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Forum
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RE: The solar plunge. If you started over, what would you do?
Currently running a Morningstar 30 amp which is maxed out supplying 2 parallel wired battery banks and will install supplied Xantrex 60 amp controller to 2nd bank..
My banks consist of (2) 8D and (6) 29 series 12v batteries running about 1100 amp hours total which were cheap to me at the time and not the industry LoL standard..
Have 6 and 7 years on the 29 series deep cycle batteries and they still test very good using carbon pile battery tester.. 8Ds are only >4 years old
Panels are mounted flat so not the best angle for the winter at 40° latitude..
I started with 6 Polycrystalline panels supplying 190 watts 8 years ago and added one Monocrystalline @ 210 watts 5 years ago.. rube goldberg engineering is the fun of project imo..
Use one 4000-2000 watt inverter for overall coach as my refrigerator is electric and have microwave/convection oven and one each 1800-700 watt inverters for fore and aft entertainment/computer centers.. all modified sine wave have had no problems with electronics tho some said i could/would..
I have yet let the Magic Blue Smoke out
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SoakedKarma
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02/08/13 04:08pm |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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RE: TV update
Just installed a 42" LED in the bedroom, complements the front 23" Led I installed over 3 years ago..
I shop for the best deal via TV deals after deciding the size I want. Compare features like USB, HDMI, WiFi, VGA, and Ethernet input if you consider connecting to Computer, Blu-Ray or DVR as I do.. They all have the standard Coax and Component Video Inputs
and types Plasma vs. LCD vs. LED: Which HDTV Type is Best? may help..
3D is a waste of money imo but also an option..
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SoakedKarma
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02/08/13 05:36am |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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RE: The solar plunge. If you started over, what would you do?
Have read the thread and believe I am still going with 600 watt upgradedOff-Grid Systemfrom Sun Electronics as I have had good experience with their panels which will give me a total of 910 watts.. built my own mounting system and have no need for batteries, breaker box, and cabling as I have them installed already.. cuts price somewhat..
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SoakedKarma
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02/08/13 02:06am |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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RE: TV Replacement's 2005 Neptune
Replaced old CRT front TV with 24" LED flat panel and a 42" LED for the bedroom.. had to construct bulkhead for tv wall mounts..
use of Kreg Jig® Mini pocket screw setup has been a lifesaver in my modifications..
Cheap being my middle name the Mini Jig used with 7 ply Cabinet 3/4 plywood or furniture makers 1" Poplar is what I use for all my mods.. I use the fine thread Pocket screws rather than the course thread.
Jig is held in place during drilling with Locking Clamp with Swivel Pads..
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SoakedKarma
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02/08/13 01:17am |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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RE: Upgrading interior lights
If you can solder electronic parts, you can get a 5 meter roll of 5050 12 volt LED lights for less than $20, delivered. The roll can then be cut to any length that you need but you have to solder wires to connect the strips. I got one roll and that was enough to change out every fluorescent light in my coach. These are available in warm white(similar to incandescent light) or cool white(similar to many fluorescent bulbs. I put four strips in each light fixture and am very happy with the light output. These also draw much less amperage from your battery so if you boondock, this will help extend your house battery life. Where did you find the 5 meter roll at?
Right here: LED light roll
You might consider soldering in a current limiting resistor into any LED circuit array you might construct.. Current limiting resistor calculator for Led's Is the online resistance calculator I most often utilize.
LED series/parallel array wizard Is very good at designing proper array.
Both of the above pages will design the circuit once you plug in the current values of LED's used.. diode forward current (mA) normally 15-25mA for 5050 type LED
If you have good specs from your supplier, you'll want to enter the typical forward voltage. Ideally you'll have something that looks like "3.4V @ 20 mA" which defines forward voltage and current at one point on the operating curve. If you don't have good specs, here's a table to help you make decent guesses:
color voltage (Volts)
IR 1.5
red 2.0
orange 2.0
yellow 2.1
green 2.2
true green 3.3
blue 3.3
white 3.3
UV 3.3
blue (430 nm) 4.6
Remember to use at least 14v as a design voltage..
