What should I make of these?

Hi,
Today, I went almost 100Kms to purchase function generator. Shop was closed ! Bugger !!
So, I went to another shop and was looking at the stuff they got there. I don't know why I purchased these, may be, because I have never worked on them and there was some hidden urge to use it.

Now these things are here, what should I make of them??

Small Solar cells 4v-5v. looks cute

Quick check with phone flash output is about 4.6v..

And this as well

12V 40 watts Solar panel..

have you ever went for something and purchased something different like this, out of sudden urge/curiosity?
I'm still laughing at my spontaneous decision.
I could've purchased bridge rectifiers which I needed most this time but noooo.. I forgot and did this..

-Mudz

Top Replies

Andrew J over 5 years ago

I don’t remember doing so. But my wife went out for a new iron once, and came back with a Toyota Yaris. How does that actually happen?!?
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genebren over 5 years ago

Not exactly a function generator, but still pretty cool. I have been thinking about building a solar project lately. We have some cute solar-powered light up insects that light up our front walk. I noticed the other day that they were barely lighting up. As my usual overkill method, I was thinking about a single, larger solar panel and decent battery pack (Li-Ion) to power all of the lights.

Good luck with your purchases!
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clem57 over 5 years ago

How about a sun shade Especially if it gets hot. If you like that I have a bridge in Brooklyn I would like to sell,
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mudz over 5 years ago in reply to genebren

--------cute solar-powered light up insects ---------

I wish to see these... Pics?
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Fred27 over 5 years ago in reply to Andrew J

Easily done. I once went out for some brake pads and came home with two mini motorbikes - you know the tiny ones that make you look ridiculous. (I couldn't just get one. I had to race against someone else looking just as stupid.)

Getting back to electronics, I've regularly bought dev boards that seemed cool. It's particularly bad when it's "get free shipping if you spend over XX" and it feels like I'm saving money if I buy one.
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luislabmo over 5 years ago in reply to Fred27

Are these still available? because I'd be happy to stop by and race against you . I don't mind looking ridiculous riding one of these
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clem57 over 5 years ago

How about light reflectors in a room that is dark and eerie! Happy Halloween
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Fred27 over 5 years ago in reply to luislabmo

Unfortunately someone stole them.
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luislabmo over 5 years ago in reply to Fred27

Ahh too bad ..... Do you have plans to buy more brake pads in the near future?
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genebren over 5 years ago in reply to mudz

Oops! they are all not insects.

A butterfly, and firefly and a hummingbird fly into a bar.......

Each flying object has a small solar panel and a battery(s). The clear objects have a RGB Led, that slowly cycles between colors.

If the electronics are similar to other solar lights that I have taken apart, the electronics are simple and the batteries are cheap (likely NiCad). They devices work for a while and then slowly, over time, fail to charge the battery.

Either way, it would be a fun project to convert these into a connected set with a better solar panel and charging electronics. First I have to wait for them to fail (I know that they will), and then to get my wife's permission to modify them. I will wait patiently.
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