Hi,
I wanted to run my ATtiny13a using solar power for an always on setup. The project only consists of a few blinking led's and only uses about 40-50mA during night.
My initial idea was to use a (6V 100mA solar panel--> LM2596 Buck Converter-->TP4056 charging module-->14500 800mAh ICR cell-->MCU) and I've tried it and it worked.
Now I would like to replace the ICR cell and use an IFR cell instead, so that I can take advantage of the longer cycle life and added safety. I don't want Ni-Mh because of it's 1.2V and no cheap charging modules available.
So this is how I planned my new setup. (6V 100mA solar panel-->TP5000 charging module-->14500 600mAh IFR cell-->MCU). Since TP5000 modules take voltage between 4-9V I can get rid of the Buck converter.
My problem is that I haven't used these TP5000 module and don't know how it performs. I have used the TP4056 module and know it works without any major issues. TP5000 module also claims to work with ICR cells but I won't be using that feature.
Have anyone of you tried this module yet? any suggestion? some of these TP5000 modules also come with a built in boost converter.