events

Our club first started using solar power in 2018 when another group donated their solar trailer to our club.
We used it for a few events, but eventually returned it when it was proving difficult to maintain. We'd
already invested some time in upgrading it though, and I was a little sad to see it go, so I decided to throw
my hat into the ring and see if I could come up with a better solar power solution for our events. It's been
a gradual process, as well as a satisfying journey in learning the nuances of solar power.

Looking back at the trailer, the solar panels it had were probably of very little use considering we were
trying to use the trailer as our sole source of power for Field Day. Its four large batteries were probably
the biggest advantage it offered, but was a bit inconvenient to maintain and we didn't have anyone that was
willing to take on the job when the original custodian had to let it go.

I've been providing power the last few years now, and a few other members of the club have also expressed an
interest in getting into solar power, so I expect the club's commitment to solar will climb rapidly.

Here's some pictures of the various "solar events" that the club has held over the years. The first few are
just the solar trailer, but my solar has grown from just a few bare panels being tested, to the powerful
and portable solar array I have today, for charging and maintaining batteries throughout the events.

2016.06.26 solar (in 2016.06.25 Field Day Camp Ingawanis)

2018.06.27 solar (in 2018.06.27 Field Day The Mill Truck Stop)

2019.06.22 solar (in 2019.06.22 Field Day Lookout Park)

2020.06.27 solar (in 2020.06.27 Field Day Birdsall Park)

2021.06.26 solar (in 2021.06.26 Field Day Lookout Park)

2021.08.14 solar (in 2021.08.14 NIRAA picnic and swapmeet)

2022.01.29 solar (in 2022.01.29 Winter Field Day Camp Ingawanis)

2022.06.25 solar and power (in 2022.06.25 Summer Field Day Hickory Hills)

2023.01.28 solar (in 2023.01.28 Winter Field Day Camp Ingawanis)

2023.06.24 solar and power (in 2023.06.24 Summer Field Day Antique Acres)

2024.01.27 solar and power (in 2024.01.27 Winter Field Day Clear Lake)

2024.05.05 solar and power (in 2024.05.04 Spring Camporee)

2024.06.01 solar and power (in 2024.06.01 George Wyth POTA)

2024.06.22 solar and power (in 2024.06.22 Summer Field Day Nelsons)

2025.01.25 solar and power (in 2025.01.25 Winter Field Day Camp Ingawanis)

last updated 01/15/2025 at 09:05:50 by make_www_index.command version 2024.07.09.A