Met with Nu-Space on Saturday. Very good meeting so looking good I think. Mark's going to go take a look at the property with the concrete guy sometime. Me, I'm working on getting the building permit. I feel that of all things to be done this is the biggest challenge. Getting my own windows is fine with Mark too. In fact he says the more I can be involved the better. So I'll be learning all about those soon and looking for bargains. No particular size in mind so that's good.
Plans are required for the permit of course. I can do the plan view but there are others that are just beyond me, like the cross section from slab to roof. Mark suggested calling the building permit office and asking if they knew of an engineer who might do this kind of work on the side. So I did. And got the name of someone in Amherst. However, I thought it might be better to see if there was someone nearer - not sure why I needed to do that but I did. Looked on Kijiji Halifax and found a drafter advertising just what I needed. One email and we're connected and now I've just sent off the sketchup that I have. Not cheap to get plans drawn up but I knew that based on what I've seen with home designs on line. I figure it just might make things easier though if I have the right and complete things in the permit package.
So that's two big steps in the right direction.
In other news - lots to do around here and I felt a bit overwhelmed at one point on the weekend. Just so many jobs and big ones. But I talked myself into taking it one at a time. I decided to take a wee look at the front deck, which I was instructed would have to come partially down because of dry rot. Specifically, the spindles would have to come out. So I just wanted to take a peek and see how difficult that would be by testing a screw. One thing led to another and after 3 hours all the spindles were out, split up, and stored away for future camp fire wood! The proudest step was finding the drill, the bit, and figuring out that it did indeed run counter-clockwise for screw removal. Excellent. Some of them were buggers and I had to get them started by hand but the drill was terrific. Next step in that project will be to brush it off well with a wire brush, then fill the spots that are not looking so good (just a couple of spots need treatment to prevent the dry rot), then prime, and paint. Also plan to restain the deck. I think I might buy a high pressure hose thingy.
Had a super run on Sunday! I was supposed to go out tonight but feeling off and yesterday I came home from work and fell asleep on the couch so sumpins up. I just want to run though! hopefully tomorrow. And kayaking - got to get that in soon. I'm off to UK for 12 days as of Friday so kayaking will be the first thing on my list when I get back!
Life goes on- jiggedy jog.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Been a while! Went winter camping. It was fun but I don't know what I'd do if it were for more than one night because the inside of the tent got so wet overnight with condensation and I'd be afraid that it wouldn't dry out and just be chilly. Anyway, it was a good experience. Not sure I'd do it again.
On the cabin front. I've been checking out a couple of other builders. One is Stockade Style Log Homes, as well as Shady Lane in Pictou county, and also Nu-Space Construction and Design in Truro. Also emailed Graves Barns and Building (that's the second time) and didn't hear from them. And I haven't heard from Robert since he said to give him a couple of weeks while he came up with an estimate. However, both Shady Lane and Nu-Space are looking promising and I'm actually meeting with Mark at Nu-Space this weekend. Shady Lane estimate included the decks (2). Nu-Space included the slab. They were both about the same amount. Since then, Shady Lane has given an estimate for the front deck as well. I like that they do the slab. That would be a big headache for me - to find someone to do it and to know they're doing it right for the building. So much easier to have the builder do it. So I'm meeting with Nu-space and we'll see how that goes.
Couple of weekends ago me and the gang went out and camped on the site. Eric did his best to flag the property line based on very little information but I think it's a pretty good idea. He's going to take the coordinate to the DNR office where he lives and see if they line up to what we think. It was good to get Eric's view on where he thought would be the best location for the cabin. We spent the next day kayaking from Pugwash Harbour down to the property, had lunch, and kayaked back. All very doable :)
Last weekend John and Jen were here so we went up a) to show them and b) to stake out the location for the cabin. Got that done, which was great. Talking to John I've also added 2 feet to the width (now 24' x 18') and made the bathroom larger (5' x 7'). We also plotted out the best, driest way in to the cabin from the lane. Not sure what I'm going to do to keep that lane passable without it becoming urban looking (and expensive no doubt).
