Solar charger for Sony NW-HD1 MP3 player
Mar 24, 2006 at 1:40 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 2

kentlad

New Head-Fier
Joined
Jan 30, 2005
Posts
2
Likes
0
Hi,

does anyone know of a retailer in the UK that does a solar charger for the sony nw-hd1 mp3 player. I thought i had found one called the Solio but the companies website says its not compatible. does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks
Dan
 
Mar 24, 2006 at 5:13 PM Post #2 of 2
Well, I can’t help you with this specific question…

But…

It brings up an interesting point. Powering portable audio devices entirely by solar power is possible, and a fun $30 - $50 DIY project for those who feel up to it.

Basically, for two AA or AAA devices you’ve got to get 6 individual 0.45volt semi crystalline or crystalline solar cells, each with at least 500ma current producing ability. Solder them in series to get the voltage up to 2.7. Encapsulate them by embedding them in some epoxy set upon scraps of clear polycarbonate “lexan” which can then be made into a sealed housing.

I made a few of these things once, but I made the mistake of not embedding the brittle cells in anything. One drop and they shattered. I used cheap acrylic plastic as the housing too, which was frail and prone to heavy scratching. Hmm… I might have to make a new super solar cell soon –“done right” this time!
eggosmile.gif



By the way, the reason it’s best as a DIY is that the commercially available mini solar panels for charging cell phone batteries etc., have the wrong voltage current ratings to power any realistic device. You want 3 or 6 volts more likely, at 500ma to 1 amp. Not high voltages at low currents, like the typical 12 volts at 100ma that these things usually come in. bah. Plus, you can build your own better super strong housings from scraps…
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top