This is a really cool project. First
of all you will need to have a 12 volt dc or higher system,
such as a Solar Panel setup with a 12 volt battery. You will also
need at least one VersaPak Cordless Tool with charger from Black
& Decker. It must be the kind that has a charger cradle with
the power pack (transformer) wired separate from the charger. I've
noticed that a lot of the new VersaPak Tools come with a new style
charger that just plugs into the wall, we want the old style that
has a cord. Like in the picture .
Note: It must say VersaPak on the
tool, Black & Decker also makes another line of cordless tools,
we don't want those!
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 Now
you need to go to Radio Shack and get an 7808 voltage
regulator. They sell an assorted pack, so you will need
to shake the package around and make sure there is one
in it. Each run has different types, so make sure you
see the 7808. If you don't see one, then you will need
to get their 1 Amp Adjustable Voltage
Regulator and a few components to make it work
(the instructions are on the package) . You can order
these chips from other suppliers, they cost less than
a dollar.
Note: Keep the package the chip
came in, specs are on the back!
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Now get your VersaPak Charger and splice
the wires, then strip some insulation off both wires on the cord.
You need to find out which wire is Positive
and which wire is Negative, mark both
wires with a piece of tape. Cut the transformer off the cord and
leave some cord to work with.
The transformer puts out 7.6 volts dc.
Our 7808 regulator puts out 8 volts dc, we want it to be a little
higher than the battery voltage so that we get a full charge. Now
look at the back of the package that the 7808 came in for wiring
instructions. Take the cord from the VersaPak charger and solder
it to the 7808 with the negative wire to ground. Solder the positive
wire to the 7808 output. From the car battery, take a negative wire
and solder it to the ground on the 7808 (you will already
have one lead from the VersaPak cord soldered to the same spot).
Take a positive wire from the car battery and solder it to the input
lead of the 7808. You can put up to 36 volts dc into the 7808 and
it will always put out 8 volts dc. Look at the diagram below, it
is easier then it sounds!
You are done!
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you will find a link with all the Solar Powered Handtools
you can use! |
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