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Author Topic: Solar Power For Z  (Read 24954 times)

suruaZ

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Solar Power For Z
« on: May 24, 2005, 08:28:54 am »
All solar power devices I found here around have 6V output but Z needs 5V.
Did anyone tried feed 6V to the Z? Is it dangerous?

Also on the back of SL-5500 is information that it needs 6.2W power supply but most solar packs offer ~1.5W only. Does it means that this will not works?

Thanks in advance,
suruaZ
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omega

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« Reply #1 on: May 24, 2005, 09:31:49 am »
In all likelihood those are 6v unregulated solar panels which can go up to 8-9volts...  You would need to connect it to 4 nimh batteries with a diode in between and use the batteries to power the z, which charge when then the zaurus is not being used...
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My wish - to have a Command & Conquer style game on my Z! (FREECNC!!!) Simcity 2000 would also be great.

dixie

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Solar Power For Z
« Reply #2 on: May 24, 2005, 10:11:00 am »
Quote
All solar power devices I found here around have 6V output but Z needs 5V.
Did anyone tried feed 6V to the Z? Is it dangerous?

Also on the back of SL-5500 is information that it needs 6.2W power supply but most solar packs offer ~1.5W only. Does it means that this will not works?

Thanks in advance,
suruaZ
[div align=\"right\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]
You can use a voltage regulator (it's a simple ciruit with ICI 7805 integrated or similar)
Try this url (isn't in english but....it's clear, I hope :-))

[a href=\"http://freelektronik.free.fr/LEKTRONIK/C6.htm]http://freelektronik.free.fr/LEKTRONIK/C6.htm[/url]

Paolo
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omega

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Solar Power For Z
« Reply #3 on: May 24, 2005, 11:17:24 am »
won't work... A) you need several voltages extra to allow for the voltage drop due to the regulator, and the current is simply not there to drive your Z...
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My wish - to have a Command & Conquer style game on my Z! (FREECNC!!!) Simcity 2000 would also be great.

adf

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Solar Power For Z
« Reply #4 on: May 24, 2005, 11:37:59 am »
but it might charge an external battery pack,?
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ltrm

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« Reply #5 on: May 24, 2005, 12:45:24 pm »
I bought a solar charger kit last year from Maplin.

It uses 5 NiMH cells and has a regulated 5V USB socket to connect to the Zaurus.

It takes a "while" to charge but it does work quite well.

Unfortunately they don't seem to stock the same one any more but they do have some other kits.

Hope that helps.

I'll look up the model number when I get home tonight.
« Last Edit: May 24, 2005, 12:46:19 pm by ltrm »
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suruaZ

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Solar Power For Z
« Reply #6 on: May 24, 2005, 01:06:42 pm »
Quote
You would need to connect it to 4 nimh batteries with a diode in between and use the batteries to power the z

What is diode for?

Thanks all who answered
suruaZ
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BarryW

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« Reply #7 on: May 24, 2005, 01:50:37 pm »
It keeps the current from going back to the solar cells.  Kinda like a check valve with water.
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craigtyson

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« Reply #8 on: May 24, 2005, 02:52:35 pm »
there are usualy "stock" circuits for this type of thing in the likes of prwactical electronics magazine.  They can show you how to wire a charging circuit so that it doesnt damage the cells (unlikly with solar unless you live in death valley or start using mirrors to up the insolation (but watch the heat))  For the more adventurous out there Iv seen a design for a solar backpack here to keep your ipod et al going while you walk the wilds.....PS dont expect this to work in the lake district for obviouse reasons.... ie its always raining hmmm  ipod water wheel backpack anyone???
« Last Edit: May 24, 2005, 02:58:23 pm by craigtyson »
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BarryW

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« Reply #9 on: May 24, 2005, 06:16:20 pm »
Wind generator beanie....
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C3100
Distro changes almost weekly...

C3200
Distro also changes almost weekly...  :)

Hardware hacks and stuff.

adf

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« Reply #10 on: May 25, 2005, 01:11:43 am »
cams in the heels of your shoes attached to shoetop generators? geeky pimp shoes..tiny gens and cams in giant heels?
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kenknight

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Solar Power For Z
« Reply #11 on: July 17, 2005, 04:35:51 pm »
I purchased an Aurora Solar Charger for my sl5600 about a year ago. When it was working it did charge the Z. However, a pin on the adapter broke and that had to be replaced before it would start working again. Fortunately, a friend was able to make the simple repair for me with the purchase of a new adapter from Radio Shack. There was some question of the pinouts but he resolved it (which is hot which is ground).

It's not fast, but it works.
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xatax

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« Reply #12 on: July 17, 2005, 06:58:41 pm »
I made a battpack for my Z some months ago but I did not put a diode between the Z and the Battpack... is it possible that my Z is charging the battpack when the power of the battpack is low?
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tms@infamous.net

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Solar Power For Z
« Reply #13 on: August 16, 2005, 03:58:13 am »
Quote
All solar power devices I found here around have 6V output but Z needs 5V.
Did anyone tried feed 6V to the Z? Is it dangerous?

[div align=\"right\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a][/div]

You might try the solar powered lights from Everlite:  [a href=\"http://www.newlite.com/]http://www.newlite.com/[/url]

They have a 5V adapter that allows you to charge your Z (or other 5VDC thingie) from the battery
of the lamp, said battery being chargable with a solar panel. Pretty groovy.
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kenknight

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« Reply #14 on: August 19, 2005, 01:08:22 pm »
Has anyone treid using the Aurora Solar Charger with their C1000 yet? Mine just arrivd. I'm going through the manual and I'll be darned if I can find the power specs for the unit. The plug on the Z is also an issue. I'm not at all sure it's wired the same as on the 5600.

After watiing so long for the C1000 I'm not going to rush into this.

On a related note: solar chargers that are meant to be beat upon are on (or coming on) the market from companies like Brunton and Pacific Outdoor Equipment. But they're not going tow work out-of-the box with the Z is my guess. While adapters may be available it's not clear to me if they are now. Many are building solar chargers that are meant to mate with devices that charge off USB (sigh... my Canon S70 does not; the Z does not). I hope adapters/battery packs become available for most of these. They're not cheap, but if you need serious in-the-field charging products like the 2 I just mentioned are the way to go it seems (I'm not knocking the Aurora, but it's probably much more product specific; and I know it's not quite as durable).
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