Tag: electronics project

Victron BlueSolar MPPT Repair | Voltlog #487

Are you a DIY enthusiast or a renewable energy hobbyist? If you’ve ever encountered issues with your Victron BlueSolar MPPT75/10 charge controller, this repair guide is just what you need. In this comprehensive tutorial, we’ll walk you through the process of disassembling, diagnosing, and fixing a common problem with these popular charge controllers – a blown fuse.

The video begins by introducing the Victron BlueSolar MPPT75/10, a budget-friendly yet capable charge controller that can handle up to 75V solar panel input and 10A of current. Despite its affordability, this unit packs a punch with features like a serial interface for configuration and compatibility with the Victron Connect app.

The disassembly process is meticulously explained, highlighting the challenges of working with a glue-sealed enclosure. Using a spudger, the presenter carefully separates the blue plastic case from the black acrylic back panel, revealing the internal components and the conformal coating that protects the PCB.

Upon closer inspection, the root cause of the issue becomes apparent – a blown 20A automotive fuse responsible for protecting the battery port. The presenter replaces the fuse, and voilà, the charge controller springs back to life, much to the relief of DIY enthusiasts everywhere. But the tutorial doesn’t stop there.

It also addresses a potential design flaw in the terminal arrangement, which could lead to accidental polarity reversal and subsequent fuse blowouts. The presenter offers valuable insights and tips to avoid such mishaps in the future.

Tag-Connect To ST-Link or J-Link Adapter PCB | Voltlog #460

In the ever-evolving world of electronics engineering, efficient and cost-effective solutions are always in high demand. One such innovation that has gained traction is the Tag-Connect JTAG connector, a game-changing alternative to traditional connectors. These pogo pin-style connectors offer a standardized form factor, making them a versatile choice for a wide range of PCB designs.

Tag-Connect connectors boast several advantages over their traditional counterparts. Firstly, their compact size saves valuable PCB real estate, allowing for higher component density and more efficient layout. Secondly, their simplicity eliminates the need for additional components, reducing overall manufacturing costs.

Furthermore, their durability and ease of use make them an ideal choice for both manual and automated production lines, streamlining the manufacturing process and minimizing labor costs. One of the challenges faced by electronics enthusiasts and professionals alike is interfacing Tag-Connect connectors with programming tools like ST-Link or J-Link, which often have different connector types.

To address this issue, a custom adapter PCB was designed, bridging the gap between these connectors and ensuring seamless integration. This adapter PCB not only solves compatibility issues but also showcases the versatility of Tag-Connect connectors. By incorporating footprints for various connector types, such as the 10-pin Tag-Connect model and a VoltLink connector, the adapter PCB becomes a versatile debugging interface, capable of supporting UART, GPIOs, and even flashing ESP32 modules through a Tag-Connect wire.

The design process of the adapter PCB highlights the importance of careful footprint selection and the ability to adapt to unforeseen challenges. Even when a footprint error occurred, the modular nature of the design allowed for a workaround, ensuring the PCB’s usability and demonstrating the resilience of the electronics engineering community.