Step 7: Testing!
Step 5: C2 Power Capacitor
Step 6: Motor / Load
C2 is what actually
stores the power for
the load to use up.
Bigger isn’t always
better, but it makes
for a more impres-
sive motion!
Remember:
Backwards caps
don’t charge well!
The load can be any electrical device that doesn’t
draw too much power. If you were to try to start your
car with this circuit, you’d be very disappointed! As
long as what you’re trying to power
used
to be
battery-powered from AA cells, this circuit should
make it twitch.
That means you can use things like LEDs, solenoids
and even coils (put a magnet over the coil to see it
jump). Of course, the more power-efficient the load
is, the more “bang for your buck” you’ll get!
Now the fun part - watching it go! Put your device in
light, like sunlight or under a 100 watt incandescent
or halogen bulb (fluorescents and flashlights will give
disappointing results).
With the large 0.33F power storage capacitor, the
very first charge will take the longest, approximately
one minute in direct sunlight (3 minutes under a
100W bulb). Then you should see the motor burst
into action for a few seconds, then the cycle should
restart about every 20 seconds afterwards!
Note the side
with the stripe goes
to the square pad!
Don’t worry about wire colors - if the motor
spins in the wrong direction, just reverse the
connection!
6
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-->
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-->
