Re: Re: [OTish] Solar powered access points.

[ian.bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

I have just ordered a battery saver pro 5W from Maplin 'cos it sounded
tempting'. I plan to use this for charging a battery that is rarely used
and hence keeps going flat. They are on special at the moment at 40 quid
(which probably means it is about the same as elsewhere now). Still hasn't
arrived so no further details yet.

If I get all keen I may put an LED on it so I can tell what it is doing
assuming there is nothing as standard.

Ian





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"Matthew Miles"
<m_miles@blueyond
er.co.uk>

23/06/2004 10:03
Please respond to
ukha_d

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To:       ukha_d@xxxxxxx                                 =

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Subject:  [ukha_d] Re: [OTish] Solar powered access points.      =

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--- In ukha_d@xxxxxxx, "Andy Laurence" <andy@a...> wrote:
> From: Matthew Miles [mailto:m_miles@b...]
> > Just wondering if anyone has a clue as to how to do this!  MAplin
> > sell some nice 3V panels for =C2=A34 - the router is 9V so if I
link
3
> > panels together would it work?
>
> Probably not.  What sort of current do these produce?  You need a
solar panel capable of delivering the required voltage at the
required current (mA).  Then of course, there's night time, and dark
days.

The panels from Maplin are designed to power a CD player etc so
thats why I assumed they would work...
>
> > Alternatively, is my best bet using the panels to slow charge a
> > battery that feeds the AP?
>
> Definitely!  You just need to make sure the battery is big enough
to not go dead overnight.  Make sure the panels have enough power to
charge the battery whilst also supplying the AP though.
>
> > Just a thought, as it would be useful for remote deployment of
AP's
> > in a mesh environment for local communitites.
>
> It was done a couple of years ago IIRC.  You need large panels
though (couple of feet wide).
>
> > I am, as usual, trying to do this as cheap as possible (looked at
> > generating 2.2KwP a day - but that costs =C2=A326k!  Bit steep
> > concidering it only knock =C2=A3100 a year off the leccy bill!).
>
> Last I checked, it cost more for the panels than the cost of the
electricity they produce in their lifetime.

I know, thats why I discounted that idea - its a rel shame as its
much cleaner power.  Although the government offers incentives its
still not worth it yet!

It was only a thought I was tatting with really.  As its gonna be
that much to set up (cost outweights need) I think i'll put in onto
the back boiler til I win the lottery or such!

Thanks for the help anyway.

regards,

Matt