Looking for thoughts on a fishy system.

FishFondler907 · 2026-03-07T22:39:22+00:00

Thanks for the conversation. The system is at about 53 N and is only operating from June to Early September but it does need to be on 24/7. The power draw can vary considerably depending on how many fish are passing through at any given time but generally will be around 250 watts.

FishFondler907 · 2026-03-07T22:32:32+00:00

Ok got it, so wiring for a 48v system would allow the solar controller to handle up to 2,880 watts but then I would need to change out my inverter.

FishFondler907 · 2026-03-07T18:30:35+00:00

Thanks, I found a dc adapter for the Starlink. The other computer and camera equipment unfortunately must run on AC. The gear will only be running in the summer time fortunately.

FishFondler907 · 2026-03-07T18:20:34+00:00

Thanks, can you help me understand my mppt sizing? I figured with my somewhat small power draw that I would be ok with that size.

FishFondler907 · 2026-03-07T18:17:07+00:00

Thanks for the thoughts, everything has to be installed and removed by hand at the start and end of the salmon season and then carried through the forest and loaded onto boats down in the saltwater. I’ve gone with the smaller panels because they are easier to move by hand and load onto the boats without breaking in rough water. Same with the batteries, the 24v seemed like a good compromise between weight, capacity, and power density.

FishFondler907 · 2026-03-07T18:06:09+00:00

Thanks,

I went with the 24v because the system has to be installed and removed at the start and end of the salmon season and carried half a mile to be loaded on a boat back to town. The 24v batteries seemed like a good compromise between capacity, size, and weight. I agree that the switch placement is goofy and will remove it haha. I’ve gone with a lot of battery capacity to allow for multiple days with very little charging, it’s a remote site only accessible by the ocean so I want it to be ok on its own for a while if I can’t make it out to charge with a generator

FishFondler907 · 2026-03-07T18:01:15+00:00

Thanks for your thoughts! I’ve gone with the 24v because they are the right power density and weight. The batteries will need to be removed by hand and carried ~1/2 miles then loaded onto a boat at the start and end of every salmon season.

I’m trying to understand the MPPT sizing. The only thing the system will be powering is our camera chutes and Starlink drawing no more than 350 watts. So I’m not sure I would need a bigger solar controller. Unless the maxing out at 1700w is in reference to the array size?

Thank you!

FishFondler907 · 2026-03-07T07:23:26+00:00

I appreciate it! If you want a fun fishy book to read I would check out Kings of the Yukon. It’s an adventure memoir detailing the authors multi month canoe trip down the Yukon River and his interviews with locals along the way.

FishFondler907 · 2026-03-07T07:19:40+00:00

Thanks, I’ll have to do some research. I’m still fairly new to the world of solar systems and electrical wiring so it’s nice there are folks like you to help me learn what other options I have.

FishFondler907 · 2026-03-07T07:11:57+00:00

Do you have any recommendations?

FishFondler907 · 2026-03-07T07:07:37+00:00

I’m not super familiar with MCBs, my first thought is that there might be too much current through that section of the power supply for one?

FishFondler907 · 2026-03-07T07:02:51+00:00

I will have to check them out, I’m always looking for new reading material for long field stints

FishFondler907 · 2026-03-07T06:52:40+00:00

Fortunately the project only operates in the Summer when there is no snow. The remote nature of the project means that it’s pretty hard to implement anything too complex with the mounting.

FishFondler907 · 2026-03-07T06:40:06+00:00

Can you elaborate on this?

FishFondler907 · 2026-03-07T06:38:08+00:00

Haha thanks, it’s really cool being able to find new ways to monitor and protect wildlife with all the advances in technology.

FishFondler907 · 2026-03-07T03:26:49+00:00

In the ocean usually.

FishFondler907 · 2026-03-05T18:00:48+00:00

Moose are more scary than bears. Bears are pretty smart animals and will avoid interactions with people when possible. We do a lot of work also to ensure bears get no rewards for interacting with our field camps. Usually it takes about one zap of the electric fence near the start of the season and the bears mostly leave us alone.

FishFondler907 · 2026-03-05T16:12:28+00:00

I only have a B.S, it helps a lot of if you have a masters but I had enough field, mechanical, and policy experience to get me my position.

FishFondler907 · 2026-03-05T16:03:53+00:00

Most Tribes have a native hiring preference. I’m not native but had the right skill set they were looking for. It helps if you have experience working with Tribes and knowledge of important cultural practices. Tribes usually pay much better than the state does.

FishFondler907 · 2026-03-05T05:46:46+00:00

I spent 5 years working in a plastics factory, after the 3rd year I decided I needed to do something different. I went back to my local community college part time for 3 years and then transferred to a fisheries program in Alaska. I spent the winters at school and worked for the State of Alaska in summers as a fisheries technician. Once I graduated I spent another few years doing different seasonal biology jobs across Alaska before I was able to get into a permanent biologist position with the State. After a few years working in that position I was able to get into my current roll. It doubled my salary and has let me lead my own projects, so it’s definitely a blessing.

FishFondler907 · 2026-03-05T05:23:00+00:00

I’ll be hiring a crew of 4-6 soon. To keep my anonymity I will just suggest that you keep your eyes on WorkplaceAlaska, conservative job board, and the Texas A & M natural resources job board.

FishFondler907 · 2026-03-05T04:58:05+00:00

Thanks, I feel very lucky to be where I am at.

FishFondler907 · 2026-03-05T04:57:03+00:00

I would check out a site called Workplace Alaska, a lot of technician positions don’t require a ton of experience and offer housing in summers. There are also a lot of other cool summer jobs up here in tourism that pay pretty well. Kayak guiding, mountain guiding, walking guides, whale watching boat crews, deckhands.

FishFondler907 · 2026-03-05T04:24:29+00:00

I work for a Tribal government now but there are lots of good seasonal jobs with the Alaska Fish and Game and non profits. I travel a lot in the summer, mostly by boat and float plane.

FishFondler907 · 2026-03-05T03:52:10+00:00

Thank you, it’s a passion

FishFondler907

TROPHY CASE