Off the Grid

Amps coming in

Battery bank filling up nicely

Well, not exactly off the grid yet, but things are looking really good so far. With the storm front coming through, I was able to test the wind generator for the first time. Love to hear all those juicy amps flowing to the new battery bank. It's amazing how well the AirX wind generator (from here on to be known as Jenny) works. We are getting about 15 mph sustained gusting to 25 mph and I am seeing the amp meter show between 5-10, spiking to 14 amps. I turned off the shore power and found "Jenny" keeping the banks up at about 13 volts. I'll take that. More tests and results to come.

"Jenny" doing her thing

Air X Marine Wind Generator

In addition to the solar panel, I decided to add an Air X Marine wind generator to help keep the house battery bank charged when away from the dock. I am going to be switching out the 2 group 27 batteries I have now and go with 3 group 31 batteries for about 300 amp hours. This should be plenty to run the fridge, tiller pilot, VHF and chartplotter. Found a great deal on Craigslist, gotta love that site, and will pick it up next week. I have some specs below if you are interested. Pics to come...

Product Applications:• Sailboats and seaside locations
• Supplies power for refrigeration, auto-pilot, water maker,
• lights,
• navigational equipment, communication equipment.
• Designed to withstand hurricane force winds
• Can be installed on transom or deck in just a few hours 

Product Features:
• Carbon fiber composite blades
• Aircraft quality aluminum alloy castings.
• Exclusive Brush-less neodymium based sealed alternator.
• Sophisticated internal battery charge regulator.
• Maintenance-free - only two moving parts.
• Exclusive Auto-brake feature slows the AIR-X to a silent
• spin when the batteries are charged, extending bearing
• life & eliminating noise
• Marine powder coating and stainless steel fittings for
• corrosion protection in a marine environment.
• High Wind Safe Mode - Automatically slows turbine in
• potentially damaging winds. Reduces noise and distractions
• for peace of-mind when on or off your boat.

Corrosion Resistance:• Acid etched castings double coated with marine grade
• powder coat for superior protection from the environment.
• Anodized hub.
• Tuff-Gel coated fasteners to prevent seizing of components.
• Tin plated wires.
• Sealed alternator.