Bump. I'm excited - so are you, so please read my thread. lol
Got the solar mods done.
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Bump. I'm excited - so are you, so please read my thread. lol
Got the solar mods done.
Very tidy - thanks for putting this up DxGrunt.
Thanks guys. I had the 95lt Evakool fridge down to -14 today and am happy with that. Also cranked up the HandiWash and had hot water in no time. Didn't seem to loose much battery power at all with both running at the same time.
I know squat about 12v. Took it to the auto electrician and said "Fix it please", and he did.
All I provided was the regulator and solar panels - that's it.
This is what I know about the parts that were used......
9mm twin sheathed cable 8B&S (15 metres of cable)
Solar Glands CG20 20mm
13mm spilt convoluted tubing
50amp Anderson Plug and terminals
Cover suit 50amp Anderson Plug
Pipe/cable support clamps 19mm
W/Proof fuse holder with 6mm cable
6mm Twin Sheath cable per metre
Workshop Sundries ?? ($3.70)
Labour
I had it wired up to charge my 2nd battery (Deep cycle).
Long story, but they're 125w BP solar panels. Apparently they don't make them any more, but have upgraded to 130w panels.
I don't know where most of this stuff goes, but I am one very happy customer.
Hope this helps.
Take care out there.
Rossco
well done rossco
now you can plug the kettle in make a cuppa and relax
one top thread mate enjoyed the trip
Good to see the solar is FINALLY finished hope it is all your expecting. As i've said time & time again simply one of the best utes around.
Look foward to seeing grunt in the flesh at the meetup.
OK, just for you. hahahahahaha
Nice build...bit like what I plan for sometime in the future.
Just for your information, solar panels will generate about 30 - 40% more energy over a daily cycle if the sun is kept perpendicular to the panel. Of course you wont be able to track the sun perfectly but the more you can angle them facing the sun, the more effective they will be. Wikipedia has a great page on solar cells here ---> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photo_voltaic
I'll will be interested to see how yours perform in a "real world" situation.
If you want any advice on inverters, I may be able to help.
Cheers
I nearly forgot...http://www.4x4equip.com.au/ has LED strips if your looking for lighting options. Yes they are a bit pricey but I have found they work well and give you the option of having the yellow light which doesn't attract the bugs. Try 'em out and if you don't like them, ping 'em on Ebay!
Another mod paid for. Just waiting impatiently for the mailman to deliver.
The layby system is still around. You just gotta know where to find it! lol
I'm the proud owner of a pre-loved NGT HF Codan radio.
Note to self: Leave enough room on bull bar to ride it with G banger....just in case I lose ANOTHER bet. lol
Pics to follow. Hurry up mailman!!!! lololol
hey mate, is the antenna auto or manual?
DX grunt, well done with your setup mate top job!!
My oldies are doing the grey nomad thing at the moment and I'll be showing them your build up when I see them next, a few great ideas in there for sure!!
LED's are definitely the way to go, good light & use less of your valuable battery power.
I know several folks who have bought these particular ones & are very happy with them, Can't get'em any cheaper than this. I've use the same type (but purchased from Deal Extreme) in both our bus & in an enclosed motorcycle trailer. Will be getting some for my 'pod'.
Either just stick them onto the 'pod' ceiling or walls, or cut into strips & use inside the Telstra supplied Fluoro lights (3 strips attached to the fluoro tube work well).
regards
Cuppa
Thanks. Will make that a priority. Great price too.
Down on the south coast of WA, I sometimes have a major issue with condensation on the roof of the pod. Woken up a couple of times with water dripping on the doona. Might have to stick the lights elsewhere.
Have you done anything to your pod's roof or is it still bare metal? I was considering putting installation up there, but not sure now, due to the condensation.
Rossco
Have you had the problem since fitting your solar panels on the roof? I'd have thought they might help a bit. My 'pod's roof is still bare metal, but I wont be sleeping inside it, plus have the rooftop tent fitted, so hopefully won't be too much of an issue. If it is I'll stick some 'coreflute' (I think that's what it's called, the stuff real estate 'for sale' signs are often made of) up inside the ceiling. Had a condensation problem on the rear window of our bus, next to the bed. A couple of election 'vote for me' signs covered in fabric sorted it.
