I've had this in my head for some time now, but still don't know enough to give it a try yet, but would like to get started. Path lights are kind of boring, and have been wanting to make the pulse, fade, blink, flash, color change, and so many other things.
A ATTiny13L will work at 1.8 volts (even less). From what I've been led to believe the analog comparator only works on voltage less than the chip's supply. The solar panel must put out more then the battery voltage. I'd like to use the solar panel to detect night fall, but not sure how to do it without frying the MCU, or wasting a lot of charging current through a resistor. Should mention that I have never messed with the analog comparitor done anything with ADC. Most of the documentation goes in to more advanced signals. Guessing this is stupid simple and not worth putting into appnotes.
Anyway, I have a bunch of 6 volt open, 4.5 volts under load, 50 mA solar panels. Should charge 3.6 volts worth of AAs. Not sure if the MCU needs a regulator, or what to use. I don't think I have anything smaller then a 78L05, maybe some zeners someplace. Really want to keep it cheap and minimal.
Just figured I throw this out for some suggestions. Might be a fun beginner project for somebody else as well.
A ATTiny13L will work at 1.8 volts (even less). From what I've been led to believe the analog comparator only works on voltage less than the chip's supply. The solar panel must put out more then the battery voltage. I'd like to use the solar panel to detect night fall, but not sure how to do it without frying the MCU, or wasting a lot of charging current through a resistor. Should mention that I have never messed with the analog comparitor done anything with ADC. Most of the documentation goes in to more advanced signals. Guessing this is stupid simple and not worth putting into appnotes.
Anyway, I have a bunch of 6 volt open, 4.5 volts under load, 50 mA solar panels. Should charge 3.6 volts worth of AAs. Not sure if the MCU needs a regulator, or what to use. I don't think I have anything smaller then a 78L05, maybe some zeners someplace. Really want to keep it cheap and minimal.
Just figured I throw this out for some suggestions. Might be a fun beginner project for somebody else as well.