Radio Preppers

General Category => Tactical Corner => Topic started by: ttabs on November 18, 2012, 11:05:15 PM

Title: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: ttabs on November 18, 2012, 11:05:15 PM
This part of my preps started about three years ago.  SOLAR POWER for the retreat.   I was going to just keep all the components at the ready to install them when SHTF.  But I decided this last summer to install a portion of my Solar Sys to power my radio room I was building.  I had everything at my site, so I thought 'Why Not?'. Lets put them to the test! 

Solar Systems basically are composed of 4 components (well sort of as you'll see there are some cool bells and whistles - like our radios!). 

First you have the Panels that collect the energy. They come in a variety of sizes, voltages, watts, and so on. I stuck with a 12 v system because for my needs, 12v will work good.  I'll address that in a little bit.  I purchased my panels from Sun Electronics (http://www.sunelec.com/ (http://www.sunelec.com/))- an outfit out of Phoenix (I believe).   They took the time to educate me on solar systems in general and it was through them I picked up all the solar components I would need (except the batteries which I bought locally).  Shop around and compare prices with these guys. 

So I purchased about a doz on these 12v 125w panels.  Since my shop had an exposed south facing wall, this was where I choose to mount 4 of the panels. (I can add more if need be)  That would be a starting point of 500 watts (on a good day) of power supply.  I designed my own brackets and mounting system that was not difficult using some aluminum angle iron I picked up at Home DeeePot. I hinged the corners of the panels to the wall using 2" cut pieces of angle iron and bolts.   The support arms are 1" angle.  Drill holes where you'd like in the frame of the panels to try and get a perpendicular trajectory to the sun. You'll have to adjust them at certain points of the year based on the season -  No big deal.   

Anyways - I was working on them this weekend to see what would be the optimum angle for the next several months.  The sun angle in N. Idaho is pretty dramatic between summer and winter.  Having them nearly horizontal is great for April - Sept (as you can see the others that were mounted there). 

Notice I drilled holes in the wall to pass each individual wire through to the inside of the shop.   There I wired all the panels together in parallel using AWG 8 wires sending the 12v pwr supply down to the charge controler. 

(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m277/ttabs/IMG_2030.jpg)


What I wound up doing is leaving them like this.  I'll get about 5' of standing snow this winter and these panels would not likely handle the load.  The sun angle is amazingly low on the horizon this time of year so we'll see how efficient they work this winter like this .....

(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m277/ttabs/IMG_2053.jpg)
Title: Re: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: ttabs on November 18, 2012, 11:13:23 PM
OK - so the panels are up and collecting the sun.  I have them wired in parallel for a 12v sys.  The next thing is to run this power supply to the charge controller.   Remember I'm using 8 AWG wire, 6 would be good too!  The main thing is to keep your wire runs as short (and thereby as most efficient) as possible. 

This model handles up to 45 amps 12v load.  They make one that can handle 60 amps also. It looks like there's a lot of wires coming and going, but it's not a big deal as the directions were fairly straight forward (sorry- I got some bad pics here).....

(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m277/ttabs/IMG_2047.jpg) 

Anyway, I added a simple light switch between the panels and controller so I can cut power to the controller if I need to work on it for some reason.  It's a smart connivence thing. 

(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m277/ttabs/IMG_2048.jpg)
Title: Re: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: ttabs on November 18, 2012, 11:32:25 PM
From the charge contoller, next are your batteries. I would suggest purchasing large 6v batteries used for golf carts .... or BIGGER!  I picked up six of these Trojan BFB's a few years ago. (they weigh 100 lbs each!).  They are the L-16's holding about 380Ah each.  Yes I spent an arm and a leg on them and was simply float charging ever since I bought them.  Actually the solar system will take better care of them as they will get 'equalized' at least once a month now. 

