In reply to Ian F :
I see that kind of conversions as a lot of losses- I'd rather keep it on a 12V reference.
In reply to Ian F :
I see that kind of conversions as a lot of losses- I'd rather keep it on a 12V reference.
RossD said:I'd combine the two systems. Use batteries to buffer and to provide a more constant voltage. Just use a solar eye from a outdoor light and use it to open a relay when it gets dark out to control the pumps.
Looking into it some more, this looks to be much easier- once I start searching for terms that actually make sense. Since I have an unused arduino, I can use it, too. Should be able to incorporate the light sensor into the simple timer relay I have already. (I hope, at least)
And the most common charge controller has a USB output, too.
Aww... I was hoping that this thread was about the solar system...
AClockworkGarage said:Aww... I was hoping that this thread was about the solar system...
Every thing I've needed to know about the solar system:
Maybe you could use a phototransistor or other photosensitive device to actuate a relay to turn the load on and off?
When it’s light out, the transistor can close the relay powering the loads. When it gets dark enough the opposite happens.
Probably wouldn’t help with voltage regulation though.
Mellonmorse, Brian Cougar said:Maybe you could use a phototransistor or other photosensitive device to actuate a relay to turn the load on and off?
When it’s light out, the transistor can close the relay powering the loads. When it gets dark enough the opposite happens.
Probably wouldn’t help with voltage regulation though.
Relative to what I would have to buy, it looks to be that combining the system and using a light sensor is the way to go. I have an unused arduino, and there's a simple board that is a light sensor. And I have a 4 relay board, too.
So I can use that to pump fluid 2-3 times a day over the worm and compost bed and then have my other hydroponic system work on it's own.
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