Putts

[Putts]

DAMIT!  Looks like I can't "paste and match style without loosing the links to the pix. 

So you'll have to view these posts in a theme with a white background until I get up to the current time.  Sorry again.

Well got the toilet compost tank cut and fit.



On would think that's no big deal...one would think.

Welp, Sunday, when I was working on it, I tripped as I entered the truck and had a good tumble. Nothing serious, but I whacked the top of my foot on something real good, and it hurt like hell. I persevered. 

Made a little goof and wound up with a piece of wood too small. Damit. This furniture grade ply is expensive. So I put the piece in my small ply pile---I pretty much keep every piece unless it's smaller than a deck of cards or so---and brought out a big piece and tried again. 

Measured twice, cut once......and found I had goofed again. DOUBLE DAMIT!!!

I breathed a big sigh, and started over.  Had to find a new big piece. Rummage...rummage. I found a piece that was pretty much exactly the width of my toiltet and cut off a piece at the right height for the back, brought it in to Putt to see how much I'd havt to trim off the sides and......wait for it....TRIPLE DAMIT!!!! Of course it's too small, the damned thing was the same width as the one I had screwed up.

AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGHHH!!!!!!





Way to much dumbass gurgling to the surface. Called it a day and went downtown to play some pool with Paul.

Some days you just can't win.

[Putts]

*sigh*

Been rooting around in the electrical section of the board here and I'm overwhelmed...so much information scattered all over the place...I don't know how to sort through it. I guess I need a hand. Feel free to save typing and point me to relevant threads.

I'm well trained in electronics. I used to repair scanning electron microscopes; have a nice Fluke and a Tek O'scope and know to use them; I can read a schematic easily. But I'm not familiar with the principles of battery charging and who makes good stuff and who makes junk. 

I also have a need to do my electrical system in phases, which makes things even a bit harder. Initially, I will be putting two solar cells on the roof and two 12V batts in the cabin. This initial system needs to be as simple as possible so I can get it installed and pass my RV re-registration inspection for having 110AC in the outlet above my sink; probably just PVs, charge controller, batts, inverter, and a simple 12V switch/breaker panel. But eventually I want four cells up top (need to be about 50" x 25" each to fit the roof layout); four batts below; house/truck batt switching; alternator charging for house batts; shore power switch over w/12VDC generation; shore power filtering; etc. I did stumble across this .pdf here and was wondering if it was a good schematic to study?

I won't have A/C or a microwave, but I'd like to be able to run a drill and saber saw...maybe rechargeable tools is the way to go, but todays fast chargers for those seem to draw a lot of current as well. I won't have a TV, but will eventually have to charge a laptop, iPad, phone, and will have wifi antennas, wifi routers, automotive sound system (a modest power one), HAM and CB radios, alarm system, surveillance cameras, alarms, outdoor LED lighting, and fans.  

I've had a look at the links Optimistic Paranoid provided and will probably buy some of the books. The Blue Sea catalog is excellent! (Thanks, mate.) But I really don't have time to edumacate myself well as I'm at the point where I need to start ordering stuff for my initial rudimentary system. I figured I might just ask a few questions so I can get going. I am absolutely willing to pay for quality and safety margin, but I don't want to climb too high up a diminishing returns curve.

What are the recommended solar panels around here?

I mentioned this combiner box already and HDR said he didn't like the terminal clamps as they're unreliable in the long run. Makes total sense. But the plastic box itself appears to be a cool part designed for the task at hand and with enough knock-outs for standard, liquid tight strain reliefs. I intend to run antenna wires and any other roof wiring through this on entry so I don't have to cut any more holes in the roof. $80 is pretty steep for a piece of plastic though, so I'm wondering if you folks have some recommended product for a wire feed-through housing on the roof?

From my reading here so far, it seems like the  Morningstar TS-MPPT-45 TriStar 45 Amp Charge Controller is a good choice and will suite the final 4 PV cell/4 12V batt system. Any other preferred options?

It's likely this first simple system will be run for the next three years or so. When I do my upgrad to four batts I'll likely replace the existing batts so they're matched nicely. What affordably priced batteries would you recommend now that will work well for three years of modest use?

I think it makes sense to buy a cheap 110VDC inverter now since it'll only be used for silly things like charging a cell phone while weekend camping in Putt occasionally for the next two years, I'll buy a nice one before hitting the road. Any suggestions on a small capacity reliable inverter for initial use?

Hmm...I guess I should mention I did build a solar system last year. I used a Renology 100W panel; Blue Sky Suncharger 30 charge controller; PROwatt 540 inverter; and a Duracell 12V 650CCA deep cycle battery. This is where things get a little crazy: I built it for The Farkle Hut.



It's a solar powered gaming table with a sound system (speakers under the top box,downward firing), 110VAC oulets, and USB phone charging outlets. I've got a buddy up here who is a Burning Man guy and started a regional burn here.  I decided to build this for it. Had a lot of help from friends drawing the table top.



