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Please talk me out of this!
By Matrix1000, Section Wind Posted on Fri Jun 6th, 2008 at 05:58:26 PM MST
About to buy an Air Breeze because its easy...

Ok I ordered the parts for my new RE system for my 29ft travel trailer from Infinigi.com today. US-64, Xantrex C-35 with the optional remote power meter and a Sunwise 30ft cable and I still have money left.
I'm really tempted to add the SW Air Breeze to the mix because its easy, looks nice and I can put it on a short pole and get some power during week long camping trips on the lakes.
But then somehow...I feel regret already! Why?

Please talk me out of this! | 16 comments (16 topical, 0 editorial)

Re: Please talk me out of this! (3.00 / 0) (#1)
by electronbaby (roy<at>windsine.org) on Fri Jun 6th, 2008 at 12:14:23 PM MST
(User Info) http://www.windsine.org

well it certainly is easy. It wont capture much energy, but then again, you might not need much.
Have Fun!! RoyR KB2UHF

Re: Please talk me out of this! (3.00 / 0) (#2)
by zeusmorg on Fri Jun 6th, 2008 at 01:12:24 PM MST
(User Info)

Maybe because it would be cheaper and better to build your own axial machine?
Even buying the kit for the 7 footer would give you a lot more usable power for the money invested.

Re: Please talk me out of this! (3.00 / 0) (#3)
by Matrix1000 on Fri Jun 6th, 2008 at 01:28:38 PM MST
(User Info)

Which kit are you refering to?

[ Parent ]

Re: Please talk me out of this! (3.00 / 0) (#4)
by Matrix1000 on Fri Jun 6th, 2008 at 01:39:57 PM MST
(User Info)

The $1,200 forcefield kit?
The Air Breeze is $598, half the price..probably half the power too but price is a factor in this case.

[ Parent ]

Re: Please talk me out of this! (3.00 / 0) (#5)
by Tritium on Fri Jun 6th, 2008 at 01:57:49 PM MST
(User Info)

Here is a good 500 watt kit.

http://www.windstuffnow.com/main/builders_corner.htm

Thurmond

[ Parent ]

Re: Please talk me out of this! (3.00 / 0) (#8)
by Matrix1000 on Fri Jun 6th, 2008 at 03:39:48 PM MST
(User Info)

I really like this kit and thats the one I'm comparing it to. I've bugged Ed about it a couple years ago and even bought a little Lincoln welder to put it toghether but then never could find the time to actually try to do it. The welder still sitting in the garage in a box with a full bottle of gas.

The wife says she want's something thats going to work...my last experiment cost me $1100 bux and now I have a bunch of motors, and a little mill that never really produced much and is now motorless..

So tempting... I wonder if it would be any more of a hastle to put it up onsite.

(and wondering if my little welder will actually be able to weld the parts solidly.)

[ Parent ]

Re: Please talk me out of this! (3.00 / 0) (#9)
by Tritium on Fri Jun 6th, 2008 at 03:44:30 PM MST
(User Info)

I believe that Ed will weld it up for a bit more bucks.

Thurmond

[ Parent ]

Re: Please talk me out of this! (3.00 / 0) (#10)
by Matrix1000 on Fri Jun 6th, 2008 at 03:53:02 PM MST
(User Info)

come to think of it I still have a new gallon of resin and activator that I bought for it sitting out there too.

do I have enough time and necessary gumption to make it, without screwing it up, before July 1 so I'll have power.

[ Parent ]

Re: Please talk me out of this! (3.00 / 0) (#11)
by Matrix1000 on Fri Jun 6th, 2008 at 04:02:08 PM MST
(User Info)

thinking even more...I also still have a spool of the magnet wire (I think its the right size).

[ Parent ]

Re: Please talk me out of this! (3.00 / 0) (#6)
by zeusmorg on Fri Jun 6th, 2008 at 02:01:47 PM MST
(User Info)

Much less than 1/2 the power,, read on the results people have had with the mill you're planning on buying.

If money is a concern, then build what you can yourself. You don't have to buy the complete kit.
Most DIY'ers can keep the cost down easily below what the SW machine costs.

[ Parent ]

Re: Please talk me out of this! (3.00 / 0) (#7)
by DanB (danb@*no spam*otherpower.com) on Fri Jun 6th, 2008 at 02:31:22 PM MST
(User Info) http://www.otherpower.com/

I have a feeling the SW windpower Breeze is probably a good upgrade from the Air 403 or the Air X. It runs more slowly, has wider (hopefully quieter) blades and it has a more realistic 'rated' output. While I'd probably build my own, the SW Windpower product is small, light weight - and probably easy to travel with compared to most homebrew machines.

Re: Please talk me out of this! (3.00 / 0) (#12)
by Matrix1000 on Fri Jun 6th, 2008 at 04:05:48 PM MST
(User Info)

do you think that another 64 watt panel would produce more and be a better investment?

[ Parent ]

Re: Please talk me out of this! (3.00 / 0) (#13)
by ghurd on Fri Jun 6th, 2008 at 04:42:05 PM MST
(User Info)

Not that it was directed at me, but I do.
To me, camp grounds = trees (here), long hot windless summer days, and a few days max of draining a full battery.

If that Breeze thing does manage to kick in some good amps, I expect most would be dumped anyway.
Math. 5H x 4A = 20AH solar. Average. Usable too.
For a windmill to do that, the batteries need to be huge, or the area has a lot more wind than here!
G-

[ Parent ]

Re: Please talk me out of this! (3.00 / 0) (#14)
by Tritium on Fri Jun 6th, 2008 at 06:49:31 PM MST
(User Info)

You said talk you out of the Air Breeze. But now you want logic? :)

A solar panel to use on vacation, little maintenance, little set up time, more time for relaxation. Thats a different story. Absolutely go solar.

Thurmond

[ Parent ]

Re: Please talk me out of this! (3.00 / 0) (#15)
by snowcrow on Fri Jun 6th, 2008 at 07:25:39 PM MST
(User Info)

Yes, solar is a much better investment if you're mobile! You may find that some camp grounds may not allow the use of wind turbines, and that would be a bummer!!

Blessings, Snow Crow

[ Parent ]

Re: Please talk me out of this! (3.00 / 0) (#16)
by JW1111 on Fri Jun 6th, 2008 at 09:28:45 PM MST
(User Info)

Ive had an air x for a year now and it is a great high wind turbine. In 25 mph winds it is worry free and will give you 4 noisy amps. But in less than 25mph winds it is a rapidly depreciating asset.

Please talk me out of this! | 16 comments (16 topical, 0 editorial)

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