tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post1408791778498723749..comments2023-08-15T06:33:53.114-07:00Comments on Bison Prepper: WNTBTTA 2James M Dakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01382139289994087931noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-7949619502311160572016-04-21T05:50:27.888-07:002016-04-21T05:50:27.888-07:00Yeh, I only monkey install DC, not AC.Yeh, I only monkey install DC, not AC.James M Dakinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01382139289994087931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-548853608749278942016-04-20T16:18:42.849-07:002016-04-20T16:18:42.849-07:00Monkey-installers will be frustrated. 120v hurts. ...Monkey-installers will be frustrated. 120v hurts. 12v can hurt if you are profoundly inept. Most likely, no-worky. Eeeeep! <br /><br />It won't work without careful study of the manual and accurate application of + and - the first time. Read and completely understand Technical Orders (at least 3 specific ones, and a couple general ones) before beginning procedure. Consult with topic experts for assistance or clarification. <br /><br />The payoff is that you can charge and run many different things that do not plug into USB for power. <br /><br />pdxr13Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-73446115908277290022016-04-20T15:40:22.405-07:002016-04-20T15:40:22.405-07:00Onan 4.0KW genset is salvaged from leaky 1980'...Onan 4.0KW genset is salvaged from leaky 1980's RV's and bolted to cart. Any one that had an A/C unit on top came with at least a 4KW gasoline generator. These are 18hp air-cooled tractor engines de-rated to about 5hp, so they are pretty sturdy (and over 200 pounds). A Honda generator is more portable, and you can dig a hole for one to point the noise into the sky. The Onan will be running in 10 years and the Honda will be worn out. Pick yer scenario. In the PNW, it doesn't get hot so there are lots of low-hour gensets and low-hour A/C units on leaky-moldy RV's that sell for cheap (really-cheap if they have sketchy titles and are ready to be scrapped). Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-86835737799532740512016-04-20T13:26:05.847-07:002016-04-20T13:26:05.847-07:00If they get smart. Most will just scoot down sout...If they get smart. Most will just scoot down south, overloading the resources. Go Vikings, screw jungles!James M Dakinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01382139289994087931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-48564709417394903592016-04-20T06:18:11.525-07:002016-04-20T06:18:11.525-07:00And here at the north border, how many cant heat w...And here at the north border, how many cant heat without electricity? 2 years of highly unreliable power nation wide could rack up a body count in the millions before people get smart about it. JJGreyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06708302086326564665noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-4572602775972691492016-04-20T05:31:25.349-07:002016-04-20T05:31:25.349-07:00I told you he wasn't a complete morn. When I ...I told you he wasn't a complete morn. When I was a young lad it took me most of my 20's to get a decent attitude ( of course, to be fair to me, people suck and my attitude is their fault. I had to learn to hide that ).James M Dakinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01382139289994087931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-78702477156309919012016-04-20T05:29:14.575-07:002016-04-20T05:29:14.575-07:00Monkey installers-sounds about like me ( "jus...Monkey installers-sounds about like me ( "just hook up the wires, if it doesn't work, switch them around" ).James M Dakinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01382139289994087931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-70766168338062276362016-04-20T05:25:42.448-07:002016-04-20T05:25:42.448-07:00pdx-are those the Indian made units that made quit...pdx-are those the Indian made units that made quite a stir here recently? Hard to ship over?James M Dakinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01382139289994087931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-36329177167958724992016-04-20T05:22:55.226-07:002016-04-20T05:22:55.226-07:00IH-I remember those books being advertised. The c...IH-I remember those books being advertised. The cheap way to energy independence. Sounded like a plan-glad I didn't go for it.James M Dakinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01382139289994087931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-70971898982753585472016-04-19T22:29:02.836-07:002016-04-19T22:29:02.836-07:00If you must run a genset, get an 1800rpm Onan oppo...If you must run a genset, get an 1800rpm Onan opposed twin. A 4.0KW model is ~750cc 1930's low-compression flathead technology. It will run on whatever, and can be made fancier with electronic ignition and propane/alcohol. As is, they are over-built to be able to deliver from inside a tiny compartment in an RV, without overheating (remote start!). Regularly