I'm thinking about what I'm going to do as well. I'd like to have power for my cell phone, camera, and some lights for the campsite at night. Not sure if I want to drop $200 bucks though... If anyone has cheaper ideas, post them. I'll do the same!
The Camping with Solar Energy Thread
(19 posts) (8 voices)-
Marchelle Palomino
MemberPosted Sunday 20 Nov 2011 @ 6:11:35 pm from IP # -
ghostgum
MemberHow long are you going camping? If one week or less, then you should be able to cope with pre-charged SLA battery. If longer, you will probably need some charging facility.
Are you going to use your car during the camping trip? On a long trip we used our car every few days, so we used a 12V to 240V inverter to power a 4A SLA charger, charging a 12V 18AH SLA battery.
Posted Sunday 20 Nov 2011 @ 11:48:28 pm from IP # -
yabbietol
MemberUnfortunately I do not have any good ideas for camping cheaper than $200 as per original post. However, I have recently bought an Avan and decided to install my own solar panels as the manufacturer supplies only 20W ($500) and 50W ($900) panels at rather high prices.
I have noted on ebay many systems or just panels at a much lower cost with more capacity. I am looking at 80W, 100W, 120W and 150W panels and systems. My estimate is I could build a good capacity system or adapt a system for my Avan for less than $500.
I know many of these ebay purchases use cheap panels, but as long as I rate the regulator high enough and make my wiring thick enough with quality connectors and fuses. I should have few problems and a lot more power for bush camping. Even if panels do not give rated watts I will still be ahead.One option is to adapt an ebay Australian supplier folding system such as a 150W that costs $400 plus $100 cost in wiring, connectors, fuses, etc. Labour will be me, hence free. I did a quick check of the camping stores in Canberra yesterday, though their systems cheaper than Avan they are still about twice the cost of ebay systems which look identical.
Posted Wednesday 30 Nov 2011 @ 8:19:47 pm from IP # -
Buzzman
MemberAnd if you're travelling and camping each night, as opposed to camping in one spot for a week, then having the second SLA battery connected to the alternator of your vehicle means you can utilise all that otherwise wasted capacity of the vehicle's alternator.
Most vanners and 4WD'ers utilise a system called a "dual battery system" which involves placing a controller between the two batteries - the starting battery and the 'house' battery, thus preventing the over-use of the batteries preventing the vehicle from starting. It automatically isolates the starting battery once it's recharged, only allowing 'house' draw down from the second battery.
I know because I've seen it done that a solar panel can really easily be added to such a system. And yes, it would cost a lot more than $200, but you get what you pay for in this world.
Piranha make a good controller for about $200 - as in, I'll put my neck out and vouch for its efficacy - but there may be cheaper Chinese versions around....
A decent quality deep-cycle auto battery is around $300 up, and a few bits of wire, fuses and connectors might set you back another $50.So if the vehicle is used every day, why not plug it back into the house grid each night and keep it "used".
Ok, so not exaclt answering the "less than $200" question of OP, but for vanners or stop-and-go caming it can't be beaten....
And is powerful enough to run a 12VDC 'camping fridge' for a day or two - which keeps butter, cheese, milk and other perishables in top condition...in case you need a 'justification of expense' argument to put to 'er indoors.... Just don't mention keeping the beer cold! lol
Posted Friday 2 Dec 2011 @ 1:03:10 am from IP # -
yabbietol
MemberAgain well above the $200 limit
I have had several dual battery systems on my 4WDs over the years ranging from a simple switch to a sophisticated controller. These days a simple heavy duty switch can be a risk to car computers, so I would generally stay away from physical switches which are cheap and reliable (but you need to remember to to isolate your main battery). So for dual battery for camping go for a good quality electronic isolator and charger, cheaper than new car computer.
I have used a Piranha isolator and charger for my dual battery systems (which have provided lighting and Waco car fridge for a couple of days bush camping) for several years and I am pleased with its performance.
I have just checked with Piranha and my existing isolator (DBS180+) can cope with both my existing dual battery and my new Avan battery while driving (both are same type -low maintenance sealed lead acid). However, I still intend to get solar system as described in my previous posting for extended bush camping in my Avan.
Posted Friday 2 Dec 2011 @ 1:45:38 am from IP # -
Buzzman
MemberCorrect me if I'm wrong - and I frequently am - but an 80W panel, even if perfectly orientated, will only produce between 400-800Wh, won't it?
Will that be enough to recharge the Avan's house battery?
Where's Collyn Rivers when you need him????
Posted Saturday 3 Dec 2011 @ 11:23:21 am from IP # -
yabbietol
MemberI would say you are correct, 80W is a minimum size, but life is full of compromises especially when you camp in the bush.
