Odd title because I couldn't go as deep as I wanted on this one. The electronics in the pump and the solar pulse module are potted completely in black resin.
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17 thoughts on “Technical look at a floating solar fountain.”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Brad เต  says:

    so was this an xperia or some different camera?

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars georl1 says:

    I've bought several of these solar power floating fountains and I've noticed that some work great and others don't work at all. I don't know why but that;s my experience with these gadgets.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Linda Jones-Hargreaves says:

    Iโ€™ve had 2 of these they work great but for some reason the solar disc by the end of summer has gone from black to cloudy white?

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rich Ernst says:

    Apparently there are several types of potting compounds, silicone, epoxy, polyester, etc. Have you tried acetone to melt any of the potted devices?

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John says:

    Should we take it apart? YES we shall! ๐Ÿช›๐Ÿ˜Ž๐Ÿซก๐Ÿ”ž

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars HRH Philip Arthur Louis Douglas Windsor says:

    You said it uses a capacitor so my question is: after taking it apart can you run it through a series of added on capacitors to take it from a pulsing output to a near fluid output by offsetting the time interval between capacitor discharges?

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kevin James Parr says:

    Unless a way to hold them so cant drift is invented they are dangerous as empty ponds in jets of spray .Strong sunshine increases the jet height and watered the garden .I came home to dead gold fish in dry pond

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Buzz LytYr says:

    I have had 2 of them, they work great as long as you keep water where ever it is, Ours was in the bird bath and i would go out and it sounded like it was grinding rough. I just ad to water and it was fine at first. It was fine for the price I just noticed you did one on my american Cheap/awesome stuff ( being silly ). then I had to pull side cover off there was no more fountian but it still made the water shimmer for the birds. Last before it stopped I would spin spinner to get it stated. I was really suprised it needed the water? I came to the same conclution though motor sealed and box sealed in epoxy…. soooo.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars David Southern says:

    You use a square to keep a circle square inside a box ๐Ÿ™ƒ Try saying that with a fruit pastel in your mouth.

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ipsum the Purple Wuss - Loud Nation says:

    I might buy one of these
    Looks nice to drink from…

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Vladan Kunka says:

    Hi, Clive. I used to disassemble that fountain too. In the small black box is a circuit that works as follows: The solar panel charges a capacitor of about 4700uF. When the voltage reaches a certain level – I think 5.2V will turn on the power to the pump. This is because the motor needs a higher inrush current in order to spin. In a way, the circuit can be called what is called a "crowbar circuit". A much larger and thus more powerful photovoltaic panel would be needed.
    The pump electronics are the same as in any cheap PC fan. Just structurally, it is a miniature of the synchronous pump from the washing machine – the winding is wound twice and the current according to the rotation of the rotor switches the normal 2-channel Hall switch – the same as in the fan

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kiwi Maker says:

    I love how simple it is, just throw it in some water! I wonder what circuit it uses to only turn on once it has enough voltage.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Markus Allport says:

    Your previous camera seemed to do much better at focusing. This camera doesn't appear to allow you to focus accurately.

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Martin Clemesha says:

    I had one of these in my bird bath for a while. A bit of wind and the fountain would drift to the side, and basically drained the water over the side :0). Good little gadget though.

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Luis Albero says:

    I have one of this and it stops working yesterday. Looking to see what could have happened. No reset, nothing I can do. Any clue why this would stop working after 6 months working nice ?

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars securityrobot says:

    That was excellent.

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tiny Tony Maloney says:

    I like that, I have a large pond and can't be arsed to take power across, pity there weren't a slightly more powerful one.
    Another good idea based on the same system would be a mini low voltage air pump which would benefit the pond in the hot sultry days were the fish gulp at the water surface.
    , ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘

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