Eric is going to clear the land for the cabin and we'll get some of the scrub at the front taken down to open up the view.
So that's about that. In other news, the lawnmower is humming! I wonder if I was tying to start it without pulling on the handlebar thing. Anyway it's going. John put some more gas in it and checked the oil. Not much more handy stuff going on that I can think of but I'm planting seedlings - basil, cilantro, baby peppers, spinach, peas, beans, and I'm going to try potatoes as well.
That's it then!
On the cabin front. I've been checking out a couple of other builders. One is Stockade Style Log Homes, as well as Shady Lane in Pictou county, and also Nu-Space Construction and Design in Truro. Also emailed Graves Barns and Building (that's the second time) and didn't hear from them. And I haven't heard from Robert since he said to give him a couple of weeks while he came up with an estimate. However, both Shady Lane and Nu-Space are looking promising and I'm actually meeting with Mark at Nu-Space this weekend. Shady Lane estimate included the decks (2). Nu-Space included the slab. They were both about the same amount. Since then, Shady Lane has given an estimate for the front deck as well. I like that they do the slab. That would be a big headache for me - to find someone to do it and to know they're doing it right for the building. So much easier to have the builder do it. So I'm meeting with Nu-space and we'll see how that goes.
Couple of weekends ago me and the gang went out and camped on the site. Eric did his best to flag the property line based on very little information but I think it's a pretty good idea. He's going to take the coordinate to the DNR office where he lives and see if they line up to what we think. It was good to get Eric's view on where he thought would be the best location for the cabin. We spent the next day kayaking from Pugwash Harbour down to the property, had lunch, and kayaked back. All very doable :)
Last weekend John and Jen were here so we went up a) to show them and b) to stake out the location for the cabin. Got that done, which was great. Talking to John I've also added 2 feet to the width (now 24' x 18') and made the bathroom larger (5' x 7'). We also plotted out the best, driest way in to the cabin from the lane. Not sure what I'm going to do to keep that lane passable without it becoming urban looking (and expensive no doubt).
Eric is going to clear the land for the cabin and we'll get some of the scrub at the front taken down to open up the view.
So that's about that. In other news, the lawnmower is humming! I wonder if I was tying to start it without pulling on the handlebar thing. Anyway it's going. John put some more gas in it and checked the oil. Not much more handy stuff going on that I can think of but I'm planting seedlings - basil, cilantro, baby peppers, spinach, peas, beans, and I'm going to try potatoes as well.
That's it then!
Friday, March 1, 2013
Cabin progress - went to Kent and got a materials list made up. I expected to have to make an appointment and go in and talk to someone who might even help me figure out details like siding type and what not, but it wasn't like that at all. I all happened very quickly. Punch in a few numbers and there you have it. I was caught a bit off guard so that in response to questions like "siding?" I blurted out "yes" but gave no details of what I have in mind. So the result is a basic mid end materials list. I fired this off to Robert (kijiji carpenter) but I took the prices off as well as the Kent letterhead. I've since discovered that he needed the prices and couldn't care less if it came from Kent. In fact I've also learned that contractors go that way - Homedepot, Kent, whatever - to get their lists. Ugh - I know so little. Anyway, further chat with Robert and he's very interested in the job. Sounds like he's a busy guy so I'm happy that he wants to take this on. He charges 8% manager fee which means he'll help with all kinds of other things if need be. Like building permits, or helping with design, or finding contractors for plumbing and stuff. Things like that. So he'd be great to have on my side. He's estimating off the top of his head 25-30k. Seems a bit steep to me and it's certainly more than I had in mind originally but the property cost more than I had in mind too so I guess that's the way it goes.
I didn't hear back from summerwood homes. End of story.
The Bavarian Cottages was looking good but fell through when I found out between 3.5 and 7k to ship. End of story.
