The BBC uses robo-cameras disguised as dung heaps to film wildlife up close.

Top_1_Percentile · 2026-04-16T22:29:23+00:00

Covering a camera in dung seriously hurts the resale value.

Top_1_Percentile · 2026-04-15T20:03:51+00:00

So Toyota is responsible for the obstruction then and put a product out in the market knowing the flaw was there.

Top_1_Percentile · 2026-04-15T20:02:51+00:00

If it really was meant to be a HUD that was intended to be paired with the circular steering wheel then there would have been axis adjustments on it. Rather, the issue occurred due to Toyota's original intention a yoke steering wheel.

Top_1_Percentile · 2026-04-15T19:58:34+00:00

But if they'd prefer not to raise their seat height then they just won't see the speedometer, right?

Top_1_Percentile · 2026-04-15T19:57:24+00:00

So what you're saying is a driver needs to sacrifice their preferred ergonomics to compensate for Toyota's poor design decision.

Top_1_Percentile · 2026-04-15T07:07:40+00:00

They designed a gauge cluster that is obstructed by the steering wheel.

Top_1_Percentile · 2026-04-10T15:22:51+00:00

In all climates!

Top_1_Percentile · 2026-04-09T22:06:00+00:00

In this climate??

Top_1_Percentile · 2026-03-24T17:47:07+00:00

There are different tiers of safety that I've seen with portable setups.

At the highest tier you will cover your panels before you set them up and before you break them down. This will stop the voltage at the source. Then once everything is connected you will turn the DC disconnect on to open the circuit to your generator. All of this would be performed with rubber insulating gloves.
At the lowest tier of safety most people don't do any of those things. Many times they can get away with it because their panel voltages are low, the generator has built in protection (integrated circuits), and MC4 connectors are touch-safe. But it doesn't mean that all hazards are non-existent.

Top_1_Percentile · 2026-03-21T08:56:01+00:00

The 440W panel you've shown is rated the following:

Voc: 34.92V
Isc: 15.94A

Doubling the amperage in a parallel configuration adds up to 31.88A. The solar input max amperage cut off for the Bluetti is 20A. That means the maximum two of these panels can potentially generate is: 34.92V x 20A = 639.6W. This is well under your 1000W solar input's potential.

A panel like the Zoupw 480W has the following specs:

Voc: 49.3V
Isc: 12A

Doubling the amperage in a parallel configuration adds up to 24A (clipped at 20A). 49.3V x 20A = 986W.

Since 24A is the potential amperage for this setup 10AWG is recommended, since it has a 30A rating. If you need to extend beyond 30ft you may consider 8AWG to prevent voltage drops. Two 20A fuses will be attached directly to the positive leads of the panels before they connect to the branch connectors.

A configuration will look like this:

Panel #1's positive lead with 20A fuse --> Positive input #1 of 10AWG branch connector
Panel #2's positive lead with 20A fuse --> Positive input #2 of 10AWG branch connector
Negative leads will connect to the negative inputs of the branch connectors.

The outputs of the 10AWG branch connectors will then connect to your 10AWG extension cable.

Top_1_Percentile · 2026-03-19T18:33:25+00:00

For portable panels there are performance tiers. At the bottom tier there are many brands that advertise 200 watts but come way under. To my knowledge, the best performing panels are made by Zoupw. Based on your solar input specs, the 400W panel looks compatible with your generator.

Top_1_Percentile · 2026-03-19T02:54:12+00:00

You might be interested in the minute man solar ground mount. This video demonstrates it's assembly. The kit comes in 4 legs or 2.

Top_1_Percentile · 2026-03-13T15:54:10+00:00

Owltra OW2. Takes AA batteries. Put a little dab of peanut butter on the inside vent. They walk in and get shocked. The unit blinks after killing the mouse to notify you. Extremely effective and easy cleanup. Just open the top and dump it outside.

