Subj : Re: Solar TV Battery Test To : Barry Martin From : Nancy Backus Date : Tue Feb 25 2020 00:43:58 -=> Quoting Barry Martin to Nancy Backus on 19-Feb-2020 09:37 <=- 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 1ø, NB>> and wind chills maybe to about -10 or so... Of course, that's bad NB>> enough.. ;) BM> After a while it gets cold enough it doesn't seem to make any BM> difference in one's mind if it gets any colder. I suppose BM> physiologically it does - exposed body parts get frostbit in 10 minutes BM> instead of 30 -- but to the average person just thinks -- or tries to BM> because their teeth are chattering so bad under five layers of BM> clothing! It does make a difference too how acclimated one has become to the temps... people in Alaska and the Yukon would find our temps downright balmy... When it was around 0F here, I finally used my winter jacket for a couple of days... usually it makes me too warm... 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.... ;) BM> Yup. Did straighten up here some -- did get rid of stuff on a bottom BM> shelf so might be able to get a Bankers Box there or equivalent. BM> haven't quite decided what should go there: want to keep like things BM> together. More cleaning and disposal and something will make sense. Indeed. 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 temperature 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... BM> Oh yeah: forgot that's the original reason! Stay focused...! BM> 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 BM>>>> a 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... ;) BM> I'd prefer it not to go flooey (haven't heard that one in ages!) but BM> do realize is a possibility as not built for continuous use outdoors. BM> OTOH should last long enough to tell me if the project is worthwhile or BM> go with the charging/maintaining from the wall outlet (electricty). Possibility... ;) 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 battery 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... ;) BM> For the solar charging of TV's battery? Yes. As I implied, mount in BM> a place in full sun but protected, or some protection from the elements BM> over it. Running the wires may almost be the harder part of the job: BM> pretty much have to be hidden or else! Eventually you'll figure it out, I'm sure... :) NB>>> ... Behind every good computer - is a jumble of cables! BM>> Can only do so much wireless! NB>> For sure... :) BM> And they do like to intertwine! Togetherness... ;) BM> ... Feb.18: National Battery Day. Appreciate conveniences batteries BM> provide. That was an appropriate one, both topic and date.... ;) ttyl neb .... Major University Scientific Report says you need to buy Our Product! --- EzyBlueWave V3.00 01FB001F * Origin: Tiny's BBS - http://www.tinysbbs.com (454:1/452) .