available under $500 running/working. Points ignition will work post-emp, if that matters to you. <br />Diesel is as good as you are. Become a master and have excellent luck, or don't and have frustrating expensive disposable engines. <br />pdxr13Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-70415279440757363742016-04-19T22:20:58.847-07:002016-04-19T22:20:58.847-07:00Yes. Get panels that you can move by yourself (eve...Yes. Get panels that you can move by yourself (even though the 350W panels are cheaper per Watt), while climbing up a ladder. That's about 60# (monocrystaline 150W) for me. <br />If LED lighting is the objective (as it should be), a 60 pound Group24 72A/Hr will keep a lot of LED's lit with some comm/small-battery charging/vent-fan/laptop time. Why not a Group27 that is 100A/Hrs? Too effing heavy for a fit young lady or a damaged middle-aged man to move. I got a deal on an Exide AGM-FP24DP at local Bi-Mart (no tax, no shipping, rode home on bicycle package rack!) that my current batch of solar/wall chargers can work with. AGM is about 2x cost of cheapest flooded deepcycle models, but doesn't spill and doesn't vent (much), so can be in rv living space. This is a little bit small to run a refer (2 in series would be okay, but no longer 12v), but fine for lighting or starting an engine (Onan 4.0KW gas twin, 2.0KW Kubota Diesel, or fueled vehicle with dead battery). Agree completely that fueled genset is a luxury to be saved for important hard work that a cheap solar system and (available) human labor can't do. When it runs, it should be doing at least 75% of rated output into useful loads (pumping, charging, turning, etc.) by careful planning to get the most from fuel and machine-time. <br /><br />Plan better and get more solar? <br /><br />A few years ago, I lusted after large and costly Outback/Magnum/Xantrex inverter-chargers, scheming how to come up with the absolute minimum on-sale/refurb/used price that was never below $1500 bare-bones. Upon learning to love running one thing at a time, I found that a $160 (sniped!) ebay sinewave inverter like Morningstar SureSine could do enough (300W continuous, 600W peak) to satisfy minor electrical supply lust, as it does every day for the 3rd world target audience. Taiwan-made, without a fan to fail, for tropical hell-holes and monkey-installers. No toaster, hair drier, microwave, electric chainsaw running is possible, but the advantages of 120V to remote outlets without the heavy copper or voltage drop of 12v DC. <br />pdxr13Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-48374307198365700552016-04-19T17:15:17.817-07:002016-04-19T17:15:17.817-07:00Odd that you said both as cheap as a genie. My son...Odd that you said both as cheap as a genie. My son bought a Mazda that runs and drives but has a warped frame for 150$. A 2000 watt inverter from H.F. is 150$. So he got both for 300. I had him trailersteading in the woods till his attitude improved . It took a year and a half.Gary in Bamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00095999376990912465noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-12394664917810520072016-04-19T16:38:47.251-07:002016-04-19T16:38:47.251-07:00What we have seen over the year watching the neigh...What we have seen over the year watching the neighbors who use the Big Box Store generators is that they are usually good for around 1,000 hours -- give or take a couple hundred.<br /><br />After that they just seem to burn up or break a part that cost more than a new generator.<br /><br />If you must have a generator, it's hard to beat a Honda. That being said, I do not know anything about propane generators so do your research. I do know some folks who have a propane generator and have been very happy with it.<br /><br />Idaho HomesteaderAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-59839981559930756802016-04-19T16:32:11.463-07:002016-04-19T16:32:11.463-07:00Years ago we bought a book through Backwoods Home ...Years ago we bought a book through Backwoods Home Magazine that touted the advantages of the China Diesel Generator. We were stupid and bought one. What a piece of garbage!!!!!!!!<br /><br />We ran it for years but it was loud, dirty, loud, shook loose bolts and wires, loud, broke down every other week and did I say, it was loud?!?!<br /><br />You could get parts and rebuild it when needed (which we did -- often) but you better not forget to stock up on the specialty screws it required because the vibration would sheer them off on a regular basis.<br /><br />It did give a lot of power (more than we needed so we geared it down/up?? I don't know but we did something to have it run on less rpm's.) but you better have a diesel mechanic living under your roof.<br /><br />I would put buying that China Diesel Generator in one of the top 10 homesteading mistakes my husband and I made.