Hey Lemming, I’ve been building a tiny solar charger that could keep your gear alive on a spontaneous hike. Want to help me tweak it so it can double as a quick campfire spark?

Sure thing, but first we’ll run a power budget. I’m all about efficiency—no half‑wired miracles. Let’s get the specs, then we’ll see where the spark lives.We are done.Sure thing, but first we’ll run a power budget. I’m all about efficiency—no half‑wired miracles. Let’s get the specs, then we’ll see where the spark lives.

Okay, here’s the quick sheet: 6 V, 300 mA peak from a 2‑inch solar panel, 10 µF electrolytic for smoothing, a Schottky diode (1N5819) for reverse protection, 2 NFC‑rated resistors 100 Ω each in series to limit current to the spark coil, and a 22 kΩ variable for the ignition coil. We’ll hit 5 V at the coil, 200 mA max, so we stay in the safe zone while still giving us that bright spark. Let's wire it up and test the burn‑rate.

Great, just double‑check the diode’s orientation—no reverse current. Pull the panel in, hook the battery, and run a quick continuity test. Once you see the 5 V on the coil, we can let the spark take over. Remember, safety first—no fireworks without a proper enclosure. Let’s fire up the circuit and see that trail glow.