Surfmobile Project

[PonoBill]

JRandy, sorry to hear that, though I expected it. The wiring is going to be a hybrid. The wiring itself is in place, some of it is poorly run (not routed through the frame, just stuck between the wall and the frames). I can't handle that kind of sloppy work, but it's an easy fix. The system design was goofy. I think it was changed numerous times and wiring in place was just abandoned. Taking some time to sort it out.  I'm installing a new distribution box both for AC and DC, and reworking the transfer switch system for the generator. I'm going to add a huge LiFe battery, solar panels and a big inverter. I want to be able to use it in places where there are no facilities and minimize generator use. I've also eliminated Propane and the adsorbtion refrigerator, replacing it with a Novacool danfoss compressor refrigerator.

[PonoBill]

Not sure anyone still cares about this project but me, but I said I'd do some blog posts, and they are woefully behind. Here's a catchup one that brings the project up to about two weeks ago. More soon.

http://www.xgeez.com/2017/10/fritz-the-vandal-strikes/

[SlatchJim]

Still reading PB, and still interested to see the finish line (provided I don't have to go to Finland).

[PonoBill]

This post brings it more or less up to current. I've done a lot of little things, like squaring away the wiring but there's nothing much to show there.

http://www.xgeez.com/2017/10/fritz-starting-to-build/

[surfcowboy]

I'm stunned at the amount of work these take but loving it man. Keep 'em coming.

[surfcowboy]

Ok, wait, how do those battery packs add up soldered like that? 45 - 32650's, shouldn't those be in groups of like 7 or something to make the 26 v? I need to go watch more YouTube videos, clearly. Lay out your series/parallel plan to make the voltage you need, if you would. To my calculations and eye, that one looks like 166 volts to me.

Also, did you make your own mounting system for the packs or is that just a temp? I like the spacing for cooling there.

Told you we were watching.

[PonoBill]

It's one of two batteries, both 12.8v. The nickel is spot-welded, not soldered. Soldering heat kills batteries. Spot welding delivers a higher temperature right where the join is, but little heat, so the cap never even gets warm to the touch. four series sets of 45 cells in parallel.

Yeah, the spacer is homemade, there aren't any good premade spacers for the fat 32650 batteries, or at least I couldn't find any. That's a sheet of Formica drilled with a hole saw. Tedious. I screwed up in the middle where my drill press couldn't reach, but I was damned if I was going to start over drilling 180 holes with a holesaw that need to be cleaned out every four holes.

These will go in a box with a quiet fan that runs if the temp hits 130. I doubt it will ever run. I tested a battery of twenty of these cells in a box with 20 amp charge and 60 amp discharge. It never reached 100F. Two batteries, 26 volts, 5760 watts.

[covesurfer]

Nice! Will you need individual battery packs to open each window, as in the XTerra? 

You should have more seating in case I ever visit when you're on the road.....so guests have a place to sit and drink your liquor and such. 

Can't wait to see the gear storage and racking systems. You are making progress. Hurry up, it's almost time for you to come surfing and shark trolling again.

[SupPadre]

One of my favorite threads Pono.

[stoneaxe]

Getting interesting, can't wait to see it finished.

[PonoBill]

Don't get too excited. We're headed to Maui in early November and before that a week in California for Justin Li's wedding. I spent some of my time today shifting crap around in the shop to move the GMC inside. And I screwed up one of my sheets of 3/4 birch ply, cutting the wall for the refrigerator. Getting the curve of the wall and ceiling accommodated is tricky, but I made a good template, but then I got cocky and cut it to size instead of going wide, fitting and trimming to depth.

Got to go get another one in the morning to do it right.

I figure I have at least another month's worth of work, and that's if I don't hit major snags. Back from Maui in early May, so June 2018.

[stoneaxe]

Excellent timing for me to borrow it next summer.... 

[PonoBill]

Good plan, toss boards on it (I have a few) and go explore the west coast. Plan it bro. Glad to lend it to you.

[stoneaxe]

Well if we come west it will be to spend time with you and Diane in the hood.....and the west coast road trip will have to wait until I'm retired unfortunately.

[SupPadre]

Would a Tesla Powerwall be a suitable battery for an RV?