Charge controller suggestions for 45w Harbor Freight kit

[ghurd]

I have seen a few more of the digital type since this story was new, and all were blown up.

I have received reports the outputs are not voltage stabile.  The output voltage seems related to the battery voltage.

Switching regulators (12V to 3, 6, 9 or USB) are more common and much cheaper in the last year or so.

Even Radio $hack has quite an assortment between $10 and $20.

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[(unknown)]

Thanks for the response.

Could you be a little specific about where to find standalone switching regulators though? My searches in general and of Radio Shack's catalog are not really turning up the proper items when I use the term "switching regulator."

[mixerman]

I have one of these for my HF panels havent tryed it yet! Search the board for dump load controller!

http://www.fieldlines.com/story/2007/8/24/172521/889

[ghurd]

That's because nobody at Radio Shack knows what a switching regulator is.  LOL

They try to sell something matching their other products, like "rechargable FRS model #1234 car charger".

Look under "Power & Batteries", then "car power", then "DC (12V/car)adapters".

ie: #273-1859  12 to 24V input, 6V 1A output. $20 (ouch)

eBay has a good assortment.

(Pay attention BruceS)

ie: 110281910274  12V to USB (5V 1A?).  US$3.75 with Free Shipping from Hong Kong!

I searched eBay for "car USB".  That was hit #1.

They are not simple wires.  They are fairly fancy inside.

The big deal is if 6V 0.5A is coming out, then 12V input is only 0.25A.

Linear regulators need 12V 0.5A input to make 6V 0.5A output.

They can save "half" the battery power.  Plus the output voltage is stabile and not related to the battery voltage, as long as the battery is nominal.

Oh, and some were not intended to be taken appart.

http://www.otherpower.com/images/scimages/2050/USBswitcher.jpg

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