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Diode help and general question

Ddiamonds

Apr 10, 2022
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Apr 10, 2022
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Putting together a solar charger for usb charging. Panel puts out 4.7v so was wondering what im guessing diode i would need to put in line before the usb female plug. Also if thats gonna effect my voltage much. Thanks
 

Alec_t

Jul 7, 2015
3,587
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Jul 7, 2015
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Any diode will drop voltage, so you will have only 4.0V (for a normal silicon diode) or 4.4V (for a Schottky diode) after the diode.
USB is rated at 5V.
An 18650 lithium cell needs 4.2V for full charge.
Welcome to EP!
 

cjdelphi

Oct 26, 2011
1,166
Joined
Oct 26, 2011
Messages
1,166
Putting together a solar charger for usb charging. Panel puts out 4.7v so was wondering what im guessing diode i would need to put in line before the usb female plug. Also if thats gonna effect my voltage much. Thanks

with a diode you might not reach full charge and only charge 95% or something which as far as I'm concerned can't be too bad for the cell, they say not to leave them charged over night but I think that's bs as I leave all my cells fully charged and the cell is just fine
 
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