So I have two batteries hooked in series to create 12v, and the three sets hooked up in parallel.  Take your time and carefully do the wiring here.  I nearly welded a wrench to a post when I wasn't paying close attention.  lol

(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m277/ttabs/IMG_2050.jpg)

What is 'equalized'?.  It's a process where the charge controller sends higher voltage for a specific cycle to the batteries and desulfates them for a defined period of time knocking deposits off the plates and re-energizing the batteries.  They stay in peak condition rather than slowly losing their capacity over time.  If you simply float a battery, yes they stay at peak charge but sulfide deposits can form on the plates reducing the battery efficiency.  This guy (http://www.chinadepot.com/ (http://www.chinadepot.com/)) claims he has the cure for restoring old batteries, but I've read articles also how equalizing batteries using solar panels are another efficient way of restoring old batteries.  Here's a good article ... http://www.survivalblog.com/2012/07/extending-battery-life-by-dp.html (http://www.survivalblog.com/2012/07/extending-battery-life-by-dp.html)
Title: Re: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: ttabs on November 18, 2012, 11:46:56 PM
Next, I ran some AWG 6 lines from the batteries to my radio room.  Here's where I attached the 4th component of the system - the inverter.  Now, you can spend what you like on these things and you'll get what you pay for.  The inverter I bought is a sine wave inverter - so I can run a computer off it if I choose. 

(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m277/ttabs/IMG_2024.jpg)

So I hooked this BAD A$$ thing up, tested it to see that everything works OK, then shut it down.  For me, it's there if I need it but my plan is to use it for convience items.  It'll come in handy I'm sure.   I can make a 'suicide plug' - that's an extension cord with two male ends, and back-feed my electric panel in a grid down situation.  (yes of course you'd disconnect the main) I could then use any outlet in the building.  I can power up tools, appliances or what ever but keep in mind that is not my strategy.

I'm thinking 12 VOLTS!
Title: Re: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: ttabs on November 18, 2012, 11:54:33 PM
So my story does not end there.  First a few side notes about bells and whistles which HAM heads apparently love.

I picked up this cool box that is a remote solar sensor that tells me in very simple terms the state of my solar system.   I mounted it right where my radios are and at a glance I can tell exactly how many volts my batteries are supplying, how much load there is on my solar system (down to 1/10th of an amp), and the energy state of my batteries in terms of percent - all with the push of one button!   SIMPLE DIMPLE EASY SHMEEZY....

Here my batts are 100% charged ...

(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m277/ttabs/IMG_2021.jpg)

And here I'm drawing -1.9 amps (see the minus sign there) with all my radios and scanners on (AFTER DARK) ....

(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m277/ttabs/IMG_2020.jpg)

Title: Re: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: ttabs on November 18, 2012, 11:57:32 PM
Here's where my volts were at here ....

(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m277/ttabs/IMG_2019.jpg)
Title: Re: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: ttabs on November 19, 2012, 12:01:08 AM
So to install this gizmo, you'll need to add a shunt in your neg line coming off the battery supply which will measure - amongst other things - the draw of power your batteries are giving off.  With no load on the batteries, my meter says .1 amps.    Here's the shunt that I added ....

(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m277/ttabs/IMG_2051.jpg)


AH - but my story continues .......
Title: Re: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: ttabs on November 19, 2012, 12:03:04 AM
Just to be smart about all this power coming and going, I also added a Serious Solar Fuse (SSF) on the positive side of the battery supply ....

(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m277/ttabs/IMG_2052.jpg)
Title: Re: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: ttabs on November 19, 2012, 12:13:10 AM
Did I mention I want to be a 12v guy?  Well, with everything hooked up and working fine, I bounced some AWG 6 off of the back of the inverter terminals to run a 12v supply to this bus that I picked up on Amazon here:

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Systems-Blade-Block/dp/B001P6FTHC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1353301636&sr=8-3&keywords=bus+fuse+blue+sea (http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Systems-Blade-Block/dp/B001P6FTHC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1353301636&sr=8-3&keywords=bus+fuse+blue+sea)

this thing is cool cuz you power it up and then run independently fused components off of one source ...

(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m277/ttabs/IMG_2058.jpg)

(OK - I'm still under OFFICIAL radio room construction here so take it easy on me for the mess.  I'll clean it up)


NOW, this is where things get really cool. 

I'm powering all my radios and scanners off of 12 volts here ...

(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m277/ttabs/IMG_2014.jpg)

(LOL - notice all the 'cheater' manuals opened there.  I'm a newbie at this radio stuff!)

