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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Solar panel question
    Posted: 05 May 2016 at 5:11pm
Originally posted by dr.becky

So how does and inverter work for running the TV and how is it set up?


Take a look at this:

inverter

An inverter is a device that changes 12 volts DC (battery) to 120 volts AC (like household electricity). It is usually a small "box" and every one that I have purchased comes with a "cigarette lighter" type plug (there may be additional connectors). Plug the inverter's cigarette plug into a 12 volt outlet and the 120 volt television into the appropriate place on the inverter. It is that simple!
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Posts: 106 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 May 2016 at 12:51am
The thickness of the wire in the Bargeman connector is usually much smaller than what is used in jumper cables.  Connecting the running  tow vehicle directly to your Pod battery with jumper cables will dump amps much faster than connecting through the bargeman.  I use a single group 27 battery that will last at least 3 days.  If I run low on power I just connect the jumper cables for 20 to 30 minutes.  Works very well and is inexpensive.
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Posts: 274 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 May 2016 at 9:28pm
Is there a benefit to hooking up to jumper cables vs. using the bargeman connector?
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 May 2016 at 9:13pm
For 2-3 days I'm not sure I would even upsize the battery.  We can always get through a weekend with some to spare.  Worst case on day 2 or 3 use a good set of jumper cables attached from the pod battery to the TV battery and run it for 30 minutes.

Do that for a season and then re-evaluate.  You may decide you do want a generator to run the A/C occasionally, or to nuke a quick dinner.  Or you don't need them but you usually camp in full sun so solar will work out.
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Posts: 274 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 May 2016 at 4:39pm
You need to install a 12v plug (the one below has a 12v plug, two USB plugs and a voltmeter.) You will also need an inverter. 200w is plenty for the TV. Search this board for debates on pure sine vs. mod sine and decide for yourself.

As to the solar panel, I would wait a season and see how it goes. A voltmeter is very useful to judge exactly how much you are draining the batteries.
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Posts: 30 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 May 2016 at 4:23pm
So how does and inverter work for running the TV and how is it set up?
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Posts: 1407 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 May 2016 at 4:19pm
As I mentioned, you can run the TV using an inverter to convert 12VDC to 120VAC. It will run a long time on battery.

A 2000W generator would probably be enough for the microwave. The minimum I've seen for the air conditioner is a 2400W Yamaha. A 3000W generator or two 2000W generators run in parallel will give you all the power you need, although you may still have issues if the microwave is running and the air conditioner compressor tries to kick on.
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Posts: 10 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 May 2016 at 4:11pm
Thank you-so as I understand it solar will not change what in the pod I can use-only that I can use it for longer.  In other words-the A/C and microwave (what about TV?) will not be powered by solar.  Will a run of the mill generator power these things?
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 May 2016 at 2:31pm

Actually, if 3 nights are the maximum, then dual batteries should make it with no charging. Unless, you use a lot of power. (such as, with furnace usage)

During fair temps, my 2 marine/deep cycle (hybrid) can do 3 days with my normal usage. If you want a little more reserve power then go with two 6 volt golf cart batteries - wired is "series", to make 12 volts.

The A/C and microwave require 120 volts ac. If you can live without those you should be good.
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