Harper Texas Weekly Volume 2 Issue 1 - January 2014 - FREE You can also find them at the auto parts stores if you don’t order off the internet or don’t want to go to San Antonio.
Solar Power Anybody? Have you been looking for a way to add some lights to that barn out in the back pasture?
The parts described above will power the refrigerator for about two days before the batteries go dead.
How about a small refrigerator at that remote hunting cabin you have?
Now we need to figure the charging portion.
I’m pretty sure a lot of you have been wondering what you could do with it, and how cheaply you could do it so that you didn’t have to pay the power company to build a line, or monthly bills.
This used to really screw with my mind because I would try and calculate it all as one system, when in fact it actually is two totally separate systems. If we divide 1,260 Watts (needed to recharge the battery) by 140 Watts (supplied by the Solar Panel), we find that it will take 9 hours to charge the batteries back up which is doable most days around this part of Texas with the sunshine that we get.
I’m pretty good with technology and even I had a hard time wrapping my head around this concept because it seems that every avenue I followed gave me a different version of what works and what doesn’t. But lately it has come together and I’m going to be doing more and more with it and because I believe you too might be interested, I am going to share my lessons learned with you if you want them? Let’s start with a very simple system and let’s use a small apartment size refrigerator that only draws 75 Watts and runs off of 115 Volts at .64 Amps.
So far we are looking at $232.13 for the refrigerator (plus shipping, tax, etc.) and $200.00 for two batteries and $438.90 (plus shipping, tax, etc.) for the solar system which isn’t cheap, but if it is done right, you will always have a cold drink at your remote location if you want it, and you won’t have to pay a electric bill to do so. Sounds like magic, doesn’t it? Or smoke and mirrors? I’ve been trying to figure out how to do a system like this for sometime and it finally clicked the other day. I think what confuses most of us is that we try and figure the whole system as one complete system, but it is not.
You can get by for more days (in case it rains, or is cloudy) by adding more batteries. Keep in mind that you will need to add an additional Solar Panel if you do that, or else it will not be able to put out enough Watts to charge the batteries completely. There is probably some space to fiddle with on either side of the equation, and as I run this system for awhile, I will occasionally give update reports so that you can decide if you want to do something like this for your hunters cabin, or that barn in the back 40.
Lights Only?
As an example, those two batteries put out 2,520 watts (210 Amp Hours times 12 Volts). And that refrigerator draws 1,800 watts (75 watts * 24 hours). This particular model is a EdgeStar 3.1 Cu. Ft (Model CRF320SS) that retails for $357.13 and Compact Appliance normally has them on sale for around $232.13.
Which means we could run the refrigerator for a little over 1 day using only the two batteries, and then those batteries would be dead. But there is a catch as everything I have read says you do not want to draw the battery down more than 50% or you will most likely ruin it, which now means that we could run that refrigerator for about half a day. The formula that I finally figured that works can be expressed this way: 105 + 105 = 210 Amp Hours for the Battery Times 12 Volts = 2,520 Watts Total Times 50% = 1,260 Watts Available Less
Now if you only want to put some lights in that remote barn, you can get by for a lot less money. I bought this system from Harbor Freight for $169.99. It is a 45 Watt system that comes with the charge controller, and it is designed to run two lights.
Now let’s add two batteries that we can pick up at Tractor Supply in Kerrville or Fredericksburg.
75 Watts for the Refrigerator Times 24 Hours = 1,800 Watts Total
It also has a cigarette lighter type plugin and a USB port to recharge your cell phone.
This is a Deep Cycle Marine/RV Battery that they have that is rated at 105 Amp Hours and costs $99.99.
Times 50% = 610 Watts Required (refrigerator only runs about half the time)
This is the system I use in my cabin to supply the lights and charge my cell phone.
Now let’s add in a 140 Watt Solar Panel, a Charge Controller to keep the battery from overcharging, or getting drained too low, and a breaker box and some wires for around $438.90.
This is the first portion.
So far it has only required one 12 Volt Battery that I took out of my pickup when I put a new one in, and I am happy with it .
We will cover the charging in a bit. Now we need something to convert the DC Volts from the Battery to AC Volts that will run the refrigerator. I am using a 400 Watt Inverter that I brought from Harbor Freight for $29.99.
With an inverter, I can run a drill, etc., but not for a very long time, so you need to keep that in mind if you’re thinking about going this route.
