What have you done to prep this week?

[Sniper-T]

nice arrangement!

my dad built that grinder back in the 50's I could not even count how many animals have been through that thing!

I've set up a bracket on the back side of the grinder, so I can mount my grain mill, and if I pop the belt off the motor, I can put a spare long belt on there, and run off of a bicycle tire on a wind-trainer.

[bacpacker]

I got my new power supply Ham Radio Outlet | ALINCO DM-330MVT | 5-15VDC 30 AMP SWITCHING PWR SUPPLY - GV wired up and hooked up to my home radio. Tested everything out and it worked as good as it did with the old supply. This supply is so much better quality than my old one. Plus it is a 30 amp unit, where the old one was only 20 amps. Plus it has circuitry in it to protect the radio's running off it.

[Brownwater Riverrat 13]

Picked up the 45watt solar panel kit. Going to do some experimenting with that testing out different lights and appliances in the 12VDC system. Have to figure out what types of things the wife wants to throw out now before we buy them all in bulk for the new homestead. I think I saw her thumbing through a Backwoods Solar catalog making a list of different things to look up and order off the internet to try out. Best figure it out now.

Be safe............the night is your friend

[mollypup]

Picked up the 45watt solar panel kit. Going to do some experimenting with that testing out different lights and appliances in the 12VDC system. Have to figure out what types of things the wife wants to throw out now before we buy them all in bulk for the new homestead. I think I saw her thumbing through a Backwoods Solar catalog making a list of different things to look up and order off the internet to try out. Best figure it out now.

Be safe............the night is your friend

I looked at a solar kit on Harbor Freight yesterday but didn't make the plunge to buy it. I'm still trying to figure out everything that I'll need and how to hook it all together. It's so hard trying to figure out which the best 12 v deep cycle battery, which is the best inverter I can get for the amount I have to spend (not much) and how do I get the whole thing working? I bought a book on solar panel uses but it's waaaaay over my head and starts off with bigger projects than I had in mind. I'd just like to be able to use a computer, maybe the TV and to recharge batteries and electronics. That kit on Harbor Freight only gives you the panels, but not a battery. I can't remember now if it included a inverter. Is there a thread here somewhere discussing solar panels and how to use them????

BTW, I ordered one of these earlier this morning. A dutch oven from Amazon for about 40 dollars. Amazon.com: Universal Housewares Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Camping Dutch Oven: Kitchen & Dining

[izzyscout21]

Oooh ooh!!

Got the verbal commitment from the wife. After all the crazy settles down, I get to have some chickens, rabbits, and a couple goats. We shook on it. Then I almost had a heart attack. Not sure if it was because of shock or the paint fumes..........

[Brownwater Riverrat 13]

I looked at a solar kit on Harbor Freight yesterday but didn't make the plunge to buy it. I'm still trying to figure out everything that I'll need and how to hook it all together. It's so hard trying to figure out which the best 12 v deep cycle battery, which is the best inverter I can get for the amount I have to spend (not much) and how do I get the whole thing working? I bought a book on solar panel uses but it's waaaaay over my head and starts off with bigger projects than I had in mind. I'd just like to be able to use a computer, maybe the TV and to recharge batteries and electronics. That kit on Harbor Freight only gives you the panels, but not a battery. I can't remember now if it included a inverter. Is there a thread here somewhere discussing solar panels and how to use them????

BTW, I ordered one of these earlier this morning. A dutch oven from Amazon for about 40 dollars. Amazon.com: Universal Housewares Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Camping Dutch Oven: Kitchen & Dining

PLease excuse my tardines for I have been engaged in finishing me chores. (finishing trim in hallway,hallway closet, foyer closet and foyer, oh and the teadle sewing machine)

Here's what I can tell you about the Harbor Freight solar kit that I have so far.

CHICAGO ELECTRIC Model 90599
45 WATT Solar Kit

Specific points of interest include:
-Each panel is rated @15 watts and has a 10ft power lead, sheilded for outdoor use approxomately 16-18 guage wire.

-Comes with a mounting bracket to hold all three panels

-Battery not included (what's new)

-Additional items included were a set of two 12VDC wire leads with standard thread light bulb recepticle and two 12v light florecent bulbs

-System is rated @14.5 V~/ 15W, Open circuit Voltage 23.5ocv, Adapter Outlets 3, 6, 9, and 12VDC

-The regulator provides the following protection:
Over-Discharge Protection: it will shut down if the voltage goes below 11 volts.
Overcharge Protection: shuts down if it goes above 14.5v
Overload Protection: if output current exceeds 4amps fuse blows.

-Also has a 5v USB port.........computer?

OK, that's all for now, I hope some of this has been nelpful. I'm going to start the "performance" round when I get a break in the weather, been rainin so I can't seem to get a damn thing accomplished around here lately. Soooooooooooo?



Be safe................the night is your friend

[Brownwater Riverrat 13]

I looked at a solar kit on Harbor Freight yesterday but didn't make the plunge to buy it. I'm still trying to figure out everything that I'll need and how to hook it all together. It's so hard trying to figure out which the best 12 v deep cycle battery, which is the best inverter I can get for the amount I have to spend (not much) and how do I get the whole thing working? I bought a book on solar panel uses but it's waaaaay over my head and starts off with bigger projects than I had in mind. I'd just like to be able to use a computer, maybe the TV and to recharge batteries and electronics. That kit on Harbor Freight only gives you the panels, but not a battery. I can't remember now if it included a inverter. Is there a thread here somewhere discussing solar panels and how to use them????

BTW, I ordered one of these earlier this morning. A dutch oven from Amazon for about 40 dollars. Amazon.com: Universal Housewares Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Camping Dutch Oven: Kitchen & Dining

OH, "no" it doesn't come with an inverter as we would want. One that would turn on and off to maintain the battery's charge automaticly. Hey we have to start cheap and experiment a little bit the way I see it. Plus, I think I'll be able to use these panels elsewhere later. I bought an additional 50" of wire and a terminal block to extend the range and bring the box into the house to run out little solar experiment.

Hey, for an additional $35 you can get a "smash and crash" warranty for your sytem/panels for I think was 2 yrs no questions asked FREE REPLACEMENT. So maybe before the 2 yrs is up I'll trade'em in.

Be safe.................the night is your friend

[mitunnelrat]

Awesome! I wonder if she's wondering if it was the paint fumes on her end now too?

[Sniper-T]

As we sat down for dinner last night, I flipped on that "Surviving Disaster" show. My wife has seen parts of a couple of them, but hasn't said much in the past.

Yesterdays was the Pandemic one, so naturally the Lab stuff peaked her interest right away, and she watched the whole thing. When they were at the part about fortifying their home against looters, my wife asked what it would take to be able to secure our crawlspace. It's really quite simple, so I explained it to her, and she seemed quite keen, so it will be done ASAP!

I can take that as a small victory for the prepper!

lol

[Taz Baby]

outside harvesting wild greens and onions for a salad. Dh is digging out creek so it won,t flood while we are gone.