Search results

Another High-Beam Pilot here too..... The other thing I'll selectively add, is lateral movement, within my lane, esp. on long straight stretches. Light, Colour, Movement (vs. a Static oncoming point of light, on a narrow object) can hopefully distract an oncoming driver from their phone, long...

Needs Must... spending money, so you can Keep Making Money makes sense to me. Industrial gens, despite sizeable cost, find their way into funny places...... many commercial EV sites are powered by diesel generators (line upgrade delays), and I personally know of an engine performance shop that...

Animals helping out my utility, on Friday. Small utility area, but most of it was out initially, so I fired up my larger portable, as this is not a good time of year to have no power @ sump-pump. Of course, grid was back about 15 minutes after I had my gen running..... Didn't end up taking them...

Meant to say "Should be Plenty"...... unless you run smelting-furnaces in your shop...... altho, given the TBN crowd, I should watch what I joke about :cool: ! Rgds, D.

Thanks for the pics OR ! We like pictures..... I'd have to start by looking up "Base Rate", as I don't play at these power levels..... poked around a bit just now.... not sure if that term is in current (pun-intended) use..... might have to wait for one of the Commercial guys like CM to drift...

90 carries those #'s better in his head than I do.... but I was initially thinking Peak Pwr, when I saw his comment.... Rgds, D.

I'm going to assume it's already in your Will..... might outlast all of us, put-together ! If you have a minute, post-up how your test-run went. Rgds, D.

Dang ! Not sure what put more drool on my keyboard.... the Deal on the trailer, or your Pull-Toy ! (y)(y)(y) Rgds, D.

Sounds like great fun ! Hopefully you won't need spikes ! Wishing good weather for your trip. Long day on the way back, but if you have time for a few pics - perhaps post up on ADVrider, and drop the link here ? Rgds, D.

Thanks for the glimpse into the Big Leagues CM ! Rgds, D.

:cool: LOL ...... stranger things have happened... IIRC, this site started out in a teenager's bedroom. Then again, aggregating info on critical infrastructure performance these days.... might lead to black-helicopters on my lawn ! Rgds, D.

Seeing your post.... thinking I'll need more categories for Utility Awards..... (read-out, Academy Award announcer style...) A) Top 5 - Frequent Outages B) Top 5 - Marathon Outages C) Top 5 - Ultra-Marathon Outages Ride along with world-travelers like Itchy Boots though.... plenty of people...

That telemetry package could almost convince me to start carrying a cell again....... Almost. I'm close to home virtually all the time these days, but if I was still traveling for business like I used to, that setup would seriously tempt me. Key data, AND CPU Temp, AND Wifi with actually some...

Thinking I should start annual Top 5 Utilities That Support Generator Exercise awards ! Rgds, D.

I have 2 Kawasakis in the garage now, plated for the road.... small stuff, by N. American standards, with the KLX300 being added last year. I like Honda just fine.... have seriously looked @ a few models over the years... the Kaws were the right deal/time. I have a very soft spot in my heart...

Always a great option... to have the right tool(s) @ hand, for the job ! Rgds, D.

Good to hear your grid is back Rusty, and even a bit early...... (I'd sandbag the estimate too, if I was the one issuing it :cool:) Thanks for the after-action report (I think you still will be posting consumption data later....), AND the pics....we always like those ! Can't remember if I've...

You did a great job on that build Rusty, both technically and esthetically on the bldg. Not the first time you've had a good run with it, but probably one of the longer ones..... Someone I knew years ago, commented on switching to NatGas..... "the thing I like about heating-oil, if things...

That ^, is not my field of Science..... so I couldn't begin to analyze the cause with certainty. Algae in ponds.... normal since Time began. Can our activities modify results ? Possibly, and probably. There are also various substances that occur naturally, that are toxic to life, even with...

I casually follow aviation for a few reasons (it Had Me, just @ The Physics), but one is for how technology gets implemented, and how people Do, or Don't interact with critical systems. Went back, and tracked down this thread...

It started with Compelled Fuel..... Even back then, non-sheeple were asking "Shouldn't we be using that land to grow food ?". Now, they don't even bother to hide the attacks on the food-systems, so that question has been conclusively answered. Now we have Compelled Transportation non-choice...

You raise a good point. Had a great chat, 10-15 years ago, with a Vietnam vet. Flew rotary and fixed wing. Went to University in Florida, and took the same courses the Ag engineers did, to learn about spraying. Did some crop dusting, knew all the regs, and was pretty disgusted by...

Thanks for the examples plow. Your last paragraph illustrates the importance of understanding the nuances of regs ! :cool: I'm still not clear on Inspection Passes though, esp. for off-airport sites, as they sound like Taking a Look to my novice ears. There is a general trend (at least up...

I'm trying to understand (seriously, I'm not arguing....) the constraints re. aborts/go-arounds..... On an off-airport short field approach, if your assessment is to not land, AND the abort puts you in violation of the 500' rule, what are you supposed to do ? (I haven't checked the Canuck...

