Your last generator Maintenance Run

[DEWFPO]

The engine had no power at idle. Today, I might have investigated changing the characteristics of the clutch (is that possible?) and installing some kind of solenoid for elevated idle, if I require brake cooling. I bought this as a factory prototype/experiment.

On the ATV forums (similar transmissions to snow machines), many folks have changed pulley/sheive ratios to achieve more low end power.

DEWFPO

 

[Industrial Toys]

Thanks. Machine is long gone. Not a Big fan of RV stuff or technology. Would have liked the Borg Warner SS Tranny that some 6x6s have. Like the MAX if they are still in business.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Max was bought out by Argo...

SR

 

[3930dave]

ur - not sure how far Berkeley got with their micro-grid.

How To Charge Your Electric Vehicle (And Other Devices) When The Grid Is Down

Today, this comment ^ reads pretty ironic....

While the ability to "island" or disconnect a microgrid from the macrogrid seems beneficial, it is actually controversial. The capability to island challenges the traditional model of the utility as a "high reliability" provider, and utilities are concerned about safety issues related to keeping areas of the grid powered.

Island Capable equipment is no different (safety wise) than any other; it and the installation have to meet code.

Rgds, D.

 

[LouNY]

So now it's the states job to provide electricity for peoples personal vehicle.
Dang what in the heck is next, going to have to an attendant to connect them and wipe their butts.

 

[3930dave]

IMO, it's more about people not thinking far enough ahead.....

The surgeons that are asking ur questions now obviously have the money, but while they may often be the smartest guy in the room in what they do for a living, did not know or see the value of setting up their PV systems at home with Island capability. If you survive it, Pain is often a good teacher though....

Gasoline or other hydrocarbons are relatively easy to store at home, live AC, not so much......

Rgds, D.

 

[90cummins]

Heavy aluminum cable terminations.
For the past 2 years I’ve been building a powerhouse for my generators and batteries.
I moved it into place 6 weeks ago and I’m now in the wiring phase of the project.
I’m relocating my 24 volt battery pack’s (4 six volt L16 RE and 4 six volt T105’s) into the powerhouse to consolidate and allow me to keep them warm during the winter months.
The building is fully insulated (heat & noise) with intake vents and power exhaust vents.
The batteries will be moved approximately 30 feet from current location which requires heavy electrical cables.
My inverter has a max capacity of 4Kw continuous with a 20 second surge capacity @ 8Kw.
At rated output of 4Kw AC the DC current is 200 amps.
I obtained some 350 kcmil aluminum cable and need to make mechanical splice connections to 4/0 copper.
In previous testing at full load I had excessive heat at various connectors so I understand the consequences of improper connections.
This is going to be a permanent installation so I need to make theses connections properly.
I purchased the proper aluminum mechanical lugs & splices but the manufacturer gives no instructions on lubrication.
I have Noalox to lube the set screw’s on lugs but should I push it into the aluminum cable.
I’ve read that Noalox breaks thru oxidation for better electrical conductivity and seals the cable against future oxidation.
I’ve also ordered a hydraulic crimp tool for making permanent crimps from 6 ga to 600 mcm.
Should Noalox be applied to these copper crimps also or be left clean & dry.

Thanks
90cummins

 

[3930dave]

Never used it myself, so had to look it up:

Suspended zinc particles penetrate and cut aluminum oxide, while carrier material excludes air to minimize further oxidation
Provides additional inner-strand and inner-conductor current paths for improved conductivity and cooler connections
For use with pressure-type wire connectors including lugs, taps, service entrances and split-bolts

Noalox

No contraindication listed with copper that I could find. I'd load it into the Al cable, and as it has a barrier agent, I can't see it causing a problem on Cu.... interested to see what the guys that do electrical for a living say......

If you've used Al wire before, old news likely, but as it has a higher coefficient of expansion than copper, plan on regular checks of the connection points.

Rgds, D.

 

[TheMan419]

Read a recent article in a legal blog. Lawyer lives/works in northern CA. Had power out for 72 hrs due to PG&E cutting power.

Extensive discussion in article about conserving phone battery, finding places to charge it, downloading news paper on the app etc.

Absolutely no discussion about installing a generator. He acknowledged this is going to be an on going thing.

We have a portable 7kw gen set for power outages. If it was repeatedly going to be 72hrs at a time I壇 look at something more powerful and wiring the circuit breaker box a bit differently. Also look at something that would run on natural gas.

 

[ultrarunner]

New natural gas hook-ups permits are already curtailed or not allowed to address Global Warming.

Going all electric to serve heat loads adds a new dimension as power loads tend to be large.

Anyone with a car with a 12 volt battery should be able to keep a cell phone charged.

Maybe just a fluke but the old DSL never went down... U-Verse and Infinity did... Also, the old rotary dial phone on the line since 1969 worked where all the Voice of IP stopped.

To me... anything with hot and cold running water is luxury living... most here do have gas water heaters but new installs will need to be electric only...

Also the blanket ban on wood heat removes wood as a viable option unless you have an older home and did not take the money to demo your wood burning fireplace.

Interesting that wood cooking is still allowed... the old pristine Wedgewood White and Chrome stove in the garage might have a new home soon as half it wood and half is gas...

I venture to say there are few of these 1940's stoves in regular use... built to last forever back when we built things to last.