A short question about my new adafruit solar charger, please. The USB C port on this board is usually used for charging via DC.
The power supply of the Arduino etc. has to be connected here as well?
I ordered a USB C to USB mirco cable, but the whole thing doesn't work properly yet. For the first test I used a 3.7V 150 mAh lipo. That could of course be too weak.
Thanks in advance.
Adafruit Solar Charger - bq24074 USB C port
Moderators: adafruit_support_bill, adafruit
Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.
- mikeysklar
- Posts: 13827
- Joined: Mon Aug 01, 2016 8:10 pm
Re: Adafruit Solar Charger - bq24074 USB C port
That size battery is probably going to be an issue unless you have cut the 1A charge current jumper and soldered the 0.5A to reduce the charge current.
The USB-C port is an input for charging batteries, not for power a controller.
https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-bq2 ... ut/pinoutsIf you just want 0.5A, 1A or 1.5A charge rates, you can use the selectable jumpers in the middle of the board. Cut the 1.0A one and solder closed your desired charge rate!
The USB-C port is an input for charging batteries, not for power a controller.
https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-bq2 ... t/overviewCharge with 5-10V DC, USB or 5-10V solar panel, can have both USB and DC plugged in at the same time, higher voltage source will be used.
- GK8591
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2022 12:14 pm
Re: Adafruit Solar Charger - bq24074 USB C port
Thank you, mikeysklar, for this answer and explanation.
The 3.7 V 150mAh Lipo was only ordered to test the system and is to be replaced by a 18650 with 2600 mAh in the future.
Okay, then apparently I have to take the Load Jst socket to power the controller (ESP8266). Do I still need a boost converter?
The 3.7 V 150mAh Lipo was only ordered to test the system and is to be replaced by a 18650 with 2600 mAh in the future.
Okay, then apparently I have to take the Load Jst socket to power the controller (ESP8266). Do I still need a boost converter?
Or what else do I need to connect a ESP8266? Thank you in advance for answering my question.Load output is regulated to never be over 4.4V so it's safe for 3.3V regulators or 5V boost converters
- mikeysklar
- Posts: 13827
- Joined: Mon Aug 01, 2016 8:10 pm
Re: Adafruit Solar Charger - bq24074 USB C port
You should be able to run your ESP8266 off the LOAD pin as is with no booster assuming you have plenty of battery capacity.
- GK8591
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2022 12:14 pm
Re: Adafruit Solar Charger - bq24074 USB C port
Thank you, mikeysklar
I'll try it soon. I have to look for something to connect JST (LOAD) -> micro USB (ESP8266), right?
BR
I'll try it soon. I have to look for something to connect JST (LOAD) -> micro USB (ESP8266), right?
BR
- mikeysklar
- Posts: 13827
- Joined: Mon Aug 01, 2016 8:10 pm
Re: Adafruit Solar Charger - bq24074 USB C port
I would use JST <—> JST withe Feather Huzzah ESP8266.
https://www.adafruit.com/product/2821
I don’t think you can to go through the micro-USB with that voltage unless you are willing to add a booster.
Alternatively you can wire pin direct from the Load Out on the bq24074 to the BAT and GND pins on the ESP8266.
https://www.adafruit.com/product/2821
I don’t think you can to go through the micro-USB with that voltage unless you are willing to add a booster.
Alternatively you can wire pin direct from the Load Out on the bq24074 to the BAT and GND pins on the ESP8266.
- GK8591
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2022 12:14 pm
Re: Adafruit Solar Charger - bq24074 USB C port
Thanks a lot for your help & support, mikeysklar
I'll try it with Feather Huzzah ESP8266, soon.
BR
I'll try it with Feather Huzzah ESP8266, soon.
BR
- GK8591
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2022 12:14 pm
Re: Adafruit Solar Charger - bq24074 USB C port
BTW: If I want to use a booster for connecting JST - micro USB, what module do you suggest?GK8591 wrote:Thanks a lot for your help & support, mikeysklar
I'll try it with Feather Huzzah ESP8266, soon.
BR
Thanks again & BR
- mikeysklar
- Posts: 13827
- Joined: Mon Aug 01, 2016 8:10 pm
Re: Adafruit Solar Charger - bq24074 USB C port
This would be the basic booster from JST battery to USB-A 5v (where you could have a USB-A cable to USB-Micro-B).
https://www.adafruit.com/product/1903
We have a lot of modules that can do the boost, but this would have the connectors that are most direct for your application.
https://www.adafruit.com/product/1903
We have a lot of modules that can do the boost, but this would have the connectors that are most direct for your application.
- GK8591
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2022 12:14 pm
Re: Adafruit Solar Charger - bq24074 USB C port
mikeysklar
Thanks for all the useful information, so I can do more interesting experiments this winter.
A lot of greetings from Germany.
Thanks for all the useful information, so I can do more interesting experiments this winter.
A lot of greetings from Germany.
Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.