This debrief covers some of the factors in this fatal crash Rgds, D.

Mike is an interesting cat. Caught my eye a Winter or 2 back, with that red plane he built - Draco. Even in the STOL world, that was an exceptional plane. Skill and non-small amount of Luck, has allowed Mike to survive his younger days, to impart some of the wisdom he conveys in his 4 Friends...

Dating, back-when..... although a suddenly flat tire + nose-over could have been bad, a flat-tire would have been a variation of "We ran out of gas", as an excuse to be out-late ! :cool: The Edge.... better to See It, and choose, or Not Know. A good question. It was scheduled to retire...

As stated, I don't pilot planes. I do ride motorcycles, on and off-road. Where I can relate to being a Pilot - you have to be All-In, All The Time ; ie. FULLY engaged in ALL aspects of what you are doing. Or, don't do the activity. Training, Professionalism, Safety-focus ; I'm all behind...

I get the intent of what the FAA is trying to guard against..... bottom-gun juniors buzzing things they shouldn't, just for kicks. This case of Trent's may be nothing more than a knee-jerk over-litigation response, to one member of the public complaining...... Rgds, D.

I'm not an aviator (though I wish my pockets were deep enough to be one !), so I'm only guessing when I say that there may be multiple reasons (other than an unfamiliar strip) for doing an Inspection Pass. I posted in Safety (IIRC) an incident where a pilot didn't see a tractor cutting grass at...

Interesting break-down of the regions Clifford. Illustrates challenges, even crafting State-level laws. Your second last paragraph, jumped-out.... Taxes are a huge motivator. Link below, jump to about 8 minutes to start into the overview of their small farm. (Beginning is their motivation...

Your comment reminded me of messing with rabbit-ears, on old TVs :) .... Dad has been gone a long time.... if I'd told him that I'd have to stand on the roof to make a phone-call, his next question would have been "Been Drinking ?". Progress :cool:. Rgds, D.

While learning about modern small bush-planes, I came across references to Trent's case. Short video, where he briefly summarizes the incident that launched the case: Intended, or not, the ongoing impact (pun not intended) of the direction the FAA has taken, sounds significant. Rgds, D.

A lot of similarities.... between LLs, and pre-emission diesels.... Rgds, D.

I expect bias (any source), and when I bring up something like this topic, my usual wish is to be Totally Wrong, about what is going on. There are usually lots of laws in place (that are often not enforced) in any jurisdiction.... worthwhile to know where the trends in enforcement are going...

Back in the olden-days, I was impressed by the performance of even simple (drain-back) hydronic-panel systems that were written up in Homepower. Really liking this guys setup. Building the basic panels... biggest problem would likely be accessing the tempered glass.... Rgds, D.

Regulatory Capture being what it is..... ^ all too common a situation. Broad/vague laws, by nature subject to interpretation, seem ripe for abuse..... I'm thinking of an important Canadian case still before the courts as I type.... non-Ag related, so won't post further, except to say Canadian...

Thanks for the local 411 Eric. Not really new... many battles (not just in court) have been fought throughout History, just over water. I can't confirm or deny if it's the same woman... but I do recommend that you watch the video, as it's about a lot more than just access to water. Long enough...

IF it was only Incompetence, that would be bad enough.... I (and many people) like to pick on the left-coast (mine, and yours), but reality today - this is a global problem. At least, in "advanced" nations. Rgds, D.

Rgds, D.

I was thinking of you, reading desert's post..... .... Do you consider 100k miles as even Broken-In ? :cool: Rgds, D.

Given the lifting-effort (those guys are probably stronger than you'd think), I'd suspect not... but I've never been around standing balsa.... Rgds, D.

Going Olde School.... First Part: Original Run-Flat Tire, No Need to go to Cross-Fit @ end of your day..... Middle Part: loving the old drive-chains, as tire-chains. Waste Nothing End Part: add rubber-tracks.... cruise down Rodeo Drive ! Rgds, D.

Like them or not, I respect just the fact that Honda will actually put things into production, that many other factories would only do as a design proto, at best. I was seriously considering a PC a few years back, until I saw that the load capacity was no better (a common problem) than what I...

Anytime I think my engines are working hard for their oil changes (not), I'll remind myself of this video. Rgds, D.

On the scale of This Game, it takes very little money, to buy key people. BYD buses are considered scrap, as soon as anything goes wrong. "Green" transportation products that are the equivalent of a Bic lighter..... no thanks. And.... this below, was predictable...

Recent Kanuck Police PSA... "Leave your keyfobs at your front-door. Armed gangs are breaking in, so don't confront them". My first-thought.... I wonder how that would play-out, in Dallas ? Second-thought..... Better tidy up the main-entrance...... since thieves are "Working", being Kanada...

Kind of like.... when I hold a hammer @ shoulder-height, let go of it..... then act surprised when it hits the floor. Kind of like...... Edmonton, finding out how well EV buses do, in a Prairie-Winter...... https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/edmonton-buses-proterra-1.7035186 To show how...