When I hit the road in Putt, I'll be pulling a trailer so I can travel with it and a canoe/kayak and stuff I can't fit in Putt. I'll drop the trailer at storage places when traveling into the back country where the trailer might make maneuvering troublesome. Thought it might be fun to bring it to RTR one of these days. Bet I'd freak out a bunch of dudes at Costa Rican surf spots.

[Putts]

Now the big news: I'm going to purchase an amazing security system!

A dog.

This is a BIG deal to me. It will be my first dog. I've been a dad in a house full of kids three times over and in each case we had myriad dogs, cats, hamsters, goldfish, goats, ducks, you name it. I've had responsibility for dogs, but they were always designated as one of the kids or my siblings dog. For the first time I'll be able to say with all the love one musters, "That's a good dog, my good boy."

I will be getting a Schipperke; a Belgian dog bred as a ratter and guard dog for canal barges. My dad's Belgian and I've known of the breed since I was a kid. Here's how the American Kennel Club breed standard describes the Schipperke's temprement:

"The Schipperke is curious, interested in everything around him, and is an
excellent and faithful little watchdog. He is reserved with strangers and ready to protect his
family and property if necessary. He displays a confident and independent personality, reflecting
the breed's original purpose as watchdog and hunter of vermin."

So, an early warning system and no mice, gophers, snakes, or other critter at my campsite.

I've talked to an internet buddy who has one, and I've talked to a Montana breeder about what I intend to do and why I need a watch dog. Both said a Schipperke is the perfect dog for the job.

Here's what they look like:





Less than 20lbs. and about 15 inches tall. A fairly small dog. They're very smart and very independent, and not particularly easy to train because of it; but if you're consistent, firm, and good natured about it they can be trained very well. They're not yappers (thank goodness) but they will absolutely let you know when there's something "out there." 

The lady locally here in Eureka Montana (350 miles away is still considered local when you live here) has two four week old male pups. Males make for the better watch dog.  I've been checking my email every ten minutes to she if she's responded to my "let's do the deal" email.

Cross your fingers for me, you may be seeing pix of my new security system---and life companion   ---in 4-6 weeks.

[Putts]

With Dart on the way, I've shifted gears somewhat to preparing his home. 

You remember the Farkle Hut? Well, I have some interesting plans for it. I've decided I'll be towing a small enclosed trailer that will contain it, a motorcycle, bicycle, a small boat, and a variety of stuff that would be hard to fit in Putt (firewood, extra buckets, chairs, shower tent, who knows). I'll still have all the basics in Putt so I can drop and store the trailer temporarily if I want to.

I plan to travel to Baja and points south as I get settled into the rig. I've been doing a bunch of Google maps recon of areas and have come to discover that there are numerous "surf camps" in Central America that look like a hoot.  For example, The Driftwood Surfer in Guatamala.

Check out these pix.



They have a pet Llama there.


The pool area.


Um....self-explanatory.


I gotta believe the Farkle Hut would be a big hit planted back next to the pool.


Anyhow, one of the BIG reasons for getting d'Artagnon is that he could guard the Hut at night. To do so, he has to think of it as his home, so I built a crate for him as part of the Hut.



I'm going to turn the space between the legs into a little kennel area in which he lives and gets trained as a pup. As far as he's concerned, the Farkle Hut will be his home. Down the road I can put a leash on him that's eye-bolted to the inside of his crate and woe to anyone who approaches.

So far I've got about a dozen surf camps in Central America pinned in a Google map. Sounds like fun to me.

That's the plan anyway.

[Putts]

Progress Report:
Haven't done a damn thing on Putt. 

My full focus has been on Dart. I've been soaking in everything I can on dog training. As I've said, Schipperkes are notoriously hard to train. One of the things I've seen stressed is if you want the puppy not to pee all over the place, contain them...they like it if you do it right. Similarly, I've been told by the knowledgable people I've talked to, and all the Schipperke training videos, the Schipperkes need to be on a leash basically all the time. Mainly because discipline of not running away must be absolute with a Schip. When they're not fully trained and they see a mouse or something else that catches their imagination, you can just say goodbye. With good training they will end up not needing it at all, but because they have to be so rigidly trained to the leash when they're young they end up being comforted by it. My buddy Rick say if he just clips the loose leash on the dog in bed next to his desk it will lie their contently. Unclip the leash and it wanders off. 

Anyhow...I've been making the other controlled spaces for Dart. You've seen the deck and the Farkle Hut; here's my desk...



...gets him right up next to me.

Next one is kind of an end around, but bear with me. lnside Putt, Dart needs a place to ride when we're moving...his perch. (BTW, everything has a name: hut, bed, work, perch, deck (can't use porch because it sounds too much like perch), etc.) So, I built his perch for riding in Putt.



Notice how he'll have total nose access to that window and the smell of the world going by. Great visibility too. I'm thinking of some kind of harness system when required for safety. 

Security-wise, when I slide that window all the way open and stand up to talk to someone outside, he will certainly be in a strategically advantageous position.

Doesn't actually have the hinges on yet, but his toys will be in here.



Here's what it looks like from the outside.



Now, you may be asking yourself, why the heck did he build something he's not going to need for months? Good question. It's also going to serve as his bed. Imma push the button on this one and carry on.

