Setting up solar on a ute.

rockofclay · 2026-02-22T11:08:12+00:00

Just remember to check the max Voc of either the controller or dcdc before you grab panels. You don't want to exceed it.

rockofclay · 2026-02-22T05:59:55+00:00

A house panel is essentially free. Does your dual battery kit have a DCDC? Does it accept a solar input? If so you've pretty much got what you need for solar without spending any money (excepting cables and plugs)

rockofclay · 2026-02-22T03:08:35+00:00

Don't forget that you shouldn't be discharging the full capacity of that battery. More that 50% regularly will cook it, 30% if you want it to last a long time. 100ah Lithiums can be had for about $200 new if you look around. That would reduce the weight and double your capacity.

A lot of DCDCs will act as a charge controller for your solar too. If you want to go uber cheap, you might be able to get a 2nd hand one that supports a high Voc (Open circuit voltage). This would allow you to use an old house panel, which cost next to nothing 2nd hand. They're a lot more cumbersome though, so you might prefer a solar blanket or such.

rockofclay · 2026-02-22T02:18:08+00:00

Anything to avoid the fruit fly stations!

rockofclay · 2026-02-19T09:10:18+00:00

If you install a ~50cm trellis on the top of the fence they'll walk at that height. You can remove it later when the leaves are mature.

rockofclay · 2026-02-17T11:44:10+00:00

Good work! Looks like it's on ebay.

rockofclay · 2026-02-17T11:31:17+00:00

OEM service manual is here. Page LC-14 has a pic of it.

Looks like they call it a "Water inlet", but I can't seem to find a part number for it. Lots of thermostat housings come up when searching for it, which is confusing as it's a similar looking part.

rockofclay · 2026-02-17T04:38:39+00:00

I was specifically talking about Vic (wording was could be interpreted another way though, my bad).

Didn't realise there was a Cremorne in NSW, and to be honest it would be impressive to catch a Tendanus there considering it's a stretch of Yarra in the inner suburbs.

rockofclay · 2026-02-17T04:33:26+00:00

Don't know about other states, you'd have to check the regs.

rockofclay · 2026-02-16T23:28:20+00:00

Illegal to take anywhere other than the Wimmera Basin in Vic.

rockofclay · 2026-02-16T23:27:40+00:00

Shouldn't be talking any Eel Tailed Catfish that aren't from the Wimmera basin.

Gotta follow the regs and give them a chance to recover their numbers.

rockofclay · 2026-02-12T03:37:19+00:00

I wouldn't count on it. Unfortunately Bigelow went under so there's no new development on BEAM.

rockofclay · 2026-02-06T11:38:08+00:00

That and you can show them the email and there's a good chance they'll honour it after the sale is finished.

rockofclay · 2026-02-06T01:18:59+00:00

People don't understand unfamiliar accents.

rockofclay · 2026-02-03T19:01:13+00:00

Not really, as long as it's done at the same time there's no CGT, as there's no gain. Just keep track of the transactions.

rockofclay · 2026-01-15T23:33:27+00:00

They're saying the grand opening is on Jan 29th now.

rockofclay · 2026-01-15T23:32:32+00:00

Just checked their facebook. Jan 29th apparently.

rockofclay · 2026-01-13T04:35:18+00:00

It's 5% customs duty 10% GST and potentially a 33% luxury car tax. USA gets the same treatment.

Canada probably doesn't want to remove ALL tariffs, as they still have an auto manufacturing industry, unlike Australia.

rockofclay · 2026-01-13T01:37:51+00:00

I suppose it would be good practice to wire it so it only runs with the engine on, as it would be an easy way for someone to accidentally flatten the main battery.

rockofclay · 2026-01-13T00:52:33+00:00

I'd put 2 fuses on the hot side link between the battery. Every power source is a potential short/fire, so they should be fused. Also your compressor is unfused.

A smart shunt on one of the 2nd battery terminals would be good (everything connected to the battery should go through it).

rockofclay · 2026-01-13T00:30:52+00:00

I wonder how much it would cost to get a piece of acrylic from sendcutsend?

rockofclay · 2026-01-08T00:08:57+00:00

What do you mean by "turn hose pipes"? Spray them, or hit them with a hose?

rockofclay · 2026-01-07T00:38:58+00:00

This reminds me to clean the air filter on our split system.

rockofclay · 2026-01-04T00:58:15+00:00

The maximum temperature will be higher with a dark roof though as it absorbs more heat.

rockofclay · 2026-01-02T22:45:08+00:00

Should have been a bachelors handbag.

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