How to make a solar powered e-reader of your own

E-readers are easy to read and use, the only annoying obstruction is that it needs to get charged again and again. You can get rid of this problem by a hack. Use solar panels to your e-reader. You just need to make space in the rear panel of the e-reader and then, you have to wire them into the battery. This design needs very small transplants and its procedure is also too easy to adapt. The following are some steps to make a solar powered e-reader of your own.

Solar charging e-reader

Complexity level: Moderately challenging. You may need expertise in few technical areas.

Time required: It depends on the expertise and experience so differs person to person.

Resources required:

1. First gen Kobo

2. Solar panels with appropriate size, voltage and power

3. Shot-key diode or MAX1551 or MAX1555 Li-Ion IC

4. SOT23 and DIP breakout plank.

5. Soldering iron and solder with two armed tape

6. Wires

7. A ceramic capacitor

8. Multi-meter

9. Blade or knife

Steps:

1. Isolate the e-reader and attach PCB with screen: Use blade or knife to open the casing. Deal vigilantly and work until you get success in taking the e-reader apart. Pry the blade or knife in between the halves of casing. Isolate the battery from the main board and eradicate the screws for elevating the PCB with rear panel attached screen. Do not mislay the plastic behind the main board.

2. Draw the outline and Engrave a hole: Draw an outline at the place of panel and engrave a hole with the help of dremel. Keep the corners straight and safe.

3. Set the solar panels mutually: Get the two panels parallel and let them wired with ‘+’ and ‘-’ marks of the respective ‘+’ and ‘-’pads.

4. Attach the panels: Join the panel and metal shield. Use strong padded double-sided tape. Arrange the solder pads in an appropriate way while connecting them. Make it sure that it should ends up at the peak. Slash the spacer that the kobo has. Glue the cut piece to the suitable place.

5. Solder the MAX1551 or MAX1555: It is a bit tricky and tough task to solder them because they are very small to wire. There is a need of a breakout board. Situate the solder on the pads and simultaneously IC on the board with clamp or tweezers. To flow the solder in between the legs and board, pressurize the IC and heat up the legs. Reckon the amount of resistance and check the connections. Make it easy to attach wires by filling the holes with solder.

6. Solder the wires: Prefer ceramic capacitor. Solder wires to the terminals of panels and battery. Reassure the precautions and apply the tape back and beneath IC to avoid short out against the shielding. Wire GND with negative terminals of batteries; USB with positive terminals of solar battery and BAT with another positive terminal of battery. Use tapes to fix the board.

7. Place the e-reader: Use the plastic piece to cover the wires, IC and shielding. Solder the board and screw the screws. Check the level of battery.

Frequently asked question:

Que. What if we use Shot-key diode instead of MAX1551 or MAX1555 Li-Ion IC?

Ans: Shot-key diode facilitates lower voltage drop and aid to prevent the battery from getting discharged. You can easily purchase it from an electronic shop.

You can substitute it from MAX1551 or MAX1555 Li-Ion IC to charge the cell. It works wonder as it helps you to operate without any diodes or FETs. Not only this, it allows more than 7 voltage input that makes it easier to execute. This system is essential from the safety and security point of view and provides safer charging circuit.

Quick tips:

1. Due to the small size of MAX1551 or MAX1555, it is tough to join the wires or pieces of metals directly. For preventing your project from this obstruction, use a SOT23 to DIP breakout plank.

2. Instead of using MAX1551 or MAX1555 Li-Ion IC, prefer shot-key diode.

Things to watch out for:

1. Be cautious while using blade or knife.

2. Reassure and recheck the circuit two or three times and surmount vigilantly.