Check Engine Light
If you have access to this, it simply is a matter of figuring out what is wrong with that particular circuit.
Problems Got You Down?
Sure, some things can take a professional to diagnose, and it is important to realize when you are getting in over your head.
They can be a pain, can’t they? In this paper and future editions, I will attempt to break them down into simple problems so that you can start fixing your own car again if you want too. I decided to start this column because many people, both man, and woman, have always prided their selves on their ability to fix and service their cars. Yet all of this computer stuff has scared them off. My goal with this column is to give you the knowledge where you can diagnose your problems, and if you choose too, fix them as well. I believe that a person can still fix their own car with a few simple tools in addition to the hand tools that you already own. They are:
Access to the repair manual which is available for about $20.00 per year if you have fast internet access (if you don’t, give me a shout and I’ll see if I can help you get access). A basic scan tool like you can find at the auto parts store for less than $200.00
But, it can be done if you still want to maintain and repair your own car. As I start working on more and more check engine light problems, I will take pictures and describe what I found, and how I fixed the problem in future issues of this paper. That way you will begin to realize that you can maintain and repair your own car if you want too.
What happened to the paper?
23 June 2012 Medical Benefit for Tiffanie Evatt $3,000 + 29 September 2012 Medical Benefit for Wayne Remington $10,000 26 January 2013
Harper Library $3,671
When I get enough people interested in subscribing, or advertising, I will move the frequency up to every other Friday, or better yet, every week, and I will print as many copies as necessary to cover the subscriptions and advertising.
A computer seems to scare most people, but it actually is a very simple device.
If none are received, I will continue to print 50 to 100 copies of this paper and place them at Dauna’s, Headwater Saloon, and the Longhorn Café where you can pick them up for free.
Think of it like this.
I’ve recently heard about that were hosted by the Headwaters Saloon...
I still believe that Harper needs a paper, and I know that I need a place to advertise and I’m assuming that others might need that ability as well, so I’m going to continue to create a paper.
The most expensive part is an Oscilloscope which will set you back $900.00 IF you have a suitable computer system (If this last part scares you, give me a shout and I’ll see if I can help you with this part).
It simply monitors sensors, and then, it activates actuators that turn things on and off.
These are some of the ones that
Wounded Warrior donor appreciation
A basic power supply to power the sensors with when you remove them for testing.
Benefit Anybody?
I’m not sure if it was an idea that was before its time, or if Harper doesn’t want a paper, or if its me, or what, but I do know that so far there has been very little interest.
I have refunded the subscriptions that I had received, and I have lowered the price to subscribe to this paper to $20.00 per year.
Do Fund Raisers
If they are all gone, subscribe and I will print more and make sure you get your copy before everybody else.
fish fry $700 27 February 2013
27 February 2013 Harper Volunteer Fire Department $3,671 29 April 2013 Wounded Warrior Benefit $33,000 If you have hosted a fund raiser or are considering hosting one, please tell us about it so that we can tell a lot of people about it...
Published by: Virgil Bierschwale 288 E. Kroll Harper, TX 78631 Subscriptions are available for $20.00 per year
The computer is your house electrical system. The sensor is the light switch in each room. The actuator is the light bulb in each room. The computer basically does nothing except test each switch to see if it is on, or off, and it does this as long as the car is running.
Your Business Card
Harper Fix-It Shop
Could Be Here
Repairing:
For Only $20.00
Lawnmower
When it senses that you have turned on a light switch, it turns on that light bulb, and then it just continues to wait until another switch is turned on, or off.
Chainsaw ATV
Granted, that is a simple analogy, but perhaps it will help you to understand what is happening. That check engine light that comes on? It simply is an error bulb that the computer turns on when it senses something is wrong with one of the lights in one of the rooms. No more, no less. You can use the scan tool to turn this error light off, and it will stay off for a few minutes, hours, or maybe even days. But it will come back on when the computer senses that something is wrong, which is why you need to replace the sensor that has gone bad, or find out what makes the sensor think something is wrong. This is why you need access to the user manual. Because in a good manual, you will find a schematic which shows you how the system is tied together, and you will find a wiring diagram that tells you the color of the wires, the location of the wires, and grounds, and things like that.