Do you have a problem with this, Komrad ? You might need a re-education camp excursion. :cool: When people were crowing about how cheap EVs were to drive, my response was - Just Wait. Even most govts aren't stupid enough to totally destroy THE major tangible product (oil) tax revenue stream...

The long arc of giving PRC favored nation status is close to completion.... Re. the thread topic..... we are now handing over the last remaining Can/USA manufacturing sector. A select few got rich doing this.... all I know is it wasn't me. Rgds, D.

Engineering, Gets Done Here (y) Rgds, D.

I can empathize. I won't pollute this thread with references to various oversight and judicial abuses going on in Kanada - as it's endemic to most "advanced"/Western countries today. They have forgotten, who is supposed to be serving who. Rgds, D.

Too bad that money had not been allocated for Hydrogen build-out. Even gubmint might be challenged, to be less successful with Hydrogen than the #'s reported in your citation. At a guess, there was probably more available for Hydrogen refilling, just in California, the better part of 20 years...

Our coal exports are up. NDP calling for coal export ban as Canadian output booms Germany found out the hard-way, they could not sustain baseload w/o it. Rgds, D.

Not sure what comes after Belt+Suspenders, but I like Your Style ! With a big operation though, I can see needing more than just 2 or 3. Rgds, D.

Sounds like it was due for a run. Mice get into everything, but they really seem to like trailer/RV gen cabinets ! Rgds, D.

Strange..... given how successful Central Planning has been, in other countries.... :rolleyes: Rgds, D.

Somewhere here on TBN, I drew the parallel between how (at least some) EVs are marketed, and cell phones. I take no satisfaction (in being correct), with what this article details..... (While I avoid the CBC like the plague these days, it is notable how even the CBC is reporting on EVs)...

Heat load is what you need..... circumstance and luck will hopefully lead you to a low cost solution. A long time ago, I used to use DC incandescent bulbs as loads for big battery chargers.... not easy to find today, in high wattage w. low cost. Old stock marine or aviation searchlights, on...

More compact, than I envisioned ! Thanks for persevering with the picture :cool: Rgds, D

Exercise + WorkDone (y) Rgds, D.

Interesting find Patrick. Somebody saw the need, and integrated it into a small (for Industrial) footprint. I usually prefer Simple, and not just for cost reasons. The simple solutions we've tossed around for 90's application, would mostly just need remote Temperature (and Ideally Load Power)...

Now, that ^, was a maintenance run (y) Good point, about olde-school diesel startup practices, and thanks for taking the time to detail the build. I was trying to frame what your builds make me think of.... then, I got it: What You Want, when a Carrington Event happens, during a Zombie...

I keep hearing Hoka on here. I can find them locally, so will keep them in mind. Rgds, D.

My worst-stuck was a big 4wd Case, a lot of years ago. Took two other good sized tractors, and a broken winch-cable to unstuck..... Never fun, wherever you are..... I came to the conclusion a while ago that Noraly is tougher than..... well, probably all of us put together ! Me, at least...

Roger that ! Took an off-road cut, between a couple of line-roads near here, with the thread-starter shoes..... next time I put them on, I had more dried-mud falling off than any shoe I've used..... but, I do like the traction ! Rgds, D.

Too many people just never change the oil in small engines :rolleyes: I've never been rich enough to do that ^. Understandable, in a food-truck application, going slightly over. On construction sites, many generators would kill for the attention yours gets. Rgds, D.

The first Gen we've had on here.... With Rock Lights ! I like it ! :cool: Rgds, D.

Lots of hours, but not so much for a Honda.... and, you do change the oil ! :cool: Rgds, D.

Classic Cars..... Classic Generator...... I see a pattern here ! Capital B BLING look going on there, with what you had your local 'hood running on for Ultra Power ! Thanks for posting that pic ur, I don't think we've seen that one before. Though, does lead me to thinking.... On the...

Well covered ! No point pulling out a sledge-hammer, when a med. duty framing hammer is working well ! Propane, esp. for infrequent use, is in the Ounce of Prevention category, of my book.... Rgds, D.

No Problem, anytime. I've been lucky enough to know some really sharp people in my life, and not all of them hang out here - so I pulled that opinion, from a tech gunslinger I know :cool: . Rgds, D.

That's a nice size, for a portable. I've never seen a bad review, of the Predator Engines, and it sounds like they have the 'lectronics down. I haven't crossed the border to HF in quite a while..... hanging around here could get expensive ! Rgds, D.

Flywheel effect.... good-sized Dzl + Generator..... sounds like a Good Marriage, to me ! Rgds, D.

Welcome to the thread ! You knew your load profile well, and designed/built accordingly. Nicely engineered. High capacity can be attractive (and if you need it, you Need It. Thinking corporate chicken farms), but aside from all the associated costs, there can be application factors, when run...

My friend's comments put a bit more detail around CM's summary (grid distribution gear can do it, but it's not inexpensive), then he free-flows into some other scenarios. If those freezers are already set up for remote Temperature monitoring, then the Mag Switch option would likely be the...

