Date: Wed, 17 May 2000 21:45:51 +0200
From: Paul Bristow <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Re: Solar powered Libretto
Good luck with your trip. We'll look forward to reading your reports.
Of course with a transmeta powered libretto you'd get 4 hours per day...
:)
(No, I don't know if there will be one but I live in hope - a 700MHz Lib
would be waaaayy too cool)
Ken Kifer wrote:
>
> Date: Wed, 17 May 2000 14:22:07 -0500
> From: Ken Kifer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Subject: Solar powered Libretto
>
> Well, I have my solar panel hooked up to my nicad batteries, it's
> working well, and I'm intending to get started on my trip on Friday
> morning.
>
> Following the advice of members of this group and with additional
> support by David Hettel, I was able to get everything fixed up, for
> which I am deeply grateful.
>
> With the setup that I'm using, the power from the panel (16.5 volts, .6
> amps, 10 watts) runs into 12 5.7 Ahr batteries. I discovered since I
> got the panel that its unloaded current can get higher than the stated
> figure, but the highest the batteries have gotten is 16.58 volts,
> although theoretically they should charge to above 17 volts.
>
> The panel is thus charging the batteries at a 1/10 rate, which means 14
> hours to a full charge, and I can do that in a day and a half by moving
> the panel around here at home, although when traveling by bike, I will
> be in the full sun for less than 7 hours per day.
>
> After disconnecting the panel from the batteries, I can then hook them
> to the Libretto via a Targus Auto/Air Adapter. I have not tried a
> maximum runtime test, but I've worked over two hours each night without
> draining the batteries, which will be more than sufficient for my use
> during the trip.
>
> I will have to watch my voltages and usage, as I could overcharge the
> battery during the day or overdrain it at night. The solution in either
> case is to unplug the batteries from the panel or laptop. If the
> voltage should climb above 16.5 volts, I will use a little light to
> "drain" it.
>
> What's really great about this is that I will be able to camp far from
> civilization and still use my laptop.
>
> I wrote more about this at
> http://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/touring/laptop.htm
>
> Again, thanks for the good advice. I would not have been able to have
> figured out all these issues by myself. When I get back, I'll be sure
> to report the results.
>
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--
Paul
Web: http://paulbristow.net
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
ICQ: #11965223
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