[Putts]

We're talking about Dart's bed...and, in this case, his bed in Putt. Here's a look at Putt's interior again.



I don't want Dart sleeping in bed with me, but I do want him close. I'm going to built Dart's bed on a platform up behind the left dinette seat in the upper half of the window so he can look outside in bed. He'll be above my left foot while we sleep. So, I figured I'd build him a bed above my left foot right from the start. And! I'm going to use his perch from Putt for his bed here at home for the time being.



Hey wait! How'd that get in here?

Dart's bed at home damit!







My roomate Tyler has a 3yo son. He loved jumping off it. Told him to go for it because once Dart is here next week he can't do it anymore.   

Also did a minor adjustment to the Farkle Hut and made kennel sides that can slip in and out easily.



And, this is cool---I hope Decodancer is watching...I'll probably be needing help---I've been talking with friends about socializing Dart. I understand from reading (I bought a book!) that from 8-16 weeks is the most important socializing time. As Decodancer said:

Chiming in as a dog expert, almost 40 years grooming, showing and training.....  When you get him, take him everywhere with you.  Make sure he meets kids and other dogs.  In the end you'll have a dog who is confident in any situation.  Don't worry that he won't warn you of danger, my 3 love everybody but more than once they have let me know that someone was not to be trusted.  Congratulations on your new family member.  Kathleen

Thank you, Kathleen. 

With a little help from my friends, I have begun to schedule exposure to all sorts of people...one at a time at first, then in ever increasing numbers. I've got people signed up from infants to older folks, and a number of dogs...including my son who has the sweetest pit-bull you've ever met. Dart needs to be absolutely comfortable with a dozen legs in his space at the Farkle Hut. At first it'll be just me and Sarah from downstairs playing some cards, dice, and dominos (he's gotta get used to the sounds; it'll be noisy under the table), but over 8 weeks it will become 16 partiers with music blaring, lights flickering, and people dancing in onesies and grass skirts. 

His life will be like that quite a bit in future; I'm going to have to work hard on this...and I CAN'T WAIT!

[Putts]

Brought Putt's alarm system home today.



Good boy, Dart, that's a good boy.

[Putts]

Okay, one last puppy post. Dart is progressing very well. We had a Farkle session the other night, music blaring, dice hitting the table.



Of course, you can't see Dart on his black bed with black towel in the back in the middle.

But here's a close-up.



He slept like a baby through all the racket. (I've been keeping him pretty busy.)

Here he is at my feet in his bed. 



He hangs around underneath me a lot.





But he's also getting a little more independent. I think the stress of the first day or two are pretty much gone.

Oh, I've started to train him to be in a backpack.



I've seen a bunch of dogs that ride on a motorcycle with their master, but I really don't like the idea; a backpack seems like a good way to go for a small dog. Took him for a walk this morning and put him in the backpack to do a little grocery shopping. He seemed to like it quite a bit.

Lastly, I promised a little video.






Putt progress report:

Yay! Actual building stuff. 

I've taken some time off work since there's a window of lovely weather about. I installed one Fantastic vent yesterday and will do the other today. Will also install the two solar panels and roof combiner box. Pics by the weekend.  Have a good one!

[Putts]

Allrightythen...

Fantastic Vents. Putt's roof is al-u-minium, as the Britt's might say. Thinner than the side walls. I start by placing the Sharpie markers and drilling some holes.



Go up top and clean, mark, and tape off the impending hole.



I drill the corner holes so that the hole diameter is twice the metal thickness. Some structural engineer told me thst was the way to do it to prevent metal fatigue cracks best. 



Then I cleaned the flange of the fantastic vent with denatured alcohol and line it with "Bed It" butyl tape, which comes highly regarded around here.  


Lots of good information on how to use the stuff on his site. Of note is that the proper way to install, according to the site, is to use bolts so that they can be tightened from below.  That way the bolts don't spin when installed and twist up the Bed It.  Butyl tape shouldn't be stretched when installing. Well, I have to use screws when I install the rear solar panels eventually as I can't tighten a nut from below in those cases, so I thought I'd give it a go with screws now to see how it performs. It was a bit of trouble.

When I installed the first vent I simply screwed through the holes in the vent and through the Bed It tape below.  This resulted in the Bed It wraping itself around the screw as it went into the aluminum below, and making a wad of it around the screw. probably not ideal.  Also, it was hard to line up with the screw starting holes I drilled because I couldn't see them when placing the vent. So on the second vent I made sure to poke holes through the Bed It to be less likely to wind up on the screws during installation and to be able to line it up with the pilot holes.

Used a punch to remove bed it from around the holes.





The second vent went in much better than the first. 

I used an impact driver to get the screws most of the way in, but switched to a regular screw driver to snug it up.  The directions say to tighten some, wait for a while for the goo to settle, then retighten, and repeats 'til firmly set. The aluminum skin on the roof is thin, so over tightening could easily strip the holes. 

Also cut little strips so I could wrap the screw heads.

[Putts]

Final results look pretty good.











Got my Dicor 502LSW self leveling goop yesterday.  Today will be warm and dry....let the gooping begin!