There are lots of pros to having them permanently mounted.. but i feel like there is a pro to keeping them somewhat portable too.. parking under the shade of a tree can help a lot with comfort inside but then you need to be able to run them to the sun. Though your climate is much different than mine
This is absolutely the most favorite project you have done. You, sir, are going to get a few root beers from me. Thank you for the content and hard work. Wish I was your neighbor 😊
It looks like the camper is coming along quite nicely. The on advantage you didn't mention of parallel charge controller that is more important when portable is PV panels shading. One charge controller per panel can net significantly more power when shading is an issue.
Another great video. I use two Fly Power lifepo 4 cells at 320 amps and a 100 amp charge controller. I'm still building the whole system. But for the little power I ask of it, I always have lots of power to spare. Even when we have had 2 or 3 weeks of poor sunlight. Love your video's. 73, de VA6CQB
My favorite option is symmetry, so three on the back roof. The one positioned under a angle might work, but then your depending on the position of the caravan.
I know that submersible pump wire is twisted. It is sold as a solid 2 wires w/ground. Some marina wire is braided like coax, and then sheathed. They should offer a twisted pair for solar in the marina market with all the electronics on yachts.
Thanks for this Julian! That twisted wire trick is gonna be in my back pocket now. I wonder if there is a difference between twisted wire and a zip cord type of wire? 73 de kx4tq
While I don't have a camper, the design and theory is great knowledge. Question on the smart shunt - is the info it puts out valuable enough to live with the noise, or, would using charge controllers that have input/output screens be enough info, although less convenient?
I’d mount the solar panels as 3 in a line at the back, looks likely you’d have to re-position the cable gland, I’d place that nearer the roof vent in the centre and another mirrored the other side. Maybe an idea to face it (sloping side) toward the line of travel, with the cables facing the rear. Cover the old holes with a plastic cover and sika flex. That AI image is pretty darn cool, would love to see it painted in those colours 👍
Outstanding ideas! The panels were a surprise, so didn't plan for them arriving so soon. Let's see how sikaflex likes my heat gun. Thanks for the kindness 👍🙏
@@OH8STN trust me you definitely will wanna park it under Shade or shelter. You keep a couple solar panels that we can put the lead for 5 meters or so so you can put them farther from your trailer.? KF0HRF
Just for my own case, if I did this, I think a solar generator would be better. Stock it up with freeze dried food and plenty of water, and you'd be well set for that five day mission.
I've asked him about it, and the multiple Genasuns. He discussed around 6:40, and again around 13:00, but I think it's that the Genasuns are expensive and harder to come by, and he's developing enough power now that he'd overdrive the Genasuns.
any thoughts on fire safety with the batteries, maybe a CO2 extinguisher and a smoke detector and the ability to rapidly remove the battery if needed. It makes sense to have them indoors in cold weather. Are there any ventilation requirements for the LiPO batteries. BTW I think I got myself covered with pv panels now to run radio and a microsoft surface:)
Good question. LiFePO4 (not LiPo) generally vents rather than bursting into flames or exploding. If there is a mishap, there is a BMS (first line of defense), and 40A fuse (second line defense). Finally, every load circuit is fused. LiFePO4 batteries and lithium in general don't give off gasses like lead-acid. They are indoor safe. Fire safety is a great point. I've got a fire extinguisher, co2 sensor, and propane sensor. The propane is far more dangerous than the LiFePO4 battery. Finally, the only thing holding the battery in are the straps. There's a knife on the shelf for emergency cutting. Great question 👍
There is no requirement to vent the battery. I’ve been running 4 Lion Energy in parallel for 400AH for over 4 years. I keep them under the bed. No issues. I use Renogy equipment. Much has changed in the last 4 years. Decreased solar gear costs, and lower battery costs, too. My recommendation, is to not go too cheap, because the RF noise tends to increase. Nice job, Julian!
Great tips on reducing EMI, I'll have to keep this in mind once I finally get a trailer of my own.
Great to see part 2 julian 73 Harry ph7fe
Even though I never expect to operate like this, I still find these videos fascinating and informative! Thank you, Julian!
You are very welcome
73
Julian oh8stn
There are lots of pros to having them permanently mounted.. but i feel like there is a pro to keeping them somewhat portable too.. parking under the shade of a tree can help a lot with comfort inside but then you need to be able to run them to the sun. Though your climate is much different than mine
It's a great point. In a future episode, I'll show the ground deployed helper panels.
This is absolutely the most favorite project you have done. You, sir, are going to get a few root beers from me. Thank you for the content and hard work. Wish I was your neighbor 😊
🙏 Thanks
Dang it, Julian! Now you've got me wanting to get a trailer! Thanks Buddy!! 😁 Awesome stuff as always!
Is it there yet? 🤣👍
This one has been a real blessing.
Outstanding as always Julian! It looks like it's coming together nicely! Can't wait to see the next installment!
Semper fi!
Todd
Awesome video Julian! Thanks so much for sharing your journey. 73, N2SCD
I don’t understand it but I love the concept.😊
Man you are killing it with the thumbnail!