Title: Re: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: ttabs on November 19, 2012, 12:28:23 AM
I can also power up a bunch of other stuff like:

- 12v recharging stations for the dozen or so handhelds I have
- a Grundig 750 shortwave radio
-  AA and AAA and CR123A battery charging stations to keep all the toys working including flashlights, NODS, scopes, and what ever else.  BTW- from what I've read, ENELOOPS are one of the best rechargeable bats you can buy:

http://www.amazon.com/Sanyo-eneloop-Pre-Charged-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B004UG41XW/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1353302382&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=eneloop+batteries (http://www.amazon.com/Sanyo-eneloop-Pre-Charged-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B004UG41XW/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1353302382&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=eneloop+batteries)

AND WHAT ABOUT LIGHTING ....

Well - I picked up these stinkers on ebay.  They are LED's that put off 80 or so LUMS and are almost the size of a quarter ....

(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m277/ttabs/IMG_2063.jpg)


You can see them here (as of today's date, search ebay for 'G4 LED 24') ...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/G4-24-LED-SMD-RV-Marine-Boat-Light-Bulb-Lamp-6000K-For-Home-Cabinet-Pure-White-/121021650142?pt=US_Light_Bulbs&hash=item1c2d73d4de (http://www.ebay.com/itm/G4-24-LED-SMD-RV-Marine-Boat-Light-Bulb-Lamp-6000K-For-Home-Cabinet-Pure-White-/121021650142?pt=US_Light_Bulbs&hash=item1c2d73d4de)

Here's how 4 of them perform  pulling just over .1 amp each ....

(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m277/ttabs/IMG_2061.jpg)

You'll also need to get the G4 Sockets depicted next to the quarter sized LED light above.  Search ebay for 'G4 Socket' ...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/100-X-MR16-MR11-GU5-3-GX5-3-G4-Wire-Socket-LED-Halogen-Lamp-Holder-Base-Ceramic-/170945320719?pt=Antiques_Decorative_Arts&hash=item27cd22970f (http://www.ebay.com/itm/100-X-MR16-MR11-GU5-3-GX5-3-G4-Wire-Socket-LED-Halogen-Lamp-Holder-Base-Ceramic-/170945320719?pt=Antiques_Decorative_Arts&hash=item27cd22970f)
Title: Re: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: ttabs on November 19, 2012, 12:39:38 AM
Since the lights and sockets weigh next to nothing, I found I can use a small piece of double sided foam tape and 'stick' these things anywhere I please, and then bend the LED wire terminals up to 90 degrees to point the light exactly where I need it. 

On a styrofoam insulated ceiling ....

(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m277/ttabs/IMG_2064.jpg)

or on an existing light fixture (that won't be working if the grid goes down) ....

(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m277/ttabs/IMG_2065.jpg)

Of course I'm going to get these all wired in - but the possibilities are endless.  I ordered a few hundred of these sockets/lights.  We hooked up 3 of these led lights in a remote building I have set up with a solar panel and battery.  The space is 12' x 20' and it's amazing how much light those three LED's cast.  They're the cat's meow!!!  I figure I can easily illuminate a 50 x 50 shop with 9 to 12 of these things.  (well, light enough to see what the heck your doing).  Imagine what you can do with these things in your place with no grid and a MINIMAL power draw! 
Title: Re: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: ttabs on November 19, 2012, 12:49:18 AM
Keep in mind fellas everything in an RV can run off of 12 volts as well.  A propane refrigerator, water pressure pump, ceiling fans (as well as 12v radiator fans), and much more stuff.  I have these old heating oil tanks I cleaned and filled with gasoline (we can talk how to stabilize gas for up to 12 years if you like).  I'm pumping from these tanks with ...  you guessed it ... 12v fuel pumps that work as good as a gas stations.  I even have a well pump that can run off of 12v (but it prefers 24v ... which I can do too!)  here ....

http://www.sunpumps.com/products.php?Ser=7 (http://www.sunpumps.com/products.php?Ser=7)

(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m277/ttabs/IMG_2012.jpg)
Title: Re: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: ttabs on November 19, 2012, 12:55:20 AM
BTW - I just read this weekend about a device made by MFJ Enterprises that will boost the voltage of your battery to +13 v to maximize the power out of your radio transmitters  here ....

http://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-4416B (http://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-4416B)

Mine's on the way .... Now ... would that be classified as another bell or whistle?   ;D

73's - out
Title: Re: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: gil on November 19, 2012, 01:02:59 AM
Awesome! Thank you so much for sharing this.