90 - that Radwell (a manuf I'm not familiar with) box may cover what you need for that freezer application, if the capacity matches load. Looked like worst case during a brownout, they'd reconnect every 10 minutes. Seller was not an authorized distributor..... sometimes buying that way works...

Thanks for those options CM ! Rgds, D.

Electric can have a place in transportation. Fully Autonomous is not easy, at least in terms of getting reliable performance from. Advanced research often does not pan-out directly into a product, but the spin-off tech often gets incorporated elsewhere. I get all that ^, well. A Lesson, that's...

Documenting, for posterity...... no more iCar. https://www.npr.org/2024/02/27/1234315814/apple-cancels-electric-car Rgds, D.

My weakness, ends up being a Net-Benefit for some folks.... I started off posting, to try and kick-start my Maintenance Memory, and figured maybe half a dozen or so other posts might happen.... Over the years this has been running, I've constantly been impressed by the cool fixes, builds, and...

Thanks CM, grs, and everybody else posting on this protection issue. Cost-wise, I was thinking later in the day about whole-house surge protection modules people have posted about using - wondering if a commercial variant might be of value for 90's application ? Good point about the UPS, as...

Anytime 90 ! You've posted a lot of valuable data about your system on here.... it's great 411 for many people. Rgds, D.

If I still have the computer around here, the bookmark is so old that the site is probably gone, but a Telco Eng built a monster system years ago, to run his home. Massive sub-station sized mono-cell batteries in the bank, and the electronics to run his entire house for a long time between...

Generically (I don't know specific models to name) I'm thinking a Power Quality Analyzer, controlling relevant switch-gear. Any of that ^, worth relying on, I wouldn't expect to be cheap.... but @ a total guess - thinking it would be less costly than a standby generator, or UPS capable of...

Bonded (as opposed to stitched) soles can be a problem that way. I've had that problem with my MC boots, and others. The best almost-permanent fix (at least with how I use boots) I've found is urethane - tried it years back (figured since it was pretty much the only thing really keeping car...

I probably have average width feet, but got to appreciate a square/wide toe-box after my first pair of Terra Argos - work boots. I use them for work; recently bought my 3rd pair of them. It makes a big difference, hours into the day.... Rgds, D.

I've always valued a high-boot, for stability and protection - working or recreating outside. Repeating a post of mine from another thread.... I was glancing at an anatomy poster in my chiropractor's office a little while ago, and was struck by the # of bones in your feet.... I figured there...

Sounds like a great outing, with the canines (y) I've been hearing good things lately about Hoka; I'll keep them in mind for next time.... Rgds, D.

I think that was the alternate model I was just checking out in-store @ MEC..... Not a light shoe (fine by me, not racing), and seemed quite solid (upside of the weight), and was a killer-price on Clearance - I probably would have gone with that one, if they'd had my size in-stock. My sizing...

Anything quality and custom, is going to be pricey. Once you have the disposable funds... enjoy..... IIRC, one of the first things Charlie Watts (RIP) did back-when, was head to Saville Row. I ride MC, currently, and can appreciate the value of good boots/gear in general..... haven't spent that...

Not to worry..... Norwegians to the rescue ! Rgds, D.

That is a concern for me....will see, and I may reserve these for Winter use - that way the tiny bit of pavement I can't avoid will often be snow or ice covered. It does seem to be a very soft sole-compound, which is magic this time of year, but like my snow-tires, wouldn't like July temps...

Trails..... regular life schedule... I don't usually make the time to drive somewhere just to run a trail, but I probably should. MEC organized a transponder trail run pre-Covid. The only other organized run I'd gone on before was a 10k street charity run - that was fun too, but I REALLY...

My semi-retired Saucony light trail shoe these Salomon replaced have a Vibram sole - for my use - light jogging rural roads (dirt shoulders that I stay on mostly), occasional trail runs - that sole has stood up very well, matching my experience with Vibram on boots. But, with my jogging shoes, I...

Here in Chinada, the utilities are state-run, for the most part. Garbage fees, fairy-tale fees.... whatever you want to call it, here, they are just compounding taxes. A quote by Albert Einstein Turns Out, you Can make Something out of Nothing.... at least, if you are the only game in town...

And I thought our laws were restrictive.... If farmers themselves can't legally defend livestock with lethal force in California.... just One More Thing, to add to The List..... Rgds, D.

Recent bill: $ 0.19 CAD / kwh : direct cost, before our VAT applied. ^ doesn't include, a Provincial rebate (for now) that amounted to $0.045 / CAD kwh. So, since I'm going to be paying for that rebate one way/another..... I'm more like $0.235 CAD / kwh. Rgds, D.

If you have a broad interest in Energy, Scott Tinker is worth a listen. If you haven't heard his presentation @ the ARC conference last year, that is worth going back to. I'm about half way through the more recent one below, (I will definitely finish it) so can't comment yet on extent of...

