Welcome to EnviroDIY, a community for do-it-yourself environmental science and monitoring. EnviroDIY is part of WikiWatershed, an initiative of Stroud Water Research Center designed to help people advance knowledge and stewardship of fresh water.
New to EnviroDIY? Start here

Solar Power Voltage Limit

Home Forums Mayfly Data Logger Solar Power Voltage Limit

Viewing 2 reply threads
  • Author
    Posts
    • #1875
      Bert Rubash
      Participant

        I notice in the MayFly schematic near the diode for the “v_solar” input a “20V-1A” note. The MCP73831 charge management controller data sheet lists 6 volts as the upper limit for Vdd. I assume I need to pre-regulate solar power down to 5 or 6 volts; is that correct? What does the “20V-1A” note mean?

      • #1876
        Shannon Hicks
        Moderator

          “20V-1A” is just the rating of the protection diode on the PC board. When choosing a solar panel for the Mayfly, you should only connect ones that are listed as 6 volt panels, and do not use a 9-volt or 12-volt panel.

        • #1879
          Bert Rubash
          Participant

            Thanks. Just what I needed to know.

        Viewing 2 reply threads
        • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.