WXforum.net
Miscellaneous Debris => Tech Corner => Topic started by: SLOweather on June 02, 2012, 02:02:41 PM
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The All Electronics (http://allelectronics.com/) ad in the May Nuts and Volts has 3 watt 12 volt solar panels (http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/SPL-003/3W-12V-SOLAR-PANEL/1.html) for $17.95. Operating current of 0.18 amp.
(http://www.allelectronics.com/mas_assets/cache/image/2/7/a/6/150x150-10150.Jpg)
It might make a nice power source for a home made DFARS. There are several fans on their DC fan page (http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/category/220100/Fans/D.C.-Fans/1.html) that seem to be suitable for that panel as part of a home made DFARS.
They also have [urlhttp://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/PE-56/21MM-PIEZO-ELEMENT/1.html]21 mm Piezo Elements[/url] for a dollar which would be suitable for flat-plate rain sensors/disdrometers.
(http://www.allelectronics.com/mas_assets/cache/image/1/d/3/1/150x150-7473.Jpg)
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The solar panel shows dimensions of 188MM x 195MM, or about 7-1/2" square.
I wonder how that would work for a remote IP camera?
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That's the fun of engineering. :) Look at the camera specs for the dc power voltage and amperage required. Then you will know what to design to.
According to the specs, my old wireless D-Link DSS-1000W requires 5 volts at 1.3 amps or 6.5 watts. Clearly, this panel by itself won't run it. Too high volts, too low amps. 3 of them might, but it would require an efficient 12 v to 5 volt DC to DC converter. 8 panels would also work, wired in parallel, with a 5 volt linear regulator and a big heat sink.
Actually, if I were designing a system like this, I'd measure the camera's current draw myself, rather than relying on published specs.
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...I'd swamp that linear regulator to a more efficiency (but certainly more costly) modular switching regulator. The increase in operating efficiency would make it worthwhile in the long run.