Solar Controller by ericd_86

Last crawled date: 3 years, 1 month ago

A much smaller version here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2357657
Update:
I extended the sides where the LM2596 is placed.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/wc3J8u5KAgE
This is a solar controller that can turn an 18v or 20v solar panel input into a 12v output utilizing the LM2596 DC-DC step-down. I design this for a Raspberry PI 3 with a 7-inch monitor to run on strictly solar power but can be used for other devices as well.
LM2596 how to adjust voltage: https://youtu.be/s7_B0LqUKuM
LM2596:
Input: 3v - 40v
Output: 1.5v - 35v
Maximum output amps: 3 amps
Fan:
50mm X 50mm X 11mm
12v
uses about .03 amps - .04 amps
Push on/off button:
3 amp button
I used a 30-watt solar panel and at the highest daylight output, I made adjustments to the Lm2596. I set the LM2596 from 19 v to 12.6 volts. Different solar panels may have different output volts so adjust accordingly. Remember the LM2596 has a max amp output of 3 amps so make sure you don't go over or you will overheat the chip. I used a 3D Pen to make the plug stronger and to set the LM2596 in place. I can use a hot air gun to remove if I need to.
I designed a case for one that can handle 15 amps: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2357678