Hello

[ttpadilla]

Where are you workamping?  Isn't that working as a campground host?  Is this a new thing for you you or did you do it in a previous life? Best wishes with it.

Yes, new interests and hobbies. I'm open to suggestions as to what can be done inside a tiny space with low light! I don't expect to have either tv or internet access, either.
Ella1

Yes, I will be working as a campground host, and this will be my first time! I was really lucky, starting this late in the season, to find a beautiful campground in the Sequoia National Forest with Full Hookups. Next year I plan to be a little more remote, but I don't have my solar hooked up yet, and my genny doesn't work, so I def need the electrical connection while I'm working.

There are still a lot of positions open in Utah, which is beautiful, but not where I need to be this summer. I'm hoping maybe next year to get a summer gig in Utah, Colorado, or maybe Wyoming (but, come to think of it, I don't recall seeing anything in Wyoming).

Low light might make most hobbies difficult. Nights are short in the summer fortunately, so maybe read a bit, get a good night's sleep, and get up with the sunrise!

 

[Ella1]

AT, I got those lights. I'll try tonight, to see the illumination. Thanks for the suggestion. Internet price was $15. 09, and I got two for that price. Thanks for the tip. I also got two of these from ACE hardware: http://www.peakauto.com/products/electronics/lights/corded-12v-magnetic-light/
I can't turn the lanterns on tonight: Directions say to charge them, not more than 16 hours. Is that the suggested charge time? Directions also say to not charge them n a confined place. Does that mean I have to charge them outside? Via an extension cord to the inside? Do I need a 12v charger?

As to hobbies, there's not a lot of space left in the van after I put my painting stuff in.
Other work might include reading, or learning to sculpt or quilt. Hadn't thought of crocheting with cloth. I'm looking at a hobby site now for other ideas.
T, best wishes in your hosting job! I hope all the people will be pleasant, and the no-see-um few and far between!
Ella

 

[Almost There]

AT, I got those lights. I'll try tonight, to see the illumination. Thanks for the suggestion. Internet price was $15. 09, and I got two for that price. Thanks for the tip. I also got two of these from ACE hardware: http://www.peakauto.com/products/electronics/lights/corded-12v-magnetic-light/
I can't turn the lanterns on tonight: Directions say to charge them, not more than 16 hours. Is that the suggested charge time? Directions also say to not charge them n a confined place. Does that mean I have to charge them outside? Via an extension cord to the inside? Do I need a 12v charger?


Ella

Unscrew the bottom, there's both a 110 charger and a 12v charger inside. Take your pick.

The reason you need to charge them before using is because they've been sitting on the boat from China/in the warehouse/on the shelf etc for who knows how long.

When you plug them in a red light will come on to show that it's charging. When they're fully charged a green light will come on. It won't take 16 hours to charge them, that's a safety limit so you don't overcharge the battery.

The reason they say 'not in confined space' is so you don't charge them in the box they came in or smother them in the blankies. The battery is a lithium battery and safety regulations for CA and Canada both go slightly overboard IMO. The other reason not to charge them in a confined space is so you don't put them in a cupboard and forget that they're on charge...sigh!

Plug them in, put the lamp on a shelf or the floor, when the light turns green, unplug it from the charging source and let there be light...

Those led's from Ace look interesting, they're probably more practical than the service light and look a whole lot better. AND they won't draw a whole lot of power.

You'll soon find out which light you need for which task. I can read my e-reader or a book by the lantern and I could crochet with yarn with it but I wouldn't be able to do fine work like with crochet cotton, my eyes are too old.

 

[ttpadilla]

Unscrew the bottom, there's both a 110 charger and a 12v charger inside. Take your pick.

The reason you need to charge them before using is because they've been sitting on the boat from China/in the warehouse/on the shelf etc for who knows how long.

When you plug them in a red light will come on to show that it's charging. When they're fully charged a green light will come on. It won't take 16 hours to charge them, that's a safety limit so you don't overcharge the battery.

The reason they say 'not in confined space' is so you don't charge them in the box they came in or smother them in the blankies. The battery is a lithium battery and safety regulations for CA and Canada both go slightly overboard IMO. The other reason not to charge them in a confined space is so you don't put them in a cupboard and forget that they're on charge...sigh!

Plug them in, put the lamp on a shelf or the floor, when the light turns green, unplug it from the charging source and let there be light...

Those led's from Ace look interesting, they're probably more practical than the service light and look a whole lot better. AND they won't draw a whole lot of power.

You'll soon find out which light you need for which task. I can read my e-reader or a book by the lantern and I could crochet with yarn with it but I wouldn't be able to do fine work like with crochet cotton, my eyes are too old.

Speaking of yarn, I just went through that box today. Donating all the tiny baby yarn, and keeping the sturdy stuff. I'm a clumsy crocheter, and I still can't knit worth a darn, but I'll have plenty of time to practice.

 

[Ella1]

I'm a clumsy crocheter, and I still can't knit worth a darn, but I'll have plenty of time to practice.

About 5 years ago I bought a ton of acrylic yarn, each skein a different color. I crochet granny squares. I got that yarn to make This: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ruby-hexagon-blanket. It is made by Nova Seals, and I copied her pattern. I also made: https://sakuracrochetdesigns.wordpr...tern-of-the-week-thinking-of-babette-blanket/ then discovered the breaking fibers impacted my breathing. Now all crocheting is done outside with a small fan blowing them away from me.
I recently started a second "Paperweight" afghan in wool similar to those shown at http://www.craftpassion.com/2011/04/crochet-african-flower-paperweight-granny.html . The PAPERWEIGHT pattern was originally printed in Woman's Day, Sept 1986 and plagiarized to South Africa a few years later, then brought back to the US under a different name. My first, started in 1987, was acrylic.
I don't knit, either.

 

[ttpadilla]

Well, if you can follow all those patterns, you're way ahead of me! I bought a couple of really cute hat patterns for the granddaughters, and the first time I made it, it was too big for even an adult, and the second time, it was too small. I just kind of suck at it. But, I don't care. It's not like I'm trying to make a living at it. lol

 

[Almost There]

Well, if you can follow all those patterns, you're way ahead of me!  I bought a couple of really cute hat patterns for the granddaughters, and the first time I made it, it was too big for even an adult, and the second time, it was too small.  I just kind of suck at it.  But, I don't care.  It's not like I'm trying to make a living at it. lol

Maybe crocheting and/or knitting can be something we can explore at RTR.

I'm betting there's more than me out there that can help the rest of you. If not, I'll be really busy...

 

[ttpadilla]

I'm going to show up early and stay late! I need so much help. And if you can set me straight on solar panels and inverters, we could spend our free time talking about that. Next year, jewelry making...

 

[Almost There]

I'm going to show up early and stay late!  I need so much help.  And if you can set me straight on solar panels and inverters, we could spend our free time talking about that.  Next year, jewelry making...

Don't be looking to me for solar panel and inverter edumucation....

I'm barely past the eyes rolling in the back of my head whenever I read one of the threads on electricity, solar and power provisioning..

 

[ttpadilla]

I just found out this very day, that my electrical outlets do NOT run off the battery, so why the heck did I buy a solar panel? Can you see how well I understood the 82 articles, threads, and posts on the subject? Apparently, I have to get an inverter and figure out where to stick that, too. We're going to have to find a solar/inverter genius who wants to trade for crocheting tips, and maybe a free dinner. lol

 

[Almost There]

I just found out this very day, that my electrical outlets do NOT run off the battery, so why the heck did I buy a solar panel?  Can you see how well I understood the 82 articles, threads, and posts on the subject?  Apparently, I have to get an inverter and figure out where to stick that, too.  We're going to have to find a solar/inverter genius who wants to trade for crocheting tips, and maybe a free dinner. lol

Hang on a minute, you're in a full size RV aren't you?

And you bought the solar panel to have a way of charging the battery other than plugging in to an electric source or running down the highway.

If you're in an RV there's most likely an inverter already in there somewhere.

But the caveat of that is that you have to know what it's okay to run from the battery and what will flatten it in a heartbeat...no microwave when you're on the battery and don't even think about the hair blower...

 

[ttpadilla]

Hang on a minute, you're in a full size RV aren't you?

And you bought the solar panel to have a way of charging the battery other than plugging in to an electric source or running down the highway.

If you're in an RV there's most likely an inverter already in there somewhere.

But the caveat of that is that you have to know what it's okay to run from the battery and what will flatten it in a heartbeat...no microwave when you're on the battery and don't even think about the hair blower...

Well, that's what I thought. But, when I disconnected from shore power today for my test run, none of my receptacles worked. The lights did, but nothing that was plugged in. And the propane guy that was here swapping out my giganto tank for two small ones, is an RVer and he said that receptacles don't run off battery, and that I needed an inverter. So... Yeah. I'm glad this workamping gig has FHUs until I figure everything out. What doesn't make sense, is that I've been on shore power for a year, and the converter kicks on all the time, converting AC to DC. So, why? Just for the lights?

 

[ttpadilla]

Oops. This is Ella's thread, and we totally hijacked it. I'm so sorry Ella!!!

 

[Ella1]

Maybe crocheting and/or knitting can be something we can explore at RTR. I'm betting there's more than me out there that can help the rest of you. If not, I'll be really busy...

