[Boatanchors] 12 to 24 volt conversion, the issue of cost

[Michael Tauson]

On Sun, Oct 11, 2009 at 6:30 AM, Drew P. <drewrailleur807 at yahoo.com> wrote:
> How about an intermediate plan?  There is much modifiable computer junk to be had for free.  I have had, for example, good luck converting computer switch mode power supplies for other uses.

Of them I have got a few, all except two of which are available to be
parted out.  (The two in question will become the power sources for a
micro arc welder ... which I'm sure will start another discussion. :-)
)  Also in my domain are two TV chasses ready to donate organs and a
scrapped computer which will not only offer up components but also
motors which is even more so cooler.

> Another intermediate plan might be modification of a computer UPS unit. These usually use a 12V internal gelled electrolyte lead acid battery, and the units frequently find their way to the dumpster because no one cared to replace the failed battery.

Either these don't exist here, they don't die or they're buried like
kupuna iwi (especially those of the ali'i) - completely hidden so no
one will find them.  Ever.

I'm an old school dumpster diver in a body that can't go the the
extremes I did before so I'm more prone to do the roadside trick now.
There is some small irony in the fact that I'm racing homeless folks
who grab whatever looks good to check out and, if it works, sell to
raise money for ... well, I won't go there.  What they do with what
doesn't work is a mystery equal to that of the missing UPSs.

> So, start attending those seemingly otherwise useless computer swap meets,

These are like hamfests - and I've described that situation before.

> cruise the curbsides on trash day, dive those dumpsters and even inquire at computer repair shops

Done, done (to my physical limits) and done.  People know my ugly blue
Jeep.  They pull in their windows and shutter their children when they
see me coming.  It's really amusing watching them try to figure out
why that doesn't work so very well.

Freecycle is my friend ... sometimes.  With electronics especially,
I'm one of a number of folks looking for freebies.  Even Craigslist's
free section isn't safe.  Nothing is safe!  Bwaaaahahahahahaha!

> Detractors of this type of plan might do well to remember that many of us are not financially well off, and though our reduced-cost solutions might not always be technically optimal, they can represent workable solutions when ALL variables - cost included - are considered.

>From some of the responses I've seen in this and other threads, it has
become readily apparent that some residents are independently wealthy
and can't understand us poor blokes living on pensions with no real
cash reserves.  (My reserves/savings went to my daughter to help her
medical expenses as does every penny I can break free now.  She isn't
my top priority, she's my only priority for reasons some here know
very well.)  So, I have to find cheap ways to do cool things and free
seems to be as cheap as I can get.  I can usually even afford it.

There are others here in the same sort of stew so if we balk at
solutions that go outside some cash limit, I do hope those who do have
reserves will understand and not get all upset/irate about it.

Best regards,

Michael, WH7HG
-- 
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http://wh7hg.blogspot.com/
http://kludges-other-blog.blogspot.com
Hiki Nô!