AC power

[jlrelp]

Hello Everbody

was thinking on installing an ac oulet to get power from the camp sites.

Questions is can i used a 12 volt power suppply to connect into the 12 volt system to run the lights??

or do I need the RV type convertor.. that cost about $300.00


Have a soloar panel that i will also hook up..

any ideas ???

[JamesW]

You can use a power supply that converts the AC to DC voltage. The problem is that you need to know how much current your lights and everything else will be drawing at any given time. Then you need to get a power supply that is rated for that amount of current or more. The more current you need, the heavier the power supply becomes.

Using a Solar panel, you will need a place to store the electricity generated by the panel. ie. batteries. If you are using a battery system anyway, I think it would be better to use a small charger connected to the AC to fill the battery instead of using a power supply.

[mikeschn]

I agree with James... keep it simple.

I've got both in the Baja Benroy, and it's an overkill. The Weekender will have just a battery. I will probably have a solar panel that can recharge the battery, but as a last resort, I can always throw the charger on.

Mike...

[mikeschn]

Here's some good information on batteries...

http://www.windsun.com/Batteries/Battery_FAQ.htm

Mike...

[beverlyt]

Hi John,
How's that teardrop coming along? Last I knew it was progressing quickly!

Bob and I do most of our camping without electicity so everything we have in the teardrop is 12 volt.

I do however bring along a LONG heavy-duty extension cord, along with a small extension cord with multiple connections. When we have electicity we plug a coffee pot and our tacky patio lights in with that. Our battery is a large one so we don't mind just using that for our regular 12v lights inside.

I've also brought along my 3amp "power supply" where I can plug anything with a 12v cigarette adapter into that. Well, anything that doesn't draw more than 3 amps. (mainly my ham radio...save on my big trailer battery)

Never have missed that the trailer isn't wired for regular electricity.

Bev

[jlrelp]

Hello Everbody

Thanks guys for all the info

Will go with a good battery

and have a charger connect into the circuit with the solar panel

will use the solar panel off my boat. that was working great to keep to batteries up.

Hi Beverlyt
have new photos just posted today on web site. still have the address??

went out of town this weekend could not work on it . boy sure miss working..

again thanks all for the info and have a great day John

[mikeschn]

I have to start looking for a solar panel... any recommendations?

My battery is a Hawker AGM battery... best battery I ever owned!!!

Mike...

P.S. When the time comes to replace it, it'll probably be with this one...
http://www.batterymart.com/battery.mv?p=ODY-PC680

[RC]

John,
It would be quite easy to just have a battery charger mounted somewhere that you could plug in when you are using shore power. That way, you could still use your 12 volt equipment without draining your battery. They are a lot cheaper than going with a power supply for your 12 volt loads.

[denverd0n]

I've done a lot of looking around for solar panels and found the best prices here:

http://www.solar-electric.com/

[mikeschn]

So in the 30 to 50 watt range, what do you suggest? BP?

Mike...

[JamesW]

Beverly,
What is your call sign? Mine is NW7NW.

[beverlyt]

Hi James,
My callsign is KC8JWA

I truly enjoy my radio hobby, though I don't seem to get on the air very much of late. Would like to brush up on my morse and work some cw again.
Go to my ham page to read more:
http://www.freewebs.com/kc8jwa/amateurradio.htm

73,
Bev

[RC]

KC8JWA de KE6BGN. Nice to see other hams up here. CUL......73 de RC......KE6BGN

[RC]

NW7NW de KE6BGN. Nice to see other hams up here. CUL......73 de RC......KE6BGN

[Jimbo]

Beverly: Can you run all of your lighting circuits off of the 12v 3a power supply? BTW, KG4FLJ here. I've not been active on the radio in quite a while. I need to get a new rig and get back into it. Right now, all I have is a Radio Shack HT 202 2 meter.