[HamWAN PSDR] VOTE: $2k budget for Haystack site hardware

[Bart Kus]

This is for the power system only.  The other items for Haystack have 
already been purchased, so there's no spending request there, and no 
vote needed.

We are expanding an existing power system.  They have an existing 
battery bank and full solar system.  We're mostly adding some panels.

I'm not sure what the 24->12 converter is for.  I don't have a schematic 
of their electrical wiring.

I suspect the AC->24 converter is so we can interface power from a 
gasoline generator they have on-site.  It's remotely controlled, and can 
be engaged when the battery bank gets too weak.

I'm not sure what the MPPT controller story is.  I already asked about this.

Thanks for finding the AC->24 converter cheaper.  Are any other items 
here available cheaper?  Can you provide bottom-price URLs? I'll work 
with them to understand the solar system better, make sure we're gonna 
be running @ 24VDC and that we're doing things sanely.  From what I've 
seen of their engineering + setup, they're competent folks.  It would 
certainly be nice to get a better understanding of the power design 
these parts will embody.

--Bart


On 5/3/2014 3:11 PM, Tom Hayward wrote:
> To get this straight, this vote is for power systems at Haystack only. 
> HamWAN modems, antennas, mounting hardware, cable, etc., will need 
> another vote. Is this right?
>
> I have moderate experience with solar systems, and some of the line 
> items don't make sense to me.
>
> - What is the Meanwell 24V->12V converter for? The modems run on 24V. 
> What do we need 12V for?
> - What is the IOTA AC->24V converter for? I thought we didn't have AC 
> at the site. Also, it's available from a seller on Amazon for $150 
> less than quoted.
> - Why is there no MPPT charge controller? Or batteries?
>
> Tom KD7LXL
>
> On Sat, May 3, 2014 at 11:43 AM, Bart Kus <me at bartk.us 
> <mailto:me at bartk.us>> wrote:
>
>     Hello,
>
>     I'd like to propose we allow spending of up to $2k to cover the
>     costs of installing a photovoltaic (solar) power system @
>     Haystack.  The site owner has allowed us to host a site up there
>     as long as it doesn't impact their power budget.  The site is not
>     wired to any utility power, and transporting propane to it is
>     expensive.  This is a 1-time cost, and the hardware will remain
>     property of the site owner.  In exchange they'll be giving us new
>     mounting points for 2 dishes and 2 sectors, which will have a huge
>     impact on coverage and extending the network.  Our recurring cost
>     for the site will be $0/mo, which is an ideal long-term arrangement.
>
>     Here is a list of the hardware required:
>
>
>     Costs converting 12VDC to 24VDC 				
>     Item 	Desc 	Link 	Quantity 	Cost 	Total
>     1 	24->12VDC MeanwellSD-50B-12
>     http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Mean-Well/SD-50B-12/?qs=jVZN1Oke4Bx6867ajq9o4g==
>     	1 	$51 	$51
>     2 	SolarWorld 275 Watt Mono Module
>     http://www.backwoodssolar.com/solarworld-270-watt-mono-module-1359 	2
>     	$347 	$694
>     3 	30' Cable with Locking MC4 Plugs
>     http://www.backwoodssolar.com/30-cable-w-locking-mc4-plugs 	2
>     $30 	$60
>     4 	Midnite AC Din Rail Mount Breaker - 15A & 20A (15A is needed)
>     http://www.backwoodssolar.com/outback-60a-ac-breaker 	2 	$19 	$38
>     5 	Fuse Holder and TWO 60A Class R Fuses
>     http://www.backwoodssolar.com/holder-for-100-amp-fuse 	1 	$28 	$28
>     6 	PV Module Ground Lug/screw/nut
>     http://www.backwoodssolar.com/pv-module-ground-lug-screw-nut
>     2 	$4 	$8
>     7 	Battery Interconnect Cable - 24" - 4/0
>     http://www.backwoodssolar.com/products/batteries-accessories/battery-cables/24in-4-0-cable-with-lug-ends
>     	10 	$26 	$260
>     7a 	Battery Interconnect Cable - 24" - 2/0 	Local -> Pacific Power
>     Battery (+$5/end to crimp) 	10 	$10 	$100
>     8 	IOTA Battery Charger - 24V 40A - DLS27-40
>     http://www.backwoodssolar.com/iota-40a-24v-battery-charger 	1
>     $395 	$395
>     9 	Tax (.086) Sultan Mailing Address
>     http://dor.wa.gov/docs/forms/excstx/locsalusetx/localslsuseflyer_quarterly.pdf
>     	1 	$78 	$78.24
>     10 	5% for cables/time/mounting etc
>     http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yJZJIOW6lys/Twvf9ylPUGI/AAAAAAAACdk/YEUZm-ZR-QU/s1600/strongman.jpg
>     	1 	$45 	$45.49
>     	Grand Total 				$1,757
>
>
>
>     In the $2k request, I'm also allowing ~$250 for shipping costs. 
>     Solar panels are large.  Anything not spent will be returned to
>     the HamWAN budget.
>
>     We already have all the other hardware required to deploy the site
>     in-stock.  Some of it is already deployed (Haystack-S3), and some
>     is sitting on-site (modems, 1 dish, other sector).
>
>     Our present balance is $1,291.04, so we'd be going into debt for
>     this deal.
>
>     The other cost of this deal is recognizing the site owner's
>     sponsorship of HamWAN by including their logo in presentations,
>     and offering some man-hours for site maintenance.  The big project
>     this summer (aside from this solar system install and the full
>     HamWAN site install) will be helping with installing a grounding
>     system there.
>
>     My vote on this deal is: YAY.
>
>     --Bart
>
>
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>
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