Here’s another super-simple mod from Weekend Projects, our beginner-friendly electronics series where we introduce you to projects you can make in a weekend. Actually, the Solar TV Remote should only take you a couple of hours once you’ve gathered all your parts. For our demonstration, we’ve used an el cheap-o TiVo remote, but the principle applies to any battery-powered 3V device. Eight steps total, the build consists of two separate functions: rewiring a 6V 50mAh solar cell pack into a parallel 3V power supply, and inserting a rectifier diode onto your device’s Printed Circuit Board to ensure your rechargeable batteries don’t discharge into your modded solar cells. Pretty simple really, and lots of fun! Stay tuned in the coming weeks where I’ll explain a bit about how diode function and the different types of diodes available. Of course, these tips and more you can always find first in the Weekend Projects Newsletter – if you’re not already subscribed, sign up below!

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See all of the RadioShack Weekend Projects posts (to date)