Technology

Technology

Solar Array Project Digital/Electronic Equipment

Solar Array Project

I am using two 10 watt solar panels connected to a 12 volt, 7 amp hour motorcycle battery to recharge all of my equipment. There is an inverter to convert back to AC power for charging my computer and digital camera. (Note: Always leave things as DC wherever possible since it is much more efficient). There is also a cigarette plug to recharge my cell phone. Everthing else runs off of AA and AAA batteries. I have Ni-Cad rechargeable batteries and a charger that can charge four batteries in 7 to 8 hours. I am carrying some extra batteries to keep the rotation fluid.

This project was made possible with equipment and funding from Real Goods and Greenstar. Reals Goods carries all the solar and electrical components needed for a project like mine. Special thanks to Doug Livingston (right) at Real Goods for technical expertise and to David Coale (above), electric car guru, for helping me physically put everything together.

Digital/Electronic Equipment

Sony Cybershot digital camera- This camera has a great 5x optical zoom allowing me to take a wide variety of shots. It did take awhile to for me to get used to using a camera without a traditional viewfinder (it only has an LCD display) but it works well. I have a large 64 MB Memory Stick so that I do not have to download the photos to my computer very often. This is a 2.1 mega-pixel camera. I am taking JPEG format photos at a 1600 x 1200 resolution and then editing them in Adobe Photo Deluxe.

Sony Viao Slimbook computer- This is a very small computer that allows me to make this project happen without destroying my legs. With a three and a half hour battery it weighs just over three pounds. However, I do have to carry external drives- CD, floppy, and zip. I edit photos, lay out webpages, check and send email, create contact lists, write , etc.

Garmin Etrex GPS- This small handheld device is what I am using to check my location everyday. Teachers can use this data to teach geography and coordinates. See Where's Mike for details.

Oregon Scientific NOAA Weather Radio- This small radio allows me to know the most up-to-date weather and forecast. This is especially important if there are severe weather conditions. Thank you to David Coale for lending me his radio.

LG Cell Phone- This digital/analog phone on GTE's America Choice plan gives me access to all networks available in the United States. That means that if coverage is available then I will get it. The phone is mostly for emergency purposes. I will check voicemail once in awhile but the phone will be turned off. It also helps for making last minute reservations, etc.

Mike@Kahncious.Net

Environmental Volunteers
3921 E. Bayshore Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94303
(650) 961-0545, (650) 961-0548 fax
www.EVols.org, info@EVols.org