Tag: off grid solar
-
Power Queen LiFePO4
By now, many of you have heard about the collaboration between Power Queen and Off-Grid Ham Radio OH8STN with ready-made LiFePO4 battery packs. Having readers and viewers worldwide made finding a battery supplier to support my channel & blog extremely difficult. There are not many Lithium battery companies (even fewer in the ham radio space)…
-
The Risks of Centralized Energy
Yesterday I was out grabbing clips for a video I’m about to publish. While looking at my gear, the thought of how far my off-grid portable power capabilities have come, brought on a feeling of accomplishment. Truly amazing! The satisfaction slowly turned to concern as I realized energy is one of those “centralized commodities” which…
-
Portable Solar Panel Review | Off Grid Trek 120 watt OGT120
Hello Operators.Today we are taking a first look at the 120-watt folding solar panel from Off Grid Trek. ContextMany of you have asked for a more economical alternative to the extremely lightweight amorphous panels from PowerFilm Solar. There certainly are other flexible options like the CIGS panels which have their own issues, but none with…
-
5 Reasons I don’t use Gasoline or diesel generators yet
Hello Operators Today I’ve got some pushback on the solar generator projects from a very annoying EMCOMM Commando. Some things need to be put on the table. First I need to say I’ve got nothing against gasoline or diesel generators in fact I think they’re magnificent for short-term grid down. I don’t see them as…
-
The Real cost of a Solar Generator
Hello everyone. Recently I published a build video for a 576 watt hour solar generator. The community has nicknamed it the STN576. People have also asked about the cost. I didn’t want to publish the costs without an explanation and breakdown comparison, between the Goal Zero Yeti 400 lithium, and Yeti 400 lead acid as…
-
Why Bespoke Build Portable Power?
Hello Operators Question keeps coming up, “Why bespoke build portable power when we can buy “off the shelf” saving ourselves the trouble?”. It’s very good question, with very clear reasons for doing so. The most obvious reason is understanding what’s inside your battery pack or solar generator. I mean literally what’s inside. Unless the battery…
-
Portable Solar Generator DIY 12.8v LiFePO4
Hello OperatorsFrom December 2018 through February 2019, I researched, designed, documented, and built a 12 volt, 576wh DC Solar Generator, using LiFePO4 batteries. In some ways, this solar generator will be a radical departure from traditional diy battery boxes found previously on YouTube, and in the amateur radio community. Main features 576 watt hours, 45amp…
-
The Cost of Portable Off Grid Solar Power
Hello Operators. The first image you see in this post was taken in Lapland back in August 2018. It’s one of the scenes from The X days off grid series. It may come as a surprise, but much of the pushback I get on the channel and blog come from people, preppers or other operators,…
-
Why PowerFilm Solar?
Hello Operators. Someone asked why I use PowerFilm Solar panels for my off grid expeditions, survival and field deployment. The answer is simple. In a grid down scenario or disaster like hurricane Maria in Dominique or Puerto Rico, portable emergency power must be rapidly deployable, light enough to carry, and easy enough to pack. If…