RF REMOTE CONTROLLER RGB LED is also nice for a bit of lighting effect should you purchase a roll of RGB LED instead of a single color. I feel the RF controller is better deal than IR as you don't have to have line of sight for it to work...
Or control 3 separate single color circuits with just one RGB controller.
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SoakedKarma
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07/03/12 04:12pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Awning Flappers
de-Flappers: Worth the money if U use your awning much.. My 20' awning is out all summer long. saves a lot of wear and Tear...
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SoakedKarma
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06/24/12 05:51pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Upgrading interior lights
lots of LED lamps with BA15s base likely to fit the bill
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z426/SoakedKarma/MH/FL_LED7.jpg width=250http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z426/SoakedKarma/MH/FL_LED6.jpg width=250
Bath fixture with 2 corn and one 30mm wafer LED assemblies.
wafer assy uses a G-4/MR11 to BA15s adapter..
Super Bright LEDs is a page to start looking at.
I tend to stay with assemblies which use the 5050 led chip.
And buy from china at half the price....
converted 11 fluorescent fixtures to LED
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z426/SoakedKarma/MH/FL_LED2.jpg width=400
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SoakedKarma
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06/24/12 04:44pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: I spent five minutes wishing for a driver's door today
When searching for something such as the OBD port I use my digital camera.
Hold the camera under the dash in different areas and take photos.
Then relax and view them on your computer.
-Tom
Easier than loosing weight I would say!
set camera on macro and shoot away, good idea!!!
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SoakedKarma
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06/24/12 04:00pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Computer Problem-Very SLOOOOW----Script?
When you first sign into your desktop likely your computer is running too many add on programs "Leach Ware" using up resources. I use Sysinternals Suite Utilities from technet.microsoft.com to control what programs that are allowed to start automatically.
Autoruns for Windows v11.31 Newest Release is the specific utility of the suite showing you what programs are configured to run during system boot-up or log in, and shows you the entries in the order Windows processes them.
If its FREE it's for Me!
JavaScript is THE scripting language of the Web. Sounds like your anti-virus or IE script protection is sending you a warning. Scripts can contain malicious computer code and likely 99% of the warnings are in error it's the 1% that bite you in the arse...
TURN OFF ALL Automatic Updating...
all those programs that load in the background check to see if they are the latest version along with the active programs you are running can bring many a computer to a halt..
AdobeAAMUpdater-1.0
Logitech Download Assistant
Acrobat Assistant 8.0
Adobe Acrobat Speed Launcher
Adobe ARM Adobe Reader and Acrobat Manager
AdobeCS5ServiceManager Adobe CS5 Service Manager
Corel File Shell Monitor
SunJavaUpdateSched Java(TM) Update Scheduler
SwitchBoard SwitchBoard Server (32 bit)
Microsoft Windows Windows Mail
Corel Photo Downloader
AdobeAAMUpdater-1.0 Adobe Updater Startup Utility
very short list of programs removed from running automatically on my machine.
Microsoft Indexing can also slow things down.
Run task manager and check what and how many processes are running in the background.. 67 in my case lots of extra stuff running
so before you think you have a virus or something check to see what extra baggage you can throw overboard first...
I've seen iTunes completely take over a system.
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SoakedKarma
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06/24/12 03:16pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: Any full timers winter in WA or OR
I vote for Gold Beach, Oregon. A bit further off the beaten track. Windy yup.. warm winters tho...
In the middle of Oregon banana belt sitting between Brookings, and Port Orford, Oregon.
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SoakedKarma
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06/24/12 10:33am |
Full-time RVing
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RE: Interference from regulated LED's
Interesting
I have done several lighting conversions by installing over 25 LED assemblies in my rig that use "Buck Buster" voltage regulators..
No off air HDTV or weather radio interference.. have no Ham radio so can't speak as to that.
Buck Buster voltage regulator on back of 30mm 12 LED wafer assy.
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z426/SoakedKarma/MH/FL_LED11.jpg width=400http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z426/SoakedKarma/MH/FL_LED3.jpg width=400
Electronic Cable tracer indicates an RF output but not much farther than a foot from fixture that has 3 18 LED boards replacing original florescent tubes.
Minuscule RF noted with 30mm 12 LED..
