...it's got some very stupid usability issues where it's not immediately obvious why I need to make a series of "pages" before I can compile a single, edited video...but I kind of figured it out, it's not a deliberate act of obfuscation - I guess I make some longer form videos (which is going to be annoying, as they don't get many views compared to YouTube shorts) and learn about transitions, intro cards and exit cards, thumbnails (and all other things YouTube)...
Anyway - another feather in my cap...I'm happy to make long form video content now - even if it is a bit clunky. Just need to clear up some room on my 'phone to actually record some things now...
...just getting a few other things ready for camping in the extension (where it isn't getting in anyone's way)...My nice ENCOM cap arrived without a curved brim however, so I've had to jury rig a sort of hat-shaping device using one of my shoes and a handful of rubber bands...looks like it's doing the trick!
For my next therapeutic camping trip I think I have settled on Sussex Topiary Park in Rusper (it's got electric and toilet facilities and seems to have reasonable 4G coverage), I just need to fit this in around some good weather to pitch and take down camp (I will enjoy it if it rains while I am actually there, i just don't like bringing home wet camping stuff)...
Ok, so at it's most basic level, off-grid power requires the following things - a solar cell (nearly said solar sail there - not so practical) - with MC4 connectors - they are standard solar connectors that allow you to easily retrofit extra panels in serial if required and are fully waterproof - it's exactly the same system as they wire into your loft. My particular solar panel is rated to 100 watts and 12 volts and is designed to be waterproof and flexible (for mounting anywhere, even in inclement conditions)...
You might find you need an MC4 extension cable depending on how far apart you are putting your solar panel and your battery, ideally it must be in direct sunlight for the maximum amount of available daylight and the battery should be somewhere cool and dry.
At this point the simplest and cheapest thing to do is buy something like this -
- it's got a small battery pack built in (26,400mAh), plus an inverter to use DC via a standard Type G British 3 pin plug and also has an adaptor for 9v cigarette lighter and a number of variously rated USB ports. Now I stressed entry level here - I tested this power pack vs the High Gear 28L cool box - it lasted almost exactly one hour before the battery was flat. So I'm not expecting any miracles here - equipped as I am - Infinite power to charge telephones and laptops is priority 1 - we will see how far that can be extended as we move forwards - if we can even hit objective 1 on this next camp then I am very happy.
Down the line some small changes I need to make to the setup are immediately obvious - I'm thinking a waterproof box with a 100Ah deep cycle LiFePO4 battery (basically a caravan leisure battery) and a proper inverter/solar manager (that shows charge speed etc.) rather than this jack-of-all-trades charger that I know can't really cope with 230-240v for very long - the fridge probably isn't going to be a thing off grid - but the rice cooker and a nice fan are both possibilities - the minimum viable product at this point is simply to be able to keep my telephone and laptops charged with no mains power - let's not try and walk before we can run.
Edit - Camping off-grid with the 'fridge might be possible after all - if my calculations are correct - even without solar top up I should get 24 hours of refrigeration from a single, fully charged 12v 100Ah battery.