That would be ground-source ? Can't see resistance-heating, @ your latitude/kwh rate. Assuming other than, Tiny Home, Tiny Shop.....:cool: Rgsd, D.

Stepped up my jogging lately, so needed to update shoes. Ended up with these; first time trying Salomon. Blown away, on my first loop today. Not inexpensive (they have lower price points, w/o Goretex), but you know the saying...... For this time of year, they are like the best pair of...

aside from my general disgust with the topic, my bigger concern (thread related) is what he is doing with all the land he owns. "In May 2020, Reuters Fact Check found flight logs showed Gates had traveled on Epstein’s plane once, not multiple times, and claims he had visited Little Saint James...

That would be laser-accurate, for gubermint accounting, up here..... Rgds, D.

Not disagreeing with your statement...... :cool:.... but consider the alternative..... Is getting bought up by creepy 'ol Billy (frequent flyer to Epstein Island) Gates an improvement ? Rgds, D.

EVERY time I think "This can't get more _______-up !", I'm wrong. Rgds, D.

It's not just that the goalposts keep moving on X, Y, or Z sources of energy... It's ALL forms of Energy that are the target. If anyone wants deep insight into that ^, read Alex Epstein's book, Fossil Future. Rgds, D.

All else equal, higher specific output shortens the lifespan.... no free lunch. I like the stability of propane and natgas, but you definitely have to consider the de-rate, in your load plan. I don't know anything yet, about how vapour fuel gets injected/controlled into portable gens - obvious...

This Canuck wouldn't be happy, being judged by our gubmint's behaviour..... just so we're clear, I'm not poking @ resident's eyes with a stick :cool: No confusion or disrespect intended by "Cali".... I used to get out to the Valley (Silicon) and elsewhere in your State on business, but I...

non-linear thinker.... like it (y) TBN generator crew... not just a bunch of pretty faces ! Rdgs, D.

Getting tire-work done @ Costco today (FYI good tire warranty.... was talking with the counter-guy, they just had a lady in with an AWD with one damaged tire. They couldn't match the exact model (NLA), so she got 4 new tires for something lke $130 CAD based on the pro-rated treadwear), I snapped...

Not sure about the width of your generator daugen, but something came to mind as I was killing time in Costco today.... They had Deck boxes on an end-cap, $199 CAD. A smallish gen would fit inside - OK, it's plastic (though seemingly HD for that world), and you may have to modify/hinge an...

Stealth-mode.... same reason the military want that option @ times.... The usual play - steal a push-lawnmower (with gas in the tank), start it and leave it running beside a running portable gen you are going to lift..... Most Hondas have been well-muffled, for a long time..... my FIL made...

In another thread, daugen posted about his sister recently going through an extended outage in Cali. Ocean-side Cali, so likely not a low-end enclave..... everyone has whole house standby generators, and all grew tired of the din of generators running for days. And... that's how the relatively...

The only thing gubmint has to be slightly competent @ is inventing New Taxes...... Data.... it would be interesting to overlay the two curves..... Cost of Cali Weed over time, vs. the Cost of Cali Electricity. Cheap drugs, Expensive Electricity... one of those, I can live w/o, but not the...

Peter - you appear to be a fan of batteries - your call, but I don't see where you conclude he is uninformed. He was talking about the Capital cost of putting capacity in place, with a relatively short lifespan. That is a realistic concern. The cost is non-trivial, even w/o considering the...

Squints - You sound like one of those self-reliant troublemakers we need to watch ! (y) I was going to joke - I thought you could get arrested in Cali, just for talking about burning wood.... but I've learned to stop joking about things like these.... Rgds, D.

I understand, and like, a wide-range of energy technologies. Remote property build - my preference would be totally off-grid, with various power options. What I'm against, is being EXCLUSIVELY forced down ONE path of Power. I'd be against this regardless of the other factors in play, but all...

Force us all onto full Electric, while diminishing grid capacity and reliability...... while I rarely have a sense of humour re. Incompetence, there is more @ play.... Rgds, D.

Chewing on some actual live-data, somebody wrote this: One (Megawatt) is the loneliest number, but hundreds of batteries are absurd Welcome, to The Future. Rgds, D.

Clearly, prices are only going to continue to get worse..... One (Megawatt) is the loneliest number, but hundreds of batteries are absurd Rgds, D.

PM sent. Rgds, D.

First out of the gate.... any of us who have done development work, have memories of lack-of-sleep due to teething issues.... I don't think (not that my memory is faultless :cool: ) you've recounted that tale before.... after hearing of the various builds you've done, I'm not surprised to hear...

Critters tend to crawl under most any covering. Pondering your situation...... w/o going to a full shed, a box with a floor, slightly larger than the gen would be the minimum enclosure. Obviously could be built from scratch. Depending what is around you (or on your travel paths) for equipment...

Cooper.... that name is familiar...... sounds like a fun project, for the time. We all need projects... to keep us on the Straight and Narrow ! :cool: Rgds, D.

