Tuesday 28 February 2017

We need more Dynamo Inventions .....

Solar Lantern, with hand crank Dynamo Power to charge your iPhone ...

$20 (Regular $90) at Amazon

http://amzn.to/2ljTItM

Why don't we have more  
Dynamo Powered Devices ? 


A dynamo is an electrical generator that produces direct current with the use of a commutator. Dynamos were the first electrical generators capable of delivering power for industry, and the foundation upon which many other later electric-power conversion devices were based, including the electric motor, the alternating-current alternator, and the rotary converter. 

Today, the simpler alternator dominates large scale power generation, for efficiency, reliability and cost reasons. A dynamo has the disadvantages of a mechanical commutator. Also, converting alternating to direct current using power rectification devices (vacuum tube or more recently solid state) is effective and usually economical. A dynamo is an electrical generator that produces direct current with the use of a commutator. Dynamos were the first electrical generators capable of delivering power for industry, and the foundation upon which many other later electric-power conversion devices were based, including the electric motor, the alternating-current alternator, and the rotary converter. Today, the simpler alternator dominates large scale power generation, for efficiency, reliability and cost reasons. A dynamo has the disadvantages of a mechanical commutator. Also, converting alternating to direct current using power rectification devices (vacuum tube or more recently solid state) is effective and usually economical. 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamo

Sunday 26 February 2017

3 Great Solar LED Lighting Options

We have been trying some of these Solar LED lights and are very impressed with how quickly and easily they charge under full sun and even low sun and cloudy days. They built-in lithium batteries also hold their charge for up to 12 hours.

Solar String Lights (72 ft, Waterproof)  $13.99 (Save 63 %)   ---  http://amzn.to/2kZtdP5

  • High Efficiency Solar Powered: No battery or electricity required, charge by the sunlight, can work up to 10 hours or more when fully charged. The outdoor string lights will automatically turn on when it's dark and turn off during the day. 8 modes from steady color to various flashing
  • Durable, Bendable & Waterproof: Made from thin and bendable copper, 72 feet length, durable enough to experiment with any shapes. These fairy lights are waterproof IP65, so can be used outdoors as well (please kindly note it can not be immersed in water)
  • Easy to Use and Store: Light-sensoring panel, just place the solar panel where there is full sunlight and it will work auotomatically at night. Please fully cover the panel if you need the lights work during the day. It's lightweight, you can wrap it around a cardboard until the next use
  • Multi-Application: Ankway string solar lights provide nice, soft and delicate warm white light for your pathway, window, patio, fence, garden, porch, clubhouse, pool, bushes, yard etc
  • 12 Month Warranty

Solar String Lights 72ft 200 LED Fairy String... $10.99 (Save 80 %)  ---  http://amzn.to/2lTHvjy

  • ✔Specification:Length:22m/72ft, Lamp beads quantity: 200,Two work modes: steady-on and flash.
  • ✔Waterproof (IP65):Perfect for outdoor and indoor use.
  • ✔Higher efficiency: 51% larger upgraded solar panel leads to high speed charging for lights and with CE certification.
  • ✔ High capacity: Double premium battery cell 1.2v 1600mA Charging time: 6-8hours.Working time:8-15hours.
  • ✔Easy to install. NO wiring required,NO BATTERY.Recharged by solar panel under sunlight, totally Eco-friendly product




LightMe Portable 15W 130lm Solar LED Bulb $8.99 (Save 55%)   http://amzn.to/2mzdd2t 

  • This solar light relies on solar energy, which is clean, endless and environment-friendly. In daytime, when there is sunshine, the solar panel can convert the solar energy to electric energy and store it in the battery. The charged bulb can be used as a mobile lighting lamp.
  • The photovoltaic panel is fixed in the roof or a place with sufficient sunlight, the wire is introduced into a room, and the plug is plugged in the port for charging ( a 5-8V charger can be used for charging as well) .
  • Energy Saving, Long Life Expectancy, Low Power Consumption, Rechargeable. The system is mainly composed of solar panel, light source and battery.
  • Power source: Solar panel, home electricity charging. Capacity of lithium battery: 850ma/3.7V; continuously effective lighting of fully charged bulb: 5h; Bulb Using Time: 2-3 hours;
  • Note: The solar light can be used in any weather, but it is not waterproof. Ideal for home lighting, camping, cooking, working, reading, emergency and blackouts,etc.

Thursday 16 February 2017

What does "Off-grid Living" mean ?

What is Off-grid or Off the Grid Living ?


"Off-the-grid is a system and LIFESTYLE designed to help people function without the support of remote infrastructure, such as an electrical grid.
In electricity, off-grid can be stand-alone power system or mini-grids typically to provide a smaller community with electricity.
Off-grid electrification is an approach to access electricity used in countries and areas with little access to electricity, due to scattered or distant population.


