Solar USB Li Poly Charger DC input >6v...

Ideas and questions about MintyBoost kits

Moderators: adafruit_support_bill, adafruit

Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.
Locked
jje001
 
Posts: 1
Joined: Fri Oct 25, 2013 8:44 pm

Solar USB Li Poly Charger DC input >6v...

Post by jje001 »

I just completed the solar USB Li ploy charger, had it connected to the soar panel, everything working well! ...day turned cloudy so I plugged in a DC charger only to realize if was a 12v out... the charging and power LEDs blinked rapidly and I unplugged it right away. Now the LEDs will not light, even if connected to the solar panel or USB charger. What did I fry and is it repairable or do I need to re-build? Thank! jje

User avatar
adafruit_support_bill
 
Posts: 88086
Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:11 am

Re: Solar USB Li Poly Charger DC input >6v...

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

Most likely the MCP73871 chip itself was damaged. Even minor over-voltages will cause this chip to get quite hot. 12v would probably cause damage in short-order.

User avatar
transendical
 
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2014 10:35 pm

Re: Solar USB Li Poly Charger DC input >6v...

Post by transendical »

So if I did this would I need to buy a new Li Poly Charger?
Is there any way that I could change the chip?
Thanks!

User avatar
adafruit_support_bill
 
Posts: 88086
Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:11 am

Re: Solar USB Li Poly Charger DC input >6v...

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

If you are comfortable working with surface-mount components, you could probably replace the chip. (If you have access to a hot-air rework station, it would simplify removing the old one).

User avatar
transendical
 
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2014 10:35 pm

Re: Solar USB Li Poly Charger DC input >6v...

Post by transendical »

Thanks! Also, is there any chance that this would harm the battery?

User avatar
adafruit_support_bill
 
Posts: 88086
Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:11 am

Re: Solar USB Li Poly Charger DC input >6v...

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

is there any chance that this would harm the battery?
It is hard to predict what can happen with an overvoltage. It is possible that there are failure scenarios where the overvoltage could get through to the battery.

If the battery shows no outward signs of damage (bulge or blistering), has a voltage in the normal range and takes a charge without getting abnormally hot, it is probably fine.

Locked
Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.

Return to “MintyBoost”