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This is very typical of these extremely trashy solar lights, where they inflate the power rating and add pointless gimmick features to sell them.  In this case the gimmick is a bit odd and also uses quite a lot of current for a standby effect!


Uh-oh.  Looks like Patreon is stopping me from posting a direct link to the video now!


https://youtu.be/0Osyr5DYKYI


Hmm.  I've maybe found a workaround....

Files

6000W solar flame light - with schematic

Another slightly overstated eBay solar garden light. This one has options of the central dome being colour changing, flame emulating or red. The circuitry is very similar to a light with equally ambitious power ratings, with the flame effect having its own processor. First mod to make to these units is to add a resistor in series with the white LEDs to tame the current down for a longer run time. The solar panel is NOT generous, so any current reduction is very useful. It would also be a very good idea to add a resistor to tame down the flame effect significantly, as it appears to be lit all the time at night when the main white light is off! Note that it is always a bad idea to charge standard lithium cells when the temperature is below zero-C (water freezing point) as it interferes with the charging process and can damage the cell. That means a sunny but freezing winter day could harm these lights. If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:- https://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm This also keeps the channel independent of YouTube's algorithm quirks, allowing it to be a bit more dangerous and naughty. #ElectronicsCreators

Comments

Circuitmike

I have an outdoor solar light that's been working now for several years, including through several New England winters, and I keep expecting it to die because of the battery charging issue. Maybe it's got NiMH batteries in it? I have one from the 4-pack I bought that's unused; I should open it and see what's in there.

Jon Knight

I wonder if the static red is so that it doesn't stuff up night vision? I know astronomy folk often had red torches so that they could read star charts without screwing up their dark adjusted eyesight.

Anonymous

Exactly what I tought, before realising that it triggers white light on motion, instantly ruining dark adaption. I certainly won't be taking one to a star party!