Purpose
Supply power to a thermal typewriter for use during power outages.
Power
Power is supplied from four 12-volt panels connected, in series, to a charge controller. The solar panels’ potential 96-volt power is converted to 24-volt power to charge two 12-volt 100 Amp⋅hour marine batteries in series.
Power Plan
Two 15-meter sections of an extension cord connect the solar system to the home. The power is connected to a distribution block (#ad). The 24-volt power is split into separate leads. One of the leads supplies power to computer equipment.
Computer Equipment
Twenty-four volts is down-converted to 13.8 volts for computer equipment use. The 13.8-volt power is split into a 12 to 7.5 volt DC to DC converter (#ad). The 7.5-volt power is delivered to a Panasonic KX-W60TH thermal typewriter. The power supply is unique in that the tip of the power plug is negative, and the positive is the barrel. Power from 12 or 13.8 volts is to drive the down converter. You can use the typewriter with the Enginstar battery (#ad) at 12 volts or the solar system at 24 volts.
Power consumption for the Panasonic KX-W60TH is minimal. A battery or direct solar power from a low-wattage panel can drive the typewriter for an extensive time.
First Written Message With the Thermal Typewriter on Solar Power
This is a solar-powered typewriter. Actually, it is a thermal typewriter that runs on 7.5 volts. The solar part is a bit removed. Power starts outside with four 12-volt solar panels connected in series to a charge controller. The charge controller converts the voltage and current to enough power to charge two 12-volt batteries connected in series. The battery bank stores 100 A⋅h of 24-volt power. This 24 volts of power feeds into my house, where it is split into different power areas:
- Radios
- Refrigerator
- Computer system
The radios and the computer system have their power converted from 24 to 13.8 volts. The computer area has a distribution switch. On one of the 13.8-volt power outlets, a 12/13.8-volt to 7.5-volt converter transforms the voltage to this thermal typewriter.