Telematics, done well, are a beautiful thing.... thanks for posting those g. Business "factors" can mess that up pretty quick though.... Subscription.... it's a great scam. Vehicles - why give you a keyfob or 2 when you buy a vehicle, when you can bang the customer with subscription fees for...

The first one I got my hands on, was actually branded VDC, and is still running fine. It was one of the first Patented for dusulphation, IIRC. This old one of mine, is a 1 amp model. The Best Battery Chargers for Avoiding Battery Sulfation Today, those are marketed as BatteryMinder more...

Haven't played with the guts of small engines enough to be certain, but w/o an oil pump, I'm suspecting that crank-splash may be creating some low pressure baseline @ normal oil level. ^ Total guess though. A counterpart of mine, down in TX, had converted his p/u truck to run on propane back...

Complexity delivering enhanced (< in some respects, not far off Beauty is in The Eye of the Beer-Holder :cool: ) function is one thing. Thanks to advancements, we now have small, relatively light portable generators, that can deliver much cleaner power than their ancestors. Just Because We...

Good point. Not having an enclosed gen, I'd never considered that scenario. Rgds, D.

I defer to Thoreau :cool:. Even resurrected, I doubt he'd be P's target market today..... It's a German Thing..... reminds me of Leno, going on about the complexity of what Mercedes finally deigned to put into their cars, for a cupholder.... Rgds, D.

Belt+suspenders. (y) Rgds, D.

Porsche tried (static) remote oil level detection a while back.... last I heard, that wasn't working out so well, but I'm not a Porsche guy, so may be out of date. Our stuff would be shutting down on low-pressure.... I've banged on before about why a $400 generator has this from the factory, but...

We could get Cycledude to stop by, and take you out for a coffee run. With the miles he racks up, you might end up in another country (or two) ! (y) :cool: Rgds, D.

Small light bikes + back roads = :love::love::love: Had great fun, putting around on many out of the way back roads last year, on my new KLX... nice run on a Sunday morning, for less than what a premium hamburger costs...... But, they're fun, for most anything except Interstate+ runs....... I...

Just in time for Spring ! (y)(y)(y) Congratulations, and thanks for the pics ! Made me smile, and want to take a ride to the Ace Cafe :cool: (link... for the youngsters......) Ace Cafe London | Welcome to Ace Cafe London Homepage - Rev it up! Rgds, D.

I've done that ^, for a long time..... but, it illustrates "progress" in communication systems..... Sorta looping back, to why ur started this thread, my neighbour is a good example. Now a widow, with no interest in the internet, she just needs something that hangs on the wall, and works, for a...

Re-utilize amortized assets.... often not a bad plan..... Not sure about today, but years back, Bell here "recycled" some copper.... system was called DVACS. They looked @ all the idled copper they had, and decided to market a low-speed data service commercially. ATM service to the big banks...

Entropy ensures that these support peripherals often need attention. Keeps you from Running the Streets, and Getting Into Trouble ! :cool: Rgds, D.

Still out g, or back up ? You were turning work away years back, so it's not like you need the Utility to help you market generators ! Rgds, D.

Digital text is expedient <<< not unpacking that comment. Reliability today has declined. Had a good personal example 8 or so years ago. Had arranged a Saturday visit, with close friends a couple of hours away, that we hadn't seen in way too long. The front end of our day went sideways, sent a...

Thnx ! Rgds, D.

Common title. Do you recall the author ? Rgds, D.

Thnx, I'll check that out ! Rgds, D.

It's not just oldsters like me that appreciate Simple/High-Rel designs.... Some of the appeal is It's Different (retro), but there are things that get left out of modern platforms. I was driving along the other day, listening to a Canadian jazz station, discussing with an artist the factors...

Many people refuse to consider contingencies - even ones that (should) know better. This thread has me thinking wayyyy back - first company I worked at, coming out of college. It was considered a hot-startup at the time, party because the whole economy was a wreck. Upgrading office phones, we...

I think I'll put that ^, on a T-shirt.... as it travels/covers so well..... :cool: ,but graphically, "may" is crossed-out, and written-over with "shall". Fiber is the general answer, but no good if not in your 'hood. I'd expect it would be local to you ur - if so, guiding your elderly...

Very interesting discussion on magnetism. (y) When I got my first little Briggs portable in '98 (still have), I noted the Recommendation for 2 minutes of running with loads Unplugged, before shutdown. Mainly considered that wrt. Thermal, but it may have been in part a reminder to unplug the...

Well prepared (y) 8 days will definitely get your attention ! Rgds, D.

Sounds like a good time to take out sleds, powered or not ! Dry snow can be fun, even for us oldsters..... True freezing-rain (Canuck or N. USA style) is the least-fun of all the options :rolleyes:. Rgds, D.

You've Done Your Prepping..... So Murph should Move Along to easier targets ! That seems like a lot of snow for out your way, or is that normal ? Rgds, D.