My tendency is to go for as much solar panel capacity as I can afford and have space to fit.In conventional bush car camping most people use their auxiliary battery to run a car fridge and provide some lighting and maybe a radio. With the conventional set up each time you drive your car you recharge the second battery and chill down the fridge in the car so you come back to your camp site you already have a cold fridge and probably a fully charged battery.
If you static camp or have other equipment to run such as computers and TV; generators (which are noisy and antisocial) or solar panels (which are cool) are you main choices. Laptops need recharging (they in turn can be used to recharge mobile phones via USB ports), TV for a couple of hours and a bit of lighting in the evening. Fridge can be run on gas or 12 V, but only if you have spare capacity in your battery.
Modern small LED TV's with 6 stars use about 40W per hour, laptop depending on type (and inverter used) around 60W to 100W per hour and lighting is variable but say about 60W per hour. So solar panels of 80W with luck can provide a couple of hours comfort in the evening without killing your battery (200W for 2 hours =400W). The fridge is an issue, but caravan fridges can run on gas. If you have spare charge you can run fridge on 12V (until regulator turns off deep cycle battery due to low voltage) and again with luck everything will charge up again next day. Hence my thinking of larger capacity 120W to 150W panels, it all comes down to cost and space.
Also another option is to have a folding panel system that can be optimally located during the day. These range from $280 to about $500 depending on capacity. Unfortunately they are more likely to be stolen than panels mounted on vehicles. If you are around your camp site all day then there is noting except cost from having both mounted panels and a folding system ($400 for about 150W folding system on ebay). The folding panels then can be relocated every few ours for optimal sun angel.
Posted Saturday 3 Dec 2011 @ 9:07:05 pm from IP # -
me
MemberHi
To reply to the question asked. You can do what you asked for much less than $200.
IF you are strictly limited to the things in the question. Could also depend on what TYPE of camera.
You can get a 3 watt camping lantern for about $24 (what I paid for mine). It is bright enough to read by and lights a fair size area. Mine works on 4 AA batteries (came with 4 alkaline but I use Nimh rechargeables). I use a AA charger with car adapter plugged into a 5 watt solar panel. The charger can charge 2 or 4 AA batteries and is rated as input dc 12 volt 670mA (actually about 8 watts) and output dc 2.8/5.6 volt 800mA so while the input is a bit below rated, the output is about right
Anyway it works and works well. I charge the batteries for the lantern and also for my radio (uses 2 AA) and also for cameras that use AA, including Pentax Dslr as well as a compact camera. you could likely get a car adapter for you phone as well that may well work directly from the panel. There are also lots of devices to charge phones by winding etc. You can easily charge a light (4 AA), a camera (2 AA)and radio (2 AA in a good day and I suspect substitute the radio for the phone and it would be ok.Not to mention there are lots of camping lanterns that use 2 AA batteries instead of 4 and that cost a couple of bucks on E bay. I am happy with mine though.
You can also get a "torch" that puts out a lot of light (and can light an area) that will also work off the 5 watt panel AND of a car charger AND of a 240 volt charger AND has a small dynamo on the back. Mine is from K mart (I think it was) and is branded Platinum marine accessories. I plug it into the solar panel early and later plug the AA charger in. The only thing wrong with this "torch" is that when the battery dies I can not replace it as it is made of a 3 AA pack taped together and not user replaceable. Cost around $40 from memory.
Posted Saturday 3 Dec 2011 @ 9:49:55 pm from IP # -
Buzzman
MemberLOL
See? It can be done?? Great choices 'me'
BTW, your wind-up torch thingy can probably be saved if the battery dies. Just ask on here there are electronic geeks aplenty who will be able to supply you with a cheap DIY solution, probably involving a trip to Tandy or Jaycar....
Any takers???
I purchased a $12 6 LED camping lantern that takes 4 D-cells. Have yet to discover a charger or a source of NiMh D-cells, but will look into it.
I can read quite easily and it lights a large area when lit. Bought from the large upside-down M....simply because that was the cheapest thing I could find in town.
But looking on eBay there are plenty of options!!
Posted Monday 5 Dec 2011 @ 12:28:42 pm from IP # -
ghostgum
MemberBuzzman said:
Have yet to discover a charger or a source of NiMh D-cells, but will look into it.They aren't cheap:
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SB1734&form=CAT2&SUBCATID=997#12It's probably better to use a lead acid battery if you need that much energy.
For charging larger sized batteries, I use a NiMH charger for multiple cells:
http://www.master-instruments.com.au/products/57859/MW7168.htmlSome other options:
http://www.modelflight.com.au/products/Swallow_EQ_Charger_AC_DC_240V_12V-4382-40.html
http://www.master-instruments.com.au/category/NiCdNiMH_Multi_Voltage_Chargers/1227Posted Tuesday 6 Dec 2011 @ 12:28:47 am from IP # -
Marchelle Palomino
MemberThanks for your cooperation.
