Solar charger controller - output voltage at 5.1V

Technical Support
1

Hello,
I’v read the docs on solar panel charging; and note that the RShake needs 5.1V to boot.

The MPPT L60 charge controller used in your example has USB output ports, but they’re rated at 5V. I’ve tried using another unit, but again only 5V output, and indeed the RShake won’t boot e.g.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Controller-ARCELI-Parameter-Adjustable-Regulator/dp/B09YTW77GM/ref=asc_df_B09YTW77GM/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=570361926612&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15231968874710872256&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046619&hvtargid=pla-1664995929795&th=1

Can anyone recommend a charge controller with USB outputs confirmed at 5.1 V and, say, 3A?

Thanks,
Dave

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2

Rather than worry about the USB port on the charge controller, you will probably have better luck running 12v from the output, or the battery it is charging, to one of these, mounted somewhere close to the RShake.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XXWQ49N/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

These work fine. There is a discussion about using these here:

2 Likes
3

Thanks for this, and all the details in the linked post. Will try it, and report back.
All the best,
Dave

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4

All good. Steady 5.1V, booted and running fine.
Thanks again,
Dave

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5

Thank you for the great suggestion Philip!

I’m sure it will be useful to other users in similar situations, so I’ll bookmark this topic as a personal reference.

6

I designed a custom Pi HAT that monitors the (solar-source) battery supply and gracefully shuts down and restarts the Shake’s Raspberry Pi in the event that the batteries get too depleted. This prevents data corruption when the Pi is otherwise running under voltage. FYI, this was created to solve this very problem that was occurring on the Shake I was using which is solar powered. You can message me if you would like to purchase one.