[07:44] morning all, ill be scarce at times , lotsa outside work [07:47] heh 4 hours.... [07:47] well, 4 hours and 13 minutes [07:47] till I'm standing at the altar and saying I do [08:18] good mornings [08:22] Symmetria: best wishes for a long and happy marriage! [08:23] thanks :) [08:24] and don't forget to come back here from time to time afterwards :-) [08:25] you've been way too scarce lately [08:25] lol busy is all :) [08:26] np sir, enjoy the wedding day [08:28] * inetpro looking at Dodge power cuts with solar-powered internet http://www.fin24.com/Tech/Gadgets/Dodge-power-cuts-with-solar-powered-internet-20150220 [08:29] just the solution that I need [08:30] now to work out how I can get all that one step at a time [08:35] looks like I could start without the solar panel and inverter [08:55] inetpro the charge controllers are not very expensive, the panels however add up as you'll want a few up them [08:55] then use a car battery, the new type's around 80-100AH rather than a normal 7AH [08:57] And you'll need the inverter btw, true sine wave inverters are pricey, but the modified sine are fine for electronic equipment, just DON'T connect your fluorescent kitchen light to it [08:58] had one start it's own braai once (not it the appropriate place) [08:58] :-) [08:58] car batteries are expensive man [08:59] and not made to last for 4 hours [08:59] without getting charged [09:00] need a deep cycle battery [09:01] deep cycle was the type I was looking for, most of the new car batteries are deep cycle [09:02] most new cars run at 15V now, and you must not let a deep cycle battery drop below about 10V otherwise you damage it [09:04] I have an 80AH connected directly to the 12V Sealed battery in a std UPS, allows a lot more on time than the 15mins at 650w from just the 7AH batt [09:13] Morning everyone [09:19] Cryterion: at what cost? [09:36] I know it adds up! That's the unfortunate part :( [09:49] sjoe [09:50] everything is one step at a time [12:42] ai! [12:43] looks like costs have escalated massively as well [12:44] at a battery centre outlet I can get a sealed 18AH lead acid battery for R645 [12:45] Man, Mac OS X font rendering is absolutely beautiful. [12:45] hmm... [12:45] \o/ [13:40] same story, more details: http://www.htxt.co.za/2015/02/10/beat-loadshedding-on-a-budget-take-your-tech-solar-for-r1-271/ [16:25] hmm... [16:26] * Kilos wonders who sharky1 could be [16:26] hi kulelu88 [16:26] we waiting for you lug peeps [16:27] hello Kilos [16:27] why you waiting? [16:28] have you not heard of our latest venture? [16:29] nope [16:30] whew i cant find it now, but read last blog so long [16:30] Maaz kilos.newblog [16:30] http://kilosubuntu.blogspot.com [16:30] i think i put a link there to ubuntutu africanteams [16:31] bit busy now , will check just now [16:35] nice beard oom [16:35] hahaha [16:35] my daughter had to trim it in the photo [16:35] and hair [16:35] she calls it my einstein hair [16:36] https://wiki.ubuntu.com/AfricanTeams [16:36] see we made place for lugs [16:37] only i only know you inna lug [16:38] I'm not part of the lug [16:38] aw [16:38] you know some of them dont you [16:39] yeah. Just check meetup.com for the jozilug [16:43] im bang to just join and ask them, lug peeps get offended easy [16:45] they normally serious peeps [16:45] they will get offended because it is ubuntu promo [16:45] aren't you on the mailing list? [16:46] see what i mean [16:46] im on many mailing lists [16:46] start the discussion in the mailing list then. [16:47] i dont know if you can join thier list without first joining the lug [16:48] their [16:48] i go eat [17:36] ohi superfly [17:37] hi Cryterion [17:37] oh my mazal on a saterday [17:37] hmm... gonna rain [17:53] hi Kilos [17:54] good evening [17:54] hi inetpro [17:55] Kilos: eh,... what you been up to today? [17:55] i looked at you last link [17:55] slept lots [17:55] chatted debs some [17:55] * inetpro likes the last link [17:55] firefighting seems to have worn me out like never before [17:56] i supposed dragging and breaking logs didnt help [17:56] we need to track down that BushPower place in Midrand [17:57] or find someone else who provide the 7.2Ah Lead Crystal Batteries at a reasobale price [17:57] thats the trick [17:58] I think 7.2 Ah will be good eneough for two hours [17:58] enough as well [17:58] but the bigger one would be better [17:58] 18 better [17:58] bigger is too expensive [17:58] and won't last as long [17:58] thats the prob always [17:58] why [17:59] Lead Crystal has a longer lifetime [17:59] dont hey make large ones [17:59] does anybody use this: http://subuser.org ?? [17:59] or a couple in parralel should help [18:00] Kilos: see http://www.bettabatteries.com/ and click on performance [18:02] kulelu88: first time I see anything about subuser [18:03] yip thats a good battery inetpro [18:04] Kilos: BushPower has a 70Ah one at R2700 [18:05] thta would be ideal but sjoe lotta bucks [18:05] are these inverters? I could use 1 for my modem [18:05] batteries [18:05] http://www.htxt.co.za/2015/02/10/beat-loadshedding-on-a-budget-take-your-tech-solar-for-r1-271/ [18:05] for that kinda setup [18:06] solar won't help when loadshedding happens in the evening [18:07] thats what the battery is for [18:07] Kilos: but I think the 70Ah would immadiately also require a better/different more expensive charge controller [18:08] why [18:09] requires a charging voltage of between 14.4V & 14.8V during the bulk charging phase [18:09] i dont know charge controllers at all, dont they just decide when and how hard to chrge a battery [18:09] its still a 12v battery right [18:11] yep [18:11] its all about money, one buys the best one can afford [18:12] 12v battery charger should work on any 12v battery [18:12] that one for the incubator can be used when power on [18:12] to bosst its voltage just put a cap across the outputs [18:13] that will push it to 15v [18:13] iirc [18:13] yikes! [18:13] what [18:13] a cap across the outputs? [18:13] then you can wait to get a solar panel [18:14] never heard of that [18:14] capacitor [18:14] smooths and increases the voltage [18:14] i didnt have one handy at the time i think [18:15] mehh, why risk electronics worth so much with a make-shift voltage-adjuster [18:15] can you read the output voltage then ill maybe remember more [18:15] you are just charging a battery kulelu88 [18:15] output voltage of? [18:15] nothing to do with the equipment [18:15] of the charger [18:16] sigh [18:16] there where the incubator plugs go in [18:16] or were they clamps [18:17] ah, I'll have to go look for that [18:17] lol [18:18] .me should return it to oom Kilos [18:18] iirc correctly i put in a heavier transformer so it could have more guts [18:18] nono i have another one sir [18:18] i built one for incubator only [18:19] thats why i dont remember the voltage [18:19] ok, so how do I connect the router to the battery? [18:20] i think i read he spoke about some dc-dc thing [18:20] router uses 12v? [18:20] or 9v [18:20] it needs to go via the charge controller [18:20] so its 12v [18:21] mine is 9v i think [18:21] you must check that [18:21] router uses those 2 pin charger goodies [18:22] yep, the output is 12V at 1.0 A [18:22] probably using much less than 1A [18:23] yes i think so [18:23] but then it shouldnt be hard to sort [18:23] maybe just a current limiting resistor inline [18:25] "...I measured my router, and it only draws 0.2 Amps on average, which equates to 2.4Wh,” Kurien told Fin24 [18:25] i see my router is 12v at 1.2 amp [18:26] i can try mine direct on a battery and see if it blows but i dont think it will [18:26] if i could see the circuit diagram i could maybre work out if it regulates internally [18:27] does tobie say you need to control the input voltage [18:27] Steca Solsum 6.6F 6A solar regulator is only R 275.00 [18:28] only [18:28] thats my months data [18:29] oh no R199 and some chips hehe [18:29] well, you have something cheaper? [18:29] something that will work when we add the panel? [18:29] add what panel [18:30] 50W [18:30] oh the solar [18:30] no maybe his regulator is a good buy [18:31] yep, 50W PV panel going for R808.00 now [18:31] actually needed [18:31] eish [18:31] but maybe I should just get the 30W [18:32] im waiting for ian to get spares then im gonna try that power from nothing thing [18:32] well you basically need it to charge your battery [18:33] but with the larger battery and ac charger you should be ok for a 3 hour power cut [18:33] BushPower Solar Eco Charger supplies the 30W panel and the regulator for R845 [18:34] thats only needed when power off in the day [18:34] he said he runs his gate opener from this system [18:35] those motors use quite a bit of power [18:35] I'm guessing he has more than one of these setups [18:35] must be ya [18:36] but the savings with solar to charge one battery you wont even notice on your electric bill [18:36] hmm... also true [18:37] so imo its a bit much to spend unless we have days with no power at a time [18:37] but I need to start somehwere man [18:38] did you look at the movie link i put here about 2 weeks back about fuelless power generator [18:38] no [18:38] was a long movie [18:38] 2.5 hours [18:39] and did it help you yet? Have you built your very own home made power station yet? [18:39] using caps and self wound coils ant a steup transformer i think it was you make power that can run pcs and tvs etc [18:39] when ive built one successfully i will feedback [18:40] http://www.mantech.co.za/ProductInfo.aspx?Item=372M0901 15A Solar charge controller for R170 [18:40] if that works, after first outlay power is free [18:40] sigh man [18:40] im waiting for ian to get