Hack a Trickle Solar Vehicle Charger
by mysterion in Workshop > Solar
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Hack a Trickle Solar Vehicle Charger
![charger.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FYA/BDVK/H6MF2Y1I/FYABDVKH6MF2Y1I.jpg&filename=charger.jpg)
![IMG_0629[1].JPG](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/F84/XUQP/H6MF3222/F84XUQPH6MF3222.jpg&filename=IMG_0629[1].JPG)
![IMG_0632[1].JPG](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/F1Q/0YAB/H6MF3223/F1Q0YABH6MF3223.jpg&filename=IMG_0632[1].JPG)
![IMG_0634[1].JPG](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FRW/TCDJ/H6MF3226/FRWTCDJH6MF3226.jpg&filename=IMG_0634[1].JPG)
![IMG_0635[1].JPG](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FC1/4F29/H6MF3227/FC14F29H6MF3227.jpg&filename=IMG_0635[1].JPG)
Extensive research on small solar systems <5 watts led me to this little inexpensive ($12.99) charger from harbor freight. Sure it is big, but it is also 12V at 1.5 watts and cost less than some 1 watt panels when shipping is included (http://adafruit.com/products/262). it is a 17.5V? open circuit but who wants that awkward voltage? 12V is a nice round number so i kept the trickle circuit and stepdown in.
I took apart the car charger part and did my own little edits to it and made it into a solar source.
The regulating circuit and stepdown were included, the teardown of picture 2/3 was just to show what the car port adapter looked like inside.
I also had the cell in my window powering an LED for a couple weeks......just for fun
I took apart the car charger part and did my own little edits to it and made it into a solar source.
The regulating circuit and stepdown were included, the teardown of picture 2/3 was just to show what the car port adapter looked like inside.
I also had the cell in my window powering an LED for a couple weeks......just for fun