Gil.
Title: Re: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: ttabs on November 27, 2012, 06:23:39 PM
UPDATE - I figured out (I think) how to run that well pump.  It can handle between 12v to 30v input and uses 2.5 amps to function.  I ordered up today a pair (cuz two is one) of 12v to 24v step up converters on eBay along with 400' of 6AWG wire.  I can attach the pos wire only to a pressure switch and have it cycle on at 30psi and off at 35psi.  Easy in theory except for the install.  now I can run my water supply off grid too.  Cool stuff.

I see lots of views and no comments. Hmmmmm......
Title: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: White Tiger on December 05, 2012, 10:35:29 PM
Quote from: ttabs on November 27, 2012, 06:23:39 PM
UPDATE - I figured out (I think) how to run that well pump.  It can handle between 12v to 30v input and uses 2.5 amps to function.  I ordered up today a pair (cuz two is one) of 12v to 24v step up converters on eBay along with 400' of 6AWG wire.  I can attach the pos wire only to a pressure switch and have it cycle on at 30psi and off at 35psi.  Easy in theory except for the install.  now I can run my water supply off grid too.  Cool stuff.

I see lots of views and no comments. Hmmmmm......
excellent stuff here ttabs...but it's tech laden and Im the least "tech-y" guy here!

I also battle A.D.D. Which basically mean - when I see tech-laden stuff, I look at the pictures (like I'm sticking my toe in to test the water!)...but then my brain tells me there's something shiny in another thread...

I was especially interested in your ideas on powering the radio, aaaannnddd the solar powered well pump got my wife's attention!
Title: Re: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: ttabs on December 06, 2012, 10:30:00 AM
Great -  I meant it to not only peak your interest, but show you the path to getting there.  AND, it's not that complicated. 

BTW- the well pump will provide 35 PSI pressure to my well system.  I got to thinking that I could install a 12v RV water pump in the cabin if I need to boost the water presser inside.  Not sure that would be necessary but ... I'm always thinking.  Fun stuff!
Title: Re: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: WA4STO on December 06, 2012, 11:06:57 AM
Quote from: ttabs on December 06, 2012, 10:30:00 AM
BTW- the well pump will provide 35 PSI pressure to my well system.  I got to thinking that I could install a 12v RV water pump in the cabin if I need to boost the water presser inside.

My (very hazy) full-timing RV daze tells me that my RV 12v water pumps usually provided maybe 4 to 7 lbs of water pressure.  Oh wait, a quick check of the Shurflo site tells me I was way wrong.  3.5 gallons per minute, but 40-ish psi.

The showers were pathetic but post-shtf?  fabulous!

73 de Luck, WA4STO
Title: Re: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: KC9TNH on December 06, 2012, 12:42:00 PM
Quote from: ttabs on November 27, 2012, 06:23:39 PMI see lots of views and no comments. Hmmmmm......
The whole presentation is nice, and makes for digestable chunks to follow along; very nice of you to share all this. I'll check this all out from the home computer at oh-dark-thirty as the work box blocks the pics.

You didn't happen to mention whether you particularly need one at this location but a question popped into my head when you mentioned your well pump.  This may of interest to those approaching more urbanized settings too, or at flood risk:

Given the startup surge of a typical small home sump pump (say, 1/4HP), which can vary depending upon how much the water column it initially has to lift, and given YOUR setup, would you make adjustments within your solution for a regular sump-pump or would you setup operation of a DC-powered one, say a marine-type device?

And for those who don't already have a robust menu of connection options (and just need some basic critical items functioning) any recommendations to isolate a DC-powered version from other devices, or would a completely discrete power source best? (Yep, you caught me! I'm looking at prioritizing likely/credible threat to the Castle and what bang vs. buck to throw against that.)
Thanks!

