After camping for a couple of days, I thought about a solar charger for my phone. I have a 2.4W 12v solar charger/maintainer. If I run it through a 7805 will I actually be able to get 480 mA (best) output?

The phone wall wart has an output of 800 mA.

Thanks!

 

I think you can get 200 mA. Solar charger you have should work fine. It will simply take longer to charge the phone.

 

I agree the 12v output is 200 mA, but will the 5 volt output hit 480mA?

 

No, you will just burn off the extra power and the output will be 5V 200mA. Probably should heatsink this.

If you use a 12/5 buck converter you can get Iout=200m*12/5

Here's an example IC that would work, assuming 5V output is a requirement.

http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/BP5277-50/BP5277-50-ND/2776226

 

I would use a 12v charger made to plug into a cigarette lighter. It's designed for 12v in, and has the regulation already built into it.

 

Hmmm.. Might have to set up a prototype. Thanks everyone!