- Joined
- Aug 14, 2013
- Messages
- 2,655
- Points
- 63
I would plan on a 50A margin. The output ratio on those diodes is slightly under 1W/A, and it could take
up to 46A to get the full rated output. You will need a BIG heatsink to get a decent runtime.
On the battery end, there is no such thing as a 5V battery. You will need either a 6V lead acid or a couple
modified drill packs with some arrangement of series/parallel cells. I would lean towards NiCd, as they are
safer than lithium. A typical NiCd cell can source 2A, so you will have to parallel 25 cells and have 4-5
parallel banks in series to get 4.8-6V.
Lead acid would be the easiest way to go, really. They are readily available and you could get away with
using only one. You could go with SLA to get operation in any position, but they are real pants both in
terms of current capabilities and service life. If this were my baby I would go with a small golf cart battery.
You would have to keep it upright, but it would last for years as long as it is properly taken care of.
up to 46A to get the full rated output. You will need a BIG heatsink to get a decent runtime.
On the battery end, there is no such thing as a 5V battery. You will need either a 6V lead acid or a couple
modified drill packs with some arrangement of series/parallel cells. I would lean towards NiCd, as they are
safer than lithium. A typical NiCd cell can source 2A, so you will have to parallel 25 cells and have 4-5
parallel banks in series to get 4.8-6V.
Lead acid would be the easiest way to go, really. They are readily available and you could get away with
using only one. You could go with SLA to get operation in any position, but they are real pants both in
terms of current capabilities and service life. If this were my baby I would go with a small golf cart battery.
You would have to keep it upright, but it would last for years as long as it is properly taken care of.