<br /><br />Idaho HomesteaderAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-29365389679991172792016-04-19T14:49:10.455-07:002016-04-19T14:49:10.455-07:00I've read the same. Surprisingly, not all die...I've read the same. Surprisingly, not all diesel gennies last as long as gas ones, according t neighbor who went through a lot of them over the years. Chinese crap, I'd imagine.James M Dakinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01382139289994087931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-8783413228717936912016-04-19T14:41:26.904-07:002016-04-19T14:41:26.904-07:00I wonder how many casualties the decaying grid wil...I wonder how many casualties the decaying grid will rack up, just from the AC in crapshacks issue. How many 10's of thousands died in Europe just a few summers ago?James M Dakinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01382139289994087931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-53715590397090460862016-04-19T14:37:38.387-07:002016-04-19T14:37:38.387-07:00“Regular ol' "Home Depot" generators...“Regular ol' "Home Depot" generators are not engineered to be ran 24/7.”<br /><br />This reminded me of something that I read in the very first homesteading book that I ever read. And that's that if you have to have a generator, and need to run it often and for long periods, avoid the 3600 rpm generators and get an 1800 rpm generator. I believe that most being sold today are the former, and they're not really meant for anything beyond short term power outage usage. Any attempts to use them beyond their intended purpose results in a fairly quick internal meltdown.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-78348119231594044052016-04-19T14:34:51.640-07:002016-04-19T14:34:51.640-07:00And you survived without hair curlers or the hot t...And you survived without hair curlers or the hot tub?James M Dakinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01382139289994087931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-71274811360586504512016-04-19T14:33:53.165-07:002016-04-19T14:33:53.165-07:00I went through Basic in the Alabama summer, and li...I went through Basic in the Alabama summer, and lived five years in Florida without AC. It is only impossible out of the shade and in a badly insulated dwelling. On the tubes, how did you get the performance at only three feet? I'd be interested, see if I can redo my tube.James M Dakinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01382139289994087931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-3455426368721043702016-04-19T14:30:24.115-07:002016-04-19T14:30:24.115-07:00Or, if you get decent solar, 200 watt a day freeze...Or, if you get decent solar, 200 watt a day freezer turned fridge. New quality insulated marine batteries should last at least five years. Cost of propane fuel alone for that time is a $1k-not counting tank. Two solar panels, two batts, one new freezer, powering device, $650-$700. If you don't get good solar, more in panels and batts.James M Dakinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01382139289994087931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-33890775746984268882016-04-19T14:25:17.680-07:002016-04-19T14:25:17.680-07:00Remember, in the 1800's, the South and even up...Remember, in the 1800's, the South and even up into Yankeeland, say 3rd world tropical type diseases.James M Dakinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01382139289994087931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-23396833805653380332016-04-19T14:23:36.275-07:002016-04-19T14:23:36.275-07:00Panels slid under the bed. Batteries, I'm not...Panels slid under the bed. Batteries, I'm not sure of. Kept charged next to the genie for running an LED lamp or three?James M Dakinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01382139289994087931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-84965779964080690312016-04-19T14:21:36.421-07:002016-04-19T14:21:36.421-07:00Unless you get a vehicle as cheap as a new genie, ...Unless you get a vehicle as cheap as a new genie, then you can have both. If you MUST have a vehicle. Remember, a vehicle can be the lesser of evils if it keeps you away from crowds-they aren't evil incarnate, in and of themselves if used properly.James M Dakinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01382139289994087931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-30305335250911642312016-04-19T13:57:58.227-07:002016-04-19T13:57:58.227-07:00I agree with you about a generator vs. solar. A la...I agree with you about a generator vs. solar. A large inverter for the truck covers large load short term. Damn I forgot you loath vehicle's.Gary in Bamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00095999376990912465noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-25313895366752682522016-04-19T10:44:54.266-07:002016-04-19T10:44:54.266-07:00I have a Yamaha inverter type generator for the ma...I have a Yamaha inverter type generator for the many short outages we have but I'm screwed for the long term. I can pump water and cook but no solar. I know I should stash the equipment now but all my storage is jammed full already. Must work on that...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com