Using PowerControl board with

Ed K
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Using PowerControl board with Apr 5, 2018 14:04:13 GMT -8

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Post by Ed K on Apr 5, 2018 14:04:13 GMT -8

Hello!

I'm designing a unit similar to yours, based on the PRi Zero, but utilized another charging control unit (https://www.adafruit.com/product/390). I was curious as to whether the PowerControl board is compatible with other hardware (such as I'm using), or does it require the use of your SunAir or SunAirPlus
Solar Power Controllers?

I wanted to inquire with your team before I beat myself up trying to make another board work. Thank you for any information you can provide.

I'm fairly new to the hardware world, so if I have neglected to provide any required information, please let me know. Thank you.

Hardware used in my setup:
www.adafruit.com/product/390
www.adafruit.com/product/2030
www.adafruit.com/product/200
www.adafruit.com/product/353

Thank you again.

SDL Global Moderator Posts: 5,655 Raspberry Pi: Yes Other Device: PC, arduino, beagleBone	Using PowerControl board with Apr 9, 2018 11:01:30 GMT -8 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by SDL on Apr 9, 2018 11:01:30 GMT -8 It should work fine, but remember you have connect LIPOBATIN to the battery voltage on your charger. IF you are planning to use the hysteresis turn off that is. BP

specialedd97
New Member

Posts: 4

Using PowerControl board with Apr 10, 2018 7:31:02 GMT -8

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Post by specialedd97 on Apr 10, 2018 7:31:02 GMT -8

Thank you. I was actually able to review all of the information already on the web and deduct how to wire the boards together. After successfully charging the battery to the required voltage, the powerboard stepped in and turned the RPi Z on.

The project is an environmental monitoring unit (weather station).

Project Pictures:
Project Before adding the Power Control board
Top View of entire unit unboxed
Voltage Stepup Board & Power Controler Board
View of the Solar Charging Board

The key was jumping the "LIPOBATIN" pin on the Power Controller to the "B+" (Battery charge) output on the Solar Charging board (I soldered a pin into the opening to make the connection easier). This allowed the Power Controller access to the charge state of the LiPo battery without splicing into the battery leads.

I'm going to now work on adding connections to the GPIO on the RPi Z to initiate shutdown cleanly. Also, more testing!

Last Edit: Apr 10, 2018 7:41:48 GMT -8 by specialedd97

SDL
Global Moderator

Posts: 5,655
Raspberry Pi: Yes
Other Device: PC, arduino, beagleBone

Using PowerControl board with Apr 10, 2018 9:59:09 GMT -8 specialedd97 likes this

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Post by SDL on Apr 10, 2018 9:59:09 GMT -8

Outstanding!

Thank you for the pictures!

By the way, all of the boards you are using are integrated into the SunControl board. Plus a WatchDog timer.

shop.switchdoc.com/products/suncontrol-advanced-solar-controller-charger-sun-tracker-data-gathering-grove-header

BP

specialedd97
New Member

Posts: 4

Using PowerControl board with Apr 11, 2018 9:39:48 GMT -8 SDL likes this

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Post by specialedd97 on Apr 11, 2018 9:39:48 GMT -8

I appreciate the encouragement. I'm new to the hardware world, and am really enjoying the journey. I priced out the difference between building my rig piecemeal, and your SunControl board, and it actually comes out to be less expensive to purchase your board. SO, I bought one today. I'll keep updating this post as the project progresses.

Thank you, again.

Post by Ed K on Apr 5, 2018 14:04:13 GMT -8

Post by SDL on Apr 9, 2018 11:01:30 GMT -8

Post by specialedd97 on Apr 10, 2018 7:31:02 GMT -8

Post by SDL on Apr 10, 2018 9:59:09 GMT -8

Post by specialedd97 on Apr 11, 2018 9:39:48 GMT -8

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