Subject:
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Re: Solar panels, capacitor
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.robotics
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Date:
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Tue, 18 Sep 2001 01:32:29 GMT
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Viewed:
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1141 times
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I have performed some experiments using the Lego Solar panels and capacitors
to operate the RCX. I used the 5 volt configuration on my site at
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Bluffs/7900/Solar.htm
adding two AA batteries in series with the output of the solar capacitors.
This resulted in a 7.5 volt output that I connected to the power input of my
1.0 RCX. I installed the firmware and a touch program to control one gear
type motor with the regular batteries installed.
I took the whole rig outside in the bright sun and removed the batteries
from the RCX. I started the program and turned the motor on and off several
times with the touch sensor. With the motor running, I placed a load on the
motor shaft and after a few seconds the RCX
indicated a low battery condition. This recovered quickly when I removed the
load on the motor. I connected the A output to my Solar Eight vehicle and it
ran the wheels and steering gearing successfully with the wheels off the
ground. Loading the wheels caused a low battery condition on the RCX.
Allowing the low battery condition for too long a period resulted in a loss
of program and firmware.
My conclusion is that Lego Solar power is not a very practical application
with the RCX.
I would like to hear from anyone that has any experience with this test.
--
Bob Fay
"J G Gregory" <jgg@ultranet.com> wrote in message
news:GJKtKy.Du9@lugnet.com...
> In the latest SAH catalog (Fall 2001, rec'd today in Massachusetts), in • the
> Mindstorms section, there are two "new" parts. One is a solar panel, and
> the other is a capacitor.
>
> I know these are former/current Dacta items. The page also says to go to
> www.lego.com/dacta for "more information on how to use energy in your
> creations" (or something like that, I am paraphrasing).
>
> But I can't find anything there on this subject, especially about these
> parts.
>
> So, can these really be used in any way? Can the RCX be powered by either
> for even a brief or partial time? For example, could I use them for • running
> the RCX and sensors, but not motors? I can't believe there is even enough
> current from either to do much with motors.
>
> And the worst thing: how are you supposed to use these things? It seems
> like a terribly uncoordinated thing for LEGO to do to sell these. Both
> units appear to have the standard 2x2 connector plate area, but I am not
> aware of a way to get that into an RCX. Or am I missing something?
>
> --Jack Gregory
>
>
>
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Message has 1 Reply:
 | | RE: Solar panels, capacitor
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| I don't think it's practical to power the RCX with such small solar cells and capacitors. A device like the RCX does not like input voltage drops - the program will stop running, and the entire RCX will reset when power comes back up. Such drops are (...) (23 years ago, 18-Sep-01, to lugnet.robotics)
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Message is in Reply To:
| | Solar panels, capacitor
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| In the latest SAH catalog (Fall 2001, rec'd today in Massachusetts), in the Mindstorms section, there are two "new" parts. One is a solar panel, and the other is a capacitor. I know these are former/current Dacta items. The page also says to go to (...) (23 years ago, 13-Sep-01, to lugnet.robotics)
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