I have been in touch a lot with Mike at cabins.ca Things are looking quite good there. Reasonable prices 16-18k. That gives everything but unfinished interior walls which is fine. Problem with that one is it all comes on a 54' truck. Plan a) the truck can get down the drive. But I'd have to find 4 strong people to unload it. Plan b) materials get dumped at the road end. So those strong people would also have to figure a way of getting it from there to the cabin site. Mike says it would fit bit by bit in a truck, unless I decide on open ceiling and in that case the length is 20' so would have to be hauled (his idea not mine). The other problem with this option is I haven't actually seen a building, although the photos look nice. And then of course, once it's all at the site it has to be put together. Easier said than done I'm sure.
Also been in touch with timberhart.com - exceptional framing. All they do is framing though so everything else would be up to me to find and organize. Price is between 15 and 17k.
So I'm thinking Robert is a good bet. I feel like he does good work even though I've only seen photos. And he seems to know a lot. He used to be a building inspector, plus he lives near the site and probably knows a fair bit about the community and the people who we might need to get stuff done. The next step with Robert is that he's going to come up with an 'elevation' plan and from that I'll use google sketch to make it nice and good enough to go ahead and apply for a building permit. That will take a while I think because there's lots to be thought about and prepared for the application. And of course I also have to figure out exactly where the cabin is going to sit. I should get that sorted out by April-May I think because I suspect the building permit will be time consuming and I'd like to start building in Sept-Oct. I had originally thought I'd like to spend the summer figuring out cabin site but that might not be possible. I won't choose unless I'm comfortable though so we'll see.
On a related topic the Timberhart folks asked if I was getting a building permit (doesn't everyone :/ ) and then told me that composting toilets weren't approved in nova scotia and so even if you use one you still need to have a septic tank. This got me a bit anxious. So I immediately called Cumberland County building permit folks who reemed off a list of things I need to satisfy the permit after I'd explained what I was going to, but transfered me to the environmental department for the compost toilet issue. They told me they don't care if I have a compost toilet. The only people who'd care would be the building permit people. Hmmm...The environmental lady was very nice and chatty and told me that what I might have to do is get approval for a septic system but not actually use it. This would all be to satisfy the building permit group. So I think it will work out. I just have to wait and see and cross whatever bridges when the time comes. Worse comes to worse I'll get a trailer and park it there and that will be that. Not nearly so nice but hey - I follow this group a lot tumbleweedhouses.com and homes on wheels is the cool thing to do. The reason many of these tiny homes are on wheels is to avoid the issues I may come across. So wheels is plan b.
That's what's been happening on the cabin front. On the handyman side not much that I can think of. Or maybe it's just getting more routine so not so much of a big deal. No more snowstorms to speak of so the snowblower is quiet. Part of the bbq blew away even though it was tied down. So I put it back together and brought it inside to stay for a few weeks.
In other news, going to try first time at winter camping tomorrow. Although the forecast is calling for rain so hope that doesn't happen. Then the following morning we're off to the pool in Pictou for some kayak practice. Tootle pip!
I didn't hear back from summerwood homes. End of story.
The Bavarian Cottages was looking good but fell through when I found out between 3.5 and 7k to ship. End of story.
I have been in touch a lot with Mike at cabins.ca Things are looking quite good there. Reasonable prices 16-18k. That gives everything but unfinished interior walls which is fine. Problem with that one is it all comes on a 54' truck. Plan a) the truck can get down the drive. But I'd have to find 4 strong people to unload it. Plan b) materials get dumped at the road end. So those strong people would also have to figure a way of getting it from there to the cabin site. Mike says it would fit bit by bit in a truck, unless I decide on open ceiling and in that case the length is 20' so would have to be hauled (his idea not mine). The other problem with this option is I haven't actually seen a building, although the photos look nice. And then of course, once it's all at the site it has to be put together. Easier said than done I'm sure.