Posted Friday 9 Dec 2011 @ 5:26:31 pm from IP # -
David_Vic
MemberBuzzman said:
Correct me if I'm wrong - and I frequently am - but an 80W panel, even if perfectly orientated, will only produce between 400-800Wh, won't it?
Will that be enough to recharge the Avan's house battery?Don't worry about Muddy Waters here is the info.
http://home.vicnet.net.au/~rvtravel/SolarHours/Posted Thursday 22 Dec 2011 @ 4:45:48 am from IP # -
Lance
Key MasterI've just bought some AA cells from these guys, but they have C and D cells at excellent prices, probably straight from the manufacturer. Not sure what quality is like yet, or how well the printed capacity relates to reality, but cheap enough to give them a try: http://stores.ebay.com/Recycle-Powers-Store/C-D-Battery-/_i.html?_fsub=1515409012
Posted Thursday 22 Dec 2011 @ 11:59:46 pm from IP # -
yabbietol
MemberHello David_vic, et al
I ended up buying a 120W ($400 delivered) folding panel which during a recent brief trial surprisingly charged the Avan Battery to float charge in a couple of hours. I should point out that the Avan battery is also topped up from 4WD isolated dual battery system while driving. I have had not had the chance to test out the system yet for a static 3 plus day camp, but I have done one overnight bush camp with some solar charging, it looks promising.
I also have converted all the Avan lights to LED and decided to use the gas setting on the fridge when static (12V when mobile for safety reasons). A cheap LED 20"TV is the next purchase (40w to 60W).
I have also found this WA website which has a lot of interesting info on bush camping power.
http://www.fridge-and-solar.net/info.htm
This guy seems to understand the difference between car auto electrics and the power needs of campers. Well worth a look.Posted Friday 23 Dec 2011 @ 4:47:19 am from IP # -
yabbietol
MemberI should add the panels I bought were a pair of folding panels off eBay that give a total of 120w and came with a cables, Anderson plug, decent stand and regulator. When used in my first camp I simply moved them every once and a while for best solar orientation.
Posted Friday 23 Dec 2011 @ 4:54:23 am from IP # -
David_Vic
Memberyabbietol said:
....point out that the Avan battery is also topped up from 4WD isolated dual battery system while driving. I have had not had the chance to test out the system yet for a static 3 plus day camp, but I have done one overnight bush camp with some solar charging, it looks promising.
I also have converted all the Avan lights to LED and decided to use the gas setting on the fridge when static (12V when mobile for safety reasons). A cheap LED 20"TV is the next purchase (40w to 60W).
I have also found this WA website which has a lot of interesting info on bush camping power.
http://www.fridge-and-solar.net/info.htm
This guy seems to understand the difference between car auto electrics and the power needs of campers. Well worth a look.Thankfully the AVan have a system which boosts the charging from the vehicle alternator to the caravan battery. Direct cable charging is an exercise in futility and technically does not and cannot function as people dream about it does.
Watch the so called 'cheap TV's' especially some brands sold online only. Suggest you look at http://www.changhong.com.au/product_show.php?id=27 which are available from few outlets including Hardly Normal. Changhong good tuner, good sound, low power consumption and good viewing angle. Yes, a handful of dollars more than online, but well worth the money. Once you go above 18.5" power consumption climbs quite steeply with size increase. Other issue not to many now above 18.5" have 240V/12V brick and 240V power supply is built in.
Sadly http://www.fridge-and-solar.net/info.htm far from ideal or optimal information for the RV fraternity. To many spend a lot of money at times on information they trawl up on the Internet that is not qualified and end up with painful power instead of pure pleasure painless power systems.
Posted Friday 30 Dec 2011 @ 5:32:45 am from IP # -
yabbietol
MemberI generally don't know what anyone qualifications are who writes on the internet unless, I have other some way of verifying them. I am sure it is the same with people on this forum, the forum is of value BECAUSE it requires no qualification to provide information. We should all take stuff off the internet as it is intended, as information not facts and use the information obtained to improve our knowledge. This is why wikipedia works so well.
I will defend the web site above as the "RV fraternity" is full of myths and misinformation much of this from people who are qualified and should know better, the person who runs this web site puts out useful information. Most of what is on this web site is just common sense combined with experience, which is often better than most degrees and trade qualifications.
A key theme is in camping with "RV's" is a common problem is manufactures and auto electricians skimp on cable size and do not allow batteries to get full charge from your vehicles alternator due to excessive voltage drop. Undersized manufacturers cables for charging batteries running fridges are a common problem in most "RV's" including my A'van.David_Vic do not get hung up about qualifications they are often overrated, just use this type of forum like most of us gather useful information. Thanks for the info on cheap TV's. I am looking at a 19" 240V/12v TV DVD combo with 6 stars, 3 year warranty for about $220 delivered from Kogan, power consumption <40W. So should be good for bush camping.
Posted Saturday 31 Dec 2011 @ 6:03:45 am from IP #