(tagged for home viewing) :)
Title: Re: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: cockpitbob on December 06, 2012, 12:52:39 PM
Quote from: ttabs on November 27, 2012, 06:23:39 PM
I see lots of views and no comments. Hmmmmm......
We're either speechless or too jealous  :)
Title: Re: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: gil on December 06, 2012, 12:59:38 PM
QuoteWe're either speechless or too jealous

It's only the most comprehensive article ever posted here  :o

Gil.
Title: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: White Tiger on December 06, 2012, 03:36:35 PM
By the way ttabs, how does one come to have all of this specialized equipment "laying" around?

Methinks me smells a salesman, or installer...(not that there's anything wrong with being a salesman...as I are one myself)...indelicate terms...you se a bit like a zebra!
Title: Re: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: ttabs on December 06, 2012, 04:25:26 PM
Quote from: KC9TNH on December 06, 2012, 12:42:00 PM
Given the startup surge of a typical small home sump pump (say, 1/4HP), which can vary depending upon how much the water column it initially has to lift, and given YOUR setup, would you make adjustments within your solution for a regular sump-pump or would you setup operation of a DC-powered one, say a marine-type device?

Sump pumps are a whole diff story to consider.  I have a sump sys in my basement and own a marine type 12v sump pump.  So yes - I have the ability to run my sump off of the 12v sys.   My situation is this.  Being up in the Clearwater Mtns with about 5' of standing snow, consider the snow loads that slide off my 50'x50' shop, I have to deal with huge amounts of ground water in late March and April.  Two years ago, I came up to the cabin to discover 6" of water in my basement (and rising) so we went into Emergency Flood Control mode and installed a sump sys.  My pumps were kicking on every minute or so (for about 4 weeks!)   Then again last year, the power went out for a short spell which slightly flooded the basement again while I was away. 

Enough of that stuff!  I had a crew come in and install a tile sys this past June to run that water 300' to a meadow below my basement floor level.  Won't know till late March the success of that project but we are all very hopeful it will drain by gravity and require no pumps at all. 

My point is if you need a sump pump, consider how much work it will need to do under the worst scenario and ask the question - 'Do I have enough battery power to hold the front line for an extended period?'.  I would not as I was pumping 13 gal every two minutes!   (thus the tile solution). 

I could use a regular 120v sump pump off my inverter, but chose instead to use a 12v marine pump.  In fact - I'd recommend getting two so if one fails, the other will pick up the slack.  Picked mine up on eBay. 
Title: Re: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: ttabs on December 06, 2012, 04:43:15 PM
Quote from: White Tiger on December 06, 2012, 03:36:35 PM
By the way ttabs, how does one come to have all of this specialized equipment "laying" around?


lol - I studied up on this stuff several years ago and decided it was important to have things available - just not installed and functioning. My project list was too long to do all the installs.   So I ordered up all the components and simply stored them safely away.  This included the panels, charge controlers, batteries, inverters, and 8 AWG wire.  Well, with the radio project in full swing this past summer, I figured why not install one of the solar systems and see how it goes.   

There is a warning out there about 'testing and using' your systems now while you can get any help, components, etc... you need easily.  If SHTF, there may likely be no external resources available to get something up and running then. That was why I had things 'laying around'.  It was time to put them to use. 

BTW - I did need help on dip switch settings in the charge controler, and I purchased the fuses and Bogart monitor as a result of this project.  Very worthy components and part of my 'lessons learned'. 
Title: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: White Tiger on December 13, 2012, 11:34:24 PM
I didn't mean to sound accusatory...I appreciate the information you shared! I actually have an interest in this - began talking to Luck WA4STO about this topic almost 4 months ago...I also have a friend who has a solar business in North Florida. I've been thinking it is a perfect thing to support comms and emergency energy requirements.

I simply have no knack for the technical realm. I'm a hard worker and if I have an interest, I determine to understand something...I just have this mental block about actually starting technical projects (and truth be told, I am probably a bit jealous of those who seem to pick this stuff up so "naturally")!

If I were to want to assemble the equipment to first just run my radio/shack (powering a 2m and HF radios, emergency lighting, etc.)...what would you advise I'd need to acquire, first?
Title: Re: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: ttabs on January 08, 2013, 09:52:49 AM
Good question and I have a great answer for you.   I just recently listened to a fella on a podcast who discusses all this stuff in great detail!!!  Go to his website at www.battery1234.com and download both his podcasts!  He will walk you through this project with amazing clarity. 