I get much more RF output from the several PWM (pulse width modulation) fan speed and lighting dimmers I use.. None of which has interfered with TV or AM/FM radio that I have noticed..
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SoakedKarma
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06/24/12 09:03am |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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RE: Evaporative cooler/Swamp Cooler?
I replaced rear A/C with Turbo Kool over 2 years ago.. combined with solar it's a no brainier for arid areas..
The water filters the incoming air and the sump needs to be cleaned regularly "monthly" in dusty areas when used daily..
The unique centrifugal pump collects sump mud and needs to be flushed on occasion. 60cc syringe works great....
Wiring connectors not moisture resistant and in the first year of almost continual use corroded apart. Wiring and switches corroded,
that was with extreme use, and I expected better. Was impressed with the seal job on the motor until the connectors started disintegrating.
bug screen under inlet vent difficult to clean when it gets packed up with cotton from cotton wood trees in the spring.
Installed with thicker seal as I have a crowned roof and supplied foam seal just wouldn't fill the gap. (sic.)
Owners delivered unit personally which was a nice touch. Saved me Shipping :B
Made in Nevada (neh-va-duh)
uses 5 to 7 gallons a 16hr day
My first modification was a simple toggle switch on the exterior as to switch it on and off with out leaving the roof.
I make my own replacement filters as the water is very hard and filter doesn't remove all the minerals.
Installed PWM (pulse width modulation) speed controller to better regulate fan.
All in all it Keeps the bedroom Cold and the rest of 38' coach livable with only the investment cost.
have only used front A/C twice in two years
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z426/SoakedKarma/TC1.jpg width=500
i get a 15-18 degree temp difference in the summer..
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SoakedKarma
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06/22/12 06:33pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Ever get Told to Leave or Get A Fine?
I'm not sure what "sneak" camping is but I do practice stealth camping. I have never been fined and have never been told to leave.
Many don't understand stealth camping and have a negative opinion. Stealth camping simply means camping in a manner that doesn't call attention to yourself. It does not necessarily mean that a stealth camper is doing something wrong or illegal.
I don't knowingly camp where it is prohibited. I do camp many places where the legality is unknown. I overnight on city streets, parking lots, rest areas, and etc. Sometimes I camp on vacant land where it is almost impossible to know who is the owner. Like I said, I never knowingly camp/park overnight illegally but many times it is impossible to know.
2x
I have a collection of warnings found taped to door, or stuck under wiper.. ;)
for Urban dry camping I prefer Industrial areas that are often dead silent at night..
Have had several land managers allow me to stay once shown 4 camera security system & 12v DVR that records 24/7. I promise to call the Constable & burn a video should anything happen for the consideration of parking unmolested..
In the End:
If you pull in Late and Leave Early seldom is their a problem..
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SoakedKarma
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06/22/12 05:07pm |
Public Lands, Boondocking and Dry Camping
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RE: On-demand water heater (propane) question
I would worry about the length of the stack sticking out from the side of the RV (which I'm sure can't be shortened due to safety concerns; pity mounting on a back wall probably wouldn't be an option). With my luck, I would knock that off the first time I moved the RV.
Keep us posted on how well it works.
2x
I can see myself whacking some cyclist in the back of the head while driving down the Boulevard.
How about installing an exterior elbow and directing the stack vertically up the exterior? Should than only extend some 5 or 6 inches beyond the outer skin..
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SoakedKarma
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06/22/12 12:28pm |
Beginning RVing
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RE: Fluorescent Light Upgrade "Going Green"
5050 13 led corn lamp assy T-10 base is perfect for map lamp housings.
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z426/SoakedKarma/MH/FL_LED9.jpg width=300
The Downside is they are 12v and 13.3v float overdrives the design and they get very hot.. Not good for any LED and shortens their life. Guess i shall have to install a resistor to drop the voltage.
I said that last year too... it's on the list
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z426/SoakedKarma/MH/FL_LED8.jpg width=300
Nice bright reading lights above the bed
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SoakedKarma
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06/21/12 11:00pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Fluorescent Light Upgrade "Going Green"
I just picked up my shipment of 12 and 24 LED light panels with 5050 (5.0 mm X 5.0 mm square LED light).
