31-08-2017, 22:03
Hi.
It shouldn't be difficult to achieve IP65; just encapsulate the whole circuit in a "potting compound" or a surface treatment . The batteries are often a soldered, wire-ended cell, so the only exposed component need be the switch. That could be a magnetic reed switch, but probably not at a reasonable price point. However, encapsulation is no use if you want to "recycle" any of the components, or the enclosure. Interestingly the "10 packs" of lamps on the same site, look very similar but are specified as Amorphous silicon panels and with a much lower IP rating.
The "crystalline" PV panels appear to be about 10 cm2, but that should deliver around 150 mW. However, the crystaline PVs in the garden lights that I've seen have used just "slivers" (offcuts?) with a much smaller overall active area. Also, don't expect too much from the batteries, they are often just "button" cells (which is generally sufficient for one day).
However, I did find two with a "real" AAA and AA NiMH cell in a "battery holder", so I could easily measure them in my charger/tester. The AAA was marked 300 mAh (only about 1/3 of what's possible in that physical size) but actually measured 36 mA (yes ~12%), the AA was marked 600 mAh (about 1/4 of what's possible) and actually measured ~50 mAh (yes < 10%). Some Chinese specifications are no more than "think of a number".
Cheers, Alan.
It shouldn't be difficult to achieve IP65; just encapsulate the whole circuit in a "potting compound" or a surface treatment . The batteries are often a soldered, wire-ended cell, so the only exposed component need be the switch. That could be a magnetic reed switch, but probably not at a reasonable price point. However, encapsulation is no use if you want to "recycle" any of the components, or the enclosure. Interestingly the "10 packs" of lamps on the same site, look very similar but are specified as Amorphous silicon panels and with a much lower IP rating.
The "crystalline" PV panels appear to be about 10 cm2, but that should deliver around 150 mW. However, the crystaline PVs in the garden lights that I've seen have used just "slivers" (offcuts?) with a much smaller overall active area. Also, don't expect too much from the batteries, they are often just "button" cells (which is generally sufficient for one day).
However, I did find two with a "real" AAA and AA NiMH cell in a "battery holder", so I could easily measure them in my charger/tester. The AAA was marked 300 mAh (only about 1/3 of what's possible in that physical size) but actually measured 36 mA (yes ~12%), the AA was marked 600 mAh (about 1/4 of what's possible) and actually measured ~50 mAh (yes < 10%). Some Chinese specifications are no more than "think of a number".
Cheers, Alan.