*BLF LT1 Lantern Project) (updated Nov,17,2020)

I have built many solar chargers and solar power supplies, probably the cheapest i have built, was using three 5-watt ,5 volt panels, added a USB cord with a blocking diode in the circuit, and it can charge the V1 prototype lantern from 50% charge to full in a day or less of light. (All parts were sourced from either E-bay or Amazon, the total cost was around 20 bucks.

I have tested and use many other factory solar chargers that work well too, one of my favorites is the 10-watt Eceen folding panel, which works well with charging any devices fof1.5 watts or less, for more capacity or charging multiple devices at once, (2 or 3 lantern at the same time) i use a 40-watt folding PowerAdd solar charger. ( I have also built several rigid units, both 12 volt & 5 volt.

The new Lantern Logo:

Interested in 2.

I am interested in one please!

DB, why do you want a 5 m USB cable? Losses over that distance might make it impractical.

Yeah.

5m is extreme.

Something like 1,8m would be more practical.

Maybe you need to change your user name to DS*BAR*.

I like to HELP people whenever I get the chance. If you need HELP at your bar I am willing to come over any time!

You know your project is on a roll when someone posts pictures of a “defective” lantern that has a “hole” in the beam and you immediately get several brand new forum members and LT1 additions! lol

I just talked to my neighbors about this and they go camping and have kids in boy scouts. They told me to order two more just for them. NO BRAINER!

This project has taken on a life of it’s own at this point. People get famous for doing less than this.

The lanterns charging circuit can use up to 15V input, so those regular 12V panels can charge it diretly with a USB-C cable

I was more intending on a 12 to 15 feet, not 5 meters. I have a 12 foot one now that i can plug into the V1 when its inside (a tent, camper, house, cabin, RV, etc. and run it outside to the 10 watt solar panel laid on a table or the roof, and it stays charged. for a 12 foot or 15 foot cable, it will need to be a heavier gauge wire. ( #22 or 24, liek the 12 foot one i bought at a local store that works fine.

Sing me up for 3 more, 4 in total

So in for 2 more?

Never mind….I put you in for another 2,

Yes! Sorry. Didn’t make that clear. 2 more. 3 total.

No. I wasn’t suggesting that an options with batteries was not needed.

I just didn’t want to have to get batteries in order to get accessories. (What I saw in the original post was the accessories and batteries were bundled. But perhaps I was reading too much into it.)

Triple down.

Meaning, I’m on the list at 978, please add me for TWO more (total of three).

I have two brothers. I should maybe add another, because I also have a father who might be interested, but let’s start with a total of three (from one).

You’re all doing great work.

I would also like to enter for 2 more.

As well as blammergeier I am already on the list for 1.

so in total: 3 for me please

Agreed :beer:

I like it :smiley:

Agreed, thank you very much :beer:

Hi, please put me on the list for one.
Thank you.

@DBSAR, 12-15ft is 4-5m, which is still extremely long, and you will be getting high power losses.

A max of 2-3m, or a max of 9ft, would be the best bet.

Please put me on the list for one.
Thank You.