I've been having trouble with the batteries every since the wind genny went south so I don't know if that caused this or its just something that cropped up at the same time. It was getting to where even though the batteries were topped off and no power was being used after about 10:30 they would still be down enough by sunrise to cause a power outage. That meant running the charger early in the morning just to be able to get online. I was feeling a good bit better yesterday so spent most of the day isolating TWO batteries that were pulling the other 6 down. Not only that, but two more of the batteries were only about 85% and if I'd kept them on the bank with the other 4 batteries that are almost perfect then they would pull them down. I decided to go ahead and use the 4 good ones as the main bank and use the two 85%'ers as a backup, but not tied in to the main bank. This is actually working out pretty good though because I still run the charger to watch movies on the semi big screen at night and the next morning the batteries still have a full charge so no down time or having to run the charger in the morning. Now I'll be looking for some other source for used batteries.
The weather has been crappy here all day today. High wind, blowing sand and cold, but at least it was mostly clear. I went south for a much needed shower and had lunch with Frann at the BBMI before heading home. Got a message that her Jeep had conked out and she needs parts so I'll take her in to the AutoZone in Presidio tomorrow to get the parts. Cross your fingers that we don't have problems with the falcon!
Presidio Trip
Pictures Frann took on the trip.
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Fingers crossed. Good move on isolating the weaker batteries. Your system is no stronger than the weekest battery and it will pull the whole system down to its level.
ReplyDeleteGlad you have your batteries all figured out. How old are your batteries? Batteries go bad when they get to cold or hot. I'm moving mine to a old refrigerator before summer.
ReplyDeleteYeah DD, I've known at least one was going south for a while, but as long as the power lasted through the night I didn't get too concerned. It got to a point where I couldn't keep ignoring it. Been watching movies on the laptop without the 22 inch monitor and other stuff I usually have going and didn't run the charger so we'll see how it turns out in the morning now.
ReplyDeleteFrann, I don't have a clue how old they are. All I can say is they were OLD when I got them and had probably been setting around for a good while before that after leaving service. What can I say though $5 a peace and I got a years service out of them. I wouldn't call that bad.
Not a bad deal at all, tffn.
ReplyDeletefrann, that's a great idea re: old fridge for battery storage. Paint it with that ceramic reflective paint or even bury it. Thanks for the idea.
Made it back and it turned out to be an Idler Pulley that caused the belt to break. We picked one up along with a new belt and headed back. Well we did eat at a great Mexican Buffet before that. Good trip and no trouble.
ReplyDeletePosted a couple of pictures Frann took on the trip.
ReplyDeleteHey I think we ate at that same place when we were there last Spring Break.
ReplyDeleteGreat food Dale. Looked like a lot of locals there and the place was about full so that has to say something for the place.
ReplyDeleteTffnguy
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of batteries due you use on your solar power system, also what kind due you recommend?
Dave, let me know what you need for Frann's jeep and I'll mail it to you. We've got a NAPA store don't forget. Dennis
ReplyDeletecc, I'm using Trojan T-105 golf cart batteries. They are 6 volt 200 AMP hour batteries and I think they are one of the more popular off grid batteries. If I were buying new batteries that would be what I'd buy. I think they are up to 210 AMP hour now. Frann bought 4 a couple of months ago at Sam's and got them for $69 each I think it was and those were 210 AH.
ReplyDeleteDennis, she is pulling the thermostat out this morning to see if that cures the over heating problem (If there still is one?) If so and that works she will pick up a new one in Alpine next Wednesday when she goes to get building material.