Electronic Repair Check Engine Light Repair
Second Annual
Other Items that you need repaired 288 E. Kroll
Wounded Warrior Benefit
Harper, TX 78631
Mark Your Calendars
(830) 377-5729
3 May 2014 is our second annual
Only $30.00 per hour plus parts and tax
wounded warrior benefit.
Directions:
If you have something you would like to donate for the auction, you can drop it off at Headwaters Saloon or give us a call and we can pick it up.
Go north of the School on Hwy 783 a mile or so.
(830) 864-4055 Come out and show your support and meet a great group of guys. Contact Headwaters Saloon for more details
You will see Longhorn Ranch subdivision on the right hand side (where the big power lines cross 783). Take a right there, and bear to the right at the stop sign. The next road to the left is Chuck Wagon Trail. Directly across from that you will see a dirt road that goes up a little hill. That is my entrance. I’m usually there from 8am - 5pm Monday Through Friday
Could a good paying STEM job be in your child’s future? Like most kids around here, I grew up working odd jobs as a carpenters helper, electricians helper, working on windmills, and hauling hay while day dreaming about drag racing. After leaving this area I was exposed to the wonderful world of technology that was just taking off in the 1980’s and I rode that wave for as long as I could until it suddenly crashed and burned when our jobs were sent to other countries. I mention all of this so that you will understand that I’ve been there, and done that and I realize that your children are going to need to be proficient with technology because each subsequent wave will be coming faster and faster. To put it into perspective, back in the 80’s we had a major change every six months, and then ever month or so, and around 2000 we were starting to see major technology changes happening on a almost daily basis. For those wondering what STEM stands for, it is an acronym for the fields of study in the categories of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In some way, shape, or form, your kids are going to see things that you probably can’t dream of yet, and they are going to need to be proficient in this arena, or at least comfortable working with technology in the pursuit of their daily career field. So I became curious as to the make up of our various departments at our school here in Harper, and I produced the following chart showing you the percentage of employees per department. Now you need to take this with a grain of salt as many teachers might be holding down more than one job if it is anything like it was when I went to school back in the 70’s.
But, it does give us a good idea as to how much of our school’s attention is focused on the STEM fields. And it provides a roadmap for those on the school board, and management, when they consider increasing the strength of any particular department. So, if you are one of the stakeholders, or have any input on the direction that we are going, feel free to use this chart if it will help you. And for those parents whose children are attending our great school, it might give you some ideas that might possibly help you draft some suggestions to help with your children's future if you choose to do so. There was a guy once that was having a really terrible time trying to survive. The economy was terrible so he couldn’t find a job. And every time he would hear that his community needed something, he would attempt to start a business doing exactly that so that he could provide a living for his family, and do his part to provide what the community wanted as well. But the community had other ideas. It seems that nobody would do business with him because he had never been successful and wouldn’t “Stick With It”. I shake my head in amazement every time I read this story because I have to wonder, how did the community expect him to “Stick With It” if he couldn’t find a job, and nobody would do business with him? And I have to admire this guy because no matter how bad it became during his lifetime, he stuck with it, and persevered and eventually became President of the United States of America...
Lawnmower Repair? For the most part, the majority of problems with a lawnmower can be described as carburetor problems. Basically what happens is the gas goes bad if you don’t run your mower very often. This corrodes the carburetor and clogs the jets which results in you having to take it to a mechanic which ends up frustrating you. The simplest solution if you have a riding mower is even if you don’t mow every week, get on the mower and grab you a cool drink and run it around your yard for awhile as this will keep the gas circulating. If you can’t do that, try and run it out of gas, but this doesn’t always work as some gas will still be left in the carburetor bowl. Taking the carburetor apart and cleaning the jet with a bread tie wrapper (less the plastic part) can do miracles sometimes. The best solution is to have the carburetor cleaned in a ultrasonic parts cleaner. Most people will not have one so this can be a problem. In the coming months as I get my shop finished, I will be adding one, and stocking the more common carburetor parts for mowers and chain saws.
Weed eaters? If it is an inexpensive one, go buy another inexpensive one as the labor to repair it will be more than what a new inexpensive one would cost. I will be stocking new carburetors, parts & fuel line and video’s showing how if you want to attempt to fix it yourself.
Computer Repair? Having used, and developed software for major corporations since the personal computers first came out in the 1980’s, I think I know a thing or two about them. If you’ve been having problems and the repair prices are too high in the cities, give me a shout. It is probably best if I have the computer (the box portion, NOT the keyboard, display, etc.) here so that I can spend some time with it and the price will be reasonable.
