Today’s world offers tremendous capabilities with portable multimedia and communication devices. I hear the argument all the time that “real preppers” should stay away from modern technology. I disagree. These are tools and if available and operational use them to your benefit. Over the past couple years I have used numerous portable power banks to charge … Read more
Rourke: The following information is related to the post – Homemade Portable Solar Generator. Batteries B1 through Bn are connected in parallel. Connect charge positive lead to B1 positive terminal; connect load positive lead to Bn positive terminal. Connect charge negative lead to Bn negative terminal; connect load negative lead to B1 negative terminal. This … Read more
By Dyers Eve I had been thinking of constructing a portable solar generator for some time. I remember seeing a news story on a local company that was marketing a “new” product. It was an 1800 watt portable solar generator with a 100 watt solar panel. I will not link their product here, I do … Read more
Inverters can be extremely handy items – especially when the power is out. Inverters can be hooked up to a 12V power source and used to run devices which normally would be plugged into household 110V outlet. Inverters can be used with a car battery – even through a cigarette lighter or power port. Connecting … Read more
Everyone knows small gasoline fueled engines are noisy and loud enough that hearing protection should be used when working with or around devices thus powered. Noise pollution is serious, especially in urban areas but little thought is generally given to the racket when out in the country. In a world without rule of law (WROL), … Read more
Energy, an important part of prepping that usually is forgotten about. It’s something we take for granted right now, but in a SHTF scenario, we all will be thrust into a harsh new reality of a world without the grid. Everyone would like to think they could get by without continued power, and they very … Read more
In the event of a collapse, water, shelter, food and fuel are the most basic of necessities. As most of us who have put some thought into this have at least these bare minimums. A good water supply and a way of filtering a not so good water supply. A location that provides shelter … Read more
I recently had a conversation with a liberal, non-prepper. We met through my job and somehow current events came up and I mentioned something to the effect that the Federal Deficit is growing out of control and government doesn’t seem to have any plans to do anything about it. Here’s how the conversation went…… … Read more
Best Rechargeable Batteries In an age where technology is more advanced, and people are more aware than ever of the impact that we are having on the environment, it is astonishing that more people are not using rechargeable batteries. Not only are they more efficient, and considerably more economical than a regular battery, but they … Read more
Several weeks ago I obtained a few samples from EndlessSunSolar.com’s product line of portable solar solutions. First up for testing is their NOMAD 5 Thin Film 5W Solar Charger. One of the first things I noticed when I received the NOMAD was how large it was – and how small. Yeah, I know – How … Read more
Coping Without Power by JM Electrical power is something that we all take for granted. So much so that often we don’t even realise the extent to which our lives are impacted by the use of electricity. Often, it’s only when the power goes out that we begin to understand how much we truly … Read more
…On solar I had originally written this as a comment to one of the past solar articles, but as is my habit, I got carried away and it became its own Guest Post, an attempt to expand on the knowledge imparted by previous basic posts on solar power…. “There is much to know about solar, … Read more
Affordable Auxiliary Solar Arrays By John from Iowa The first thing to remember is that solar is not cheap! The power is free and sustainable, but it’s costly to get there. A person can spend as much money as they want in that direction. I did not go whole hog on my system, as I … Read more
I recently purchased a Goal Zero Guide 10 Adventure Kit with Battery Pack. Over the past two weeks I have had an opportunity to trial it several times and so far am very impressed. The Guide 10 Adventure Kit combines a small dual solar panel kit with a multi-purpose battery charging system. The complete kit … Read more
I don’t know about you but I have a lot of rechargeable devices. From battery chargers to rechargeable flashlights – there are lots of cables and plugs to keep up with. As part of my preps, I decided to try to get more organized and build a charging station. One of the main purposes of this charging station is … Read more
Rechargeable batteries are not only a great way to save money – but can be a valuable resource in a disaster. Most of my battery-powered components use a standard AA battery. I am trying to keep it this way as the AA alkaline battery is relatively inexpensive and many can stored taking up little space. Before I go … Read more
Well – my solar panels are on the roof, wires run, charge controller running and inverter installed. Just one problem – the system will not fill the role I originally intended. I am usually pretty good at math – but in this particular situation I failed to recognize the results of a simple math equation right in front of … Read more
by Jim Jones – KC5DOV I found a neat little SOLAR CHGARGER for charging all my personal electronics such as my cell phone, MP3 player, and my GPS. It is the G24 INNOVATIONS Power Curve. I have used both of mine for over one year without any problems. They are lightweight and easy to use. The … Read more
I have done it. I have stepped into the world of solar power. Not in a big way mind you – just a baby step. I just picked up a Harbor Freight 45 watt solar panel kit. After doing some research I decided to start out with this kit. It is not the cheapest dollar … Read more
I have a big interest in alternative power – specifically solar. I have a limited emergency power system now -not good for much more than powering just a few things for a limited time. I am planning to expand my alternative power capabilities early this Fall. Solar power will be an integral part of this … Read more