Recent Posts

21

Sitewide/Multistate Events and Happenings / Re: Prepper Camp 2024

« Last post by tlwagg on October 07, 2024, 01:50:53 PM »

We were planning on going but after seeing what happened we decided to stay home. I was following it on their Facebook page. Several people said they had tried to get there but all roads were blocked. As far as I know the only people there were the ones that got there before to storm hit.

22

Power and Energy / Re: Need Recommendations for Gas Generator and Strategy

« Last post by nj_m715 on October 07, 2024, 12:29:19 PM »

https://ibb.co/6Dzq26J

bare bones power supply just a battery and inverter
12v automotive charger
I use this on the most because it easy to move it powers my chainsaw and other power tools around the property

and the modified jumper cables for a quick connect inverter to run from any vehicle

23

General Prepping Discussion / Re: 2024 Fall camp out

« Last post by RWS on October 07, 2024, 11:41:03 AM »

  I am sorry you missed out on these.

There were two BP Solar panels "like new" condition for sale at the campout auction.  BP doesn't sell these anymore but Ameresco still markets them under their private label.  They sold at auction for $25 each, what a deal !

https://www.ecodirect.com/Ameresco-180-Watt-Solar-Panel-C1D2-p/ameresco-180j-v.htm

24

General Prepping Discussion / Re: 2024 Fall Camp Out

« Last post by Searchboss on October 07, 2024, 11:02:28 AM »

Here is an interesting story about something that happened at the 2024 Fall Campout. One of our campers fortuitously bought a set of jumper cables at the auction. There was some discussion and joking about how once the cables are taken out of the bag they never seem to go back into the package once removed.

The attached photo is proof that with patience and perseverance, it can be done. You see, he left a light and some electronics on in his van which killed his battery. Fortunately, he had his new set of jumper cables with him which he used to jump-start his vehicle easily. Then he meticulously (and probably repeatedly until they fit) wound the cables back into the bag they came in.

It just goes to show that you never know how things will go when you start your day.

 

25

Power and Energy / Re: Need Recommendations for Gas Generator and Strategy

« Last post by nj_m715 on October 07, 2024, 10:55:04 AM »

I have this one, I converted it to LP and its never had any gasoline
https://www.samsclub.com/p/7000-watt-generator-with-electric-start/prod8010540

it's off brand but it has a honda engine
I dont think they make it any longer

and I definitely don't connect it to the entire house through the 220v welder plug in my garage with a suicide cord

but I started with a 1500w HF inverter and a couple golf cart batteries
https://www.harborfreight.com/1500-watt-continuous3000-watt-peak-modified-sine-wave-power-inverter-63432.html
they go on sale under 90$ pretty often and even less if you get lucky on the clearance rack
it will run anything you can plug into the wall
for another 13 bucks you can power it from your car https://www.harborfreight.com/16-ft-6-gauge-jumper-cables-60396.html
I buy those, cut it in half then fold it in half, double up the wire. connect the wire to both sides of the clamp to carry more amps

for 300$ you can have one and a lithium battery. if you can charge it with the 12v car battery charger that you might already have in your garage

26

Power and Energy / Re: Need Recommendations for Gas Generator and Strategy

« Last post by nj_m715 on October 07, 2024, 10:20:46 AM »

harbor freight has a very good rep on their gensets they are probably the best selling unit in the country
they have a big dual fuel or you can slap a kit on anything they sell
https://www.harborfreight.com/13000-watt-tri-fuel-portable-generator-with-remote-start-and-co-secure-technology-epa-71386.html

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=propane+conversion+kit+for+generator+

just take the cost of the gen plus cost of the kit plus your time and compare to getting one already converted

if you plan to eventually connect the genset to your house and upgrayyedd from running extension cords everywhere try to buy a 220v generator if you can afford it
you'll need 220v to tie into a breaker panel but dont need it for extension cords (unless you have a well or other 220v need)