TV Repair? The picture tube type sets required a lot of equipment to repair them. The flat screen sets do not, Basically this means that I can usually swap a board out and fix your set if you have a flat screen TV.
Appliances? We are not equipped to service them at your house yet, but we will attempt to fix them at our shop where we have access to parts and repair information.
No Charge IF I CAN’T FIX IT! There will be a $20.00 diagnostic fee if I can fix it but you choose not to do so because the parts or labor to repair it would be more than it is worth to you. This applies to all items that I attempt to repair for you.
What else do we repair? We will attempt to repair just about anything that is brought to our shop, and we will tell you up front if we don’t have the equipment necessary to repair your item. Some things are just not worth repairing unless they have sentimental value to you. We will tell you up front if we think it will cost a lot to repair your item. It is probably best to call first before bringing your item out in case I have gone to town to get parts.
Let us know! You know the problems you have run into trying to get your items repaired better than anybody, Let us know what you don’t like. Let us know what you are looking for. We will do our part to deliver what you are looking for if possible.
Parts and Labor: Our warranty on labor is 30 days. Every part we sell has a 90 day warranty unless otherwise noted.
Pickup & Delivery is available for an additional fee of $20.00 paid on pickup for any items that we have the equipment to haul it with. We charge this upfront in case the repair job will cost more than you want to pay and you ask us to dispose of it for you... A ladder called opportunity All of us are born into a certain level in life. Some are born rich, and some poor. Depending on what opportunity is available to you during your lifetime, you may or may not stay at the same level that you were born into. Think about it in this way. If you were born in this area, and ranching is all that you have ever wanted to do in your life, there is nothing wrong with that, and you should be encouraged to do so. After graduation from high school, many of our children will go into the military, or to college, and these experiences will open doors to a different level. Again, if you are happy with the level you are at, you should be encouraged to continue at that level whether it means that you will stay in the military and retire, or became a teacher at college, or high school. I mention all of this because life will have many plateaus in your life time, and it is up to you to choose to remain at the level that you are at if you are content, or to strive to acquire the skills that will allow you to move higher if that is your goal. And at each level, you will, and have always been able to remain at the level you wanted to stay at, or work your tail off to acquire the skills that will allow you to move higher. This is what makes the American way so great. But what if the opportunity to climb to different levels was denied to you? What if you moved to a new town and nobody would do business with you because you were not like them, or so they thought?
Would you be able to build a business that would meet the needs of the community if you had the skills to do so? What if you moved to a new town and nobody would rent you the space necessary to build your business? These are all questions we should be asking ourselves when we decide who we will do business with, and who we will rent too. Simply because just as the person that is trying to climb the ladder of opportunity must acquire skills to do so, that very same ladder also must offer the opportunity for them to climb that ladder. It might be in the form of being a mentor. It might be in the form of taking a chance and doing a few dollars worth of business with them. It might be in the form of renting your vacant building to them, or a thousand other actions. But, it takes two to tango, and they can’t climb the ladder of opportunity if you have pulled the ladder up after you, can they? This is the problem that many Americans are facing today. It might be in a small community such as Harper, or it might be in a great country like America. If you are not willing to build this ladder of opportunity, then they will not be able to climb the ladder if it is their dream to do so. Many of you will look around and say this is not happening in Harper, or in America, but a few will understand that it is happening here in Harper, and other communities, and in America. It is for those few that I write articles like this one.
Life is like a Airport. After reading “A ladder called opportunity”, think about this. You are sitting at a airport, and there are thousands of planes going all over our World, and you have a ticket that makes it possible for you to get on any one of them. Which one should you choose? One might make you rich beyond your wildest dreams. One might lead you to a life full of drugs and death. And there are thousands of them to choose from, and they all lead to different lives. If you choose the right one, you might find yourself living the American Dream. If you choose the wrong one, you might find yourself living a Nightmare. Which should you choose? If you choose the wrong one and you get to the next airport, and you find yourself with the same opportunity. Will you learn from your previous choice, or will you choose the same path that you chose at the first airport? Think about that until you understand what I am talking about. And then, if you have children, or family that you care about, help them to understand things like “A ladder called opportunity”, and “Life is like a Airport”. Be a mentor. They will thank you. And I will thank you.