Thread: An alternative to solar when camping?

Originally Posted by Red90

I call BS on the specs claimed by that wind generator.

I dont, its cleverly written allowing 2 different facts to be co located within one sentence so they seem linked but arent.

the startup speed is the minimum speed they can start working in, from experience once you get them past the cogging point similar turbines (wattage wise) produce about 5%-15% of their rated power at their start speed, they then ramp up to their optimal wind speed and then dont make any more power once the "magnetic" capacity of the alternator is reached

600watts at 7.5m/s should be achievable out of a 4 meter disc in nice clean airflow.

Personally I'm looking into VAWT in the 90cms range that I can stick on a sectioned pole similar to a clark mast. Couple of big heavy batteries to help anchor the base and 3 guy lines or stick the pole on Arkie. Realisitcally they're only good for a handfull of amps but its enough (based on the one I trialled) to run an engle, lighting and a small radio with a whisker over.

AU 600W 24V Lantern 5-Blades Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Generator+Controller 930114734068 | eBay

Originally Posted by Gav 110

12 VOLT 55 AMP – Christie Engineering
No wind required
Easier to setup
Faster charge
Cheaper
Probably takes up less space
Just need a small Jerry can of fuel

How much?

Originally Posted by 101RRS

How much?

Around $1200 for the 55 amp unit and $1450 for the 80 amp unit.

Edit - A quick google turned up a couple of second hand units for around $800

Originally Posted by 101RRS

How much?

I recognised the name but couldn't remember what they made.......... for a couple of seconds.

Was a great product 20 years ago, maybe even better now. Just don't use one near me in the boonies to run your coffee machine.

DL

Originally Posted by 350RRC

. Just don't use one near me in the boonies to run your coffee machine.

DL

Fine. I'll just run my TD5 instead

Originally Posted by Homestar

Around $1200 for the 55 amp unit and $1450 for the 80 amp unit.

Edit - A quick google turned up a couple of second hand units for around $800

cough , seriously , you can get a GX50 Honda engine for $350 . 80Amp alternator for $200 , bolt them together , job done.

Originally Posted by goingbush

cough , seriously , you can get a GX50 Honda engine for $350 . 80Amp alternator for $200 , bolt them together , job done.

I was thinking just that. I have a 13HP ( overkill I know ) engine and a 100ish amp alt sitting here right now. 5-10 mins running late morning shouldn't really upset too many folk should it?

Originally Posted by goingbush

cough , seriously , you can get a GX50 Honda engine for $350 . 80Amp alternator for $200 , bolt them together , job done.

That was my thought when I saw the price.