Build Plan

Solar Charger Project: Build Planner

Following this build planner will decrease the probability of frying components in the circuit board, thus increasing chances of a successful, working project.

Prep-Stage |

• Prepare outline for report
• Should include procedure for testing
• Documentation of test results
• Include dates
• Include pictures, screenshots of simulations
• Prepare toaster oven for soldering
• Test with a board with a few extra resistors or something to make sure that it will get hot enough and doesn’t get too hot.

Board Construction |

• Document parts to verify you have everything you need
• Examine PCB board for visible shorts - compare to Kicad schematic and pcb design
• Examine Solder paste stencil for cut errors
• Place SMD components
• Place in toaster oven and watch the magic happen! I found that setting the toaster oven at about 415 F and leaving the board in there for about 4 minutes (this includes the cold start as the oven heats up). I used a $20 toaster oven from Walmart, so pretty much any oven will do. Just try to keep this one separate from the one you use for food just in case some of the components contain lead in them.
• Solder on remaining through hole components and correct SMD components that did not set properly in the toaster oven.
• Examine all solder joints for good connection (use magnifying glass) and check for mis-connections with continuity setting on the multi-meter.
• Attach remaining connectors and cables that will eventually connect to the battery and solar panel (DO NOT CONNECT YET)

This concludes the build plan. Before plugging in your solar panel and battery, however, I recommend following the instructions provided in the Test Procedure Page as these were tests that helped me isolate the issue or would have been nice to perform as away to avoid frying components on my board.