Off grid power

I just finished reading the 'Powering your laptops in the field' thread started by Terminus here:

Code:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/panasonic/223655-powering-your-laptops-field.html

Some good info in the thread, but would be better with access to the pdf originally posted by Terminus. Does anyone have a copy they could post/share? Is there any new info on off grid power systems that TB users have had success with? Thanks.

 

To make things easier....
http://forum.notebookreview.com/panasonic/223655-powering-your-laptops-field.html

Here yago...This is why you guys pay me the big bucks:thumbsup:

http://t2k.wdfiles.com/local--files/survival-technology-solar/power-shtf-backpack.pdf

 

Excellent. Thank you for the link to the pdf Shawn.

 

Jeff knows all about this

 

Any new/extra info is good. The pdf contains lots of good info but more is better. I'll wait and see if Jeff has anything to add.

 

Jeff knows, his whole house is off the grid.

 

Somedays I think Jeff may be off the grid.:hi2:

 

Jeff see's this, he's just hiding.

I would too

 

Does the original poster have any specific questions that he wants answered?

I was just messin with Jeff...

 

No, nothing specific. I read through the original thread by Terminus and just was interested if anyone had expanded or updated any/some of the hardware over the years.

On reflection, yes, I have a specific question. Has anyone setup a portable power rig like Terminus's and if so, how did it work for you? Interested more in portable setups than stationary/home setups.

Thanks.

 

Have you considered a solar serape? (Clint Eastwood style)

You're right Morgan, you want someone using a portable unit. Mine is permanent except during strong winds.

 

Hey Jeff,

No I have not, but could probably make one out of two flexible solar panels.

Ya, I knew you had solar setup on the ranch.

I am looking for someone that put together one of these systems, or something similar, and has/had ran it in the field. Did they update or modify any of the components? It would be good to hear from someone that is running/has ran a portable off grid power system from the Northwest area regarding corrosion, etc due to high humidity.

Anyone have a setup for their truck that allows them to run a laptop, and other electronic equipment, for extended periods (days to weeks in length) without having to run the motor? It isn't hard to setup, I just wanted to hear pros/cons/tips/cautions from actual users.

It seems to me that there are few Toughbook users who go for extended field trips with there units. I may be wrong (mistaken ), but the impression I get, from reading weeks of old threads, is that most users are back to AC within 10hrs.

Thank you.

 

I tried one of those: Solaris 62 - 12v: Brunton - Lanterns, Solar Power, Headlamps, Binoculars, Scopes, Compasses
coupled with a lind charger like CF-LND8024FD 12v - 32v autolader.
It worked, but charging was rather slow in clouded weather, weight wasn't too bad, perhaps if you could couple two it would charge faster. I took the extended range because it says 12V at the package of the brunton, but I expect it to have a maximum of 16-18V short-cut. Just to be sure.
Weight isn't to bad, but the price of the brunton was what put me off. around $1100 IRC. And the whole wasn't really waterproof (car charger plug and the lind isn't waterproof to put it mildly). But it would work nicely on a car/camper/RV or if you go to cabins, hang the solar outside and the charger inside. But on a vehicle, I would consider placing solar panels, they have a much higher efficiency.

 

Thanks for the reply. I am looking at one of these: Brunton Solaris 62 folding solar panel or one of these: PowerFilm Folding Solar Panel 60W f15-3600. The PowerFilm puts out 6.6 Watts and 0.5 Amps less than the Solaris, but is $100.00 cheaper, and in stock. I already have a Lind adapter PA1580-1745 that I will try with the panel, although I will probably get this EcoEnergy sunsport 6 solar charge controller regulator and one of these Brunton Impel 2 solar power battery pack.

Weight isn't a big issue but price is, that is the main reason for favoring the PowerFilm panel.

Have you had any problems with corrosion on any of the connectors? Not too worried about being waterproof but corrosion might be an issue over time.

Thanks for your input Alec.

 

If corrosion is possible, you would have to solder the connections. I only used it for a week or something like that, so corrosion wasn't a problem for me.
Be carefull with the lind, it only takes 16v max and I don't know what happens after that?!

 

Have you checked here yet... PowerFilm solar panels | eBay

 

Alec, I will probably wind up getting a solar reg and storage battery when I get a panel, which will be a couple weeks to a month.

toughasnails, no I haven't, but will now. Thanks.

 

There is some seriously awesome info in this thread! Post bump for subscription!