Arduino Pro Mini 3.3v - solar power - How?

[xefil]

Hello to all!

I've read a lot of artcles about how to recharge a Lipo Battery and power up an Arduino Pro Mini 3.3v but I'm really confused now...
So, could someone give me some hints? I knwo there are boards they do a lot of the charging stuff, but I would like to spend less as possible and try to create something by myself
AFAI've understood, let me explain what I should need:

1 solar panel. Which one shuld be the best? If I use a solar panel over 6V output, should I use a DC-DC converter like this?
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-shipping-LM2596-Power-Module-DC-DC-Buck-Converter-Step-Down-Module-LM2596-High-Quality-Wholesale/32363769998.html
Also better higher voltage and a Step down converter or a 6V solar panel without Step down converter?

1 battery charging module. Which is better?
BOARD1
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/5PCS-Micro-USB-5V-1A-18650-Lithium-Battery-Charger-Board-With-Protection-Module/32216806621.html
OR BOARD2
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/5pcs-lot-TP40561A-Lithium-Battery-Charging-Board-Battery-Charger-Charging-Module-Free-Shipping-Dropshipping/1084643386.html
I've only seen the first has a battery charging protector and it has another to pins: OUT+ and OUT-. Which should I choose and why?

1 Lipo battery
Should I take a little 1000mA Lipo battery like this:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Syma-X5SW-X5SC-Spare-Part-3-7V-1000Mah-25C-Va32-Upgraded-Lipo-Battery/32442170507.html
OR is better a 18650 batter with, i.e. 3000mA like this?
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/18650-battery-Ultrafire-bateria-3-7V-3000mAh-Li-ion-Rechargeable-Battery-Flashlight-batteries/32276505592.html

Then, If I use a 1000mA Lipo and the BOARD2 I should need change the resistance from default to 3K to give an output of 400mA to avoid damages to the 1000mA battery. Is it the same on the BOARD1? Have not find the resistence.

And, where to connect then the Arduino Pro Mini? On the BOARD1 there are the OUT pins. What about BOARD2?

And, again, if I use a Pro Mini 3.3V, could I attach it directly to the VIN power? Seems yes, the ATMEGA works from 1.8V up to 5, but to be sure.

So, I've a lot of confusion, please, help

Thanks a lot!!!

Simon

[carlierd]

Hello,

I will do a weather station in a few weeks based on this post. Looks simple ! But not tested myself for the moment.

David.

[xefil]

Thanks @carlierd ,

That post is really interesting. Like him, my knowledges are very poor and I'm following suggestions to lean and apply on my own setups
Apart of this, I've seen he is using the BOARD1 (Micro USB 5V 1A 18650 Lithium Battery Charger Board With Protection Module), but still having the above doubts on which components to choose (and why), and how to wire it

Any help is really appreciated, as always

Thanks,

Simon

[carlierd]

I only bookmarked the thread and not started to analyse it !

I plan to finish inside node during christmas holidays so I will try the weather station node in January.
For the moment I need to finish my gateway.

David.

[xefil]

Sorry guys if I "bump" again my thread.
I would be happy if someone could me at least suggest which solar panel should I search in terms of voltage and mA output and which batteries should be the best.

Thanks again and merry xmas

[Heinz]

About the battery:
A low power arduino runs several months with a 1000mA battery. As the sun hopefully rises every morning to charge the battery, you could use the cheapest one you can get.

[csa02221862]

I am very interested in this as well. I would like to charge an 18650 or 18350 to power remote sensors. Having the radio sleep untill needed would be a nice touch to conserve the battery as well.

[epierre]

hello,

the best for me are the 1W solar panel with either lipo or 18650. the best board is the ceech that does all in oneand has very low consumption, no led

search the boards for posts on this, I will do a recap of the different methods to have self powered nodes for there are some issues as I have now with some lipo.

[xefil]

Where can I find this board?
BTW cannot do I the same with the above components?
Now I'm ok with the battery at least. A 1000mA should be enough
And, 1W solar panel at 6V?

[epierre]

@xefil said:

Where can I find this board?
BTW cannot do I the same with the above components?
Now I'm ok with the battery at least. A 1000mA should be enough
And, 1W solar panel at 6V?

the ceech board used to be proposed in the hardware section here... shoule ask @hek where he has moved the link ?

[MikeF]

Have a look here.

[xefil]

Thank you! I'll look on there.

Simon

[bisschopsr]

This post is deleted!