Quick picture log to show the progress of integrating the wireless charging circuit in the torch (charging dock will come later) and cramming the internals into the case:
All sealed up:
The beta is done - it'll get unwrapped on the 25th and we'll see what the user thinks (crikey - I'm not sure I'm ready for that level of honesty). There are "things to do" in the next version, e.g.:
- MORE SAFETY - the beta doesn't implement the safety features above those in the TP4056 module protection circuit and the LiPo battery's internal protection. I'll add @Ted Yapo 's recently suggested capacitor and PTC fuse circuit.
- Use the tiny SMD inductor mentioned in the previous log, get all components onto one side of the PCB and review the overlap with the TP4056 module to try and become more compact.
- Better mechanical assembly - the protruding momentary touch button doesn't make for smooth assembly with the PCB mounting grooves in the current enclosure. The LEDs are also too far from the window slot.
- Better mechanical user interface - perhaps a lanyard or strap loop or two. Perhaps a ring to protect the button against accidental pushes (but the auto-off/always on feature helps protect against this becoming an issue).
- Proper window/lens for the LEDs. And a way to see the charging LEDs lights.
- Low battery mode; a distinct visual cue to tell you to charge it.
- Reduce the inefficiency of the eddy currents in the aluminium enclosure - perhaps by increasing the depth of that bottom printed plastic section, perhaps by ditching this enclosure style.
- Make it easier to disconnect the LED driver circuitry from the ATtiny85 for loading new code (it roundly ignored the Arduino Nano as ISP requests to programme it).
Just to reassure those worried about only major circuit protection being in place at this stage, it will only be allowed to be used in the bedroom for now and charging will be done by the grownups and the battery attended by an adult during charging.
That's it for #Yapolamp this year - Happy Christmas!
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