BajaNomad - 12Volt and solar question

12Volt and solar question

Santiago - 5-17-2008 at 06:55 AM

Rookie questions so go easy.
1. I have two "Mexicany looking exterior lights" (quote from she-who-must-be-obeyed) that I have converted to a small LED unit run by 3 AAA batteries - works pretty good. I also have a small solar panel that charges a shed light. Sooooo - I want to simply run a circuit connecting the lights to the panel. Can I do this and how should it be wired? Rechargeable batteries of course.
2. My other option is to run a circuit around my 22' X 24' space and connect to my small 45 watt 12 volt system that currently (heh, I made a pun) runs a water pump. If I do this how big of a wire to I need to use and won't the 12 volts burn out the LEDs? Three 1.5volt batteries = 6 volts, right?
3. And since I'm asking questions, does anyone know if "Longlegsinlapaz" is as in Twiggy or Tina Turner? She refuses to post a photo.......

TMW - 5-17-2008 at 09:16 AM

1- If you split the two lights so each ran off 3 AAA batteries and put them (the batteries) in series that would be 12 volts and the solar panel would charge them.

2- The wire does not need to be very big since your not dealing with a large amount of current. The cheapest way would probably be to use zip cord (like a lamp uses) or speaker wire similar to zip cord but usually clear insulation. Available at hardware stores, Home Depot etc. Auto stores carry various size wiring, 16 or 18 gauge is fine.

New Math ?

MrBillM - 5-17-2008 at 09:29 AM

3 x 1.5 = 6 ?

Learn something new each day.

Actually, if they're NiCad or Nimh, they're rated at 1.2 v.

Not withstanding that, you DO need a Higher input voltage to charge said batteries, so a 12vdc panel should work fine as TW says.

TMW - 5-17-2008 at 10:44 AM

Bill you got me, I wasn't counting.

Maybe do a Google search for a 5 volt regulator to charge the 3 AAA batteries from the solar panel. If your technically skilled maybe wire up a 5v semiconductor regulator from radio shack.

Or you could use 6 AAA (9volts) batteries as first suggested and just add 2-4 diodes in series in one of the wires from the solar panel and that would drop about 2 volts (.5 to 1 volt on each diode) leaving 10 volts to charge the batteries. Your dealing with low current so a 1N4000 series diode should work, they're rated at 1 amp. If more current were needed you can parallel diodes. Start with 4 diodes and remove as needed to get the voltage required to charge the batteries.

fulano - 5-17-2008 at 11:16 AM

Different LED's use different voltages. Those bright white one's typically use 3.4 volts. So, since you say you have them running on 3 rechargeable AAA's -- which should be 3.6 volts -- I assume that's what you have. In order for the light output of the LED's to be stable, the supply voltage should be a little higher than the LED operating voltage. You can connect the small solar panel directly to the batteries. Positive to positive and negative to negative. The voltage output of the solar panel will vary depending upon the sunlight, but the 3 batteries will load the circuit down to 3.6 volts, so it won't overpower the LED's.

Don't operate the LED's without the batteries in the circuit, or the voltage from the solar panel may overdrive them. Most of the solar panels you buy prebuilt at a store have a built-in diode to prevent the batteries from discharging back throught the solar cells when their voltage output is lower than the battery voltage. If, perchance, you built your own solar panel, you will need a diode in the circuit to prevent the batteries from discharging through the solar cells.

Santiago - 5-17-2008 at 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fulano
If, perchance, you built your own solar panel, you will need a diode in the circuit to prevent the batteries from discharging through the solar cells.

Thanks - I kinda thought it would work.
As far as the chance I built my own solar panel - I believe Mr Bill pretty much put that to rest. :lol:

msteve1014 - 5-17-2008 at 10:06 PM

things will be a lot simpler if you go back to 12 volt lamps and run them on your solar panel and a deep cycle battery. the lights, your pump, and anything you add later all on one line. nothing to mix up, and blow out the lamps or something else

Bob and Susan - 5-18-2008 at 07:43 AM

Santiago

we actually have one of these for the car...i used it to run battery powered radios and tape players in the past

i think this is all you would need to run the 4.5 volt led lights :yes:

it has a slide converter to reduce the 12 volt current to the 4.5 volt current that you need :light:

just run the lights off your existing 12 volt system :light:

the thing is avalable a radio shack for about $20usa

http://www.powerstream.com/dc6.htm

[Edited on 5-18-2008 by Bob and Susan]

DC292_stamp[1].jpg - 11kB

Santiago

longlegsinlapaz - 5-18-2008 at 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Santiago
Rookie questions so go easy.
1. I have two "Mexicany looking exterior lights" (quote from she-who-must-be-obeyed) that I have converted to a small LED unit run by 3 AAA batteries - works pretty good. I also have a small solar panel that charges a shed light. Sooooo - I want to simply run a circuit connecting the lights to the panel. Can I do this and how should it be wired? Rechargeable batteries of course.
2. My other option is to run a circuit around my 22' X 24' space and connect to my small 45 watt 12 volt system that currently (heh, I made a pun) runs a water pump. If I do this how big of a wire to I need to use and won't the 12 volts burn out the LEDs? Three 1.5volt batteries = 6 volts, right?
3. And since I'm asking questions, does anyone know if "Longlegsinlapaz" is as in Twiggy or Tina Turner? She refuses to post a photo.......

Electricity, voltage & solar are not my areas of expertise, so I can't address item #'s 1 or 2. Item #3 however, I am extremely knowledgeable & qualified to address.