I've been watching his @ 1.25 speed, on lunch @ work. Some Zen happening, in those well-shot vids, and I could use some more of that @ work..... I've learned a few gen details in the few of his I've watched. Maybe it's just a coincidence in those few, but the one thing I'd like to see him add...

Too many people can turn these discussions into a Ford vs. Chevy type story, but to me, it's all just data (y) Any system, is going to have strengths/weaknesses/limitations.... part of why I gravitate to tear-downs on Things I Haven't Seen Before. I was a bit surprised A) to see a timing-belt...

It's a zero-sum game, but that is being deliberately ignored. A) Just maintaining a grid @ a static level of performance takes significant money. Nothing new here; Costing goes all the way back to when electricity first got deployed. B) Most utilities have been forced to pour tons of $ into...

If I had cameras up @ my house, I'd be wondering if you've been looking @ them :cool: . Good luck w. this snow event; I know that managing water out your way is non-trivial. Rgds, D.

Balancing fuel, for longer outages, is a factor. Some people on here have vast fuel resources around normally, to run a large farm, but many aren't set up for that "normal". A wise buddy of mine, loves his small inverter, for running his pellet-stove in extended outages. He has a...

Cold, real-cold, tends to clarify that old eggs/basket story. Even TX had to find that out, the hard way. Most of the Cali population doesn't live in your cold regions, but may have to get used to no A/C, no way to charge Teslas, if your trajectory of the last decade+ continues. Heat can kill...

IIRC, that was the re-build from that crazy high-hour EPA site project. Amazing what hours these things will sustain. I watched another of Condon's vids, rebuilding an EU2000i. Didn't realize the head/block was one piece. It's just more time, for someone with his/your skills, but the crank and...

I don't know the inverter line of theirs, but all the reading I've done indicates usually good mechanical integrity for their clone engine designs. Rgds, D.

Nothing like serious cold, to get people thinking about gens ! Even, or esp., @ 1:00am...... I don't own an inverter gen, yet, but have some understanding of problematic electronics. For starters, retail-grade product is usually not designed or tested for sub -20C operation.... that alone can...

On break @ work last night, came across this one. I haven't seen under the suitcase on these Hondas, so had a look..... Seems like the owner needed an EV generator instead :rolleyes:. This guy posting has some nice test-gear, and way more patience than I usually do..... I've never seen a...

Some old-order communities today would not even notice. Big transition for most everybody else. Interesting questions DQ raised - paraphrasing - For a fraction of what we spend on __________ , we could harden the entire grid. Even basic camping skills would make a difference..... when there...

Not really for this crowd here, (preaching to choir), but if you have anybody in your circle who would benefit from listening to a layman's summary of Carrington 2.0. I will end up watching the Grid Down, Power Up movie that Dennis was in - if anybody has seen it pls post up your comments...

I don't genuflect to Gaia (sp?) every morning, but did figure out @ a young Age..... Ma Nature still has got us beat, on many things...... I'm not young anymore, but that ^ hasn't changed, and probably is even more true today... Rgds, D.

The world moves in cool ways sometimes.... even on a hot topic like this one..... Buddy sent me a good EV vid, from a heavy-mechanic in Oz. Won't post that one here (the guy knew his stuff, but uses some non-family friendly expletives, @ totally appropriate points), but that one would be...

^ In case the posted link drops. Rgds, D.

Sorry about your luck..... seems to be one of those weeks..... (one of my vehicles had an automatic fail..... model that usually has no issues, in a non-abused vehicle)...... "Stuff" Happens, don't it ! Haven't looked @ forecasts lately, perhaps Solar Flares were kicking up this week. No...

Needs Must, as the Brits say.... Most/all of us that hang out here naturally take the lead on these type of things.... but it's easy to forget, there are people in the household that probably need some refresher training on these systems. Sick, injured, stuck away from home (or at least...

I've seen an exception (buddy @ work has to keep rebuilding the 50hp tractor that his girlfriend keeps wrecking. It's her tractor, but his "free"-time), but women are often preferred as operators on the >BIG< off-road rock trucks used in large mining operations, as they can be easier on the...

Fully prepared (and then some), Bring It..... Nothing Happens.... Classic Murphy :cool: . Rgds, D.

Sounds like she needs a bit more Exposure Therapy ! (y) Rgds, D.

Great after-action report Lou ! I know you lived it...... 2 is One. Good example today. Like you, I tend to always take the household lead on these things. A reminder ^, that I need to do a better job of familiarizing my better-half with the generators here...... I don't travel for business...

(y) . On a farm, you probably have a can or 2 already.... I like having a can of Quick Start (ether) on the shelf. I consider Quick Start (for modern engines not designed for it) as "drugs" for engines, so rarely ever use it, but like to have it around for "battlefield" conditions, should they...

Best Wishes for riding out the storms guys. You'll reap the benefit of the work you've put into your generators (y). Rgds, D.

OUCH ! Nice recovery though, as always ! (y) Rgds, D.

I guessed correctly :cool: . Rgds, D.

