JLCPCB Prototype for $2(Any Color): https://jlcpcb.com
Soldering in the final component - a P6KE33CA. Smothering the PWM5 solar charge controller in UV glue. Attaching the various connectors and taking the finished unit outside to charge one of the 12V Trojan batteries on my powerwall.

By Julian

Youtuber, shed dweller, solar charge controller aficionado

15 thoughts on “38 minutes of watching glue set – pwm5 fanatics only”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Sharly Dales says:

    That’s brilliant

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Manos Tzanetis says:

    I have tried semi permanent nail polish that cures also with uv. It worked well but I have not tried leaving it in weather. Go to poundland and find some cheap ones to try out

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars DAVID GREGORY KERR says:

    I would have thought that encasing it in a molding of Epoxy resin and and associated hardner should do the trick.

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jens Jensen says:

    “…oh bubbles ;)”. Sounding more like bigclive

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kkathul Gangadharan says:

    Can i get a board?

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars greaser5691 says:

    If I'm reading the crimps correctly the original selection from the left of the box was sc16-8 which is for 16mm^2 (cross sectional area) cable with an 8mm bolt hole. the one used was 6-8 which is probably for 6mm^2 cable (8mm bolt hole). Looking at the crimp tool markings, it is meant for uninsulated crimps for 0.75, 1.5, 2.5, 4, 6 & 10mm^2 CSA wire. Selecting the crimp terminal to suit the wire is the recipe for success (caveat: when the wrong one is all you have on hand I guess you have to go with what you've got 🙂 ).

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Twotone says:

    As an obvious probably sarcastic comment, the clue on the crimp lugs is 6 – 8. So 6mm cable and a 6mm crimp tool.

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Twotone says:

    Yeah, amazing how the glue bonded to the mat, who'd have thought?

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars captainboing says:

    Hey Jules… grab yourself a nail bar UV light. Has a timer and you can just pop your UV glued bits under it for a far more thorough exposure. I find that glue can't tolerate any shadow/missed bits for obvious reasons and I never was really pleased with just a torch or laser. That said, this seems a bit of a faf… I would pot these for peace of mind. You can even 3D print (+DCM rinse) your potting boxes for a precise fit. I use UV epoxy for sealing wire holes etc. to stop the potting compound leaking out (it finds every gap)

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Shadey says:

    I'm glad I'm not the only one that uses Inertia method of removing components.

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Florence Gomer says:

    How well does the glue conduct heat? If not very well, the components will be running hotter than normal.

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jonathan Wells says:

    It would be interesting to see if potting one of the PWM boards in 2-part epoxy from from pound shop would make it fair better or worse in the weather.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jack of all trades says:

    Hi julian is the cable you use tri rated at 11 amp 0.5

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars JAMES T. says:

    Any plans of a higher amperage controller in the future? Maybe 50a mppt? I thought about just using a large buck converter, and a cheap on/off controller, no mppt, but it can use higher voltage panels! Not the best idea I know,

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars JAMES T. says:

    Some kapton tape on the mosfet should be plenty of insulation? Or a couple layers?

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