Gameboy "Light" (Solar Powered Gameboy Color)

[moderman]

I have never worked with solar power and I'm new to this modding deal so I am open to any tips. What I'm really wondering is where i should put the Solar Panel. Also how many volts it takes to power a GBC.
Thanks for the help.

[Taiben]

Are you for real? Theyres a big grey sticker on the backwith the voltage. Its on the bottom on the power in jack and your asking us to tell you?

[moderman]

I haven't gotten the GBC yet so i was just wondering.

[moderman]

Are you for real? Theyres a big grey sticker on the backwith the voltage. Its on the bottom on the power in jack and your asking us to tell you?

I haven't gotten the GBC yet so i was just wondering.

[Tibia]

3V. Two AA's. It does just fine on 2.4V, that's what my rechargeable cells are.

I'll be the first to admit I've never done anything with solar charging, but NiMh batteries are very stable, as are rechargeable alkalines.

[moderman]

3V. Two AA's. It does just fine on 2.4V, that's what my rechargeable cells are.

I'll be the first to admit I've never done anything with solar charging, but NiMh batteries are very stable, as are rechargeable alkalines.

yeah i've been doing some research and i think i'm going to use Ni-Cd (Nickle-Cadium) batteries. But any input helps. thanks

[Tibia]

Well, seeing as that's what they use in power tools, those should be just fine for repeated charging/discharging.

As for location, the top would make the most sense, but there isn't much space to work with. You don't want to block the cart slot, and something hanging over the screen would make visibility a pain.

[moderman]

yeah i think im going to use one of a calculator ones.

[Tibia]

You might need to use two wired together. Every pocket calc I've seen is only 1.5V.

[tysonDS]

Hi Moderman,

The calculator panels are a bit weak, it might be easier to just buy a 3v one from the electronics shop.

I thought about your design, and the comfort of a GBC, and the best way to "maximise" the sunlight intake and came up with this little diagram that may help:



The hinge would be connected to the back of the gameboy below the cart slot. When the panel is open your hands would rest underneath it. You could also fold it flat for putting in your bag or pocket.

It would be great if you could figure out how to get the panel to recharge some rechargable batteries.

Goodluck with it!

[themadhacker]

this should help out. http://www.instructables.com/id/EKEX9FKF4NETVPJZ6O/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Taiben]

Could somone please explain to me why theirs a second ground going from the regulator on that instructible? I thought the regulator had its own ground?

[nitro2k01]

yeah i think im going to use one of a calculator ones.

Forget it, they probably can't bring nearly enough wattage to be of any use.

Could somone please explain to me why there's a second ground going from the regulator on that instructible? I thought the regulator had its own ground?

How do you mean? The regulator needs to have a reference point, ie: "I'm supposed to produce a voltage 5V more positive than this voltage". Without a reference point (Eg the ground used on the GBA) the regulator can't corectly produce the target voltage.

[Tibia]

Actually, I'm not understanding that either. The middle leg of that regulator is the ground. Wouldn't that be hooked to the GBA ground? Does there need to be a second ground attached to the tab of the regulator?

[nitro2k01]

Oh THAT! Well, ground and the tab are connected internally, so either place should work. But I think he just doesn't have a clue really.
Also:

1 Diode (definatly NOT optional)

Also, I don't trust people who can't spell "definitely".