[aprssig] Emergency power/light idea

[Stephen H. Smith]

scott at opentrac.org wrote:

>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.  
>

I've got exactly the same lantern connected across my 350AH 12VDC  
hamshack battery plant.  


Stephen H. Smith    wa8lmf (at) aol.com
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