Thread: An alternative to solar when camping?

love the idea. not the price.

This is a really cool idea. I hope it actually manifests with the specs. There's a bit of downside of course but this could pave the way for a lot of future developments. Quite interesting what he says about the prop and drive being the heaviest parts. Seems so straightforward to try to streamline that part

Wasted product here in Oz…
Couple of panels should see almost anyone sorted even in mid winter.

Originally Posted by 101RRS

If it is between the legislated hours where you are allowed to make noise - usually between 7am and 10pm week days I will make my coffee when I want .

7am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm Weekends and public holidays. Outside those hours you’ll find an axe through the engine...

I have certainly turned a guys gen off and cut the plug off their lead when they kept running one after these times even when asked politely to stop. Was in a national park late at night - complete tools like this ruin it for those that have some courtesy when using them.

Originally Posted by goingbush

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

From memory they used a modded German Bosch alternator for some reason.

DL

Originally Posted by Homestar

7am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm Weekends and public holidays. Outside those hours you’ll find an axe through the engine...

I have certainly turned a guys gen off and cut the plug off their lead when they kept running one after these times even when asked politely to stop. Was in a national park late at night - complete tools like this ruin it for those that have some courtesy when using them.

Totally agree and I will be there with you, but what gets me are the guys who think they have a god given right to total serenity no matter what even during the during the day. What is far worse than gennies is the doof doof music etc.

Not sure about the turbine, but that portable mini generator is a hoot!

I have been toying with this idea for years. There is this large gap under the bonnet of my P38 next to and on top of the passenger side tower strut where I could fit something like this... (I have a LHD car)

Personally I was planning to use the 50cc engine from a honda zoomer, which is a liquid cooled, electric started version. It also has fuel injection and a tiny catalytic converter in the exhaust. This would make it run so clean I reckon that smell wise nobody would notice.

The air intake I would duct into the snorkel and the exhaust into the "big" exhaust. The fuel line would run into the existing system as would the cooling. With no fans turning even that huge radiator would be more than plenty for a 50cc engine. The exhaust could be made to be virtually silent, under the bonnet the small engine would hardly be noticed running and when using lithium (still not my preferred batteries) you can charge them in no time at all. I real winter conditions you would have the added benefit of preheating the engine and heater

The only issue is weight since I guess solar panels would still be a bit lighter.

Cheers,
-P

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

whipper snipper, some scrap metal, an old landy alternator, tek screw the clutch and a chunk of heater hose with hose clamps for the drive... 3w bulb for the excite circuit and...

done for under $30