Solar MintyBoost using AA batteries?

[NeMewSys]

I'm looking at building a Solar MintyBoost using the blog post:
http://www.adafruit.com/blog/2010/07/09 ... r-gadgets/

I was thinking of using the MintyBoost v3 Kit and moving it into a larger tin and then all the parts could fit in.

Is it a requirement to use the mentioned Lithium Ion Polymer Battery or can I simply attach it to the MintyBoost v3 Kit (with the 2 AA batteries)?

Thanks
John

A solar USB charger that uses NiMh: http://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-A ... B-Charger/
Hope this helps.

[scott-42]

A solar USB charger that uses NiMh: http://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-A ... B-Charger/

That is one of the worst ways to charge NiMH batteries. They basically just straight hook up the solar panel to the batteries with no charge controller at all. That method will deteriorate and damage your cells much faster than not using a minimal charge controller circuit. It is stuff like that, that should really be pulled off of Instructables or come with a big disclaimer that says something like "We know this is a really bad idea so use it at your own risk."

[NeMewSys]

A solar USB charger that uses NiMh: http://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-A ... B-Charger/

That is one of the worst ways to charge NiMH batteries. They basically just straight hook up the solar panel to the batteries with no charge controller at all. That method will deteriorate and damage your cells much faster than not using a minimal charge controller circuit. It is stuff like that, that should really be pulled off of Instructables or come with a big disclaimer that says something like "We know this is a really bad idea so use it at your own risk."

That's true, but a solar cell is so weak, that would be an issue only if you let it charge the batteries for weeks, without using them to charge your phone, i guess. If your phone is like myne, needs charging every day, then overcharge of AA batteries wont be a problem here. But im no expert on NiMh, so maybe im missing something, enlight me.