We got the lid situated the other day: http://f-lan.net/images/bman2017/solar_box_06.jpg http://f-lan.net/images/bman2017/solar_box_07.jpg The only question that remains is how to set up the ventilation fans. I want positive air pressure in the box, though I also want the intake filter to do as good...

One of those would probably be perfect for a one time use out on the playa to make sure nothing is severely overheating. $28 for peace of mind? Sold.

Thanks for the suggestions, some seeing eye. I've already got a decent multimeter- good idea about the thermocouple. I wish I had the scratch for one of those fancy no contact infrared thermometers... As far as things running hot are concerned, we were thinking of mounting a 4" fan directly on top o...

We made some progress yesterday, mostly on the box. A little about the construction... the box is 2' square, framed in 2x2s and clad on the sides with 1/4" hardwood ply, and the bottom is 1" ply. All joints are glued and screwed for maximum strength (and pleasure?). The two vents are forced air heat...

As far as sliders are concerned, you may want to consider using capacitive touch sliders since they have no moving parts, no wipers, and no contacts to get fouled up. I haven't used them, though they seem to hold up well out there based on ones I've seen on other projects.

I've done the electrical and electronics for several mid sized interactive installations in the past, some of which were honorarium. We've had the damnedest of times getting buttons that didn't crap out once out there- not only do you have to worry about waterproofing in the event of rain, but you h...

This is my first time going to the Playa so I'm expecting to produce less power then I normally produce since I'll need to bring down my panel at night (don't want to chance a dust storm while out or asleep) and during heavy wind durning the day. We're planning a 3x100W panel array connected to 3 b...

Yesterday we set up the solar equipment and did a test run for the first time. Fortunately, everything seemed to work fine-- the output was sufficient (even at sea level, with the panels lying flat on the ground). We had a 200W resistive load, plus a laptop and a speaker system plugged in to a 600W ...

I agree- not having to listen to a gas generator, even one as quiet as a Honda, is really nice :) So some progress has recently been made: we picked up a couple of 12V 105Ah AGM batteries and plan on wiring them up in parallel to get a total of 210Ah at 12V. I also managed to find some panels identi...

I've picked up a charge controller already, a 40A MPPT unit from epsolar, mainly because it has a decent readout and allows for user-defined charge settings. Research indicated that MPPT really outshined PWM in cooler weather, though the readout and user-defined charge settings was worth the extra c...

Hello All! An introduction: the camp I belong to has used the same generator since 2006, which finally gave up the ghost this year after many hours of service, both on and off playa. Several years ago we started adding some solar to supplement our power needs and subsequently reduce the amount of ga...

I hope it snows now.

Pics were taken at Point 1

Hail...

These pics were taken within an hour ago. Yikes!

Update from a friend who just made it out there: "It's hot as balls!"

The Black Hole is actually at 5:45 and E this year if memory serves

Costblow carries a deep cycle marine battery at 115 amp hours for about $100. I'd also recommend you get a separate deep cycle battery charger (~$100 for a decent one) to plug into the AC receptacle of the EU2000-- the charge port on the generator is not "smart" so it has the potential of overchargi...

This tank is new and doesn't have a vent. Damn EPA. I'll look into the fuel demand valve from Attwood.

Have any of you had issues with pressure buildup in the external tank? As a test I set mine out in the sun today and noticed that it puffed up slightly due to a buildup of gas vapors. Is this bad for the engine to have pressure like that on the fuel line? Should I worry about venting the external ta...

Probably 70% of the crowd and 50% of the camps this year have never experienced one. That is exatcly the reason it would great. ) So,in other words,you are happy to see danger and harm come to the city in order to thin things out a bit? I'm happy to be reminded that in life, and especially while in...

Anyone know how to get a hold of placement as early as Monday before the event starts? I'll be coming in on the 18th and I want to setup camp (after G street), though I want to make sure there aren't any conflicts. That way if there is some asshole claiming I'm in their 'spot' I can calmly explain h...

I want a multi-day apocalyptic level whiteout as we haven't had one of those for a while. As people have already mentioned, it'll probably thin out the population, not to mention give perspective about how little control you really have in the desert.

You could always find a black rock ranger and have them radio placement to verify your location isn't reserved. Same thing applies if there is a dispute after setting up.

I heard D Lot is the place to be for killer trap step. Just show up early to the event and you'll see what I mean.

What is this reading thing you speak of?

I've used a small cooler for cell phones and the like as well. No ice needed, I just put it in the yurt. A good shady spot, or a vehicle with mylar shades in the windows as mentioned before would probably work just as fine. If you're really concerned for your gadgets and don't plan on using them dur...

Awkward camp threesomes... fuck that noise.

Hmm... maybe my meter is giving me an inaccurate reading. I'm using the endless breeze fan and the DC solar pump, so I should be getting a reading of 3 amps. I'll change the batteries in my meter and measure again.