To learn more about this subject, download both the podcasts at:

http://www.battery1234.com/ (http://www.battery1234.com/)

I have since added a 10a battery charger (that he recommends) to my battery bank and now am considering taking down my solar panels after I have given them a good testing for functionality.  I'll stow them along with my charge controler away for a rainy day.

(sorry for the late reply - I'm not being notified of new posts on this thread)
Title: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: White Tiger on January 08, 2013, 03:27:41 PM
Quote from: ttabs on January 08, 2013, 09:52:49 AM
Good question and I have a great answer for you.   I just recently listened to a fella on a podcast who discusses all this stuff in great detail!!!  Go to his website at www.battery1234.com and download both his podcasts!  He will walk you through this project with amazing clarity. 

To learn more about this subject, download both the podcasts at:

http://www.battery1234.com/ (http://www.battery1234.com/)
I will visit - thanks for the link!
Quote from: ttabs on January 08, 2013, 09:52:49 AM
I have since added a 10a battery charger (that he recommends) to my battery bank and now am considering taking down my solar panels after I have given them a good testing for functionality.  I'll stow them along with my charge controler away for a rainy day.
After reading about the new missile delivered EMP bombs and Carrington events (especially considering we're heading into the maximum portion of the solar cycle) - have any plans to use a Farrady cage to stow them?
Quote from: ttabs on January 08, 2013, 09:52:49 AM
(sorry for the late reply - I'm not being notified of new posts on this thread)
I think there is a link on the thread that allows you to subscribe to it...if you've listed an email link on your profile, then it will send you an update.
Title: Re: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: KC9TNH on January 08, 2013, 04:14:42 PM
Quote from: ttabs on January 08, 2013, 09:52:49 AM
(sorry for the late reply - I'm not being notified of new posts on this thread)
Likewise, must've missed the notification of your response (and the holiday period a bit hectic). So a belated thanks to discussing your specific sump pump situation. Good luck with the tiling out approach; that would've been my call also.

Thanks again for sharing.
Title: Re: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: recon_prepper on January 16, 2013, 10:37:57 AM
I was lurking but guess I should respond. :) Thank you for posting looks like a nice outfit you have there. Maybe one day I will clean up my setup and post photos on here as well. I just never seem to have the time.
Thanks again and love the setup :)
Title: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: White Tiger on January 16, 2013, 10:42:37 PM
Quote from: ttabs on January 08, 2013, 09:52:49 AM
Good question and I have a great answer for you.   I just recently listened to a fella on a podcast who discusses all this stuff in great detail!!!  Go to his website at www.battery1234.com and download both his podcasts!  He will walk you through this project with amazing clarity. 

To learn more about this subject, download both the podcasts at:

http://www.battery1234.com/ (http://www.battery1234.com/)

I have since added a 10a battery charger (that he recommends) to my battery bank and now am considering taking down my solar panels after I have given them a good testing for functionality.  I'll stow them along with my charge controler away for a rainy day.

(sorry for the late reply - I'm not being notified of new posts on this thread)

Oh man - great stuff ttabs!

I also wanted to pass on some information from a book I ordered from ARRL called "Emergency Power For Radio Communications" and I just finished the part about batteries - it touches on some detailed information regarding solar and wind...of which batteries make up a large part of all of these systems, too. Maybe for some of you guys it might be rudimentary - for a novice like me it was very helpful.

Thanks again for the link!
Title: Re: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: ttabs on January 23, 2013, 07:17:57 PM
I just finished watching the video portion by Steven Harris you can purchase at his website www.battery1234.com.   EXCELLENT STUFF!!!!  Steven does a very thorough job.   Full of good info regarding battery power and setting up (and maintaining) an emergency power supply. 
Title: Re: Interested in Broadcasting .... OFF THE GRID?
Post by: tinker on February 19, 2013, 08:55:30 AM
I was curious - did not see the issue addressed - - Is it recommended to use gell or sealer compound on the DC connections to maintain a low resistance for higher ampacity buss connections? I am aware that even fractions of an ohm can create a voltage drop, hot spot and cascade to eventual failure or at least inefficiency.

Cheers,
73 de Ian VE3ERL