The term off-the-grid (OTG) can refer to living in a self-sufficient manner without reliance on one or more public utilities. People who adopt this lifestyle are called off-gridders...


  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Off-the-grid

Monday 13 February 2017

Free Log House built in 1850 ... Take down and Haul away




Log House built in 1850. Free. Would make a great cabin or retreat. Cabin to be removed from property. You take it away. I would like it gone by April 1st if possible. Terms are – you are responsible for taking it down and hauling it away. It’s free for the taking.....  

Address Rockwood, ON N0B2K0 ..... Near Guelph Ontario

Friday 10 February 2017

20 Watt - 12 Volt Solar Power system with 400 Watt Inverter for $ 115

I am going to build a very small  20 Watt Solar Power - 12 Volt generator to power some small DC and  AC appliances. Here in Ontario Canada, if I rotate the Panel I should get a good 8 hours of sunshine. So 20 watts * 8 hours = 160 Whr of power to trickle charge a 12 Volt Battery.


I'm on a very small budget of about $100 and I'll be looking for the best deals at Amazon and Walmart. This is the best deal Solar Panel I have found so far: ECO-WORTHY 20W 12V Solar Panel Kit: 20 Watt Polycrystalline Solar Panel & Battery Clips & 3A Charge Controller:


http://amzn.to/2kcu75C   


$59.99 with Free Shipping


Can be applied to varies DC appliance, Ideal for everyday use
  • High efficiency solar cells, small in size and easy to take
  • Water-proof solar panel with long lasting aluminum frame provides over 20 years lifespan
  • 3A 12V/24V PWM charge controller, overcharge and over discharge protection for the battery.
  • Battery clips with 2m extension wire, easy and convenient for operation


  • This is the Battery I am looking at :  http://amzn.to/2l1s6gH

    $16.27 with Free Shipping


    ExpertPower 12V 7 Amp EXP1270 Rechargeable Lead Acid Battery
                
  • BATTERY TYPE - 12 Volt 7 Amp 20 Hour Sealed Lead Acid Battery With F1 Style Terminals
  • RUGGED CONSTRUCTION - The High Impact Resistant Battery Case Is Made Up Of A Non-Conductive ABS Plastic. This Material Has a Strong Resistance To Shock, Vibration, Chemicals and Heat.
  • AGM TECH - The Acid Inside Is Absorbed Between The Plates And Thereby Immobilized By A Very Fine Fiberglass Mat. This Along With The Valve Regulated, Spill-Proof Design Of Our Batteries Allows Trouble-Free, Safe Operation In Any Orientation
  • USER FRIENDLY - Easy, One-Time Installation Of Our Maintenance Free and Valve Regulated Batteries Will Get Your System Or Application Running In No Time At All

  • This is the Inverter I am looking at ... http://amzn.to/2l1n2J5  

    $38.99 (45% off)

    BESTEK 400W Power Inverter DC 12V to AC 110V Car Adapter with 5A 4 USB Charging Ports

    BESTEK Advantage America's #1 power inverter brand. Provides 400W continuous DC to AC power and 1000 watts of peak power             
  • Dual 110V household electrical outlets provide enough power
    for your laptop, digital camera, TV, fan, refrigerator, game console, DVD/Blu-Ray player, GPS, lamps, and more
  • 5A/ 4-Port USB charging ports make this power inverter ideal for charging your phones, tablets, and other USB-powered devices
  • Built-in replaceable 30A/32V*2 fuses and cooling fan for safety and easier maintenance. This power inverter has over voltage, overload, over-current, under-voltage, overheating, short circuit protection
  • Comes with 2.3ft car cigarette lighter plug and 2ft black/red battery clips to plug into your cigarette lighter or connect directly to your vehicles battery

  • I will add a list of AC and DC appliances I can run with this  $115 set up. Definitely my 6 watt LED Lights....


    10 - 6 watt LED Light bulbs ( 60 watts)
    Lap top (45 watts)
    Ceiling Fan (25 watts)
    Clock radio (2 watts)
    Electric Blanket (200 watts)
    Smart Phone Charger (7 watts)
    TV 19" (40 watts)



    Sunday 5 February 2017

    The Lodge at Killarney Ontario

    The beautiful Lodge interior at Killarney Mountain Lodge in on the shore of Georgian Bay in Killarney Ontario.  http://www.Killarney.com

    One of the most spectacular landscapes you will ever see.

    Killarney is about a 4 hour drive North of Toronto Ontario in Canada and it's where many of the Group of Seven and Tom Thomson created their most iconic paintings.

    You can camp at the Killarney Provincial Park and rent kayaks and canoes and paddle crystal clear waters next to the white Quartzite mountains of La Cloche.

    There is also land available in the area at reasonable prices to build your own remote Offgrid Log Cabin,




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