Huge thanks to the wonderful people who support my channel via Patreon.
https://www.patreon.com/julian256
eBay Links:
10W 5V Portable Solar Power Panel Charger for Samsung IPhone Tablet Pad https://www.ebay.com/itm/142492341438
5PCS N35 Block 2 Hole Fridge Magnet Countersunk Rare Earth Neodymium 30x10x5mm https://www.ebay.com/itm/401377834838
2 x Murata NKE0512SC 1W Isolated DC-DC Converter 5V DC to 12V DC RS232 Converter http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/222650221804

By Julian

Youtuber, shed dweller, solar charge controller aficionado

15 thoughts on “Julian’s postbag: #109 – solar scam, magnets muratas”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Steve Tobias says:

    I purchased a genuine 250 watt solar panel for $110 Australian Dollars. I do have a couple of 20 watt panels that have a combo USB / 12v car adaptor and crocodile clips but my 250 watt panel charges a 300 Ah battery bank from flat in about half a day or less, depending on starting voltage.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars H Max says:

    Why do countries continue to allow China to scam its citizens by allowing these fraudulent and deceptive products into our respective countries is a mystery . You go and make a product in your country and miss label it by altering the performance and what do you get? A fine or jail.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tony Hewett says:

    Lay the batteries in a plastic channel

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Five Five says:

    You can't directly compare sizes of different solar panels, the one hanging on wall is polycrystalline typically 14-18% efficiency, the usb solar panel is Monocrystalline typically 19-22% efficiency, a 15cm solar cell would be around 5W, though yes they might be over rated, but you can check using the numbers above

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Donny Bowers says:

    I ordered one of those 5 v 10 w solar panels off Ebay a couple of years ago. I've used it to charge up some lithium 18650's and it charges them pretty good. I've been curious since I got it whether it was really 10 watts, but I do kind of like the thing. I think I got it for about the same price around the same time in 2017.

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Roy Tellason says:

    That solar panel is rated in "chinese watts"… i wonder if those magnets had any influence on the travels of that parcel through the mail-handling machinery?

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Suharinos says:

    Jeez, is there better videos than this? I mean regular guys knowing nothing of electronics they show things which is totally nonsense. Read the fking Murata app notes and datasheet and use them properly and they MIGHT work okay.
    Your little knowledge of electronics doesnt mean products are crappy if you dont know how to use them.

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Frank Nieto says:

    Hi Julian, I enjoy your videos. I purchased a solar charger that looks exactly like what you have. My unit showed voltage, but no current with my iPhone connected and my meter in between. I removed the board and measured as high as 6.78volts – no load and as high as 2.12Amps – dead short. I was able to get a partial refund because of the faulty board. However, the solar panel is very good.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Party Pillz says:

    How come your videos ain't riddled with adverts

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jas Holden says:

    To convert from Chinese Watts to Euro/US watts, multiply by .4 and be happy.

    For $10-11 each, those solar panels are very useful.

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars fullsleevetats says:

    Did you ever pop off the back of that cheap solar panel and see if there was a voltage regulator or charge controller under the USB bump on the back?

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Yuri Gagarin says:

    You gotta love the old silk road😁👍

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Doug Gale says:

    Most voltage regulators have a minimum load requirement to maintain regulation.

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Doug Gale says:

    UltraFire lithium ion batteries, lol. Maybe not the best name for a potentially flammable product.

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Thiago Almeida says:

    Don't solder that magnet, it will stop working, just put a screw and a bolt to fix the wire.

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