Also been in touch with timberhart.com - exceptional framing. All they do is framing though so everything else would be up to me to find and organize. Price is between 15 and 17k.
So I'm thinking Robert is a good bet. I feel like he does good work even though I've only seen photos. And he seems to know a lot. He used to be a building inspector, plus he lives near the site and probably knows a fair bit about the community and the people who we might need to get stuff done. The next step with Robert is that he's going to come up with an 'elevation' plan and from that I'll use google sketch to make it nice and good enough to go ahead and apply for a building permit. That will take a while I think because there's lots to be thought about and prepared for the application. And of course I also have to figure out exactly where the cabin is going to sit. I should get that sorted out by April-May I think because I suspect the building permit will be time consuming and I'd like to start building in Sept-Oct. I had originally thought I'd like to spend the summer figuring out cabin site but that might not be possible. I won't choose unless I'm comfortable though so we'll see.
On a related topic the Timberhart folks asked if I was getting a building permit (doesn't everyone :/ ) and then told me that composting toilets weren't approved in nova scotia and so even if you use one you still need to have a septic tank. This got me a bit anxious. So I immediately called Cumberland County building permit folks who reemed off a list of things I need to satisfy the permit after I'd explained what I was going to, but transfered me to the environmental department for the compost toilet issue. They told me they don't care if I have a compost toilet. The only people who'd care would be the building permit people. Hmmm...The environmental lady was very nice and chatty and told me that what I might have to do is get approval for a septic system but not actually use it. This would all be to satisfy the building permit group. So I think it will work out. I just have to wait and see and cross whatever bridges when the time comes. Worse comes to worse I'll get a trailer and park it there and that will be that. Not nearly so nice but hey - I follow this group a lot tumbleweedhouses.com and homes on wheels is the cool thing to do. The reason many of these tiny homes are on wheels is to avoid the issues I may come across. So wheels is plan b.
That's what's been happening on the cabin front. On the handyman side not much that I can think of. Or maybe it's just getting more routine so not so much of a big deal. No more snowstorms to speak of so the snowblower is quiet. Part of the bbq blew away even though it was tied down. So I put it back together and brought it inside to stay for a few weeks.
In other news, going to try first time at winter camping tomorrow. Although the forecast is calling for rain so hope that doesn't happen. Then the following morning we're off to the pool in Pictou for some kayak practice. Tootle pip!
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Lots of snow last night and blowing so it had built right up against the garage door which meant my usual lovely neighbour couldn't get his snowplow in to help. Out comes the snowblower, which had been returned from other neighbour (did I say I have great neighbours?) all fixed. Bit confusing as to what was wrong with it but something was missing and one important detail was a gas line switch was closed (that wasn't part of the youtube tutorial!). [Neighbour says to ditch my plan of taking the lawnmower to the same guy for services.]
So the blower started up and I managed to clean the driveway not too bad at all. Said neighbour was outside with me for a while and gave some useful pointers, not the least of which is that the driveway is on a huge incline and the best method of getting back to the top is to turn the snowblower around at the end, put it in transport and let it drive itself back up. Sounds easy but it's not very willing to drive itself. Second recommendation - wear ski goggles (check).
Notes to self:
As for other handyman jobs things have been relatively quiet. Or maybe it's the time of year for hibernation.
On to cabin thoughts...Google sketchup is giving me enough to show what I envision. The Bavarian folks took a while but eventually got back to me with a rough estimate for a 3 season cabin. I definitely need 4 and I'm not sure what they leave out in the 3 season so immediately wrote back and asked but haven't heard anything and that was quite some time ago.
I've also contacted a carpenter I found on Kijiji, He included photos so I'm pretty sure quality is good. I sent him my idea and subsequently we talked on the phone. His rough esitmate is higher than I'd thought it would be but he kept saying throughout the conversation that it could be lower so I suspect he just throws out higher numbers rather than lower. The problem was that my sketch, as I suspected, wasn''t enough for him to give a really good quote. My next step then is to get a materials list made up. After that's done I'll reconnect with Robert. He was very nice, very helpful, and quite willing to take the job on. He also lives in the area and knows about getting building permits etc.
