Re: [LUG] Low Powered Computers

[Gordon Henderson <gordon+lug@xxxxxxxxxx>]

On Wed, 6 Mar 2013, Richard Brown wrote:

> Hi Guys
>
> I have been looking at running the youth project completely off-grid. We 
> have obtained 4 solar panels and 2 large batteries. We hope to be able 
> to run a couple of computers along with wifi router off this system. The 
> obvious answer will be Raspberry PI. But does anyone know of any 
> computers that will run off a 12 volt system please? Does anyone know of 
> a low powered router or should we use a USB dongle?
>
> Does anyone fancy a lug day at the woods to possibly help set up the PI 
> or other computers etc? More than happy to provide food etc.

I think you'll find that it's not obvious at all.

Start by working out how long a car battery will run a Pi for. Assume 3 
watts for the Pi.

Then add on anything else - display, even LEDs, Wi-Fi, etc.

Use cables for real low power.

Then work out the average days of full sunshine - you'll need double the 
consumption to charge batteries and power the Pi's etc.

You might find it's not that viable for anything other than a few days in 
the middle of summer...

Gordon

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