Joule Thief

[dasimpson]

Good questions all.  I can only answer some of them.

The last time I filled my big cap it took about 4 hours, give or take.

The mA's available in a cap like that depends.  The 650 F cap has, according to the literature, available 3,000 amps.  Now, it can only do that for a very short time but, it will melt large wires if shorted and it can hurt or kill you.  The thing I like about these and other supercaps is that they only deliver the mA's needed and do not dump everything they have all at once.  So, you can use it like a battery which is what I have been doing with all of my supercaps.

As far as the solar with a diode, I have no idea but, with that much power I would guess it would not take that long.  My EB puts out about 19 mA's give or take generally speaking so, your solar panels have much more power.

Funny thing is, I have never used a diode in my EB charging system.  To be honest,  I didn't know I needed one.  The thing that saves me is that my EB, with the large spikes, must have more input flowing to the cap than the other way around.  The DMM shows my EB as putting out about 1.9-2.0 volts but the spikes will charge it up to the full 2.7.  It must be higher than the 2.7 volts or I would need the diode to keep it from reversing.

I hope this helps.

Bill       PS  I just got a line on a boost cap of 1,600 F for like $50 US.  If I can find the money, I want one.

Bill

wouldent mind one my self these would be ideal for my solar lighting

[Pirate88179]

I was alerted to this by another member and it appears to be a heck of a deal:

http://cgi.ebay.com/HIGH-POWER-Ultracapacitor-Solar-Panel-LED-Science-Kit-/370408534397?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item563e11b17d

You get a 1,500 F boost cap AND solar panels AND leds.  (for $54.99 US) As soon as I can afford it, I will get a kit.

Bill

[IotaYodi]

Heres a 3000F.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370416238952&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Data Sheet.
http://maxwell.interconnectnet.com/ultracapacitors/datasheets/DATASHEET_K2_SERIES_1015370.pdf

[Pirate88179]

Heres a 3000F.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370416238952&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Data Sheet.
http://maxwell.interconnectnet.com/ultracapacitors/datasheets/DATASHEET_K2_SERIES_1015370.pdf

Holly Crap!

That is about what I paid a while back for my 650 F.  Hooked to a decent JT circuit, this thing could light leds for who knows how long?  OK, I am adding this to my wish list also.

Thanks for posting this.

Bill

[jeanna]

just a update to my old stuff..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dplIIhCbMcE

just thought i might give a update before i move to a different design or device..

robbie

Thanks robbie.
Somehow I missed the circuit. I saw the video just before but not the one with the circuit. You are right... I am very surprised at how this wires up.
I am super busy these days but this looks simple enough for a quick try.

I really like what you did.

Thank you so much for the update.

jeanna.