Quote:
Originally Posted by yvanleterrible
If one really wanted, it would be pretty easy to install solar cells on a reader jacket with all circuitry inside. The problem as I was told was to have the reader accepting the source. I guess a special circuit would do it.
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My Sony Reader power supply outputs 5.2V DC and is rated at 2000 mA. I have not tested the current draw of the reader, but somewhere else a few months ago someone posted a pretty good study. The power plug is simply a standard power and ground connector -- no intelligence involved, so if you supply the correct voltage and can source the current needed, it will work.
My newly found and favorite circuit site has
a page of solar charger designs for you to peruse. I hope somebody can whip up one of these designs. it would be so convenient to have a good solar charger for travel. I am hoping to find a source here for electronic tools (everything is 250 V so I cannot import my tools) and start building a few things. it is a great hobby.
Caveat: Without a knowledge of the circuitry of the Reader, one should be careful to match the power specification precisely. The voltage level may be critical to the health of the Reader. Measure the power supply for ripple and voltage drop under load. A common solar cell develops about 0.5V. When placed in series, 11 of them should give you 5.5V. Does this need to be regulated down to 5.2V? Or will it function as a charger as-is?
This circuit is as simple as it gets.