In the meantime I've also emailed Summerwood Homes in Toronto asking for a rough estimate but haven't heard back from them yet either. To be fair it was only a few days ago and since then the snow has hit Ontario so things are sluggish. I'm hoping they get back to me.
As for other things, I had a nice week away skiing and meeting up with friends and family in Mont Tremblant. Discovered I'm a terrible skier. Not that I didn't know that already but I was certainly hoping to be doing better after 3 days of lessons. A year off with a broken wrist clearly hasn't helped. Working on it though and I look forward to getting back to the local ski hill and testing out the level of improvement because I'm sure there's some even though I'm still really bad. Won't be this weekend I think because the roads are just not good for traveling at all. Dragged the cross-country skis out though and maybe I'll get out on those tomorrow. I love cross-country. Used to do a lot before I moved here 9 years ago but the snow here usually doesn't last long enough to get out there. I'm hoping that the chances are higher when the cabin's built. I suspect that area is more likely to get snow that stays. In any event it won't be such a long drive to find it.
For now it's a reading blogging day :)
So the blower started up and I managed to clean the driveway not too bad at all. Said neighbour was outside with me for a while and gave some useful pointers, not the least of which is that the driveway is on a huge incline and the best method of getting back to the top is to turn the snowblower around at the end, put it in transport and let it drive itself back up. Sounds easy but it's not very willing to drive itself. Second recommendation - wear ski goggles (check).
Notes to self:
- switch on gas line - red switch on right (can stay on all winter)
- black key in - turn on
- speed high
- choke on
- pump a few times
- pull starter cord - presto! (with any luck)
- there are different gears for different kinds of snow; + reverse; neutral; + transport
- It's very sweaty work - so dress accordingly, although hands get cold so mitts are essential.
As for other handyman jobs things have been relatively quiet. Or maybe it's the time of year for hibernation.
On to cabin thoughts...Google sketchup is giving me enough to show what I envision. The Bavarian folks took a while but eventually got back to me with a rough estimate for a 3 season cabin. I definitely need 4 and I'm not sure what they leave out in the 3 season so immediately wrote back and asked but haven't heard anything and that was quite some time ago.
I've also contacted a carpenter I found on Kijiji, He included photos so I'm pretty sure quality is good. I sent him my idea and subsequently we talked on the phone. His rough esitmate is higher than I'd thought it would be but he kept saying throughout the conversation that it could be lower so I suspect he just throws out higher numbers rather than lower. The problem was that my sketch, as I suspected, wasn''t enough for him to give a really good quote. My next step then is to get a materials list made up. After that's done I'll reconnect with Robert. He was very nice, very helpful, and quite willing to take the job on. He also lives in the area and knows about getting building permits etc.
In the meantime I've also emailed Summerwood Homes in Toronto asking for a rough estimate but haven't heard back from them yet either. To be fair it was only a few days ago and since then the snow has hit Ontario so things are sluggish. I'm hoping they get back to me.
As for other things, I had a nice week away skiing and meeting up with friends and family in Mont Tremblant. Discovered I'm a terrible skier. Not that I didn't know that already but I was certainly hoping to be doing better after 3 days of lessons. A year off with a broken wrist clearly hasn't helped. Working on it though and I look forward to getting back to the local ski hill and testing out the level of improvement because I'm sure there's some even though I'm still really bad. Won't be this weekend I think because the roads are just not good for traveling at all. Dragged the cross-country skis out though and maybe I'll get out on those tomorrow. I love cross-country. Used to do a lot before I moved here 9 years ago but the snow here usually doesn't last long enough to get out there. I'm hoping that the chances are higher when the cabin's built. I suspect that area is more likely to get snow that stays. In any event it won't be such a long drive to find it.
