-------------------------------------------------- From: "RussellMc" Sent: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 9:54 AM To: "Microcontroller discussion list - Public." Subject: Re: [TECH]:: Solar powered lightbulb - perhaps >> Other's comments would be of interest. > > Last call for submissions ! :-) > > Tell us what you think. I think it looks reasonably well made and useable, not sure about it achieving the goal of replacing kerosene lamps completely though :-) The panels being set as they are is presumably to eliminate the need to make sure it is pointed at the sun, so people with no understanding of such things may use it easily. I am wondering if it wouldn't have been better to increase panel size and battery capacity to give a bit longer than 2 hours of light though, and how much extra cost this would add. Possibly a current/brightness control to help stretch out battery life if required *may* have been a good idea also, though I get the feeling they are trying to keep it as simple as possible for price/reliability purposes. The amount of illumination looks quite impressive, in a different league from the garden lamps mentioned, although I can't find any actual figures (might be worth an e-mail). Wonder what brand LEDs and panels are in there, and efficiencies of each.. -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist