coal river mountain wind. @welovemountains #westvirginia #protect #appalachia
This is a perfect example of why energy alternatives are so important.
"If they could just mine responsibly without destroying everything, it'd be a lot better for everyone around them." Alan, a local resident, worries that the coal companies might step in before this wind project can take hold.
Join ilovemountains.org with this "America's Most Endangered Mountains" series on Coal River Mountain, WV.
Videos and quotes courtesy of ilovemountains.org.
a historic home for brook trout. @westvirginiau #wvu #trout #conservation
As referenced in, "The story of WVU and the salvation of a historic home for brook trout," http://wvutoday.wvu.edu/n/2013/09/17/a-bold-plan-the-story-of-wvu-and-the-salvation-of-a-historic-home-for-brook-trout
Close your eyes.
You’re in an ancient spruce forest surrounding a stream. You hear the soft trickle of water moving slowly over pebbles and stones. In the stream called Shavers Fork swims mottled, glimmering brook trout.
They [brook trout] are the symbol that water is the cleanest of clean.
Join this team at WVU as they work with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources to examine all of the factors that led to warmer temperatures, a wider and shallower stream and other changes that over time threatened the brook trout productivity of this important natural and economic resource.
Experience the Shavers Fork story from industrial development to current scientific advances that are being used to preserve the brook trout habitat.
what is overlanding. @overlandjrnl #notcarcamping #adventure
"It's just car camping, you're really not doing anything," they say.
And we reply, "I beg to differ."
Ever had that conversation? Well, share this with them, as referenced from Overland Journal; also referenced below - http://www.overlandjournal.com/overlanding/what_is_overlanding/
The main difference between Mountain State Overland and the rest - we're out to "explore roads less traveled AND advocate conservation. "
Overlanding describes self-reliant adventure travel to remote destinations where the journey is the primary goal. Typically, but not exclusively, accommodated by mechanized off-highway capable transport (from bicycles to trucks) where the principal form of lodging is camping; often lasting for extended lengths of time (months to years) and often spanning international boundaries. While expedition is defined as a journey with a purpose, overlanding sees the journey as the purpose. Now consider these definitions.
Car Camping. Traveling in a vehicle to an established campground. If there is a picnic table there, it is probably car camping.
Back Country Adventure. A one-day or multi-day off-highway trip on an adventure motorcycle or in a 4WD vehicle.
Overland(ing). Vehicle-supported, self-reliant adventure travel, typically exploring remote locations and interacting with other cultures.
Vehicle-Dependent Expedition. An organized, vehicle-dependent journey with a defined purpose, often geographic or scientific in nature.
Expedition Vehicle. A 4WD vehicle or adventure motorcycle prepared for self-reliant travel over long distances, through unpredictable weather and over variable terrain.
Technical terrain can be encountered throughout the journey, and the travelers may even seek out the most challenging route to a destination as part of their experience, but overland travel is not the same as recreational "fourwheeling", where the primary objective is overcoming challenging obstacles. The critical point to the term overland travel is that the purpose is to include at least two or more of the following: 1. Remote locations, 2. Cultures other than your own, 3. Under-explored or under-documented regions, 4. Self-reliance in unfamiliar territories for multiple days, weeks or months. That is to say, an overnight trip to the local mountains on a well-documented route, staying in an established campground with full-hookups, is not an overland adventure, it is a backcountry trip or at the very least, car camping.
- Primary purpose: Exploration and adventure travel
- Duration: Typically a week to many years. Can be only a few days if the route is particularly remote, challenging, or infrequently traveled.
- Logistics: Detailed planning is required for environmental, geographic, and geopolitical contingencies.
- Route Finding: Navigation is easy, typically on known routes that are well documented
- Camping: Remote or established campgrounds
- International Borders: Rarely includes crossing of international borders
- Risk: Low risk to personnel, moderate risk to equipment on more challenging tracks.
- Terrain: Backcountry travel often includes challenging trails as part of the adventure, with trails like the Dusy Ershim and longer routes in Moab, Utah being an example.
