solar power

Finally saved up enough to purchase a Goal Zero 1250. and then discovered there is a new product, made in America, that is a 1000W unit with built in solar panels.  More expensive, but not really more than the goal zero kit w/ panels and easier to move around – as long as you have a cart, even with the lithium ion battery in the latter.

SO

am not doing it.

Have looked carefully at how long it takes to charge these things up using just solar power.  And while I do have an away use for the bigger battery, its not something I’ve ABSOLUTELY GOTTA HAVE.    And outside of the fridge/freezer, have nothing that can’t be powered with my Goal Zero 400.  For lighting have fallbacks of oil lamps, candles, as well as rechargeable lights.   If the S really HTF, things like phones and TV’s aren’t going to matter.  And even these bigger solar power battery units will only do the fridge for 12 hours and will take 2 days of strong intense sun to recharge, so WTF!  About the only thing they bring is buying the time to get all that stored food into cans or dehydrated.

so will look more at an extra 12v battery for the camper and a set up to use my solar panel (and maybe another) for charging it and a 12V run fridge for that.  The GZ unit I’ve got is easily transportable for using with a pump for moving water if necessary – either at home or away, like grabbing creek water to filter or purify.

If I were 40 years old or so, might be looking at using that bigger GZ for powering a small house and hooking up panels and a wind generator.  But I’m nearer to 70, not planning on going anywhere, so will look to use my money in better preps OR better technology.

now the election is over

Please don’t get too comfortable with a Republican in office as to attacks on the constitution, especially the second amendment

We have seen a weakening of our rights on many levels over the years, with some of the most grievous being under Bush after 9/11/01.  So please, don’t get fooled by the ruckus raised about guns while the other rights are being hacked away.

AND

Watch for action at the local levels. Even with the GOP sitting in 33 out of 50 state legislatures, there will still be moves, like Bloomberg’s Universal Background Check bill which is slowly making its way across the country.  Have heard that Nevada passed that this most recent election (11/8/17).  It is presented in a way that seems innocent – we want to keep guns out of the hands of the undesirables, so even private sales should have background checks.  And who can argue with that thought?

BUT

what it really says is “no transfer” of guns without background checks, which means I can’t let my uncle George take my .357 down to the range for some target shooting when he visits from NY!  I can’t give my lever action 22 Henry to my 25 year old nephew to help introduce him to the sport.   I can’t even sell it to him without a background check.  You can’t give your son or daughter their first gun for duck hunting, plinking, or target shooting.

And there will be other ways they will try to get regulations through. Rules about where or when you can be armed even with your CCW.  Gun Free Zones will be your church, your mall, your movie theatre, the concert you wanted to attend with your favorite golden oldies band.  And while those might seem to be places where you can agree to being gun free, if they don’t provide secure storage for your weapon while you are there you will either have to lock it in your car or leave it at home.

Watch for attempts to weaken stand your ground laws like changing them to Run Hide Fight.  Your last option is to defend yourself, not your first?

So be aware and be careful out there.

further comments

on belly bands.

As an overweight woman who carries a full size gun, usually a 4″ barrel .357 revolver, am a fan of the belly band.  Of course, I usually push it so it is more of a hip band than around the belly.  They are really nice as they easily sit under those elastic waist skirts and pants, even yoga pants and leggings!  they can also be positioned to hold the gun in what ever position is best for the user accommodating all our various rolls and excesses.

BUT

do not like the Velcro adjustable bands.  There’s a long list of reasons why and though I suggest getting a cheap one to practice with and trial, you will soon figure out why I don’t like them for regular wear.

That is what led to the CanCan concealment holster with its hook and eye closure.

Have now found the Hidden Heat Wrap from Miss Concealed Carry on ETSY.  It is deeper than the CanCan so the end of the gun isn’t sitting out into your leg.  The pocket of the holster has an inner band to give a secure grip to the barrel, the elastic is an open material so it has more breathe-ability, PLUS it has a zipper PLUS the hook and eye, so once its fitted, you don’t have to play with those hooks and eyes anymore.

Yes, pushing it down onto my hip, the bottom sits low but it doesn’t cut into my thighs when I sit like some of the others and not having the gun barrel jamming into my leg or the bare metal rubbing on my skin is a whole level up in comfort!

any one experience this

had finally saved enough money for the Goal Zero 1250 and then found this company and their product.

http://peppermintenergy.com/products/forty2/

Made in America, includes the solar panels, 180W which is impressive

While I like the power supply separate from the panel so I can keep the panel plugged into charge while it is being used, this has its own pluses and either way you have to have long power sucking wires.

So before I bite the bullet for an alternate power supply for SHTF and my camper (which we are FINALLY getting to restoring), wanted some feed back.

Anyone?

calculating solar useage

This article came from Goal Zero for van/RV useage, but really can be extrapolated out for any use, for other devices similar to the Goal Zero, or even if you are building your own

http://www.goalzero.com/solarlife/2016/10/13/tips-for-installing-solar-on-your-van/?utm_source=Main_List&utm_campaign=6442268d91-11-9-16-vansolar&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f649b1a061-6442268d91-289602817&mc_cid=6442268d91&mc_eid=e44a9796ce