WiFi Ranger (on the cheap)

Originally posted by StephenH Have you wired a USB charging port into your R-Pod? If so, you could plug your phone in when using it as a hotspot to keep from draining your battery too quickly. They, along with standard 12V power outlets, are easy to install.

Originally posted by podenvy Originally posted by StephenH Have you wired a USB charging port into your R-Pod? If so, you could plug your phone in when using it as a hotspot to keep from draining your battery too quickly. They, along with standard 12V power outlets, are easy to install. Yes, but the 80 AH from dual deep cycle batteries we have is needed for more important things like a CPAP machine so I use an external 10000 mAH to charge the phones. Once we have solar panels and a pure sine wave inverter, it will be easier.

Once you have solar panels, extra USB and 12v ports are still better then an inverter. Why change 12v to 120v and then back to 12v or 5v.. when you can just pull 12v or 5v straight from the system without doubling or tripling the conversion losses?

Originally posted by podenvy Originally posted by StephenH Have you wired a USB charging port into your R-Pod? If so, you could plug your phone in when using it as a hotspot to keep from draining your battery too quickly. They, along with standard 12V power outlets, are easy to install. Yes, but the 80 AH from dual deep cycle batteries we have is needed for more important things like a CPAP machine so I use an external 10000 mAH to charge the phones. Once we have solar panels and a pure sine wave inverter, it will be easier.

I use a CPAP machine. That is why I went with dual 6V batteries for 215 AH. I do not use the humidifier if I am running on battery power. I only have water in the tank but the heat is turned off for passive humidification. It seems to work okay and ensures the draw on the batteries is not excessive. I could have sprung for batteries with a higher AH rating, but the ones I got at Batteries and Bulbs were at a reasonable price. The brand is Duracell.

Originally posted by StephenH I use a CPAP machine. That is why I went with dual 6V batteries for 215 AH. I do not use the humidifier if I am running on battery power. I only have water in the tank but the heat is turned off for passive humidification. It seems to work okay and ensures the draw on the batteries is not excessive. I could have sprung for batteries with a higher AH rating, but the ones I got at Batteries and Bulbs were at a reasonable price. The brand is Duracell.