10 of the 24 light panels for $26, 10 of the 12 panels for $17.
You can look at AliExpress.com and search for 12 5050 LED panels and find several vendors willing to ship free to the US, it takes about 2-3 weeks.
You can also find the tube lights for a reasonable rice as well.
Look for 5050 LED's or 3528 (3.5X 2.8 mm) they have them 48" long too. I am looking for some that are 15" long, to convert a few LED lights for a friends motorhome.
You can also find "Corn Lights" that are a bulb surrounded by LED's, that looks like a corn cob with 28 - 350 small LED's on the surface, looking like kernels on a corn cob. These can be used someplace like your bathroom, or other home use, like your garage door opener, or hallway lights.
They are the light of the future.
Fred.
I prefer the 5050 low power led chip and installed 8v-30v AC/DC corn and wafer lamps in the bathroom ages ago. Their I found two warm white to the one bright white was more pleasing..
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z426/SoakedKarma/MH/FL_LED7.jpg width=600
over a 2 amp power savings, changing from incandescent to LED right here
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z426/SoakedKarma/MH/FL_LED6.jpg width=600
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SoakedKarma
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06/21/12 09:55pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Fluorescent Light Upgrade "Going Green"
Staring into two Bright White/Cool White lamps hurts my eyes, adding the Warm 2700K assy hurts less, while adding to total light output. LoL
I try to do what feels good :h
I bought 2 lots of 10 LED bars each color temp and started wiring them together and I liked the 2 to 1 ratio.
LED Light is Whiter than florescent which has that green hue as seen in the following photo. High shutter speed allows viewing of florescent tubes and individual LED chips
Florescent has one 2700K kitchen or Warm white and one Cool White 6500K tube.
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z426/SoakedKarma/MH/FL_LED5.jpg width=600
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SoakedKarma
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06/21/12 09:24pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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Fluorescent Light Upgrade "Going Green"
having eleven 23 year old 12v florescent fixtures maintenance has started to add up.
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z426/SoakedKarma/MH/FL_LED.jpg width=600
Converting to LED was reasonable. 8v-30v LED bar aluminum housing w/clear cover $14.00 ea including s/h. via China
$20.00 for Two new fluorescent tubes ridiculous!! $43 for a new ballast, Outrageous!!! Ballasts have dropped to $21 + s/h
as of this writing
parallel Connection to original lamp wiring and the 3 LED bars provide the same lighting as original Fluorescent.
I mixed 2 Bright or Cool White LED bars with 1 Warm White LED bar to cut some of the bright White LED glare.
3/4 inch PVC pipe made for a good spacer Hot glued to the LED bar and inside the Fluorescent fixture..
I know I could have drilled and pop-riveted the PVC spacer in, Glue Gun was handy.....
Ballast cover hides wiring connections
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z426/SoakedKarma/MH/FL_LED3.jpg width=600
energy savings:
Old Fluorescent Lamp consumed 3700 mA or 3.7 amps @ 13.3vdc
New 3 bar LED overhaul consumes 95 mA or 0.095 amps @ 13.3vdc
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z426/SoakedKarma/MH/FL_LED2.jpg width=600
The LED bar contains a PCB (printed circuit board) with 18 type 5050 leds and a multiple voltage regulator that operates 8v-30v AC/DC
Because of the voltage regulator you can not hook this type up wrong... Charging voltages 14.5v can't burn out components and are
the perfect solution for 24v charging systems or 12v subsystems.
connect to your sprinklers 24vac timer and light up your back yard!!!
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z426/SoakedKarma/MH/FL_LED4.jpg width=600
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SoakedKarma
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06/21/12 06:24pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Windshields for older Class A's
Check high and low for prices... I bought my glass Through http://www.coachglass.com out west.. Quotes varied from $1300 to $1900.. Low bid installed at house on the weekend....
Google "Low Price Auto Glass" They did my local install and seem to be spread across the west, south west and some in the mid-west... 4.5 out of 5 average yelp.com
If its just a star or spider crack just get it fixed. Glass shops are happy to give a free quote..
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SoakedKarma
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06/21/12 04:23pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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