Good examples of why I'm a libertarian, about many things. Well, at least you have a nice supply available of lightly used batteries, for other projects.... Rgds, D.

I was wondering about that quote...... from the Way Back Machine ! (y) Automatic is nice..... easy to forget.... Rgds, D.

I too like to get max-life out of my batteries.... using the practices we've been discussing..... However..... grs makes an important point - accurate battery load-testing is what will tell you exactly where things are at. For something that HAS TO start - changing the battery pro-actively at...

Got to get my day rolling, so that's long enough I'll watch later..... 40 watts is what is stuck in my head, right or wrong..... as in what an average (not olympic-class, but def above most Can/USA adults) fit adult can put out on a sustained basis.... interesting to see if/what #'s these guys...

Cool system that you are building up Patrick. Regardless of energy source, batteries+inverters are a great addition to a system. 90cummins has posted some significant data here on his hybrid system - feel free to post up more data about yours, including cost #'s if you feel like sharing. A...

Correction - that is a Schumacher Pro line charger I selected @ work.... checked on-shelf last night, twas long enough ago that I bought it, that my "perfect" memory wasn't working :cool: . The performance of that unit, lead to another dual charger being bought from that line - does a good job...

A selectable Winter mode is nice...... mimics the Temperature compensation built-in to Alternators. I had a Winter mode on a weatherproof Ctek that I used a LOT.... enough so that I wore out the mode-select switch.... probably just needs me to find the RoundTuit, and source a pcb-mount switch...

Maintainers are probably worth an entire thread alone; obviously relevant to any engine, but esp. sitting-idle gens. Like your list, I prefer to stay away from mystery brands for long-term maintenance hookups..... esp. with electronics on-board, there is not much choice about using a...

What brand(s) of maintainer are you using Robin ? Rgds, D.

May You Live in Interesting Times..... Health and Prosperity are two things @ the top of my list - that I don't take for granted. Better informed people than I (Alex Epstein for one) have written, at length, about how abundant, reliable, and cost-effective energy is at the core of good Health...

At least there is no pretense, about where your grid is heading..... As pretty much everything out your was has been outlawed, what are you being ordered to run a generator on fuel-wise ? Rgds, D.

Good lookin' Red Heads there (y) No Green Bows for the holidays ? :cool: Best Wishes to Everyone, for a Healthy, Prosperous, and Safe 2024 ! (And - Easy Starting Gens, of course !). Rgds, D.

Stock up, and be prepared.... never a bad strategy. Unfortunately, farming is already a target, as I'm sure you are aware. ICE Parts... definitely 2 is One, One is none, so stock up..... even w/o deliberate (?) constriction, that supply-line is anorexic thin already..... Rgds, D.

AR is a hobby of mine..... been active @ a low level for a long time. Guys like Adam are great at reminding me to take my radio "for a walk". Most young people today don't know a world w/o screens 24x7..... good for us oldsters too, getting away from the screens.... (As he sits typing and...

Freedom isn't free. That phrase stuck with me as a kid, re. the military. Unfortunately, in recent years, that has taken on a broader meaning for me. Thank you, and all our veterans, for your service. The costs of war are many, and I have significant issues (as a civilian) with how our Canadian...

You must be one of those Disruptors of Virtue Signalling I was warned about ! :cool:(y) Rgds, D.

From another angle yet.... one for the low-power AR folks..... I liked the desert I saw (real world, years back) in the SW, more than I expected to.... saw too little, would like to get back some day. Appreciated the headsup on those jumping round terror-needles tho.... Rgds, D.

There's the thing.... A visible "leader", may be nothing more than a symptom of a much bigger set of issues. Or I'd argue, cancer. Hay touches on the $/PRC/power-play. Unfortunately, that aligns well with the Marxist deconstruction psychosis playing out here, and in many Western countries...

Looks like your 5.0 has the driver module I was thinking of (below). Less an issue your way, but up here, those factory units rot, as they are under the truck, outside of the tank. I think what they are doing is instead of the fuel pump running @ max pressure o/p in the tank, then regulating...

Certainly value, in educating people about Why Farms Matter...... but I also view this from another angle..... The ability to not constantly be stuck in a high-density city, just staring at concrete and people. I know how much that matters, to me ! Rgds, D.

Unfortunately, at the "top", there seems to be a prevalent culture today..... Why bother Attaining Power, If not to Abuse It ? Rgds, D.

Even old Suburbans, had (relatively) decent official highway ratings - meaning that long highway drive taken (assuming sane steady speed, no headwinds) would have been a factor. Techron, or some other good injector cleaner, is never a bad maintenance choice. Lastly, can't remember if your year...

E-free and Classic ICE..... enjoy while we can..... The writer that inspired them, called it a very long time ago (I swear, some scribes have access to the Tardis....), so I'll post this, again...... The Motor Law, is here and now..... Rgds, D.

It's very difficult to quantify, how much I wish you were wrong...... Your Classic Car Is One Authoritarian Politician Away From Being Seized - The Auto Wire Rgds, D.