Solar Powered AVR

[cyberpenguin]

Yes, I am still considering a backup power supply. More so than ever. I would probably need some sort of switching converter instead of a linear regulator. It's out of my comfort zone, but that's the fun of it all. I'm still looking at the MAX8934G as a possible solution for charging and regulating in one little IC. It's a 28-pin 4mmx4mm TQFN package that could easily fit in my PCB design.

[eventhorizon]

Yes, I am still considering a backup power supply. More so than ever. I would probably need some sort of switching converter instead of a linear regulator. It's out of my comfort zone, but that's the fun of it all. I'm still looking at the MAX8934G as a possible solution for charging and regulating in one little IC. It's a 28-pin 4mmx4mm TQFN package that could easily fit in my PCB design.

Great! Do tell how it performs after you've done it.

[cyberpenguin]

It may be a while before I can report back, but I will. First problem is finding the part (I think it's too new, perhaps?). The second is I don't etch my own PCB's (never tried). I send them off to BatchPCB and wait around 3 weeks to a month. That's once I settle on a design and send it off, which I haven't done yet. I wish I could prototype that part without the PCB.

Someone needs to come up with a reliable and inexpensive PCB "printer" or something that's easy to fabricate PCB's at home with vias and multilayer support (at least two).

[tmk]

Check out the DorkbotPDX guys

3 copies of 2 layer boards for $5/sq-inch.. great deal!

http://dorkbotpdx.org/wiki/pcb_order

-tmk

[BruceF]

I understand silicon is standard material of solar cell which is just can not be manufactured at home so you must buy it, but can i make my own solar panel made of any insulated materials such as plywood or painted plain G.I. sheets with welded metal frame?

I'm not sure you'd be able to save much money over buying manufactured panels, but if you wanted to try anyway you should probably get tips from people who've tried it already. I found a good discussion on homemade solar panels that might be a good place to start.