For those who know all about Power?
 

http://www.modernoutpost.com/gear/de...mo_power_7.php

Need to run electronics in remote wilderness places? Need to charge batteries, power camcorders, radios, & sat phones in out-of-the-way locations? Want a straightforward back-up power solution? The Outpost Power 7 is for you.

What do you make of this?

They have other versions with greater output under 'related items' towards the bottom left of the page.

Such as this version:

http://www.modernoutpost.com/gear/de...o_power_26.php


I was wondering if this is as good as it gets when it comes to having a portable power solution. I would want to have a power pack for on the road travel especially for keeping my Mac laptop powered but how long would it last when charged/ operating of solar power? And could it be worth the huge costs involved- for any of the models? Would this be a good for WTSHTF in light of its solar power capabilities ;o)

Re: For those who know all about Power?
 

looks pretty nifty but watts per dollar i think you can do a lot better especially if you do not need quick pick up portability.

for about the same price 300 to 400 dollars you could set up a 100 amp hour system or larger
which could also allow the use of small power tools and lighting.

even that bigger one is only 26 amp hour storage.

consider fitting extra battery storage to your vehical with solar back up a continuous
duty solenoid will allow charging while driving and prevent your main battery from being
discharged.plug your solar panel in when you are stationary for a long time.

Re: For those who know all about Power?
 

Looks like you get a small battery, 120w inverter and a AC to DC charger to charge the battery. About 150 bucks worth of stuff ( or less ) if you put it together yourself, plus that cool carrying case, for 379.

Personally, I'd pass.....but I'm cheap.

Re: For those who know all about Power?
 

i think i'd make up my own setup
using a dashboard solar trickle battery charger hooked up to a bank of car batteries

DIY
the experience/knowledge you gain may help when TSHTF

Re: For those who know all about Power?
 

That sounds like a good idea. Do you have any pointers/ links for what to look for? Is there anything worth buying that is 'ready to go' for these purposes and would rake in enough power for a laptop say?

Re: For those who know all about Power?
 

Depends on what your laptop uses.....and if you plan to use it only in the car and so on.

Using the car, probably a 12watt panel would be the minimum.....you're looking at 170 bucks....and a 20-30watt would be better if you don't plan to turn the engine on from time to time.

http://store.altenergystore.com/Sola...wer-Pack/p572/

Splice a cigarette lighter plug on the panel lead and backfeed the car battery from a panel you set on the dashboard when stopped.

Re: For those who know all about Power?
 

hardest part will just be finding a suitable place to mount the battery
its good if you have a larger older vehical and can mount a second battery
mount under the hood/bonnet.all the continuous duty solenoid does is acts
as a switch/relay so that when the the vehical is running its charging and
when the vehical is not running it disconects from the main start battery
so you never run the risk of draining your start battery.

all parts are availabe at your local auto store your local auto elec would probably
take care of any installation if you are not comforatable with it.

if all you want is to be able to run is a laptop you will not need a huge
inverter but if you get something a little larger you have the option
of running some other things of of it.and all it will take is a little extra
heavy duty cable.

the solar panel can just be set up when stationary ie clipped onto battery or you may have some
place to mount permanent? you will only need it when not driving for long periods of time
but it will do well to keep your battery charged.

If you keep the solar panel small with regard to storage you should not need regulation
for example a 10 watt solar panel into a 100 amp hour battery should self regulate pretty
well.

ill take a few pics of one truck i have set up it may take a few days as im pretty busy at moment.

Re: For those who know all about Power?
 

I'm thinking of getting a good Class B RV like a Roadtrek in the next couple of years. I figure it can be like a mini condo on wheels and hopefully I can get a great solar addition for the vehicle as well. It will also make a good bugout if skit gets real bad and should be able to transport all we need.

If things don't deteriorate, it can still be used for seeing beautiful places in CA and I figure it will be well utilized and much enjoyed. IN ADDITION, I strongly believe that the prices of these (2nd hand of course) will come down a great deal and I should find a bargain- perhaps one that is 3/4 years old.

I'm not sure what sort of expenses I'll be looking at in terms of insurance and all the unforseen expenses that a newbie wouldn't have a clue about though..

Re: For those who know all about Power?
 

HOW ABOUT THIS?
http://www.modernoutpost.com/gear/details/fp_weza.php

Re: For those who know all about Power?
 

at a rough guese that would at most run my laptop for 1.5 hours then require
4 to 5 hours of leg pumping to recharge nice gadget though

its hard to work out the exact usage time because of inverter losses and transformer losses and computer usage but i think i am pretty close.

maybee even a little on the wishfull thinking side.

I used to have a mobile inverter that had 40 amp hour storage and the most i ever got out
of it was about 3 hours computer run time

Re: For those who know all about Power?
 

Class C insurance is much Cheaper than a cars insurance.