Okay, we have collected some of the sun’s energy as electricity [Photovoltaic] and stored it in a battery [or batteries]. Now, what devices will use the output from the solar power system:
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Battery charger [AA/AAA—could have been one of the storage devices—not listed there because it is not the primary storage device]—from Radio Shack. It also has a USB charging port.
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Case cooling fan, to the left of the horn. Just in case, for really hot days. It is an exhaust fan.
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DiNotte Lighting [four 400L & a 1200L]. Connectors are beneath the flashlight: two 400L connectors on the right [1200L & then the amber headlights]; followed by the horn button connector; and then the 400L taillight connector, just behind the flashlight lanyard. The 400L pushbutton on/off switches are at the upper left @ the 11:00 position.
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Electric horn [REALLY LOUD off 12 volts versus the 9-volts I reported on earlier. The horn is in the foreground, closest to the viewer.
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Garmin Edge 305 [either from direct charge or running of 2 AA batteries charged by the battery charger above]. The solar USB connecter is at the top @ the 11:00 position and can be used to charge any USB device.
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Garmin Nuvi 760 GPS plugs in the the cigarette lighter plug at the lower left-hand corer @ the 7:00 position.
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Inverter [gives me 1110-120 volts of AC]—obviously from Radio Shack. I’ve used an inverter in my car for near 10 years. This was taken from the car. Bought it as a replacement on my most recent trip to Florida—Tour of Discovery ride with Mr. Giraldo.
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| iPod Touch & iHome Speaker running off its AC adapter plugged into the inverter. Noticed I shortened the case—no batteries—AC adapter only. This places the iPod Touch on iHome Speaker Power—PERFECT! It sits to the left of the battery. |
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| Notice the AC power strip in the upper left-hand corner the the iHome Speaker AC adapter plugged in. |
At the top, just below the lid is the CableJive connector for my iPod Touch. Also visible is the speaker exterior—the larger black circular object |
Top picture: Cigarette lighter connector, with 3 plug-ins. from left-to-right: 12-volts power out from the controller; AA/AAA battery charger; & the 120-volt inverter. Bottom picture: To the left is a 12-volt bus to connect 12-volt devices. |
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I like the modularity I’ve set up most about this system. I do not have wires dangling or coiled up inside for connection to devices. I plan to neatly route wiring to my Power Box. At this point, I’ll connect my Garmin Nuvi 760, the horn button, and the iPod Touch. Of course there are the lights [back-up battery connected inside the box] and the solar panel input. The Edge 305 has its little AA box.
The only "new" item is the Nuvi. I’m testing its load today. The horn only consumes power when I press the switch. The lighting will be my main draw. DiNotte battery charging seems to require a lot of power—still to be fully tested. The inverter also comes at a cost. Again, at the end of the day, I want a battery that is near full charge so I can ride through the night. Remember I have backup DiNotte batteries and 2 ties of lighting still available to me. Hey, I’ve done a bit of night touring. This works for me.
My BROL Quad [Fargo] Setup Thread
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I-Phone does the live video…so no other cameras, VIDEO or STILL?
As to computing power … 12″ screen size portables mostly have the charging and control ciruits built in … charging is done while its power box is plugged into 110AC. … is that the Inverter in your kit? …. will you bring spare batteries for the computer? 2 or 4 hours isn’t long.
Hi Terry,
You see my setup [inverter included, #7 on my list above] as I plan to roll, minus my laptop plan as presented here and here. There you see I intend to use a powergorilla and may keep it charge via solar. No spare laptop batteries. I also do not plan to use it a lot once the day’s ride has started. I think all this is manageable without spare batteries. Of course, I take no risk with regard to lighting. My laptop is not needed for safety.
As to cameras, my current plan is the iPhone for all–keeping thinks simple. Rafael has the quality camera. With more dollars, I may exercise other options.
Thanks!
Jim