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This post covers my attempt at modeling both the old and the new economic models discussed in Michael Bauwens article. I also discuss how the repercussion of the new economic model are captured in my drawings – the big one being that open source technology unarguably creates value at higher efficiencies (lower cost), but rarely replaces the share of market value (dollars) when it displaces proprietary competitors.

This article covers my latest efforts in the Free Charge Controller project. I’ve been working with Jameco to create a development kit for a new version (v4.01). The development kit that Jameco will soon have available for order is a huge step up from my original efforts to build a kit. The design is built on top of an Arduino and is based on Tim Nolan’s design. A charge controller schematic of the design is available.

I was finally able to find some time to test my step down converter prototype. The results showed an efficiency of 71%. That’s not bad for a first prototype! Below, I’ll show all the test data, schematics, pictures, and some of the ideas I’ve come up with for improving the design.

I finally got some time to put together a prototype of my proposed dual voltage converter. I wrestled with myself over how to wind the converter transformer. Depending on how I wind it, I could create a 48v battery charger for my electric bicycle, or I could step it down to charge a 12 volt battery. By carefully selecting the number of turns on the transformer, you should be able to make several different types of voltage converters from this circuit.

My proposal for the DIY Dual Voltage Converter design for the Free Charge Controller project generated some good feedback. This post is a copy of the one of the replies and focuses on the manufacturability of the two designs and some of the different aspects of the two designs.

There has been some discussion lately on the Free Charge Controller mailing list about the future direction of the project. The main points of the discussion have centered around how to incorporate the Arduino into the project and how to get hardware into the hands of interested members.

I needed to run a test at work that required a high speed data logger. Since we didn’t have the budget to purchase one, I decided I’d give a shot at quickly building one out of a Maple and this SD Card Shield from Seeed Studios.

A hacker of the free charge controller asked me about the difference between version 2 and 3. I answer her question in this post.

Now that the sun is starting to poke its head out more often, I’m feeling more inclined to jump back into the Free Charge Controller project. I managed to populate and test the two v3 prototypes I had made up. I can’t remember if I sent an email to the mailing list or not about that or not.