Photos courtesy of Overland Journal, "What is Overlanding?", http://www.overlandjournal.com/overlanding/what_is_overlanding/
solar generator. #green #portable #power #overland
Wanna keep it green when the lights go out or find a way to bring some clean power on your next overland trip? Consider a solar generator. Whether you're installing a PV panel to the roof or you simply plan to tote it around on wheels, these simple parts and steps should help you get the job done.
Join MSO's Jamie L. as he recounts his recent DIY solar generator build. -
INTRO.
I like to think of myself as a handy guy with a do-it-youself attitude.
I decided that I wanted to build a solar generator and although I'm new to solar, this project seemed like a good place to start - it really didn't seem too difficult. With some fairly basic electrical skills and MSO's Jeremy S. to serve as a consultant, I was sure to get the job done.
GALLERY.
PARTS.
NOTE: All parts were either ordered online of found locally at an auto parts store.
- Windy Nation 100 Watt Solar Panel Kit - PV panel, 40' wire, solar charge controller, mounting brackets and connectors
- EverStart Maxx Group Size 29 Deep Cycle Marine Battery
- Power on Board 500 watt DC-AC inverter
- Wagan Tech 4 way socket outlet 12V
- Dr. Car Auto Accessories Electric Voltage Meter
- Hopkins 2 flat extension
- 2' submersible marine pump wire
- Any toolbox with wheels
BUILD.
Once you have all the parts purchased it's fairly strait forward to put the pieces together.
First, I cut the plug off the 4 way socket and mounted it to the outside of the tool box with the double sided tape and screws that were included. Then, I drilled a hole through the tool box to run the wires and installed battery terminal connectors on wire ends so that they could be mounted to the battery posts.
I mounted the solar charge controller to the outside of the toolbox and drilled a hole to run the wires through box; I'd later hook these up to the battery. Using the marine pump wire and cutting back the third ground wire, I connected the controller to the battery. I installed connectors on the wire ends that attached to the battery posts and connected the positive and negative leads to the controller.
I ran a short piece of wire to the controller’s positive and negative terminals that would go to the PV panel. Then, I cut the Hopkins 2 flat extension in half and attached it to the end of the short wire that runs to the PV panel; positive to positive and negative to negative. I used wire nuts and electrical tape for now but will go back later and find a different type of connector to attach them. I repeated this process on the end of the PV panel wire so that I could hook up the panel to the controller and charge the battery. This would ensure that I had a quick disconnect so I don’t have to drag the PV panel around with the tool box.
I mounted the inverter into the tray that is in the top of the tool box. The inverter connects to the battery with two spring loaded jumper cable style clips. I used a couple of long bolts and nuts to attach it so that the connection is solid. I attached wires to the back of the inverter and ran the wires to the battery. I routed the wires through the hole in the bottom of the tray where the handle is and hooked them up to the battery.
Finally, I installed the other end of the Hopkins 2 flat extension on the PV panel wire ends, positive to positive and negative to negative. I fastened the MC4 connectors on the other wire ends and connected them to the panel. If you look at the ends of the wires you can figure out which one goes to positive and negative. Here's a tips - look at the back of the PV panel; the wires are labeled as positive and negative. This will help when putting on the MC4 connectors.
SETUP.
Currently, I've got the solar generator on my back porch. It faces southwest at about 238 degrees and it gets sun from about 11:00 am until sundown. This should be plenty with that 100 watt panel. For maximum solar gain, 180 degrees south will yield the best results.
REVIEW.
If I build another solar generator or redo this one I'd probably opt for a different tool box; maybe something a little more rigid. The battery is heavy and the box I used doesn’t seem to handle the weight well.
Also, I'll probably hunt out some better connectors for all of my wiring. I used what I had laying around to get the project done.
The PV panel itself is great along with the parts I ordered.
All said, I spent less than $400 on everything; the panel, battery and inverter being the most expensive. Look for deals online, be patient and save the most money.
Amped to be using my new solar generator,
Jamie
adventure is calling. #nemoequipment #vimeostaffpick #wow
Everyone knows of those special places that we all search for. Places that can only be photographed; not described with words like, "man, you should have seen it out there!"
Join Shane Black in, "Adventure is Calling," as he captures his vision of some of the most remarkable places and parks in the US. if this doesn't make you want to get out, I'm not sure what will.