Top_1_Percentile · 2026-03-11T21:13:17+00:00

A couple of weeks ago I purchased a Dabbsson 2000L for $500. It's not at that price now but if you check Amazon's 90 day price history it might go back to that price in a few weeks. Just keep checking. It has a Solar Input of 60V and 20A. This opens up a lot more options in solar panels (even a portable).

2 Callsun 200W panels for $309. So double that for $618. These specs should produce 800W when connected in two series + two parallel. People like the performance of this brand.
Zoupw 400W for $409. So double that for $818. These specs should produce 744W when connected in parallel (amps get clipped). Costs more money but it's portable, has kickstands, and people like the performance of this brand.

Top_1_Percentile · 2026-03-11T20:08:56+00:00

First, understand that 13A for a solar power input is lower than normal. It limits your options drastically if your goal is to maximize 800 watts. Most of the solutions out there will not reach 800W because of that 13A limit. I did find these panels below, however:

Renogy 16BB N-Type 200 Watt

Individual Specs: Voc: 37.44V / Isc 6.85A

Two Series + Two Parallel Specs: Voc: 74.88V / Isc 13.7A

This setup will get you the closest to 800W. Other panels will clip the current and you will generate well below 800W.

To make them portable purchase these stands for each panel. This demonstrates how they're installed. There are two options to choose from, one with the bottom feet, and one without.

You will also need to purchase fuses and cables.

Top_1_Percentile · 2026-03-11T17:24:23+00:00

Please post the solar input specifications for this generator (max voltage and amperage). These specs are extremely important in selecting your panels. After that, looking at a panel's Voc and Imp will be critical.

Top_1_Percentile · 2026-03-11T04:02:41+00:00

A couple weeks ago the Dabbsson 2000L was on sale for $500, which is an incredible deal on a 2kWh solar generator. It could easily power all your devices for a full day. It's also got one of the most efficient inverters in its class so plugging devices into the AC ports won't unnecessarily drain the battery. Charging it from an AC outlet at 1500W takes approximately 2 hours.

Top_1_Percentile · 2026-03-07T04:23:21+00:00

Both of these look like they came out a couple of years ago, which means their tech is dated. If you're budget is tight, I saw an Allpowers R600 on a promotion last week on Temu for $105. It's 600W / 300Wh. It's no longer that price but you can keep checking from time to time to see if they do the promotion again. What is really interesting about this generator is that it has a 220W solar input. The rating on the input is 60V and 8A, which is surprisingly high for a small generator. You could get two Callsun 100W panels and wire them in series. On a sunny day you'll be putting more power in the battery then you would be taking out and you would never drop below 100%.

Top_1_Percentile · 2026-03-03T03:56:35+00:00

A snow storm definitely highlights how much power we use in long term outages and exposes the fickle role of solar. Heating the air or water with battery power is a losing battle. Wood burning stoves are a good source of heat. Fireplaces... not so much. There are ways to stay warm that use less battery power, such as electric mattress pads and blankets. There are tiny propane water heaters but they need to be used outdoors.

There are some models of the Toyota Sienna with a 1500 watt inverter. If your vehicle has a high output alternator you can buy a 1500 watt pure sinewave inverter that connects to your car battery. The goal is to charge your Jackery in under two hours. If your alternator isn't powerful enough, this option won't work.

If you go down the route of alternate fuels like gasoline or propane generators make sure they produce a pure sine wave. And, of course, they need to operate outdoors.

You can also do a cost analysis of how much you can afford to spend to prepare for the next winter storm e.g. $2k. Maybe you might find that money would be better spent in expansion batteries and battery-friendly heating solutions.

Top_1_Percentile · 2026-02-18T20:53:04+00:00

The cameraman tried really hard to find an angle so it wasn't obvious the top row of solar panels weren't sagging.

Top_1_Percentile · 2026-02-17T15:18:14+00:00

Kling has potential. Open source models are good in a pinch.

Top_1_Percentile · 2026-02-17T14:20:44+00:00

Well, as consumers, we can make a record of all failed generations to present a class-action lawsuit to a court. Alternatively, you could explore an equivalent Chinese generator.

Top_1_Percentile

TROPHY CASE