For now it's a reading blogging day :)
Monday, January 21, 2013
Since my last post, and continuing on the handyman dilema:
- following in the footsteps of the lawnmower, the snow blower decided not to start, even though it was serviced and running tickedy boo in the summer. I'd googled the sequence of starting steps, followed them closely, gave it a tug....nothing. The neighbour gave it a try using an electric start (gotta get me one of those cables), claimed something wasn't right, and took it home to take a closer look....
- the propane fireplace pilot went out. After a fair bit of googling and lying on my stomach staring into fireplace bowels I finally got it going. Very exciting! (small successes mean a lot) - a) because it meant heat, and b) because I know in the past others who have faced the same challenge and not one of them had an easy time of it (one gave up!).
- one of the burners on the propane stove failed to light. The spark was there, the gas was there, but no fire was there. A bit of a conundrum because I'm sure we called in an expert when this happened once before. But surely not, - took a bit of trying and googling but a poke here and there and it was up and running again. Last time must surely have been something more severe causing the problem....surely?
- discovered water coming in the back of the truck. Only when it rains of course, which isn't much now since it's below freezing all the time. In fact I discovered the back seat pond while looking for the snow brush earlier in the winter just to be prepared for when snow would inevitably fall. Not exactly sure where it's coming in but next time it rains I'll be out there checking.
As for the cabin - the thinking and planning continues. Right now I'm learning all about sketchup. Very nice, and even though I'm not very good at it it's giving me a fair idea of what things will look like once complete. I've already decided to move the bathroom to a corner wall instead of using it as a separator between kitchen/living and sleeping areas.
So far I've been using 3D view to get the perspective but once I have something in plan view I'm going to send it off to a company in BC called Bavarian Leisure Cottages [http://www.bavariancottages.com/index.html]. This is the first prefab company I've found that has very simple type cabins that look nice on the outside and inside. Most other prefabs have too many rooms, and often more than one floor. All I want is a basic box, one level. My cabin design is still probably too simple but I figure I can see if they'd be willing to simplify one of the models they already have. If so, I need to know how much it's going to cost. I'm getting to the point where I need to figure out method. Basically I see two choices - if this prefab idea works out that would be one way, the other of course is to buy the material myself and hire a contractor.
First up in the spring will be to figure out location, get a perc test, get a building permit, clear the land and the driveway, then install sona tube concrete forms....
- following in the footsteps of the lawnmower, the snow blower decided not to start, even though it was serviced and running tickedy boo in the summer. I'd googled the sequence of starting steps, followed them closely, gave it a tug....nothing. The neighbour gave it a try using an electric start (gotta get me one of those cables), claimed something wasn't right, and took it home to take a closer look....
- the propane fireplace pilot went out. After a fair bit of googling and lying on my stomach staring into fireplace bowels I finally got it going. Very exciting! (small successes mean a lot) - a) because it meant heat, and b) because I know in the past others who have faced the same challenge and not one of them had an easy time of it (one gave up!).
- one of the burners on the propane stove failed to light. The spark was there, the gas was there, but no fire was there. A bit of a conundrum because I'm sure we called in an expert when this happened once before. But surely not, - took a bit of trying and googling but a poke here and there and it was up and running again. Last time must surely have been something more severe causing the problem....surely?
- discovered water coming in the back of the truck. Only when it rains of course, which isn't much now since it's below freezing all the time. In fact I discovered the back seat pond while looking for the snow brush earlier in the winter just to be prepared for when snow would inevitably fall. Not exactly sure where it's coming in but next time it rains I'll be out there checking.
As for the cabin - the thinking and planning continues. Right now I'm learning all about sketchup. Very nice, and even though I'm not very good at it it's giving me a fair idea of what things will look like once complete. I've already decided to move the bathroom to a corner wall instead of using it as a separator between kitchen/living and sleeping areas.
