Solar Cell Charge

Expand the description and view the text of the steps for this how-to video. Check out Howcast for other do-it-yourself videos from gigafide and more videos in the Science & Technology Projects category. You can contribute too! Create your own DIY guide at www.howcast.com or produce your own Howcast spots with the Howcast Filmmakers Program at www.howcast.com Never worry about a dead cell phone again! Charge your portable electronics by harnessing the power of the sun. To complete this How-To you will need: Solar-powered garden lights A flat-head screwdriver A Phillips-head screwdriver Wire cutters A wire stripper A voltage meter A diode Soldering materials A spare USB cord for your device A messenger bag or satchel Clear plastic vinyl Scissors Sewing materials Hot glue (optional) A piece of cardboard (optional) Step 1: Remove the solar panel Carefully remove the solar panel from the light fixture with a screwdriver. It should have two wires soldered to a rechargeable battery. Detach the wires using the wire cutters, and strip the ends with the wire strippers. Step 2: Test the voltage Place the solar panel in direct sunlight, and touch the positive probe of the voltage meter to the panel’s positive wire and the negative probe to the negative wire. The screen on the voltage meter will give you a reading. You’re looking for 5 volts, the output for a standard USB cord. Tip: Make sure the meter’s probes are connected correctly, or the voltage meter reading will be very low or …

Scientists open electrical link to living cells
The Terminator. The Borg. The Six Million Dollar Man. Science fiction is ripe with biological beings armed with artificial capabilities. In reality, however, the clunky connections between living and non-living worlds often lack a clear channel for communication. Now, scientists with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have designed an electrical link to living cells …

Published Oct 21, 2010.
Read more: PhysOrg