Joule Thief

[Pirate88179]

Robbie:

Thank you very much!  This is good to know.  I thought this was going to be easy, just stick a JT in there and light it very bright.  Your advice, and the others, now gives me a direction to go.  I will post the results when completed.

Bill

***EDIT***  This just proves once again that, the more I learn and the more I THINK I know, the more there is to learn.

[kooler]

captain bill
if you want me too i will take a pic of a old solar light.. that has all the componets above a one layer board
i got a (AAA battery ) solar light thats has one led in it.. and the componets are two inductors and one transistor one resistor , a cap and one led then a cds cell.. and one diode from the solar cell.. it runs from 8-10 hours at night all depends on the good sun light it get during the day

robbie

[Pirate88179]

Robbie:

Yes, I would like to see that pic.  I just find it hard to believe (although I do) that any important components could be hidden under this "blob".  It is about 1/4" in dia. and maybe .060" in height.  I have not yet checked for the double board as you have mentioned, but I will hold it up to the light as you suggested.

As I said from the outset, the Chinese are pretty good at making cheap devices and, if that blob was not required, it would not be there.

The solar cell on these lights seems to be a good one.  Heck, the rechargeable battery alone is almost worth the cost of the light.  Then, there is that cool reflector/diffuser.  So, when I get done, this light will be bright and still work on a single AA battery.  That led is so tiny, I have not seen one that small before.  I have already modified the housing to accept a 10mm super bright led.

Thanks for your help Robbie, I really appreciate it.

Bill

[kooler]

captian bill
here is a photo of the upside if you need a schematic i can draw one up tomorrow..
let me know

[Cap-Z-ro]

Captain Bill, congrats on the promotion...hope there wasn't any 'plank walking' involved in the process.

That 'blob' may be shielding a tiny cap.

Regards...