Some solar developments with modular.

bugbrand

I had some old posts mentioning synths on batteries and with a view to solar. Well, through developments I've worked some things out and really should post some ideas/findings up -- I've found it interesting working out a system and how things work (or don't) and now I'm looking forward to doing some more shows with such a system (hint - it chucks out ever evolving techno-wobbles!).

So, here's a picture of my latest frame (..and the frames have been changing a lot over the last months - but this one was built from scratch so finally made to measure)

Posted Image, might have been reduced in size. Click Image to view fullscreen.

Posted Image, might have been reduced in size. Click Image to view fullscreen.

Finally outside! ..I just need to build a power amp into this frame.!.
&, actually, this pic is a little faked --> the solar panels (big'uns!) feed into external charge controllers & SLA batteries before powering the frame.

52 frac unit space!
& it should be possible to take it on a flight tomorrow as a carry on musical instrument!

Shout if there's any questions!

ian-s · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 7:27 pm Post subject:

Cool.

How many watts do get out of the panels on a good day?

23isgood · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 8:21 pm Post subject:

Wow, very nice! Could you please share with us how you set everything up? Where you got the solar panels and the other stuff? You seriously rock!

bugbrand · Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 4:30 am Post subject:

In a rush, but......

Yeah!
The solar panels came off ebay - they'd got a buy-now but also you could bid and so I got 'em at a pretty good rate (i think £25 each) - they're 12 watt -> so you get about 1A out of them when all is good -- I think the modules are taking about 500mA each side (actually, less on the negative) so that's looking good!

I'm using pretty smallish SLAs - only 3.3Ah or 7Ah (when I don't have to travel) - and I get plenty of life out of 'em (or so it seems so far!)

I'll do my best to get a system wiring diagram together but can't promise anything 'cos I'm not at home for the next two weeks.

Basically ->
Two solar panels feed two charge controllers (these actually came with the panels - they can handle 7A each).
These controllers have connections to the two SLA batteries and also 'load' outputs -- these are just tied together so you get a bipolar supply

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I've also been making some Solar Weevils but no time for details and they're much more lofi...

Cheers!

doctorvague · Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 2:32 pm Post subject:

Very Cool Mr. Solar Bugbrand!
I have one question about this project, though-
do you ever, like, sleep?

drv

elektro80 · Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 2:34 pm Post subject:

This is great!

Very Happy