I'm working on the idea of a self-contained transmitter package that one could locate almost anywhere. The idea is to have a Rangemaster, STL receiver and solar power to make the setup entirely self-contained. I am not sure how to build the solar power supply. I have to contend with Western Washington sunlight levels which means a lot of cloudy days!
I'm working on the idea of a self-contained transmitter package that one could locate almost anywhere. The idea is to have a Rangemaster, STL receiver and solar power to make the setup entirely self-contained. I am not sure how to build the solar power supply. I have to contend with Western Washington sunlight levels which means a lot of cloudy days!
I was talking with Keith Hamilton about this a few days ago. We discussed the requirements of the Rangemaster..
Seems the basic voltage requirements need to stay at or above 12 V.D.C. to keep things stable. That explains the 18 volt supply that can be purchased with it. Knowing this, I would design with a 24 volt power supply. The onboard regulator is a 7812 so it will work with any voltage between 12-36 volts. The (Amps) current demand of the Rangemaster is around 70 ma.(.070) That's only 1.68 amp hours in a 24 hr. period. That's a piece of cake! I'm in need of some figures on an STL and their power requirements at the rcvr end. Could someone chime in that has used one or has one? I don't see it using much more, if any, than the Rangemaster itself being it's just a rcvr. Might need to add an audio amp of some sort in the mix for the input requirements of the xmtr. (600 ohm) If I read it correctly, most of the outputs of STL's are at line level..
I'll go look and see what I can find. For those using STL's, Which one is popular? Got any specs?
I agree the cloudy conditions will hurt but the power requirements will be low. It might not hurt as bad as you think..