sentry : Sentry Power

DAB — Sat, 26 May 2018 18:44:47 GMT

Nice update Mark.

DAB

RE: BT_Sentry : Sentry Power

genebren — Sat, 26 May 2018 15:49:19 GMT

Mark,

Nice update on your design challenge project. I like the idea behind using solar charging to keep the batteries topped off. I have been working on a couple of battery chargers (with the hope and intent of eventual using solar as the input power) using Li-ion batteries (I like the higher single cell voltages, 3.7V to 4.2V, with a shutdown at 2.5V) both 14500 (AA) with 1200mAh and 186500 with 5000mAh. Hopefully you can find a battery that will run long enough, considering that all days are not sunny enough to get a full charge.

Enjoy your vacation and hopefully get inspired with all of that solar radiation.

Gene