First of all, was this a "she-who-must-be-obeyed" sanctioned question?

Secondly, what specifically are you asking? Twiggy was Caucasian, blond, British, anorexicly skinny & could strut the runway! Tina was American, black, dark-haired (occasionally blond), with a voluptuous figure & could belt out a song with amazing talent. I match two of Twiggie's characteristics, and one of Tina's.

You are correct that I've never posted a pic of myself; however, others have! There are at least 2 pics; that I can recall; of me which others have posted on BN.

Are you trying to determine how close to the mark the post referring to me as a "big fat black Aunt Jemima" was? Or maybe the accuracy of the one stating if I'm "ugly & fatter than a pig & it's your own damn fault"? What does item #3 have to do with items #1&2? What does item #3 have to do with anything?? Remember what curiosity did to the cat! :lol:

vandenberg - 5-18-2008 at 09:18 AM

Quote:

I match two of Twiggie's characteristics, and one of Tina's.

So, you can really sing. :?:

Or are you just occasionally blond. :?:

Or do we have to come to La Paz to get to look at your stunning, voluptuous figure. :?:

Diver - 5-18-2008 at 09:19 AM

Priceless response !!

Now I am dieing to know which traits of Twiggy and Tina are you ?? :lol:

BMG - 5-18-2008 at 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Santiago

3. And since I'm asking questions, does anyone know if "Longlegsinlapaz" is as in Twiggy or Tina Turner? She refuses to post a photo.......

Photo of LLILP (she's wearing the white sandals).

Quote:

Originally posted by Diver

Now I am dieing to know which traits of Twiggy and Tina are you ??

You can rule out the trait shared by Tina and Aunt Jemima.

I can't comment on her singing ability.

Quote:

Originally posted by longlegsinlapaz

What does item #3 have to do with anything??

Keeps this post at the top of the list.

vandenberg - 5-18-2008 at 09:57 AM

Maybe ( my imagination running amok here ) her moniker has to do with, while reclining, a wide angle lens is needed to capture all of the extremities. :biggrin:

longlegsinlapaz - 5-18-2008 at 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BMG
Photo of LLILP (she's wearing the white sandals).

Gee thanks BMG....you've outted me!! :lol:

Quote:

You can rule out the trait shared by Tina and Aunt Jemima.

I can't comment on her singing ability.

What trait do they share? Beyond international fame or recognition? Not commenting on my singing ability just might be the nicest compliment you've ever given me! I know all the words, but I can't carry a tune in a basket with the lid super-glued on! :lol:

longlegsinlapaz - 5-18-2008 at 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by vandenberg
Maybe ( my imagination running amok here ) her moniker has to do with, while reclining, a wide angle lens is needed to capture all of the extremities. :biggrin:

Vandenberg, thank you for including that "while reclining" mental imagery visual aid...I think! :lol:

Suffice it to say all Nomads; both male & female; I've met in person have volunteered my on-line name is totally accurate within the first few sentences of conversation! :yes:

Santiago - 5-18-2008 at 10:26 AM

BMG -- are you kidding me???? Just enough of a shot to know she paints her toenails, has some kinda thingy on her ankle and she smokes Benton and Hedges but I still don't know why the name? Until someone proves otherwise I'm going with Tina Turner.

Oh, by-the-way, thanks Bob and/or Susan - that's the ticket. Funny thing I was in Radio Shack yesterday and the kid couldn't answer the question - "How do I step down the voltage from 12 to around 4?" He could, however, talk at length and in great depth regarding Grand Theft Auto Four. You know, some day these kids are gonna be running the show.... ooh, I think I hear my father laughing.

longlegsinlapaz - 5-18-2008 at 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Santiago
BMG -- are you kidding me???? Just enough of a shot to know she paints her toenails, has some kinda thingy on her ankle and she smokes Benton and Hedges but I still don't know why the name? Until someone proves otherwise I'm going with Tina Turner.

Santiago, the name SHOULD be obvious in & of itself....I have long legs & I live in La Paz. What's not so obvious is why the curiosity on your part! :yes:

Beyond that, you are very observant!

Santiago - 5-18-2008 at 11:06 AM

I was just curious as I can't think of anyone else who has a posting name that reflects an out-sized body part, that's all. (Well, other than Hose A)

BMG - 5-18-2008 at 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Santiago
I was just curious as I can't think of anyone else who has a posting name that reflects an out-sized body part, that's all. (Well, other than Hose A)

Thanks for taking the heat off me.

:lol:

[Edited by Hose M]

longlegsinlapaz - 5-18-2008 at 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Santiago
I was just curious as I can't think of anyone else who has a posting name that reflects an out-sized body part, that's all. (Well, other than Hose A)

Then it's my fervent hope that one of these guys posts soon in order to take the heat off of me:

Packoderm
whoopee44
BajaWillie
BigLou
littlelululs
BigAl
janet's boobie
Thebig guy
bigdicksbigdicks
:lol:

BMG - 5-29-2008 at 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by vandenberg
Maybe ( my imagination running amok here ) her moniker has to do with, while reclining, a wide angle lens is needed to capture all of the extremities. :biggrin:

Found another photo of LLILP. This time she's wearing the red sandals. Also in this photo are Nomads: Natalie Ann, LinguineLinguine, TwoGringos (both of them), OldLady, and OldLady's old man, Steve.

Nomad-get-together-2_May_24_2008.JPG - 48kB

Nomad-get-together-2_May_24_2008.JPG - 48kB