Solar Power Supply 5V/3.3V
PART NO. 2216948
This project is based on a 6V Solar Cell and constructed with two voltage regulators, one of 5V and other of 3.3V. The projec t is
integrated inside a plastic box and in its exterior side is mounted the Solar Cell and a selectable switch to decide between 5V and
3.3V.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-Power-Supply-5V33V
Time Required: 2 hours depending on experience
Experience Level: Beginner
Required tools and parts:
Soldering iron and solder
Wire strippers and cutter
Needle nose pliers
Multimeter
Electrical Drill
Drill bit (1/4")
Double Sided Foam Tape Squares
Bill of Materials:
Qty
Jameco SKU
Component Name
1
2134926
ABS Plastic Enclosure for Arduino Board - Fits UNO or MEGA
1
2221456
Solar Panel 6 Volt DC @ 150mA 1 Watt 4x3x0.13 Inch
1
837505
Low Dropout Regulator 5 Volt 1 Amp 3 Pin 3+ Tab TO-220
1
242114
Low Dropout Regulator 3.3 Volt 1.5A 3-Pin (3+Tab) TO-220 Rail
1
2152438
Arduino Uno Proto Shield (PCB only)
1
326482
USB-A Male to USB-A Female Cable
1
317236
Toggle Switch (On-None-On) Single Pole Double Throw Solder Lug 5 Amp 250 Volt AC 28 Volt Panel Mount
2
151116
0.1 uF 25 Volt 20% Ceramic Disc Capacitor
1
94161
Capacitor Radial 1 uF 50 Volt 20% 85c 4x5x1.5mm
1
419160
HEAT SHRINK TUBING,FIT-221B-1/8-BLACK,4 FEET,BLACK POLYOLEFIN TUBING
1
419207
HEAT SHRINK TUBING,FIT-221B-1/4-BLACK,4 FEET,BLACK POLYOLEFIN TUBING
Step 1 - Bill of Materials
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
ABS Plastic Enclosure for Arduino Board - Fits UNO or MEGA
Solar Panel 6 Volt DC @ 150mA 1 Watt 4 x 3 x 0.13 Inch
Standard Regulator 5 Volt 1 Amp 3 Pin 3+ Tab TO-220
Low Dropout Regulator 3.3 Volt 1.5A 3-Pin (3+Tab) TO-220 Rail
Arduino Uno Proto Shield (PCB only)
USB A Male to USB A Female 2.0 Cable Black 3 Feet
Toggle Switch (On-None-On) Single Pole Double Throw Solder Lug 5 Amp 250 Volt AC 28
Volt Panel Mount
1 0.1 uF 25 Volt 20% Ceramic Disc Capacitor
1 Capacitor Radial 1 uF 50 Volt 20% 85c 4x5x1.5mm
Step 2 - Showing the Diagram
If the diagram is followed carefully, you will avoid errors in your project.
Step 3 - Installing the Voltage Regulators
Installing the Voltage Regulators, you can see the details of each regulator either +5V or +3.3V.
Step 4 - Drilling of 1/4"
To make a hole of 1/4" in the plastic enclosure, you should use a drill bit of 1/4" so that you can install the toggle switch (On-none-On).
That is, (3.3V-none-5V) install your select-able switch to decide between the two options that you have either 3.3V or 5V.
Step 5 - Preparing the Toggle Switch
Prepare the toggle switch by soldering a wire in each one of its pins.
Step 6 - Heat Shrink Tubing in the Toggle Switch
Though it's optional to use heat shrink tubing of even any color, it's important to note that the wires with white heat shrin k tubing are
going to be connected to the voltage regulators while the red one to the positive terminal of your solar cell.
Step 7 - Installing the Toggle Switch
Before installing the toggle switch by using the hole previously done in the bottom side of your plastic enclosure, insert the PCB prepared
in the step # 3. Note that you are also connecting the wires with white heat shrink tubing to the inputs of the voltage regulators while
you leave free the wire with red heat shrink tube to be connected later.
Step 8 - Beginning To Install the Solar Cell
For installing the solar cell, it's necessary to use the wire with red heat shrink tube that you reserve for that purpose and it's placed
between the wires with white heat shrink tubing. Also, before connecting that wire, cover the wires of your solar cell with black heat
shrink tube of 1/4" while the positive terminal to be connected with heat shrink tube of 1/8".
Step 9 - Connecting Negative Terminal of Solar Cell
For connecting the negative terminal of your solar cell, look for a GND to connect the black wire of the solar cell.
Step 10 - Completing the Connections of the Solar Cell
For completing the connections of the solar cell, it's necessary to move the heat shrink tubing previously placed and fixed w ith your
hair dryer.
Step 11 - Preparing the USB-A Female Connector
For preparing the USB-A female connector, it's necessary to use the USB-A female to USB-A male cable and cut 1 foot of cable from
the USB-A female connector. Next, remove the black plastic and the rest of material that covers the four wires into cable by cutting the
white and green wires leaving the red and black only to be utilized.
Step 12 - Using 1/4" Heat Shrink Tube
Use heat shrink tube of 1/4" to protect the metallic part exposed of the cable previously cut.
Step 13 - Installing the USB-A Female Cable
For installing the USB-A female cable, it's necessary to connect the red wire of this to the output of the voltage regulators while the
black one to GND.
Step 14 - Setting the Solar Cell
For setting the solar cell, you can use double-sided foam-tape squares.
Step 15 - Writing the Voltages Close To Toggle Switch
After completing step # 14, you can also put foam-tape close to the toggle switch for writing the voltages that you want to select. That
is, your select able switch will have two voltages written either 3.3V or 5V.
Step 16- Complete the Project
For completing the project, it's necessary to do the step# 15.