Re: 12 Volt DC Battery as Power Source for Camping

On Jul 15, 11:52 am, John <l...@xxxxxxx> wrote:
On Sat, 14 Jul 2007 23:07:59 -0700, beth.sto...@xxxxxxxxx wrote:
On Jul 14, 5:42 pm, "Tom Biasi" <tombiasi@********optonline.net>
wrote:
<beth.sto...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message

news:1184457985.194717.226670@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I'm a total newbie to amps, volts, wattage.

I'm going on a camping trip into the desert for 2 weeks, so I've
purchased a Gel Sealed Lead Acid battery rated for 35 AH. This will
power a combination of DC and AC devices -- mostly fun 12 volt LED
lights, my girlfriend's curling iron and music.

My plan is to attach a cigarette socket with alligator clips to the
battery. From there I will be able to attach a variety of things
including a DC/AC inverter. I understand that the inverter will draw
extra power from my battery, so I'll keep that to a minimum.

Do you have any idea what a 12 volt 35AH battery weighs? The
Universal Battery UB12350 is listed as 25 pounds. Spec *** here:http://www.batterywholesale.com/battery-store/proddetail.html?prodID=380
Do you really want to put that on your back for hours? Maybe just
have the "gotta have a curling iron" person walk around with that
weight of books in a backpack for a couple of hours? Then add food,
water and other essentials...

I'd suggest a smaller battery and a decent solar charger panel
instead. If you're walking more than stopping during the day, two
small batteries and two solar panels (one on each person, with the
panel turned to the sun) might work better. If you'll be spending
more time in place than walking, a larger panel that is selfsupporting
can be set up to charge the battery during the day.

17 volts at 2.3 amps is easy, just get a universal laptop DC-DC
converter ($30-$70), select the correct voltage, and put on the
matching power plug. These are usually 80%-90% efficient, which is
better than the DC-AC inverter.

If you must have electric curls, go to a camping/RV supply store and
get a 12 volt curling iron. Then you won't need the DC-AC inverter
with its extra weight and inefficiency (i.e., the battery will last
longer). While you're at the store, ask for some help on packing -
you're taking WAY too much stuff.
My wife and I spent 3 weeks in the UK with one piece of carry-on
luggage and one small backpack each - we had room to pack our
souvenirs (Scottish wool sweaters aren't small) and the things we
brought back for other people.

John- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

There's more than one way to camp, people! This is sort of a special
camping situation.

http://www.burningman.com

Thanks for the helpful replies.

.