So far I've been using 3D view to get the perspective but once I have something in plan view I'm going to send it off to a company in BC called Bavarian Leisure Cottages [http://www.bavariancottages.com/index.html]. This is the first prefab company I've found that has very simple type cabins that look nice on the outside and inside. Most other prefabs have too many rooms, and often more than one floor. All I want is a basic box, one level. My cabin design is still probably too simple but I figure I can see if they'd be willing to simplify one of the models they already have. If so, I need to know how much it's going to cost. I'm getting to the point where I need to figure out method. Basically I see two choices - if this prefab idea works out that would be one way, the other of course is to buy the material myself and hire a contractor.
First up in the spring will be to figure out location, get a perc test, get a building permit, clear the land and the driveway, then install sona tube concrete forms....
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
So I got ready for Christmas, went away to family, came home with a bad cold, and spent New Year's Day figuring out watts and amps and solar panel stuff.
But I learned a lot of stuff today, like how solar panels work - all about controllers and invertors and how it all fits together. I could buy one already made but if I so desired, I could make a solar panel myself. Doesn't look too difficult at all.
I may have forgotten to mention that during the crap Fall I bought a bit of property with the intention of putting up a cabin, close to the snowbelt and the ski hill, and wonderfully close to some lovely waters for kayaking. Now a lot of my thought is in what that cabin should look like, what are the steps needed to make it happen. So this is where the interest in solar comes from (and probably a lot of this blog is going to be about cabin building by an uneducated novice).
Generally here's some of what I learned today (and I make no bones about the fact that I was starting from absolute scratch, and also have the right to change any of this later if I decide I got it wrong):
But I learned a lot of stuff today, like how solar panels work - all about controllers and invertors and how it all fits together. I could buy one already made but if I so desired, I could make a solar panel myself. Doesn't look too difficult at all.
I may have forgotten to mention that during the crap Fall I bought a bit of property with the intention of putting up a cabin, close to the snowbelt and the ski hill, and wonderfully close to some lovely waters for kayaking. Now a lot of my thought is in what that cabin should look like, what are the steps needed to make it happen. So this is where the interest in solar comes from (and probably a lot of this blog is going to be about cabin building by an uneducated novice).
Generally here's some of what I learned today (and I make no bones about the fact that I was starting from absolute scratch, and also have the right to change any of this later if I decide I got it wrong):
- a solar cell will generate about 70 milliwatts per square inch
- a 12v battery is about 125 amps (it's written on the pack)
- voltage x amps = watts and if you divide that by 1000 you get value per kw (kW/h)
- watts/120 = amps
- controller - keeps the battery from draining
- invertor - gets the solar power into the battery for storage
- plexiglass, board with holes in it, solar cells, wire and some silicone - and that's about it for a solar panel
I don't think I'd need much really, especially if I use a couple of those solar lights mounted through the roof for light. Other needs might be running a laptop for a couple of hours, cell phone charging, running an mp3 player, and what would be really nice would be to able to run a small fridge (which is about 100watts, or 8amps.
This all boils down to a need for (unless I've missed something important) about 18 amps of power - out of a 12v battery with 125amps - would run for 7 hours. Keeping in mind of course that there's only about 5 hours of really good sun catching time in the day, on a sunny day.
Some solar panels move with the changing direction of the sun - bet that would be expensive.
Off to blow my nose...
Friday, December 7, 2012
More handyman challenges. I bought a nice little storage rack from Canadian Tire today. Easy to put together. All went well until the last screw. The damn thing wouldn't go in. I loosened all the other screws a bit more ('cos they weren't fully tight yet - I know you don't fully tighten until the very end) but that didn't help. Took it all apart and tried another screw in that spot but that didn't help either. The dowels have a metal shaft in them and this one was screwed.
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| Step 1 - empty the box, lay all the pieces on the floor |
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| Step 2 - put together... |
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| Step 3- screwed... |
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| Looks ok - screw the screw |
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