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Tim_the_bloke

Senior Member

Joined: 15/11/2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 105

Posted: 09:55am 31 Mar 2010

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Would someone please identify this item for me and explain what it does. The box is not a lot bigger than a matchbox.
I expect it is a switch which only connects the solar panel with the batteries while there is enough sunlight to produce enough voltage to charge the batteries. I suspect it has no other battery charging circiutry, such as detecting when the batteries are fully charged and then stop charging.
Would this be correct?

KarlJ

Guru

Joined: 19/05/2008
Location: Australia
Posts: 1178

Posted: 10:49am 31 Mar 2010

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Nope, i'm sure it will regulate the batteries appropriately ie turn off the input when voltage is too high.
Super common in solar powered road signs and the like

Luck favours the well prepared

Tinker

Guru

Joined: 07/11/2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 1904

Posted: 02:06pm 31 Mar 2010

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I just googled it for you:check this

Scan down the list until you find it.
Its specifically for SLA (sealed lead acid) batteries.

Klaus

Tim_the_bloke

Senior Member

Joined: 15/11/2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 105

Posted: 09:54pm 01 Apr 2010

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Thanks KarlJ and Tinker. My batteries are non sealed lead acid, but that should not matter.
I'm glad it won't allow overcharging. I thought I would have to buy another expensive box of control circuitry.

Downwind

Guru

Joined: 09/09/2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 2333

Posted: 03:09am 02 Apr 2010

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You might find that the controller will cut out a little early for wet cell batteries as i think sla's take a slightly less peak voltage like about 13.8 compared to 14.2 for wet cells.

Pete.

Sometimes it just works

vasi

Guru

Joined: 23/03/2007
Location: Romania
Posts: 1697

Posted: 05:40pm 03 Apr 2010

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[quote=from the page found by tinker]During the charging time the regulator will disconnect the solar panel from the battery every 20 minutes to determine the state of the solar panel output. Assuming there is charge available, 8 seconds later it will recommence charging. At the end of the day this same function will prevent the regulator from staying on all night. [/quote]

Inutile complications. With a power diode you can block the panel from consuming the battery and simplify your microcontroller programming.

Hobbit name: Togo Toadfoot of Frogmorton
Elvish name: Mablung Miriel
Beyound Arduino Lang

Tim_the_bloke

Senior Member

Joined: 15/11/2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 105

Posted: 11:07am 07 Apr 2010

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Downwind said sla's take a slightly less peak voltage like about 13.8 compared to 14.2 for wet cells.

Mmm...
I think my electronics deserve upgrading and I have much to learn first.
Thanks for all the feedback.

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