Trail camera battery charger

[AGCB]

I have searched this site for a solar battery charger/maintainer for my camera project but seem more confused than before. I don't want to buy parts that won't work and waste my money. What I want to build is a solar charger that will maintain and therefore prevent damage to the battery. I am using a 6 volt 12Ahr battery and expect to use less than 1 Ahr per day (1 amp for 1 minute times 20 cycles. So a 100 mA solar panel at 7.2 volts with 8 hours of good sun should charge .8 Ahr each day, close to what I need. Do these calculations look right? Maybe I should go with next larger solar panel. I'm assuming a direct hookup to battery with a diode will work. Am I missing something?
Thanks for your thoughts!

Aaron

 

[stevez]

In the 2009 edition of the ARRL Handbook there is a project - "The Micro M+" and it describes a PV charger/controller. The notes at the end indicate that a PC board and partial kits are available from Sunlight Energy Systems. You may find the schematic on line but if not, see if your local library has the Handbook. It may appear in earlier versions than 2009.

 

[mneary]

So a 100 mA solar panel at 7.2 volts with 8 hours of good sun should charge .8 Ahr each day, close to what I need. Do these calculations look right?

Maybe at the Equator, but not in Michigan. Solar cells are usually rated at the best possible sunlight conditions. It's best to verify the performance before committing.

 

[PCBWING]

You can refer to these products,to get some insights.

Travel Solar Battery Chargers