$4 in parts

$8.21 in shipping (and 14-20 business days)

đŸ˜©

I am so bad at this.

I hope when I finally get this #solar node perfected, I can provide value to a lot of people. Be it other builders, selling pre-built units, or at least the service provided to local #meshtastic user.

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Discussion

What are you using for the solar charger? I have had problems with the t-beam where if voltage gets to low even if the solar charger gets the battery back up to voltage, the t-beam needs to be reset to set it to run.

I have a battery discharge protection circuit which should address that. When the power gets too low it just cuts off to avoid that wonkiness.

I hope it works as well as advertised when the rubber meets the road. Also, I just realized that I soldered the wires on my battery harness without that circuit in there. Oops. Guess I'll get to do it over.

did you build the discharge circuit yourself, or did you purchase one. I am using these to charge my batteries:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082F7X8WS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I purchased them. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09YYH57WZ

And this is the MPPT board I bought: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08DY28BXW

I can't vouch for either of them since I don't have everything wired up and tested yet.

Now you know why us hobbyists have bins, drawers, and boxes of extra parts. If you’re going to pay that shipping, at least buy way more than you need.

Eventually
 you don’t need to buy much of anything to prototype.

Do you have a suggestion for a standard connector for small wires? I'm a huge fan of Anderson Powerpoles for larger wires, but I don't have a go-to for smaller wires (e.g. those on little LiPo batteries)

What kind of voltage + amperage? Already have a wire gauge planned?

Without any info, I’ve enjoyed working with the XT line for basic power needs. Likely you’ll just need

XT 30s, if dealing with 1-30 amps. Easy to solder, cheap, and they’re keyed.

Though I am going to guess the ubiquitous but pain in the ass JST (PH or XH) might be what you really need. Low voltage + data.

I'm asking for projects that I haven't yet thought of yet. Probably 20 gauge or smaller and low enough amperage that isn't going melt the wire.

XT look like they can only handle large wires. I don't see any 2-pin JST connectors.

I want something like Anderson Powerpoles, but for smaller gauge wires. Something standard that I could attach to every small device and small battery that I buy so I don't have the "wrong connector" problem.

JST PH 2-pin is what you’re asking for. Regularly use them on 20-28 gauge.

There are smaller connectors, but they have fewer mating cycles and are a pain to work with (tho the ones I mentioned aren’t fun, either). Would recommend 2mm pitch to start with.

They’re very common. Can get a set of 100 connectors for $5ish.

Literally search for “JST PH 2-pin”. Buy a decent crimping tool to save some frustration. Worth the money.

Or buy a set of pairs (make/female) with existing wire leads to start you off and see if they’ll work.

I bought a set with an assortment of pins: 2-6 pins. Been very useful to have in the moment.