Meshtastic solar node endurance test - part 1

[@millard5h]

Interessant bon match avec le solaire

[@davidverheyen6635]

Doing the same experiment here in Belgium it keeps on running for about 4 days until now. I wonder if the 3.7v lipo battery can handle (safety) the cold temperatures in winter.

[@valzzu]

If ur using the wisblock built in charger and u have big enough battery it wil be fine. If u are abel to charge at 0.02c.

[@tedpark6814]

The RAK units I have seem to work fine with 5000 mAh batteries and a 2.5w panel. No display, and no GPS, but I have an environmental board on it, which uses very little power. Even in crappy weather it charges up. The solar cell on the small RAK boxes don't seem to be enough to keep the battery charged. I have one test rig with an 1100 mAh cell and a 2.5w panel, and it charges enough each day to run through the night.

[@PoweredMeshtasticEurope]

These RAK boards are indeed the most efficient of all in the role of an autonomous solar node, especially without gps or screen or sensors.

[@SJV82]

I've got three mountain top metastatic node repeaters that have the 5 volt 6 watt Amazon special solar panels with three 3000mah 18650s and they charged up all the way to 100% every day even in the middle of winter in the mountains in nasty Pacific Northwest weather...

[@tedpark6814]

@@SJV82 That's really good to know. Having that information is helpful before I build nodes that are going to truly remote places. The larger panels such as you are using are much better in marginal illumination conditions.

[@ophello]

@@SJV82try it with only one cell. Then report back!

[@SJV82]

@@ophello and why would I do that?

[@seymourpro6097]

There's a power bank chip IP5310 which is rated at 3a, (Cricklewoodelectronics LX-LBC31 in the UK) which should carry enough amps to charge during the noonday solar hours.

[@PoweredMeshtasticEurope]

Interesting, thx

[@bradwiegman]

Do you have a link For that usb c female cable with that RAK board attachment (I don't know the right names there haha)

[@PoweredMeshtasticEurope]

There are plenty on amazon : search with these keywords : "usb-c breakout board"

[@bradwiegman]

@@PoweredMeshtasticEurope very helpful! Thank you!

[@Tore_Lund]

Short circuit current is higher than current at the max power level, so you can't simply multiply float voltage and short circuit current to find out what your panel can deliver. It will be less than 0.6A*6V.

[@PoweredMeshtasticEurope]

Sure. That's why I state in the video it is below the annonced specifications, as often with chinese stuff.

[@paulrichards1061]

You need to measure Vmpp and Impp to measure maximum powere at Stc 25degC at Sun power 1000w/m2 ie using a solar power meter and an MPPT controller.

[@PoweredMeshtasticEurope]

Standards are nice for sure, but reality is better!

[@Mr1Spring]

Shading on any panel is a big problem - ie no or very low output. You should have know this.

[@PoweredMeshtasticEurope]

At the risk of appearing arrogant, If I had to avoid talking or avoid testing things I already knew, I would not make many videos ! By the way, check my solar youtube channel here : www.youtube.com/@enerbot283

[@Mr1Spring]

@@PoweredMeshtasticEurope Thank you for the update