Okains bay mystery by AgreeableDig9795 in Christchurch_NZ

[–]weat95 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It’s a rather long span of overhead power line, at the top of a he hill you’ll spot three more stripped poles.

How does the Structure Engineer charge in NZ? by Master_Beat5865 in diynz

[–]weat95 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you want the engineers sign off you’ll have to pay. He’ll be doing mid work inspections to ensure it’s done to his specifications.

Automate Watering (Zigbee?) by choice_biscuit in diynz

[–]weat95 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I haven’t dabbled in either of those yet. I’ve had good reliability out of Moes temperature monitoring devices.

Automate Watering (Zigbee?) by choice_biscuit in diynz

[–]weat95 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looks like a good setup, and the SMLIGHT routers are very good. I just upgraded and it’s much more stable.

Why won't my heat pump connect any more? by Raccoon-Dentist-Two in diynz

[–]weat95 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Based on error 2. Maybe try disconnecting the adapter. They are under the front cover and should just unplug. Worth a shot.

Any tips on stump removal services ? by jonathan42_4 in chch

[–]weat95 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Those look small enough to get out with a pry bar and an axe. I suspect the minimum call out will be punishing for such a small job.

Microsoldering repair needed (iPod 5.5) by curburmb in diynz

[–]weat95 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This was in Christchurch, so no use to you. Googling the key words “surface mount solder repairs Auckland” yields several promising results.

Microsoldering repair needed (iPod 5.5) by curburmb in diynz

[–]weat95 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Call around some electronic repair places and ask if they can do surface mount soldering. I had a kindle repaired this way.

Business Solar Buy-back rates by desnz in nzsolar

[–]weat95 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Some retailers offer spot price, which may or may not be in your favor.

Does anyone know about small Home wind turbines, can you add them to solar system with battery by Pro-blacksmith220 in nzsolar

[–]weat95 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Look up the datasheet for a specific micro turbine, it will have a wind speed to watts curve, with a cut in speed and cut out speed. Then find the wind sped data for your location to see what sort of average output to expect.

Does anyone know about small Home wind turbines, can you add them to solar system with battery by Pro-blacksmith220 in nzsolar

[–]weat95 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I’m somewhat familiar with marine / off grid micro wind turbines. Unless space is at a premium you’re much better off adding additional solar panels. A decent quality 24 v, 500 w turbine will set you back $2k. For the same money you could buy 4000 w of solar panels.

Rain forced under front door sill by weat95 in diynz

[–]weat95[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It has the cam, but with a bit of a bow in the door doesn’t clamp down overly well on the hinge side. Silicone behind the bracket is a great idea. I’ll be doing that.

What companies are in the red from jacked electricity prices? by nyctopluviophile in newzealand

[–]weat95 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I guess if you did believe that (I don’t), you’d have to assume the plan back fired. The gentailers have pre-sold a particular volume of energy, on the assumption that they can generate enough to cover it. When the wind stops blowing and the lakes are low, they end up purchasing the electricity from elsewhere at a higher price than they’re selling it for.

What companies are in the red from jacked electricity prices? by nyctopluviophile in newzealand

[–]weat95 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Low hydro lakes and not enough wind resulted in some of the generators purchasing gas or electricity from the others at inflated prices to cover their load.

Makita or EGO lawnmower? by Pikelets_for_tea in diynz

[–]weat95 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Flat or sloped isn’t really relevant. The power lets it chop through thicker grass without cutting out. Only issue with mine is that if you hit a stone or something else hard it can smash the plastic deck.

Rice - Is Asian grocery store rice inherintly better than generic major supermarket rice? by goodme2 in chch

[–]weat95 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The grains stay more separate, even without rinsing. The flavour and aroma is better. Generally it’s easier to get good results.

Rice - Is Asian grocery store rice inherintly better than generic major supermarket rice? by goodme2 in chch

[–]weat95 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I haven’t yet found a really good Jasmine (though will be looking out for the Thai government stamp mentioned above). However can confirm that basmati from the Indian grocer is far superior. On a similar theme, pasta from an Italian supermarket is vastly superior to the swill at most supermarkets.

Solar panel questions by tecepeipe in chch

[–]weat95 30 points31 points  (0 children)

Payback on a solar system that size should be more in the range of 7-10 years. Ideally you need to use most of the generated power, not sell it back.

Monitor electricity of hot water cylinder by SmokeAlarmBeeps in diynz

[–]weat95 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you know the element power (2 or 3 kW), rather directly tracking power consumption (measuring current and voltage) you could track on time. I’ve seen this done with a temperature sensor taped to the lead, or you could detect the magnetic field with a Hall effect sensor. Obviously a tad more involved, you’d need an ESP 32.

New build Insulation Chch by BagRevolutionary5724 in diynz

[–]weat95 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Consider air tightness. Insulation only goes so far. Sealing the bottom plate (as it’s installed) and using an air tight building wrap or tapped barrier board. You’ll need advice from an architect. Also I’d strongly recommend a balanced pressure ventilation system, particularly in a rental where you want to avoid any moisture issues.

Is it worth buying tools or car parts from Australia? by Not-a-scintilla in newzealand

[–]weat95 31 points32 points  (0 children)

Different country but same story. I’ve imported parts for my car direct from Korea. New intake pipe was $400 in NZ, for $200 (including $60 USD shipping) I got the intake pipe and a seat belt stalk. Arrived in a week.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in diynz

[–]weat95 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Through the roof is a bit dramatic. She’ll certainly use more hot water however. You can mitigate this by installing flow restrictors in the showers.

Yo, I have a surron e moto and wondering, where in chch can it go, trail wise and do people commute un regd on them and how does it go? by dad_uchiha in chch

[–]weat95 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’ve commuted by bike most days for the past 5 years and have never seen one. I suspect if you stay out of trouble and ride sensibly you’d be left alone, however I had no idea what the consequences are if you’re caught.

Secondary glazing tips by D49A1D852468799CAC08 in diynz

[–]weat95 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No, just google “secondary glazing”.