Item List and Cost
Item List and Cost
Before I begin, I want to emphasize the build was driven by cost. That is finding the best deal. How much does it cost to build a solar generator? Buying a solar generator can be costly. Building your own generator allows you to expand the amount of power for substantially less cost. Basically, more power for less money.
Solar generators provide a reusable source of energy using solar panels. Gas generators can provide power as long as you have access to fuel. The point is during a natural disaster, these resources may not be readily available. Once you build your solar generator, you can use sun as a power source. Weather allowing of course.
Solar Panels – my cost for 2 120 watts 12v – 300.00
MPPT Tracer Solar Controller – my cost for 30 amp – 129.00
AGM Deep Cycle Batteries – my cost for 2 100 amp 12v – 340.00
Pure Sine Wave Inverter – my cost for 1000 watt 2000 surge – 200.00
Mt-5 or MT-50 meter – my cost for meter programmer – 35.00
Wiring 8 gauge – my cost for panels to solar controller – 30.00-50.00
Wiring Battery – my cost for 2 gauge battery to battery – 10.00-20.00
3M Double sided tape – my cost for flexible solar panels Tape – 20.00-30.00
MC4 Connectors – my cost making connectors – 15.00
Branch Connectors – my cost – 8.00
Fuses and breakers – my cost – 40.00
Misc. unforeseen cost – my cost – 100.00 buffer may more or less
and finally – Dual Battery Isolator – my cost – 100.00
- Hilipert KF94 Mask
Hilipert KF94 Fish Type Face Mask Questions? Is your mask comfortable? Do you have an upgraded mask? Staying safe is an issue we all face. I came across this mask by accident. I didn’t even know its worth. I just knew, it was more comfortable than my former masks. It turns out the Hilipert KF94… Read more: Hilipert KF94 Mask - Lithium Battery price drop
Lithium Battery price drop. I have added another link for the next seller until this item is restocked, This seller is AMAZON’s choice with 5 year warranty. Link at bottom of page I keep seeing prices drop for lithium batteries. This is a new low price for a LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery at 100-amp hours with… Read more: Lithium Battery price drop - Portable Gas Generator BAN
Portable Gas Generator Ban has passed in California. Will it be illegal to run your portable generator at a campsite? Will you be able to own a portable generator at your place of residence? The California Air Resource Board (CARB) was considering a regulation to ban small off-road engines, which included portable gas generators used… Read more: Portable Gas Generator BAN - Harmony Borax Works
The Harmony Borax Works Interpretive Trail is located in Death Valley. At its full operation three tons of borax was produced per day. The Harmony Borax works employed 40 men. To transfer all this borax required a 20-mule team. The operation became famous because of the large mule teams and double wagons. - Furnace Creek Visitor Center
Furnace Creek Visitor Center features small museum and small bookstore. You can speak to rangers, pay park fees, or buy a yearly national park pass. Some exhibits include short films about Death Valley. There is a large 3D display map showing where all the popular sites and attractions are located. You can verify weather conditions… Read more: Furnace Creek Visitor Center
Quick Van Build
Quick Van Build
This video is about how I started my YouTube Channel. Along with many, I became homeless in 2008. I never want to be unprepared again. So, I began to make plans to build a disaster recovery vehicle. Eventually I began my search for a van. Number one, I added Solar Panels one by one. Number two, I built a solar generator, which includes a solar controller, AGM deep cycle batteries, and a pure sine wave inverter. Number three, I customize the interior with a folding bed and small kitchen.
This website is also about the Honda Odyssey itself, covering maintenance issues and modifications. This van conversion or quick van build camper is going to be my disaster recovery vehicle if a natural disaster occurs. As a Amazon Affiliate I receive a small percentage from purchases made from this website. I wish everyone the best.
https://www.vantasticodyssey.com/staging/3055/angels-landing-hike-in-zion-national-park/
foldable bed for van or rv 
Installing Solar Panels On Honda Van Back 
conduit 
Fuses or Breakers 
Pure Sine Wave Inverter 
Solar Controller AGM Deep Cycle Batteries 
Solar Generator and Refrigerator Fit
As a Amazon affiliate I may receive a small percentage at no cost to buyer
Brake Rotors and Ceramic Brake Pads
I own a 2002 Honda Odyssey. I turned it into a camper. I added a full set of front and back brake rotors and a pad kit. Since, I travel on the road to selected locations on uncertain roads. I found, I needed to replace my brakes. The van is on the heavy side. These rotors run cooler and these pads do not squeal. I needed them traveling down mountain roads. Check the link below for the specs for your vehicle. I highly recommend this brake kit. There is more than one seller. I bought from the first link. Sometimes they sell out.