components and then find time to bring them [18:41] there thats good for R170 [18:41] 15 amp will charge a battery that it cooks [18:41] way too much so safe [18:42] yep, 50W panel is nowhere near that [18:42] batteris charge lekker in few hours at about 3 amps [18:42] Kilos: you still need connectors for output to the inverter [18:43] from battery to controller [18:43] for the next step [18:43] then from controller to inverter? [18:44] see http://cdn.24.co.za/files/Cms/General/d/2961/9f4211d6375b466982d79d76b90dd6e3.png [18:44] you can connect inverters straight to battery i think [18:44] oh you bypassing battery [18:45] or not using one [18:45] or is that right top thing supposed to be the battery [18:46] Kilos: read the part "Controlling the charge" [18:46] at http://www.htxt.co.za/2015/02/10/beat-loadshedding-on-a-budget-take-your-tech-solar-for-r1-271/ [18:46] Remember as well, the cables from battery to inverter must be thick [18:47] 1 Amp at 240V is the same as 20 Amp at 12V [18:47] jumper cables [18:48] Yes [18:48] they cheap at checkers [18:49] those will eventually burn out, depending on how much current your using [18:49] The second piece of kit, the charge controller, isn’t absolutely necessary if you really know what you’re doing, but it is a good idea all the same. [18:49] and the inverter adds an extra load, and will eventually drain the battery even if your gear is off [18:49] i dont think it will be much power [18:49] so the inverter is not something I want to add soon [18:50] ya the inverter is the bug in the whole system [18:50] Better to have it, will prevent over charging the battery and regulates the voltage supply from the panel [18:50] the laptop can run on its own battery for a long time [18:50] i dont know if pro has decided on the panel yet [18:51] Cryterion: but is that not the job of the rgulator to control the charge of the battery? [18:51] i would first get a battery and voltage controller for router [18:52] Charge controller and regulator are essentially the same thing [18:52] If you regulating the panel to 12V then the battery cannot overcharge above 12V [18:52] actually inetpro we need to go back to the start [18:53] ok? [18:53] WAYTTD [18:53] what do you want to run when power off [18:53] An open circuit 12V panel reads about 19.5V, which means it will keep charging the battery trying to reach 19.5V [18:53] Long term goal: cut the ties from the grid [18:54] Short term goal: stay online when load shedding happens [18:54] you said you must start somewhere [18:54] ok imo shrtterm is battery and voltage controller or regulator [18:55] this for lappy and router right? [18:55] lappy is fine, it's the LTE router that really needs backup power [18:55] you only need an inverter for something that needs 220v [18:56] for router just battery and regulator [18:56] Kilos: well I need to charge from somewhere as well [18:56] sigh [18:56] you have a charger [18:56] inetpro, does your router have an external plug regulator? I.E. is there 220V or 12V going into the router? [18:56] ac one [18:57] 12v [18:57] Cryterion 12v [18:57] so for minimal outlay [18:58] Then it only needs to be connected directly to the battery, but better via a 12V regulator [18:58] regulator to feed router [18:58] and cable through wall to outside with crocodile clamps for car battery [18:58] Cryterion: the router has a standard two prong plug charger with input of 100-240V ~ 50/60Hz, 0.5A [18:59] You could safely go Panel ---> Regulator ----> Battery ----> Router [18:59] grrrr, then it'll need an inverter [18:59] for? [18:59] all 220 will need inverter [18:59] output = 12.0V at 1.0 A [19:00] ah [19:00] inetpro can you get your car near window where router is [19:00] then you can just take out the charger and feed battery direct to the router [19:00] :-P [19:00] power for a router will be fine with flex [19:01] yep [19:01] to strand flex like for lights [19:01] flex? [19:01] day twee draaitjies wat aan mekaar geheg is [19:01] inetpro, think of speaker wire, just the cheaper type, called twinflex [19:02] vit lampe en so aan [19:02] link? [19:02] same kinda thing [19:02] speaker wirte [19:02] wire [19:02] ah [19:02] it si on all bedside lamps [19:02] is [19:03] daai goed [19:03] ok, ek verstaan [19:03] checkers has that too [19:03] Night everyone , sleep well [19:03] night mazal [19:03] mazal: goeie nag [19:03] sleep tight [19:04] inetpro did you answer [19:04] can your car get near router room [19:05] then you can try before you buy [19:05] where do I get that funny connetor that goes into the router [19:05] ? [19:05] communica [19:05] or any radio shop [19:05] what do i search for? [19:06] and how do I know to get the right size? [19:06] you take the old charger with and show them what plug you want [19:06] hmm... [19:06] then you solder flex inside [19:07] yikes! [19:07] if