Who made the portable power box?

[racerrandy]

I know I saw on someones thread a portable power box they built, but I can't find it again for the life of me.

Wanting to do something like it, can someone help me out?




Randy

[racerrandy]

Nobody yet?

It was in this section for sure, he made it using a stanley tool box with the aluminim tread plate. It had a 2 batteries, plus other stuff. I have looked and looked through threads and searched for everything I could think of.

I know someone will remember soon! Thanks



Randy

[dales133]

Can't say I've seen it but if you google ark and projecta you'll get some ideas.
Both aussie companies

[daveesl77]

Are you talking about a "solar generator". If so, I built one. It is a self-contained box that holds all the components (except the actual solar panel), mounted. It has a house battery, standard 120 v battery charger, solar controller, 2000 watt inverter, 12v and 120 volt receptacles, control switches, fans and voltmeter. I can either plug it into shore power to get balanced 12v or activate the solar side to get 12 and 120v. The solar panel then just plugs into it, using 25' wiring. I'll try to find some photos of it.

dave

[daveesl77]

Here are photos of my prototype "solar generator" box. It is designed to use either external 120v power or solar. Since I took these shots I strengthened the holding board, added in external 120v outlets, put in an electronic power sensor in both the 12 and 120 v sides, this automatically disconnects the solar panel and inverter when shore power is connected. The panel is a 50w with 25' of cable with quick disconnects and can be easily extended if need. I've also added a simple tilt frame to the panel so it can stand on it's own.

This is the unit closed



This is the "guts" of the unit. I've since made the plywood backing panel better, cleaned up the wiring, added in the external 120v outlets. The charger is one I had laying around. 2000 watt inverter, solar controller.


That is a little, freebie HF volt meter, works fine for this


Brushless computer fans are used to pull air out of the box to reduce heat and the potential of gas build up. The switches (now labled) control the various devices. I've also added automatic disconnect circuits


It works great, I use a little folding dolly to move it around. I can set up the box at the campsite and then put the panel in the sun. This stuff will now all go into the trailer.

[dustboy]

Solar generator, now that's a clever thing. I've got a whole light-duty system that is now redundant in my trailer, all I need is a battery to build one of these. Not sure what I'd use it for, maybe I could plug in a Tiffany lamp on the beach.

[daveesl77]

We used it when tent camping, primarily to put everything in one convenient place. I stole the term from some prepper thing I saw on youtube. Yes, it is really heavy, thus the folding appliance cart, but it did make it nice. Roll it out, plug in the panel, everything is ready to go.

dave

[racerrandy]

Its not the box I was looking for Dave, but I really like what you built.

That is one of my ideas to build a solar setup like you have done. I really love the idea of using solar energy to provide "free" power.

For now, I was wanting something like you have built but with some SLA batteries instead. I could use it for emergencies at home or when camping.

I am sure the guy that made the one I am looking for will come along, I am sure it was in his thread on the Cargo trailer area.

You really did a nice job of building yours Dave, and I hope I can make something as nice!





Randy

[mikesova]

This?
https://flic.kr/p/CpU65d

[lrrowe]

Nobody yet?

It was in this section for sure, he made it using a stanley tool box with the aluminim tread plate. It had a 2 batteries, plus other stuff. I have looked and looked through threads and searched for everything I could think of.

I know someone will remember soon! Thanks



Randy

I believe I remember it. Let me think and browse a bit.

[lrrowe]

I did several search options and have not come across it yet. I can see the photo in my mind. I am thinking it was part of a poster's CT conversion, but not absolutely sure.