[aprssig] Emergency power/light idea

[scott at opentrac.org]

This isn't strictly an APRS thing, but it involves powerpoles, so I figure
it's close enough. =]

We had a power outage here that lasted about 8 hours, and it occurred to me
that since I lost my 12-volt fluorescent work light I didn't have any
efficient low-voltage lighting.  Not that it mattered too much, since one
deep cycle battery was enough to run the floor lamps with CFL bulbs through
an inverter for the duration, but that's not the point.

I picked up an 8 D cell twin-tube fluorescent lantern at Wal-Mart for about
$20.  It's reasonably rugged and puts out a lot of light:

http://www.rayovac.com/flashlight/sportsman/sp_SP8D.htm

Anyway, you can unscrew the top and attach 14 gauge automotive zip cord to
the two threaded rods that connect to the battery compartment.  Drill a hole
in the front (looks like there was a hole there that was filled in) to pass
the wires through and attach the powerpole connectors.  When you're done
you've got a lantern you can run off a deep cycle battery, or you can load
it with D cells and use it as a portable power supply.  It should have
enough juice to run a mobile rig for several hours.  Keep it stocked with
alkaline batteries and the self-discharge rate is low enough that you can
keep it on the shelf for a year and still have it provide power.

You can never have too many powerpole-compatible gadgets around the house.
=]

Scott
N1VG