I've only used 78xx regulators, so don't know much about other options. My problem is trying use a 5 watt solar panel to replace a 12 volt/350 mA wallwart, which feeds a rechargeable battery pack/inverter. A while back I had a opportunity to purchase 10 Black & Decker Pocket Power (CP120B) for $40. Thought it a pretty good deal, 9.6 volt rechargeable battery pack is worth way more than $4.00. A 20 watt inverter, and charge controller seemed interesting as well. A 5 watt CFL runs about an hour. Also a USB power output.
Back to the problem. Built a basic 7812 regulator to the solar panel, works fine if I get a couple hours of uninterrupted sun. The problem is that the internal charge control falsely reports a complete charge. I put a huge capacitor on the input of the regulator, but not much help. The panel puts out over 20 volts, no load. Haven't had many clear sunny days since starting this.
Was wondering if there is a voltage regulator that has a pin to signal when it drops out, or a simple way to detect? Basically, I'm looking to disconnect the charger when the regulator drops out (12 volts or nothing at all). Maybe there is a regulator with a similar function.
I'm basically looking to charge these things, and keep them charged until needed. Might add a night switch later on. Mostly I need to get the solar charging to work. Want to keep the internal charge controller, prevents over charging/discharging. The case is semi-weather resistant, so kind of want to leave it alone. I do have one the dog was experimenting with, caught him before getting real far into the tear down, still works, but the case is missing a corner...
Back to the problem. Built a basic 7812 regulator to the solar panel, works fine if I get a couple hours of uninterrupted sun. The problem is that the internal charge control falsely reports a complete charge. I put a huge capacitor on the input of the regulator, but not much help. The panel puts out over 20 volts, no load. Haven't had many clear sunny days since starting this.
Was wondering if there is a voltage regulator that has a pin to signal when it drops out, or a simple way to detect? Basically, I'm looking to disconnect the charger when the regulator drops out (12 volts or nothing at all). Maybe there is a regulator with a similar function.
I'm basically looking to charge these things, and keep them charged until needed. Might add a night switch later on. Mostly I need to get the solar charging to work. Want to keep the internal charge controller, prevents over charging/discharging. The case is semi-weather resistant, so kind of want to leave it alone. I do have one the dog was experimenting with, caught him before getting real far into the tear down, still works, but the case is missing a corner...