I have the USB/DC/Solar charger v2 part# 390. When the input power is disconnected, the output voltage falls to the battery voltage, around 4vdc, or lower. Is this right?
Now that I go back and read the website description, and the tech page with the schematic, I don't see any clear info one way or the other.
The schematic shows the outputs connected directly to the MCP73871 chip, which I assume regulates the output voltage to 5vdc, since the webpage says "You can power another project like a Mintyboost at the same time by connecting to the LOAD output port". Mintyboost is a 5v device, but it doesn't make sense to charge a battery pack from a battery, so I guess it's ambiguous.
I'm sure I read about running Raspberry Pi's from it, which is what I'm trying to do, but I doubt the reliability of running them at 4vdc or less.
USB/DC/Solar Output voltage
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- Franklin97355
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Re: USB/DC/Solar Output voltage
The output of the solar charger LOAD pins is the input voltage of either the panel or the battery whichever is higher. It can be as high as 6 volts if the panel is in full sun.
- adafruit_support_bill
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Re: USB/DC/Solar Output voltage
If you need a regulated 5v output, you can connect a "Verter" to the load pins: https://www.adafruit.com/product/2190
- bbai
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- Joined: Wed Mar 06, 2019 10:59 pm
Re: USB/DC/Solar Output voltage
Thanks you for the info. It would be good to clarify on the site that this is for charging things when there is enough charge voltage, not for operating devices. I already have a PowerBoost 1000 Charger that I could put in between device and solar 390 unit, but I planned to use it to boost the voltage from a LiFePO4 battery, though I realize it can't be used to charge a LiFePO4 battery.
- Franklin97355
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Re: USB/DC/Solar Output voltage
The Verter would also work for that, not at the same time though ;)
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