Building It!
This is the fun part - actually building the circuit. Follow the instruction boxes in order, and
you will turn these parts into your own functioning Miller Solarengine!
Construction Hints:
If you have NEVER soldered before, hunt down the “How To
Solder” instructions in this book first!
Since we’re soldering directly on the circuit board (no holes),
you will find it is easier to add some solder to each pad first,
then remelt it when adding the part.
Fold, fit, and pre-trim the leads of each part before soldering.
It’s much easier than trying to force it to fit on-the-go!
Step 1: 1381 Trigger
1381
SCC3733-MSE
MSE Solar Cell
03/09
Solarbotics.com
1381
C1
Timer
Cap
NPN
Mtr-
Mtr+
D1
Diode
C2
Pwr Cap
OPTIONAL SOLARENGINE
<-- Do Not Use
Do Not Use-->
Step 4: D1 Diode
The 1381 watches the voltage stored in the power
capacitor, and turns the circuit at the voltage level
determined by what “flavour” of 1381 you’re using
(C/E/G...). Make sure it’s FACE DOWN, like in the
diagram!
C1 tricks the 1381 into staying on longer than it
should, so it acts as a time-setting device for how
long the Miller Solar Engine will stay activated for.
The higher the value, the longer you dump power!
1381
2N
2222
Timer
Cap
SCC3733-MSE
MSE Solar Cell
03/09
Solarbotics.com
1381
C1
Timer
Cap
NPN
Mtr-
Mtr+
D1
Diode
C2
Pwr Cap
OPTIONAL SOLARENGINE
<-- Do Not Use
Do Not Use-->
Step 2: C1 Timer Capacitor
Note the
side with the
stripe goes
to the square
pad!
Step 3: 2n2222 Transistor
The transistor is the part that actually switches the
power on so the load (motor, LED, whatever...)
receives power. Like the trigger, this goes face down.
The diode keeps the power in the C1 capacitor from
going anywhere
but
the 1381. Get it in backwards,
and you’ll definitely have a malfunctioning circuit!
Note the
side with the
stripe goes
to the square
pad!
5
1381
Timer
Cap
SCC3733-MSE
MSE Solar Cell
03/09
Solarbotics.com
1381
C1
Timer
Cap
NPN
Mtr-
Mtr+
D1
Diode
C2
Pwr Cap
OPTIONAL SOLARENGINE
<-- Do Not Use
Do Not Use-->
1381
2N
2222
Timer
Cap
SCC3733-MSE
MSE Solar Cell
03/09
Solarbotics.com
1381
C1
Timer
Cap
NPN
Mtr-
Mtr+
D1
Diode
C2
Pwr Cap
OPTIONAL SOLARENGINE
<-- Do Not Use
Do Not Use-->
SCC3733-MSE
MSE Solar Cell
03/09
Solarbotics.com
1381
C1
Timer
Cap
NPN
Mtr-
Mtr+
D1
Diode
C2
Pwr Cap
OPTIONAL SOLARENGINE
<-- Do Not Use
Do Not Use-->
