Hey everyone! I have this project that I want to get into. That is, I would like to build a backpack that charges devices from a few different power sources. IE solar, outlet, heck maybe even a hand crank. I wasnt sure on which forum to post this on so I decided arduino because I might use an Arduino for this, and you guys know your stuffs. Im not terribly great at electronics, but I know the basics and can solder. My plan for this thing is sorta like this:
Multiple Power storage units, ie several USB charged usb device battery packs that provide ~5000mah of juice.
Multiple power sources, and the ability to switch the battery packs they charge, and if theres enough current,charge both.
Finally, a USB power source that any usb device can connect to to charge. The power source should be able to dynamically (and manually) be able to switch between what it draws current from, and when I say dyamically I mean that it can switch from single power source to both packs if the load is too much. This is a lot to ask, but I was wondering if someone may be able to point me in the direction I would need to go with this? Any help is appreciated!
MajorTom:
This is a lot to ask, but I was wondering if someone may be able to point me in the direction I would need to go with this? Any help is appreciated!
Hi
Lots of ideas there. I think your first step will be to lock down exactly what you want it to do, how many battery packs and what power sources and so on, then you've got a project you can break into bite-sized pieces.
I'm not exactly sure either where the Arduino will fit into the picture (unless you're thinking this is to drive a remote Arduino project..?).
Regardless I'd say all things are possible, budget, time and will permitting 
Cheers! Geoff