SoCoDoug
New Member
Posts: 8
Raspberry Pi: Yes
Other Device: SkyWeatherPi
|
Post by SoCoDoug on Aug 5, 2019 12:32:29 GMT -8
I accidentally damaged the original SunControl board that came with my SkyWeather kit. I ordered and received a replacement. I installed the new board in my box and everything ran fine for a few hours before the station went offline.
On inspection, the RaspberryPi and other components weren't receiving any power. There were no power lights illuminated on the SunControl. I connected an AC adapter to the SunControl...no lights, no power to the other components. I connected AC power to the RaspberryPi and everything started up and ran normally.
Looking through the MySQL data, everything was running fine until a specific point when the battery became fully charged (99.486%) and then battery power dropped to zero and the system went down. Looks like I burned out the SunBoard due to the same issues others are having.
Could you send me an RMA for the SunControl board? Looks like I'll need to order a Zener diode as well.
|
|
|
Post by SDL on Aug 6, 2019 16:03:43 GMT -8
I'll get you a new board. Here is your RMA. Make sure you put the Zener diode in! Your data is consistent with that kind of a failure. What was the Solar Voltage right before failure?
PM me your address.
SwitchDoc Labs RMA#080619-01 909 S Shelley Lake Lane Spokane Valley, WA 99037
BP
|
|
SoCoDoug
New Member
Posts: 8
Raspberry Pi: Yes
Other Device: SkyWeatherPi
|
Post by SoCoDoug on Aug 7, 2019 12:13:12 GMT -8
6.222 volts
I ordered the Zener diode. Will send my shipping address...
|
|
|
Post by SDL on Aug 7, 2019 14:31:10 GMT -8
And that killed the board! Your VOC is out of specification!
BP
|
|
SoCoDoug
New Member
Posts: 8
Raspberry Pi: Yes
Other Device: SkyWeatherPi
|
Post by SoCoDoug on Sept 7, 2019 7:01:30 GMT -8
Installed the Zener diode and new SunControl board and all is well. The Zener diode is keeping the voltage from the solar cells at a nominal 5 volts. The system has been charging, shuts down when the battery is expended, and restarts automatically once the battery is charged to a sufficient level...just like it's supposed to. Working on ways to reduce the power consumption of the RaspberryPI Zero W....disabled the HDMI port and Bluetooth. Also repositioning the solar array for better day-long sun exposure. Need to catch the morning sun because afternoon cloudiness and thunderstorms are interfering with charging in the afternoon.
Doug
|
|
|
Post by topher2880 on Sept 7, 2019 15:57:07 GMT -8
There are a few pages out there that show how to cut right back on power consumption. If youre using the SkyWeather system, which I think you are, I tend to sit between 170-190mA and peak out when taking photos and the like, as expected.
Look at fewer wifi pings also
Its interesting to play around with the settings, and drop all daemons that arent needed to save as much as possible. I am running on a 1000mA solar panel and tend to use as much as im taking in, so need a way to drop that usage further as the 1st good rainy day(s) will kill my batteries
|
|