It looks like the camper is coming along quite nicely.
The on advantage you didn't mention of parallel charge controller that is more important when portable is PV panels shading. One charge controller per panel can net significantly more power when shading is an issue.
Another great video.
I use two Fly Power lifepo 4 cells at 320 amps and a 100 amp charge controller.
I'm still building the whole system.
But for the little power I ask of it, I always have lots of power to spare.
Even when we have had 2 or 3 weeks of poor sunlight.
Love your video's.
73, de VA6CQB
My favorite option is symmetry, so three on the back roof. The one positioned under a angle might work, but then your depending on the position of the caravan.
Very informative. What's the story on RF noise from the Power Queen charge controller?
Great Video
I know that submersible pump wire is twisted. It is sold as a solid
2 wires w/ground. Some marina wire is braided like coax, and then sheathed. They should offer a twisted pair for solar in the marina market with all the electronics on yachts.
Thank you 🙏
Ever notice that all Ai radio guys look alike?
Thanks for this Julian! That twisted wire trick is gonna be in my back pocket now. I wonder if there is a difference between twisted wire and a zip cord type of wire? 73 de kx4tq
Yes. That one sent me down a rabbit hole, too. I may see if I can Redneck engineer something similar. Thanks, Julian.
While I don't have a camper, the design and theory is great knowledge. Question on the smart shunt - is the info it puts out valuable enough to live with the noise, or, would using charge controllers that have input/output screens be enough info, although less convenient?
Question. Can someone add a Wind Turbine to substitute power when there is rain and clouds? Sailboats have them wondering if you thought of that?
I’d mount the solar panels as 3 in a line at the back, looks likely you’d have to re-position the cable gland, I’d place that nearer the roof vent in the centre and another mirrored the other side. Maybe an idea to face it (sloping side) toward the line of travel, with the cables facing the rear. Cover the old holes with a plastic cover and sika flex. That AI image is pretty darn cool, would love to see it painted in those colours 👍
Outstanding ideas! The panels were a surprise, so didn't plan for them arriving so soon. Let's see how sikaflex likes my heat gun.
Thanks for the kindness 👍🙏
@@OH8STN trust me you definitely will wanna park it under Shade or shelter. You keep a couple solar panels that we can put the lead for 5 meters or so so you can put them farther from your trailer.? KF0HRF
Just for my own case, if I did this, I think a solar generator would be better. Stock it up with freeze dried food and plenty of water, and you'd be well set for that five day mission.
what are your thoughts on using 200 or even 300 watt panels?
If there is space enough, why not? I am on a tight budget, so started with economic panels, knowing I'd get more at some point.
Great question.
So is the Power Queen Charge Controller RF quiet?
Not by default. I am working on a mod. I hope it's out in a couple of weeks.
Why a shunt and not a clamp on current sensor and voltmeter type setup?
Great question.
I wanted historical data from load, voltage, and energy production.
First!
gee I saw your alc meter actually do something. Ive never seen anything on mine and wonder if I am doing something wrong by not seeing ANYTHING.??????
A little ALC ~10-15% is perfect 👍
I don't understand why you have the Power Queen charge controller when you are already using the Genisun controllers.
I've asked him about it, and the multiple Genasuns. He discussed around 6:40, and again around 13:00, but I think it's that the Genasuns are expensive and harder to come by, and he's developing enough power now that he'd overdrive the Genasuns.
So even the Victron smart shunt is bad for HF. Jeez, they should really do proper design of their systems. No Victron for me!
any thoughts on fire safety with the batteries, maybe a CO2 extinguisher and a smoke detector and the ability to rapidly remove the battery if needed. It makes sense to have them indoors in cold weather. Are there any ventilation requirements for the LiPO batteries. BTW I think I got myself covered with pv panels now to run radio and a microsoft surface:)
Good question. LiFePO4 (not LiPo) generally vents rather than bursting into flames or exploding. If there is a mishap, there is a BMS (first line of defense), and 40A fuse (second line defense). Finally, every load circuit is fused.
LiFePO4 batteries and lithium in general don't give off gasses like lead-acid. They are indoor safe.
Fire safety is a great point. I've got a fire extinguisher, co2 sensor, and propane sensor. The propane is far more dangerous than the LiFePO4 battery.
Finally, the only thing holding the battery in are the straps. There's a knife on the shelf for emergency cutting.
Great question 👍
@OH8STN it's a great project. I have a mobile home by the beach here in Ireland and it's a great spot for radio, I can see it being fitted out :)
There is no requirement to vent the battery. I’ve been running 4 Lion Energy in parallel for 400AH for over 4 years. I keep them under the bed. No issues. I use Renogy equipment. Much has changed in the last 4 years. Decreased solar gear costs, and lower battery costs, too. My recommendation, is to not go too cheap, because the RF noise tends to increase. Nice job, Julian!
What is the maximum voltage your MPPT 30 amp solar controller can take?
@Planedude60 100 volts.