Charging the batts__Less noise to get the job done.

Yeah tiny and ever more expensive, but cheap and high wattage compared to the fold out, and they do really well not dropping output under considerable heating as the day goes on.

Jim

HiTech wrote:
Yes. I have not peeled mine yet. So I just unroll them and place them in he sun.

Jim

If those things came in a 200W version, I'd ROLL with them. :)

Yes. I have not peeled mine yet. So I just unroll them and place them in he sun.

Jim

Hi crcr,

Who does a warranty protect?

If a fridge is purchased to keep items cool and there is no warranty--then it must work forever. If on the other hand the maker offers a warranty of 3 years--then it only has to last 3 years plus one day,

If you were the manufacturer which business model would you pick?

HiTech wrote:
You can roll up a Unisolar into a similar packed-up volume and do the same kind of thing for less money and more watts. That's how they ship them.

Jim

Thanks for that info, Jim. But aren't those flexible panels peel and stick? For portable RV use, how would you suggest one use them?

Plus, I see the company has gone out of business, so there would be no warranty on these.

You can roll up a Unisolar into a similar packed-up volume and do the same kind of thing for less money and more watts. That's how they ship them.

Jim

Carl,

Thanks for posting the photos of your portable solar panel!

That's what I had in mind as the 3rd power creation leg of a great fully self-contained-anytime RV setup, although what I would really like myself is two or three of these fold-up panels you can merely throw in a drawer or small closet:

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&as_epq=F15-3600&as_oq=&as_eq=&num=100&lr=&as_filetype=&as_sitesearch=&as_qdr=all&as_rights=&as_occt=any&cr=&as_nlo=&as_nhi=&safe=images&q=%22F15-3600%22&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=8198109488693641221&ei=tK5JTIWrCsOB8gao8ojR

They're awfully expensive so most RV folks would not go that route, but for the ultimate in convenience they sure look attractive.

pnichols wrote:

crcr wrote:
I seen those EX650 gens come up on ebay from time to time. Do you know what year they quit producing them? What do they weigh? What is it, 650 watts output? Thanks.

You probably missed my 2nd post earlier where I provided a link to a chart comparing the specifications on a lot of the older small Honda constant speed generators. As you've found out, many of these good old 3600 RPM Hondas can be had for a song with plenty of good camping years still left in them.

Here's the link again:

http://www.tappedin.com/hop/html/litegen.htm

I'm not sure when they stopped producing the EX650 - around the late 1990's, or 2000, I think. I also was recently given a Honda EX1000 in like new condition and I'll use it outside around our residence instead of in the RV because of it's 64 dB noise level - too high for battery charging when camping. I'll keep the little EX650 (it's at least 25 years old) in the RV for it's ultra-quiet sound level of 54dB.

I have nothing against solar, but I think it should only be part of the total power mix for a well-equipped self-contained RV. Here's what I think are two very flexible setups for RV power generation in all conditions (in addition to a large battery bank and an inverter or two):

A) The next best setup - portable solar panels (not on the roof), small quiet generator for battery charging when the sun can't do it, large quiet-as-you-can-afford generator for hot weather/high humidity air conditioning.

B) The best setup - portable solar panels (not on the roof), fuel cells for battery charging when the sun can't do it, large quiet-as-you-can-afford generator for hot weather/high humidity air conditioning.

The reason I'm a fan of portable solar panels is that you can move them into the sun if you're fortunate enough to be able to park the RV in the shade and/or if you're paranoid (like me) about not having any more holes in the roof than what you already have. I also don't care for how roof mounted solar panels restrict access on the roof ... I want to be able to crawl all around up there to wax it, make modifications, and repair/inspect stuff.

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Thanks for the info and link on the EX650. Interesting unit.

Here's some pics of my 120 watt folding panel, and the custom padded suitcase I made to protect it when traveling. This panel is very sturdy, has a HD aluminum frame and built in handle, that I use to padlock it to a HD cable so it doesn't find a new neighborhood. It hits 7 amps production at higher elevations of about 7000 ft. I also have no roof panels, as I park in the shade as much as possible, so I use this. I have considered adding a panel or two to the roof, but am undecided about that.

I also have a Honda eu2000i genset, and am considering buying another so I could parallel them to run the AC. I pick these up used locally for $600-650 by waiting and watching and being the first to respond on craigslist local.

Notice from the chart in my link above that the EM650 is very quiet at 56dB. This probably means that the EM500 is very quiet too - maybe less than the EM650's 56dB.

I repaired this little Honda for a buddy. I haven't had time to test the output but it's a quiet little unit.

Honda EM500: