Subj : Solar TV Battery Test To : Nancy Backus From : Barry Martin Date : Wed Feb 19 2020 09:37:00 Hi Nancy! BM> A little chilly out there this morning: -8ø and the weather report BM> said a 30-below wind chill. The local TV news anchors were joking BM> because it's Valentine's Day hug someone - anyone! - for warmth. NB> Nice joke... ;) We didn't get quite that cold... only to about NB> 1ø, and wind chills maybe to about -10 or so... Of course, that's NB> bad enough.. ;) After a while it gets cold enough it doesn't seem to make any difference in one's mind if it gets any colder. I suppose physiologically it does - exposed body parts get frostbit in 10 minutes instead of 30 -- but to the average person just thinks -- or tries to because their teeth are chattering so bad under five layers of clothing! BM>> Now can get to it (clean-up project coming along!), workbench a bit BM>> crowded -- will hold off a little longer as no big rush and keep BM>> things focused. NB>> Probably just as well to try to stay focused... and theoretically, NB>> when you finish your workbench cleanup, you'll still have access to NB>> that window... ;) BM> Have relatively easy access now - so the cleanup project is BM> progressing. :) Still holding off as want to stay focused, where I'd BM> put the battery and meter for testing on the bench still has some BM> in-progess boxes NB> Good enough reasons still.... ;) Yup. Did straighten up here some -- did get rid of stuff on a bottom shelf so might be able to get a Bankers Box there or equivalent. haven't quite decided what should go there: want to keep like things together. More cleaning and disposal and something will make sense. BM>> Even if the power failed right now there are BM>> three batteries available which should run over three hours each. Not BM>> planning on keeping that many charged: one is the battery from the UPS BM>> that failed because the second battery was bad. Second is from a UPS BM>> right now is a spare (not for too much longer!), and the third was a BM>> spare/replacement battery. NB>> So for now, you have plenty of backup anyway... :) BM> Yes. And with the temperatore below zero if the power fails I have BM> more to be concerned with than what's on TV! NB> Except for ongoing weather reports and alerts... Oh yeah: forgot that's the original reason! BM>>> Didn't try outside: warm enough today but in winter quite possible BM>>> well below freezing, could freeze and therefore break the battery. BM>>> Solar cell outside, run wires to inside.... Thinking this is more of a BM>>> now-emergency than something planned and semi-permanent. NB>>> And might be that you'd do better to test that aspect come later NB>>> spring through summer and early fall.... In warmer weather, you NB>>> could try doing it just through the screen... I'd think that you'd NB>>> also need to protect it from the elements... BM>> Hmmm: now that's a possibility! Thanks! At this point not sure if the BM>> solar charger is sufficiently weather resistant to stay outside BM>> permanently.... NB>> Something else to get more data on in the meantime... :) BM> Yes, though may sacrifice the unit just because it is old. Would BM> provide some sort of protection from rain, snow, etc., but if the BM> plastic case gets brittle and breaks no great loss. NB> Unless by some fluke, it actually works before it goes flooey... NB> ;) I'd prefer it not to go flooey (haven't heard that one in ages!) but do realize is a possibiliy as not built for continuous use outdoors. OTOH should last long enough to tell me if the project is worthwhile or go with the charging/maintaining from the wall outlet (electricty). BM>>> ... Useless Invention: Solar powered night light. NB>>> Not necessarily useless... if it can store up enough during the day NB>>> when the sun is shining, it could last the night as a night light.. ;) NB>>> After all, that's what those solar lights that one puts along the NB>>> sidewalk or driveway do... soak in the power during the day, and when NB>>> it gets dark, shine the lights.... BM>> Right: when working I had in my pocket a small flashlight where the BM>> coin cell battery inside was recharged by a small solar panel. That BM>> also barely recharged through the window because of the UV Block. I BM>> had purchased three or four -- inexpensive and gave one or two away. BM>> Still have two: theoretically alike but one somewhat charges inside BM>> (dim) and the other not at all. Outside both charge to full BM>> brightness. NB>> Maybe the coin cell batteries need replacing....? I have a small NB>> calculator that has the solar cell panels on the front... it seems NB>> to work either in good light or not so, so obviously it also has a NB>> battery internally... But I'm sure the solar feature would keep the NB>> internal one from going bad so quickly... :) BM> The bettery seems to be fine: when that flashlight was charged outside BM> it went to full brightness and held the charge. NB> Ok, that sounds promising, then... ;) For the solar charging of TV's battery? Yes. As I implied, mount is a place in full sun but protected, or some protection from the elements over it. Running the wires may almost be the harder part of the job: pretty much have to be hidden or else! NB>> ... Behind every good computer - is a jumble of cables! BM> Can only do so much wireless! NB> For sure... :) And they do like to intertwine! ¯ ® ¯ Barry_Martin_3@ ® ¯ @Q.COM ® ¯ ® .... Feb.18: National Battery Day. 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