Hi. I am building a solar powered charger. I am using two MPT6-75 solar panels; output v=6v, i=50mA, connected in parallel, for higher current. I want the output voltage to be 5v. So at first I used a 5v voltage regulator. But the charger is not working. I found out that for the regulator to work I need at least 7.5v to work. So then I read about a step-up/down regulator, MAX710. And thinking about it, this seemed more like the thing I would need because the panels give varying voltages from 0 up to 8v. However, I do not know how to use the MAX710. I have been reading the PDF but am confused. Would this work to supply a steady flow of 5v and anywhere between 500 and 100mA? Also, can you explain how to use the MAX710; do I have to make a circuit board to mount this on?
Thanks for any help.
Thanks for any help.