Back in July 2011, I was sitting out front the cabin having my morning coffee and starring at the fixed solar panels. Figured there was a better way to catch all the rays of sun with a rotating solar panel. After a few quick sketches on a scrap piece of paper, I went to the shop and found a bunch of left over plumbing parts and aluminium angle iron. The mount is based on a 1" galvanized "T" that has two arms and a body (pole) that is treaded into a 1" pipe union. The union sits nicely on top of a patio umbrella metal pole, which is inserted into a wider galvanized fence post. The left and right "arms" are standard 24 inch lengths that thread into the Tee. A U-Clamp was used to secure the pipe to an angle iron.The angle iron was bolts with stainless steel bolts to the solar panel frame. No really high tech, but it works. There is just enough friction on the union that the wind does not spin the panel, but can be easily turned by hand. The solar panel can be adjust up or down to match the summer or winter latitude. See the video below!
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Thursday, January 17, 2013
cedarworkshop.net- we've got a website too!
Looking for more information about solar panels, wind turbines and cabin reno projects?
No prob!
Pop by the website at www.cedarworkshop.net
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Radio Controller Forest Service roads
If you travel on any back roads in British Columbia, you are required to have a UHF radio that is "tuned" to that road. That way you can communicate with the logging trucks. Here's an example of a frequency "153.23". Your radio would be pre-programed from the dealer.
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Monday, January 14, 2013
Talking about solar stuff with a rockstar
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Had an amazing discovery on the weekend. We hosted a birthday party for a good friend and one of the guests, worked for the company that produces Xantrex inverters, charge controllers, battery chargers, etc for off grid use. (I almost fell off my chair!) For someone like me, that's really into the alternative energy, it was like meeting a rock star. Since we were sitting at the dinner table, enjoying a tasty dessert, I had to hold off and not get to excited with the questions/answers. Xantrex makes really good products, and for me, it's a local company. As we were talking, my spouse and close friends were making fun of us talking about "solar stuff". I had briefly mentioned I had a YouTube channel and do reviews/how to videos for different products. I got a nod, but, afterwards felt like a geek mentioning it. Sadly, the guest had to leave for family obligations.I didn't get a chance to ask him some details about the Xantrex MPPT Charge Controller. Below is a few pics of the charge controller. I'd say it right up there with the Morningstar Tri-Star TS-60 charge controller. The good news is I could switch the Morningstar into Diversion mode to divert the excess power to the two 100 watt transistors. Hmm...
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Simple (and cheap) wind turbine tower from building materials
Simple (and Cheap) wind turbine tower from building materials
If you need a wind turbine tower and the build budget is tight, this video should help. My tower cost about $30.00 and it's 25' tall.
The original idea came fro Mike Davis. (The guy is a THE DIY Wizard. See link below)
I followed Mikes advice, and modified the design to be adapted for my cedar deck. I decided to see if I could savage parts from a used building supply depot. The materials came from fencing, plumbing and electrical departments. I had noticed that horizontal pipe used for the top/bottom of chain link fence. It fit nicely inside (with very little play) over top of a 1" galvanized metal EMT. If you look around, I'm sure you'll find some with minor dents for a $7 - $9 each for a 10' section. I picked up about $30.00 worth of material and took it home.
So, for the stand, the feet are (2) 1" floor flanges, legs (2) 6" of pipe, (2) elbows, (2) 6" pipe, (1) T-intersection and about 36" of 1" pipe. The fencing pipe slips over the water pipe. Then depending on your height, the 1" EMT fits nicely inside and the fencing pipe. Then you alternate the lengths to create the tower. For guy wires, use the clamps in the fencing section for the ropes. Sounds complicated, but I'll see what I can find for pictures.
In an ideal situation, would takes 2 people to raise the tower. But, if you use a pulley and a heavy counter weight, 1 adult can do it. Just make sure to have your guy wires ready.
All the credit for the wonderful design goes to Mike Davis. He makes a ton of really cool projects. See his web site at http://www.mdpub.com/index.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=R0oFnk17zbE
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If you need a wind turbine tower and the build budget is tight, this video should help. My tower cost about $30.00 and it's 25' tall.
The original idea came fro Mike Davis. (The guy is a THE DIY Wizard. See link below)
I followed Mikes advice, and modified the design to be adapted for my cedar deck. I decided to see if I could savage parts from a used building supply depot. The materials came from fencing, plumbing and electrical departments. I had noticed that horizontal pipe used for the top/bottom of chain link fence. It fit nicely inside (with very little play) over top of a 1" galvanized metal EMT. If you look around, I'm sure you'll find some with minor dents for a $7 - $9 each for a 10' section. I picked up about $30.00 worth of material and took it home.
So, for the stand, the feet are (2) 1" floor flanges, legs (2) 6" of pipe, (2) elbows, (2) 6" pipe, (1) T-intersection and about 36" of 1" pipe. The fencing pipe slips over the water pipe. Then depending on your height, the 1" EMT fits nicely inside and the fencing pipe. Then you alternate the lengths to create the tower. For guy wires, use the clamps in the fencing section for the ropes. Sounds complicated, but I'll see what I can find for pictures.
In an ideal situation, would takes 2 people to raise the tower. But, if you use a pulley and a heavy counter weight, 1 adult can do it. Just make sure to have your guy wires ready.
All the credit for the wonderful design goes to Mike Davis. He makes a ton of really cool projects. See his web site at http://www.mdpub.com/index.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=R0oFnk17zbE
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Monday, December 31, 2012
Small or off-grid cabin solar system- Budget MPPT charge controller for "shower door" solar panel
Small or off-grid cabin solar system- Budget MPPT charge controller for "shower door" solar panel
A good charge controller for the "shower door" solar panel. A basic charge cotroller rated for 15 amps. Managed to twist and sneak a 10 AWG wire into the tiny ports.
Even though the quality may not by as high as many domestic charge controllers, these little units will help you get headed in the right direction. (Keep in mind for a remote cabin, you don't want expensive equipment sitting around for thieves)
A good charge controller for the "shower door" solar panel. A basic charge cotroller rated for 15 amps. Managed to twist and sneak a 10 AWG wire into the tiny ports.
Even though the quality may not by as high as many domestic charge controllers, these little units will help you get headed in the right direction. (Keep in mind for a remote cabin, you don't want expensive equipment sitting around for thieves)
The Learning Process
I'm learning plenty about maintaining a small off grid cabin, especially on limited budget. This blog is an opportunity to show and share with people in the same situation. So, with the aid of a Youtube channel, Blogger, Wordpress, it was the push to get onboard and get the word out.
Youtube: cedarworkshop
Wordpress site: www.cedarworkshop.net
Please subscribe to my YouTube channel for more videos
Youtube: cedarworkshop
Wordpress site: www.cedarworkshop.net
Please subscribe to my YouTube channel for more videos
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