The thing is, that's about ALL I can do. I can't turn around, and I often have the directions to make various stitches with me. I've asked a friend to teach me to make a 180' turn correctly. I can do the little squares because they are repetitious.
I can't increase and decrease stitches such as in actual garments! You're way ahead of me there!.
Ella

 

[Ella1]

Not a problem! Just adding to the conversation.
Ella
]

 

[Almost There]

Well, that's what I thought.  But, when I disconnected from shore power today for my test run, none of my receptacles worked.  The lights did, but nothing that was plugged in.  And the propane guy that was here swapping out my giganto tank for two small ones, is an RVer and he said that receptacles don't run off battery, and that I needed an inverter. So... Yeah.  I'm glad this workamping gig has FHUs until I figure everything out.  What doesn't make sense, is that I've been on shore power for a year, and the converter kicks on all the time, converting AC to DC.  So, why?  Just for the lights?

Do you have the owner manual for it or can we find you one on line. You'll need the year, make and model to find it.

My Winnebago had both an inverter and a converter built in IIRC but maybe not, I'm trying to remember but you know how that goes....

Yours' may be wired differently or there may be a switch somewhere that's turned off. It's also possible that the 120 outlets don't work deliberately to prevent anyone from draining the batteries by using things like a microwave, hair blower and electric heater when they're not hooked up to shore power or the generator running. You can kill a good battery in a heartbeat doing that and manufacturer's try to protect us from ourselves a lot.

The converter takes 120 and steps it down to 12v. Yes, it runs the lights but it also runs the water pump, the ignition for the furnace and any cigarette style outlets. Trying to think of what else would be on 12v!

What will it take to get the generator up and running?

 

[ttpadilla]

Do you have the owner manual for it or can we find you one on line. You'll need the year, make and model to find it.

My Winnebago had both an inverter and a converter built in IIRC but maybe not, I'm trying to remember but you know how that goes....

Yours' may be wired differently or there may be a switch somewhere that's turned off. It's also possible that the 120 outlets don't work deliberately to prevent anyone from draining the batteries by using things like a microwave, hair blower and electric heater when they're not hooked up to shore power or the generator running. You can kill a good battery in a heartbeat doing that and manufacturer's try to protect us from ourselves a lot.

The converter takes 120 and steps it down to 12v. Yes, it runs the lights but it also runs the water pump, the ignition for the furnace and any cigarette style outlets. Trying to think of what else would be on 12v!

What will it take to get the generator up and running?

Yep, the water pump did work, along with the lights. The refrigerator did not, but when I'm parked, I'll have gas for it, so I'm not too terribly worried, as I'm going to MAKE myself slow down, and not try to drive for 8-10 hours a day. The generator actually started yesterday for the propane guy, but cut off shortly after. He's thinking maybe carburetor, and my mechanic is coming out Tuesday to do an oil change, inspection, and will look at the generator at that time. Another possibility is that I didn't have enough fuel in the Motorhome. It was down to 1/4 tank. If I just get a little cigarette lighter inverter, can I plug in my power strip? I really mainly need it for computer, phone, and jetpack charging.

 

[Almost There]

Yep, the water pump did work, along with the lights.  The refrigerator did not, but when I'm parked, I'll have gas for it, so I'm not too terribly worried, as I'm going to MAKE myself slow down, and not try to drive for 8-10 hours a day.  The generator actually started yesterday for the propane guy, but cut off shortly after.  He's thinking maybe carburetor, and my mechanic is coming out Tuesday to do an oil change, inspection, and will look at the generator at that time.  Another possibility is that I didn't have enough fuel in the Motorhome. It was down to 1/4 tank.  If I just get a little cigarette lighter inverter, can I plug in my power strip? I really mainly need it for computer, phone, and jetpack charging.

Ahh, yes, the generator will have a low fuel sensor in it so you can't run the tank dry and then have no way of driving to the gas station - another manufacturing feature to prevent owner dumb mistakes.

Since it's not been run regularly it probably also needs a bit of a tune up and an oil change. Pay attention when the oil change is being done, they're easy to do on the Onan generators and RV places charge an arm and a leg. Once it's running properly make sure you 'exercise' it once a month. The owners manual will tell you how long and under how much of a load.

The fridge might be 120/propane only but most of the RV fridges were 3 way so it would stay running while you're on the road. The 12v igniter may be gummed since it hasn't been used while you were on shore power.

I have a 75W cig plug inverter that's big enough to charge the small electronics like you want. They're not that expensive IIRC. You're probably better off skipping the power strip though, every connection counts, just charge one at a time. 

And my apologies too to Ella, we've totally highjacked her welcome thread...oops...

 

[ttpadilla]

Thank you, AT. See, you know enough about solar and inverters to help me, just fine!