you go to a radio or tv repair shop they will solder it for you [19:07] ah, good idea [19:07] might even do it free [19:08] maybe even auto electricians [19:08] you old-school afrikaaner okes are solid with handywork [19:09] even gremble could do it [19:09] should perhaps make it so it can plug into the cigarette lighter plug [19:09] you can do that too [19:09] then build the other side to connect to the battery [19:09] you get those plugs as well [19:09] huh [19:10] lighter plud on one side and other side the router plug [19:10] ja man, then I can use it interchangably for other purposes [19:10] oic what you mean [19:11] but how do I get just 1A from the car battery? [19:11] so from battery to lighter female and lighter mails for other things you want to connect [19:12] inetpro, the car lighter is probably capable of about 5A, you'll only draw what the router needs [19:12] ah [19:12] the router will only takes what it needs or you regulator will sort it [19:12] as long as your supply is higher than the demand then your fine [19:13] car battery can reach way over 50 amps if needed [19:14] just measure when starter starts turning [19:14] yeah, but the lighter plug is fused, normally about at about5A [19:14] yes [19:15] but not fused the way he wants to do it [19:15] then he more Amps available :) [19:15] you get inline fuse holders as well [19:16] so don't they sell such a fused lighter plugs with connectors to a battery? [19:16] he will have more availble than what flex can handle [19:16] lol [19:17] the lighter plug gets wired into cars wiring so fuse is on fuse bow [19:17] you could ask a radio/tv repair shop to put a fuse holder in the flex for you [19:17] inetpro: http://www.mantech.co.za/ProductInfo.aspx?Item=72M3585 [19:18] aha [19:18] thanks Cryterion [19:19] they might have the other cable, just can't find it on their site, but they'll have all the bits to make one [19:19] sjoe you can build it for much less imo [19:19] that looks exactly like one of the parts that I need [19:19] just country wide, so should be a branch near you somewhere [19:19] they, not just [19:20] that's site price Kilos, I get less 20% on most stuff from them [19:20] oh [19:21] well her must measure the length flex he needs for starters [19:21] true [19:21] always a bit longer than needed [19:53] so what is it that kills a device? [19:53] is the regulator / charge controller there to rgulate just the voltage? [19:54] no the cureent alowed through [19:54] wbb debs [19:55] ah, obviously those things check the load of the battery and stop charging when it's full [20:25] Regulators regulate the voltage, but are they themselves are limited to a current rating [20:25] yes [20:27] inetpro: when you connect a voltage source to say a flat battery, the source voltage and battery voltage equalise to a state that is higher than that of the battery [20:28] this voltage continues to rise towards the original source voltage, (Hence charging mode) [20:29] the charge controller monitors this, and when that voltage reaches the right level, it disconnects the source from the battery, as battery is now full [20:30] A regulator itself just regulates the voltage, I.E. if the source is above 12V, the regulator only sends out 12V [21:02] Cryterion: ty [21:02] np [21:04] how do I check the polarity of a coaxial barrel connector? [21:04] hmmm [21:05] they say center-positive is the most common, but some systems use center-negative [21:05] You do not want to get the polarity mixed up! [21:06] yeah, sometimes they in verse, normal is centre positive, best way is a multimetre [21:07] but coaxial cable is normally for signals and not power btw [21:08] hmm... [21:08] ya [21:08] whew [21:09] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coaxial_power_connector [21:09] you guys getting there [21:10] guess I'm just referring to the common DC power connectors [21:10] ok, coaxial power connector is normally + centre, often there's a small picture next to the connector (Check on your Router) that'll show you [21:10] ok guys, keep up the good work. see ya tommorrow [21:10] ok Kilo's, goodnight [21:10] night all. sleep tight [21:11] good night oom Kilos [21:11] lemme know the outcome of all this tomorrow [21:12] haha... [21:15] inetpro, maybe invest in a multimetre, you can get a cheap working of the shelf one for about R60 at most hardware stores [21:15] Cryterion: I have a small one [21:15] That's the ideal way to check [21:16] but not sure how I would check polarity with it [21:16] put the dial onto 20VDC [21:17] Black probe into GND/COMM and red probe into VAC [21:18] ah interesting [21:18] just can't seem to find this thing now... will look tomorrow and see [21:18] inetpro: http://www.engineersgarage.com/tutorials/dc-voltage-current-testing [21:19] ok [21:19] thanks for the link [21:19] np