[Elecraft] KD5NDB solar charger

[Tom Hammond NØSS]

Don Brown, KD5NDB, wrote:

>The kit includes: FR-4 type fiberglass circuit board with solder mask and 
>silkscreen similar to Elecraft boards (1.8"x2.9"). All parts that mount to 
>the board including all resistors and capacitors diodes, a 65 amp power 
>FET, 8 amp shottkey blocking diode, red LED, heat sink and mounting 
>hardware for FET and a 4 pin terminal block for connections to the battery 
>and panel.  Assembly instructions and schematic drawings. Application 
>notes and possible modifications for more current or using with an 
>external power supply rather than a solar panel to charge the battery.

For what little it may be worth, I' have one of Don's Solar Charger kits 
and, although as yet un-built, the quality of the PC board, and parts 
appears to be great.

I also have one of Don's noise generator/source kits. The PC board is well 
laid-out and should be very easy to assemble. This should be a big benefit 
to those using Spectrogram for filter alignment, or those wanting to do 
some RX signal-path signal tracing. I'm glad someone picked up the basic 
design and will continue to offer it to Elecraft builders (and others).

I might suggest that, instead of adding a "power-applied" LED, you might 
just want to consider using a MOMENTARY pushbutton switch to activate to 
noise source. This helps to ensure that you don't leave it running and may 
lessen the chances of accidental activation as well.

73,

Tom  N0SS