Cuppa
Ps.just ordered some of those Led's this arvo.
Nah. Solar panels lay flat on my double bed foam mattress whilst in transit then get left out in the elements until I pack up and leave.
Short to medium plan it to get them on the roof. If I go further north, I don't anticipate too much condensation - but I had to ask you the question.
I'm still waiting anxiously for my Codan NGT HF Radio. It's somewhere between Brissy and Perth. C'mon, hurry up. lol
Ummm, despite other folks on other forums reporting being happy with these LEDs, I just read this about this supplier. http://www.mywot.com/en/scorecard/banggood.com This combined with the facts that I ordered some but have had no acknowledgement of my purchase (except for a Paypal receipt) and that I am also unable to access the account I had to establish, using the password they supplied, I would be wary of using them, at least until such time as I receive my order. just in case I have changed my Paypal password.
Maybe use DealExtreme instead - they are trustworthy & cheap, I have used them many times.
Cuppa
stick some carpet of fabric to the roof of your pod Rossco...... that'll sort out your condensation problem
Or you could order from Dark Enterprises & support a struggling forum member. Lol did I make ya feel bad.
Tapatalking my around.
Yeh who do they think they are, then they go & spook about on the forum, bloody barstools.
Roflol.
Tapatalking my around.
Hey Ross, just a follow up on those LEDs I ordered from Banggood. http://www.banggood.com/Wholesale-5m...-p-27384.html#
Although there was a bit of a mix up with accessing my account on their website & I thought i might be getting scammed, they sorted it out after I emailed them, & the LEDs arrived in the mail today. Pretty quick delivery from Hong Kong. The Leds are great, No duds, 3M doublesided tape on the back, & the reason I'm posting to you is to let you know that the Led's are all encapsulated in a clear flexible rubber-like plastic, so should be waterproof. I may even use some stuck on the outside of the canopy. For 16 bucks I'm impressed. A couple of metres would give way more light than the existing fluoros & use a lot less power.
Cuppa
Well, I took the old girl in to the mechanics for:
1. Full lube service and safety check
2. Front wheel bearings and hub seals were replaced.
I thought the exhaust manifold gasket was gone, but after they got under it, I have to have a turbo gasket and the exhaust manifold gasket replaced.
I was told they have to replace all 3 turbo gaskets as they won't replace only one - usual for a country town, none in stock and have to order one in. Not an issue, and is getting done next week.
Having a look at my bill and saw the usual Environmental waste disposal surcharge $11.82.
What happened to the old days of pouring it down the sink? Just kidding, people!!!
Take care out there.
Rossco
Should have taken it home mate and used it to cook some of those dodgy fish that you catch, may improve to taste.......................LOLOLOLOL
Yeah I know that I hijacked your thread mate but that is what us Moderators are best at.
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forum.../2012/02/5.gif
Very nice, I am thinking that maybe a camper on top, how strong is the canopy? Would it take a hard floor camper?
The one I had made up is really strong. I've only used it a couple of times, but it has held up really well in the strong winds we have in WA. I've used double guy ropes for everything. A bit more work, but lots of peace of mind. Had a couple of issues with water leaking in, but that was my lack of experience. I found myself digging trenches in the rain. Silly boy!!! I've got a PVC floor, which works really well. I need a portable vacuum to get rid of all the sand. Wet sand is hard work sweeping it out 4 or 5 times an hour. lol.
The top of my truck is really sturdy because it takes my 95kg frame without too much flexing. lol. Cross winds are a bit of an issue, but I drive carefully and only get the odd surprise when I veer a little bit .. lol
Getting closer to remote travel. Got the HF radio bracket made up and welded onto the bull bar. Gunna get the whole thing installed in Perth next Monday. I'm so excited.
I've put the aerial on and it looks soooooo cool. Now I know why I named my truck DX grunt.....because of a mean looking aerial. It goes faster now, too. lol
Take care out there.
Rossco
Where's the piccies???????????