Why Ceramic brakes pads may be a better option. You can choose organic, ceramic or metallic brakes. Organic brakes are a low-cost option. If you do not drive much, you may choose organic brakes pads. Ceramic brake pads are more reliable in a wider range of temperatures and driving conditions. They are very quiet. Wear & Tear on Brake System is very low. Their performance is considered better than organic pads. If you travel or do a lot of commuting. This is your pick. Lastly, if you are racing, then metallic is your choice. Metallic brake pads are noisy and offer high performance. You may even consider semi metallic, still a little noise.
Vibration When Braking
While I never experienced shaking or vibration when braking. This issue can be the result of warped rotors. Some Honda Odyssey owners have reported this issue. I upgraded to a full set of slotted brake rotors and ceramic brake pads for my Odyssey. Since I use my Honda Odyssey as a camper, I carry extra weight. These brakes make all the difference. One of the best upgrades I did. I have not experienced any squealing when I drive or brake.
Power Sport Cross Drilled Slotted Brake Rotors and Ceramic Brake Pads Kit -80540 [Front & Rear]
DJI Mavic Mini Flashing Red Light
DJI Mavic Mini Flashing Red Light issue. You probably just need to update the firmware. There have been a few updates. I think the latest update is for the batteries. Secondly, if you experience flashing red lights while flying, one cause may be low lighting conditions. I have heard changing the ISO fixes helps address this issue.
If your app says it cannot connect to your Mavic Mini, check the wi-fi. It may be connected to something else. Your phone wi-fi should be connected to the Mavic Mini.
Here is a video showing how to update your DJI Mavic Mini. Also, you may consider buying filters for better video and pictures along with pads for flying over water. I did purchase water landing pads. I recommend these if you are going to fly over water.
If you watch the video and it helps, please give a like or share. I hope the video helps solve your DJI Mavic Mini Flashing Red Light Issue. Happy droning.
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Mavic Mini Low Light Flying | DJI Mavic Drone Forum (mavicpilots.com)
- Hilipert KF94 MaskHilipert KF94 Fish Type Face Mask Questions? Is your mask comfortable? Do you have an upgraded mask? Staying safe is an issue we all face. I came across this mask by accident. I didn’t even know its worth. I just knew, it was more comfortable than my former masks. It turns out the Hilipert KF94… Read more: Hilipert KF94 Mask
- Lithium Battery price dropLithium Battery price drop. I have added another link for the next seller until this item is restocked, This seller is AMAZON’s choice with 5 year warranty. Link at bottom of page I keep seeing prices drop for lithium batteries. This is a new low price for a LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery at 100-amp hours with… Read more: Lithium Battery price drop
- Portable Gas Generator BANPortable Gas Generator Ban has passed in California. Will it be illegal to run your portable generator at a campsite? Will you be able to own a portable generator at your place of residence? The California Air Resource Board (CARB) was considering a regulation to ban small off-road engines, which included portable gas generators used… Read more: Portable Gas Generator BAN
- Harmony Borax WorksThe Harmony Borax Works Interpretive Trail is located in Death Valley. At its full operation three tons of borax was produced per day. The Harmony Borax works employed 40 men. To transfer all this borax required a 20-mule team. The operation became famous because of the large mule teams and double wagons.
- Furnace Creek Visitor CenterFurnace Creek Visitor Center features small museum and small bookstore. You can speak to rangers, pay park fees, or buy a yearly national park pass. Some exhibits include short films about Death Valley. There is a large 3D display map showing where all the popular sites and attractions are located. You can verify weather conditions… Read more: Furnace Creek Visitor Center
Baofeng UV-5R and UV-5RA Dual Band Radio
If you lose phone service, what will you do. Imagine no cable, internet or phone service. Do you have a back-up plan? Communication during an emergency is vital. This is an entry level solution for communication. Currently, the Baofeng UV-5r (暴风影音) runs about 25.00 to 35.00 dollars. During a crisis the price will increase and availability may be limited. I recommend to you to at least check it out. This is the lowest cost solution I can find.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
This is my pick: