We found a Kids electric vehicle on the side of the road. Looking very dusty and sad. After a heavy cleanup we got it looking like:
Quick Google Search found similar cars new from $200+. So if we can get this going cheaply:-)
tl;dr video:
Step 1:
See what is wrong.
Battery has completely Died. (I hope that is all that is wrong. Only one way to tell)
Step 2: Purchase new Battery:
https://shop.batteriesdirect.com.au/
| 1 | TAICO 12V 7Ah AGM(TP1270) TAICO TP1270 12V 7Ah AGM |
Standard | $21.95 | $21.95 |
| Sub-Total: | $21.95 | |||
| Shipping & Handling: | $10.00 | |||
| Do You want to Add Freight Insurance. It is calculated at 2.5% on top of your order value. | no | Freight Insurance: | $0 | |
| Total: | $31.95 | |||
Step 3: Install new Battery:
Working Car!!
But the problem with these toys is the Battery, if the battery is left discharged, it will quickly fail. And kids don’t know that a toy needs to be recharged after each use.
To fix this situation for a toy that is primarily used outdoors, a solar panel and charger is the perfect fix.
Now we have a solar powered car that goes and goes, no need to recharge it when the little one wants to play:-)
Can you give a step by step on how to hook the charger to the battery and the panel. I’d really like to do this for my son’s cat please!
Your sons Cat?! That will be interesting.
First you need a Solar Panel – Example 5 Watt:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/12V-5-Watt-Poly-Solar-Panel-12V-Battery-Charger-for-RV-Car-Boat-Caravan-AU-/321924051924
Then a Solar charge regulator to make sure the solar panel doesn’t overcharge the battery, causing an early death:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/10A-20A-30A-12V-24V-PWM-Solar-Panel-Battery-Regulator-Charge-Controller-OK-/251785457860
The charge from the solar panel is on 0.5A, well under 10A. The 10A is the smallest one I can quickly find on eBay.
Then follow the directions, Solar panel + and – to solar panel terminals on solar regulator. + and – wires to battery. The solar regulator simply disconnects the solar panel from the battery once the battery voltage shows full.
If you buy a solar panel and regulator from a local electronics shop, they may be able to wire it up for you.
I’d be very interested in knowing how it goes with pictures!