Instructions
Table Of Contents
- Introduction
- Parts
- Using Alligator Clips
- Solar Board Reference
- Project 1 – Sun Finder
- Project 2 – Garden Light
- Project 3 – Self Charging Cooling Fan
- The BBC micro:bit
- Getting Code to Run on the micro:bit
- Project 4 – Adding an Energy Meter
- Project 5 – Energy Logger
- Connecting Up
- Code for the Energy Logger (MakeCode)
- How it works
- Connecting to Your PC
- Pairing Your micro:bit With MakeCode
- Showing the Device Console Graph
- Capturing Data From a Charge and Discharge Cycle
- Downloading Data
- Getting Data into a Spreadsheet Program
- Analysing the Data
- Graphing the Data
- Results
- Understanding the Data
- Understanding Duty Cycle
- How the Solar Store Works
- Project 6 – Intelligent Cooling Fan
- Troubleshooting
- About the Author
- Learning
- Monk Makes Kits
Experiments
1. Time how long it takes to charge, and record the pattern you see on the display
when it is fully charged. (hint, it will charge faster in bright sunlight).
2. Disconnect the Solar Panel and press button B to make the fan spin. Time how
long it takes to discharge (i.e. until the fan stops spinning). Record the pattern you
see on the display when the fan finally stops.
3. See if it is possible to charge up to full charge while the fan is spinning (hint, try
really bright sunlight for this). How long does it take to charge while the fan is also
running?
Note: The bargraph will work better if you run the micro:bit from fresh batteries or
from the USB lead connected to your computer. Batteries that are running low will
cause inaccurate readings.
Results
Time to charge (fan off):
Pattern seen for full charge:
Time to discharge (no panel attached):
Pattern seen for fully discharged:
Time to charge (fan running):
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