Renewable energy kit 9688 (Solar & Wind) tips and tricks

[tatertots]

I've picked up a couple of things on the pros, cons, tricks, and tips on the renewable energy kits by searching around. However, it's been hard work and I still don't have a lot to work with. if you have messed with these kits, can you post thoughts here:

1) How much energy did these kits deliver?

2) comparisons to battery when you use them w other sets

3) building techniques for using them with kids

4) techniques for incorporating them into existing models that are designed by LEGO

Thanks in advance for you thoughts!!

-Nick

Sample video that touches on power output and interesting ways to incorporate into a model

Some details about charging the battery - can't power it up the first time using solar/wind

Edited February 21, 2013 by tatertots

[Carsten Svendsen]

First of all, you will get no other bricks than electrical ones and 6 propellers.

The battery is weak, like really weak. It takes no time to charge via solar and no time to decharge.

Solar cell is cool for small models with wheels

E motor is somewhat like the large motor,but I can't really say as I haven't used it in MOC yet

[tatertots]

^How long did it take to discharge the battery storage brick once it was 'full'?

Can the solar cell be connected to non-E motors?

[Carsten Svendsen]

Discharge time depends on which source needs power. The E-motor won't run for 5 minutes

Everything in this set i PF-compatible

[steamtrain]

I bought me the Renewable energy kit 9688 5 years ago. I tried it a few days ago to play with it this Christmas, but it seams to me that the battery is broke. Maybe this is because i never used it for 5 years, maybe it is a wrong production, i don't know.

I found out that it is possible to buy another battery at bricklink,for around 20 euro's.

http://alpha.brickli...?S=9669-1#T=S={}

But i also found out that there are stronger batteries for around that price.

http://www.hamiltonb...v-55amp-g007578

The only problem is that i do not know if the Energy Display (9668-1) is able to charge such a battery. Does any one have a clue if it would be possible?

Edited December 24, 2015 by steamtrain