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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! |
| Below you will find a link with all the Solar Powered Handtools
you can use! |
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