27

Power and Energy / Re: Need Recommendations for Gas Generator and Strategy

« Last post by nj_m715 on October 07, 2024, 10:18:57 AM »

search "all in one solar inverter 24v" on ebay and amazon
you can get it under 250$ if you want to wait
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=all+in+one+solar+inverter+24v&_sacat=0
https://www.ebay.com/itm/305719674878

it's cheap and use the cheaper PWM solar charger but I mostly use it as a UPS so its charged from the grid
it also doesn't have a preset charge profile for lithium batteries but you can select AGM which works fine or create a custom profile to match your batteries
DIY Will has vids on doing this  -- Or spend more for better features if you need them

**watch out for 230v inverters built to match overseas power. you can make them work with a transformer but its better to just get the right one

model numbers and prices of my panels
https://ibb.co/0F1vTkM

my flex panel is not available now this one is close but you would need 2 in series for 40v. I wouldn't buy that, I think its expensive, its just an example
https://www.ebay.com/itm/194738060814

wait for a better deal - keep checking search other sellers
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_dkr=1&iconV2Request=true&_blrs=recall_filtering&_ssn=recycledgoods.com&store_cat=0&store_name=recycledgoodscom&_oac=1&_nkw=xunlight

28

Power and Energy / Re: Need Recommendations for Gas Generator and Strategy

« Last post by nj_m715 on October 07, 2024, 10:14:43 AM »

I've been buying these batteries, they are DIY Will approved
https://www.litime.com/pages/like-new-batteries   this is the discount open box page get on the mailing list and check back - stock and prices change

this is my favorite for most applications
https://www.litime.com/products/%E2%9C%85like-new%E2%9C%8512v-100ah-group-24-bluetooth-lifepo4-lithium-deep-cycle-battery
it has a higher surge BMS that is self re-setting with low temp protection. it's only 2 lbs more than the lightest 100amp hr battery and only a few bucks more than the cheapest option
weigh your needs to see what features you need. right now theres a few in stock at 200$ with a 6% sale
I just ordered 2 for my next project. I paid 250$ last time so this is a good sale

I have these in the house waiting for my solar panels to be installed
https://www.litime.com/products/%E2%9C%85like-new%E2%9C%85litime-48v-100ah-server-rack-lifepo4-lithium-solar-battery

29

Power and Energy / Re: Need Recommendations for Gas Generator and Strategy

« Last post by nj_m715 on October 07, 2024, 10:12:46 AM »

well sum bitch
I spent an hour writing a book with links and got a server error when trying to post
so now you get the cliff notes version just the links

most of my stuff is open box, close out cheap deals so keep checking until its in stock or on sale

this guy has tons of info, how to's and product reviews. sit down with a beer on a rainy day and go to youtube university
https://www.youtube.com/@WillProwse





direct tool has great deals from time to time and a side walk sale in anderson. get on their mailing list
https://www.directtoolsoutlet.com/search?facets=&query=generator&page=0&sorting=relevance&catalog=
https://ibb.co/CVZ5jF2

I got this for 400$ at the sale in anderson
https://www.ryobitools.com/products/details/46396023483

30

General Prepping Discussion / Re: 2024 Fall Camp Out

« Last post by Searchboss on October 07, 2024, 10:07:01 AM »

Another one is done. The 2024 Fall Campout was small as they go, but it was a huge success. We only had 13 people participate with five campsites, but it was a load of fun. The weather cooperated with mild temperatures and no rain. Again this year stvr triggered a great deal of laughter throughout the auction. As usual, there was a wide range of items offered. I overheard several people say that they found something that they needed to finish projects at home.

For me, the best part of the campout was the camaraderie and talking with friends that we had not seen in a while as well as the new folks. We had two new campers this time, one of whom had never been camping in his life. It was interesting and fun to watch the learning process.

One of the discussions was about the people we know who are still suffering from the effects of Hurricane Helene and are still without electricity, water, or road access. A few of our regular campers were still at home without these comforts. We all hope that that situation is remedied quickly.

Thinking ahead to the next campout, it looks like we should be having some programs set up by then so the 2025 Spring Campout should be quite interesting. Hopefully, we will have more participation, but even if we don’t, from my perspective anyway, it is the quality of the people involved, not the quantity.

I am already looking forward to the next campout. Make your plans to join us around the first weekend of May 2025.