Images Scientific Instruments 1381 Solar Engine Kit Instructions

: September 21, 2024
: Images Scientific Instruments

Table of Contents

Images Scientific Instruments 1381 Solar Engine Kit
Product Information
How it Works
Construction
Uses
Parts List
How to Solder
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

Images Scientific Instruments 1381 Solar Engine Kit

Product Information

Specifications

Manufacturer: Images SI Inc.
Address: 109 Woods of Arden Road Staten Island, NY 10312
Contact: 718-966-3694
Fax: 718-966-3695
Website: www.imagesco.com
Product: 1381 Solar Engine Kit
Main Components:
- Solar cell
- Main capacitor
- 1381 voltage detector

Construction
Solder the solar cells with the positive leads connected to the corresponding leads on the pc board. Connect the high-efficiency electric motor to the motor leads on the pc board using wire.

Testing
To test the solar engine, place an object on the motor shaft. Position the solar cells under a light source. The motor should activate, spinning momentarily depending on light intensity.

Usage
The circuit can be used in various ways such as powering a solar racer, flashing LED lights, or intermittently pumping water from a solar distiller.

FAQ

Q: How long does it take for the motor to activate under normal light conditions?
A: The motor should activate in about a minute, but this may vary depending on the intensity of the light source.
Q: Can this kit be used for other applications besides those mentioned in the manual?
A: Yes, the circuit can be adapted for various innovative applications beyond the examples provided.

The main components are a solar cell, a main capacitor, and a 1381 voltage detector that operates as a trigger. The solar cell charges the capacitor until a predetermined voltage is reached, where the trigger circuit dumps the stored electrical power from the main capacitor through the main load (usually a high-efficiency motor). The cycle then repeats.

How it Works

Figure 1 is the schematic for the solar engine. Here’s how it works. The solar cell charges the main 4700 uF capacitor. As the capacitor charges, the voltage level of the circuit increases. When the circuit voltage has risen to about 2 volts from the main capacitor, the trigger pulse generated by the 1381 turns on Q1. When Q1 turns on, this turns on Q2 the 2N2050 SCR. The SCR opens and allows current to flow through the DC motor. The DC motor spins momentarily until all the stored power in the main capacitor is dumped through the 2N2050 and the high-efficiency (HE) motor. The cycle repeats.

Construction

Start by placing and soldering the four 1000 uF capacitors onto the top (silkscreen) side of the pc board. Match the positive lead of the capacitor (usually the longer lead) to the positive hole on the pc board. Next mount and solder the semi-conductors onto the board. Start with Q1, the 1381 Voltage Detector. Orientate the 1381 case to match the silkscreen outline on the pc board. Next mount and solder Q2 (2N3904) and Q3 (2N2050) to the pc board, orientating the transistor cases to the silk screen outline.

Next solder the solar cells so the positive (+) leads of the solar cells are soldered to the (+) solar cell lead on the pc board. The negative (-) lead to the (-) lead on the pc board.

The high-efficiency electric motor is connected with a few inches of wire to the motor leads on the pc board.

Testing
To test the solar engine place something on the shaft of the HE motor. The purpose of this is to see the rotation of the shaft when the motor becomes active. Place the solar cells under a light source. The motor should activate, by spinning momentarily, in about a minute, depending upon the intensity of the light.

Uses

The circuit may be used in many novel and innovative ways. It may be used as an onboard power plant for a solar racer, supplying power to the car motor, flashing LEDs, pumping fresh water intermittently from a solar distiller, etc.

Parts List

Printed Circuit Board 1x
Solar Panel 1x
HE Motor 1x
1000 uF Capacitor 4x
2N3904 Transistor 1x
2N2050 SCR 1x
1381 Voltage Detector 1x

How to Solder

This page provides the basic steps for soldering electronic components onto a PC board.

Soldering Iron, small sponge, electronic rosin core solder, side cutters, and needle nose pliers.

Step 1:
Turn on the soldering iron. Moisten a small sponge with water. When the soldering iron is hot, tin the soldering iron tip using a small amount of rosin core solder. Melt the solder onto the tip until the tip is completely covered with solder. Excess solder on the tip may be removed by wiping the tip across the wet sponge. Keep the tip clean by wiping the iron across the wet sponge periodically.
Step 2:
Bend the component leads to fit inside the PC board holes.
Step 3:
Insert the component into the pc board, taking care to orientate the component as described in the directions. Bend the leads slightly to hold the part in position.
Step 4:
Tin soldering iron tip if necessary. Heat the joint by positioning the soldering iron tip against the component lead and the pc board lead.
Step 5:
After a few moments of heating, apply the solder to the joint. The solder should flow easily around the joint. After the solder flows, remove the solder, while keeping the soldering iron tip in contact. Then remove the soldering iron tip.
Step 6:
Trim the excess component lead from the bottom of the pc board using the side cutters.
Step 7: Inspect the solder connection
A good solder connection joints the component lead and pad together and has a bright finish. If the connection is a glob of solder that looks like a ball, or bridges other solder connections.. Reflow the connection by remelting the connection using the soldering iron. Do not apply any more solder.