Author Topic: Hide/Bug-out site construction thread, Part 2 (Read 195963 times)

Flyin6 · « **Reply #500 on:** May 03, 2016, 03:56:55 PM »

Quote from: JR on May 03, 2016, 02:40:00 PM

Hmm, 100 years sounds good to me.

Yea, but you could be on the last year of that 100 year cycle...and to clarify, they actually say the water will run clean then sour on 20-25 year cycles, as ground water dissolves various stratum of limestone.

The limestone here is deep. The geological base is called the Hermitage dome I believe which is thousands of feet thick. The road rock around here is now mined from mines some 900 feet deep. Has a gray(er) color than the traditional whiter limestone.

In an emergency I have that very old well (150+ years?) a pond, and a few seasonal to full time springs. So in extremis, water is not the big issue...Storing it presents a larger issue at the moment.

JR · « **Reply #501 on:** May 03, 2016, 04:06:49 PM »

So you have no real issue unless it stops raining.

A couple more tanks and your water on hand keeps em topped off. We don't need that much really, but crops and animals do.

Filters in 5 gal buckets, easy to move and maintain

JR · « **Reply #502 on:** May 03, 2016, 08:06:10 PM »

On the solar, my 4000 watt system (12x325watt panels) makes between 6-30k a day. Obviuosly 6k is a low day, mid winter.

Today being partly cloudy it has still made over 15k and I loose the sun around 1700.

If you did a similar system (about 7-8K cost-DIY) you would be fine forever. You could make a smaller system too and have it follow the sun making it way more eff.

My new 4000watt system will double may output and work later giving me full advantage of light. Plus it has a 1500 watt 110 plug when grid is down.

This was Aprils output;

Flyin6 · « **Reply #503 on:** May 03, 2016, 09:33:24 PM »

That's impressive!

Odd how things all sort of come together.

I went to a benefit dinner at a nearby country club last weekend.

The couple I was sitting with wife worked with my wife. Her husband is a solar energy engineer. We were chatting about my hide/farm and he offered to design up a system for me. His company uses top quality stuff, and I want to say 325 watt panels. Anyway, when I get to that point, I planned to set up the solar power with a battery bank first, chase that with a wood boiler unit which I plan to build myself, and finish it off with the tower/windmill.

I am setting my system up to be connected to the grid, however able to go fully independent. I figure it will sell energy to the power company since I am not there full time, then use it exclusively when I am there to sort of prove the concept.

Part of what I am doing down there is building a training lab as well as driving my stake in the ground. Once on the property, everything you see, touch, hear, or smell will be chosen, designed, placed, and thought out from a survival perspective so that one is immersed into a functioning survival system and learning environment.

Wilbur · « **Reply #504 on:** May 03, 2016, 10:34:16 PM »

Don battery backup is a good idea...not only does it give you "storage" of power, often you can a better rate from the utility as they can access the power at peak times for them (late afternoon/early evening) which are a few hours later than peak solar generation times (midday).

JR · « **Reply #505 on:** May 04, 2016, 02:36:46 AM »

Good you met someone as your systems are totally diff. I have the Mono Sunpower panels, 325 watt each good for 25 years under warranty. They do degrade a little over time though. Mono panels give more power in diff light conditions than others and why I went with them.

A system that charges your batteries normally does not produce power to sell back. If I wanted a basic battery system for a few days I would use cart batteries, for long term demand off grid, forklift. 10 good cart batteries will run about the same as a forklift battery and will give you much more in the long run.

DIY is the only way to go, about 1/3 the price. My installed 4000 watt system was 18k. My DIY system is about 5k.

Stationary systems are good, but one that follows the sun will yeild so much more for the sf.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #506 on:** May 04, 2016, 07:56:33 AM »

Good interchange of information here!

When I get to that point...Late summer...Fall?? We'll start a new green energy section. Of course, being a Kentuckian, it will feature an equal number of threads and information on the benefits of coal and nuclear power. Especially the type of nuclear power that manifests instantly, say over places like Tehran and other places like that!

JR · « **Reply #507 on:** May 04, 2016, 10:39:20 AM »

Maybe "alternate energy"or "off grid" would fit better there.

The word green is to PC and there is so much tech behind it all, JMHO.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #508 on:** May 04, 2016, 11:24:42 AM »

Quote from: JR on May 04, 2016, 10:39:20 AM

Maybe "alternate energy"or "off grid" would fit better there.

The word green is to PC and there is so much tech behind it all, JMHO.

Copy
I don't like "Green" either, unless talking shades of camo!

OldKooT · « **Reply #509 on:** May 04, 2016, 12:09:29 PM »

I like technology as much as the next guy. But that said how do solar panels hold up to baseball size hail? 100mph or more winds? Days of heavy cloud cover? EMP? (controllers and such) I can't see them being reliable over say a 50 year lifespan. They are also easily seen from the air.... all unattractive features in my world.

In the barn I have a Kholer light plant, it was used along with glass jar batteries to power the family farm from 1928-1953 when they finally got grid power. It was used in the blizzard of 1976 as well as other times when grid power went down...but from 28-53 it was the sole source of electricity.

It runs on Kero (nosily) gas, ethanol, propane, nat gas and all have been used over it's lifespan. It ran on grain alcohol during most of WW2 as an example. This thing has never been rebuilt, starts automatically under load, and sips fuel compared to modern gen sets. Since it's water cooled, it's also been used to heat water for bathing and other uses in it's tenure as well. The batteries in glass jars are extremely rebuild able, use common easily acquired stuff, and are reliable....

This is my approach, yes it's very low tech. A buried *hidden 2000gal propane tank, add the little light plant and you have a very flexible system of power generation that's not obvious, rather robust, and didn't cost hardly anything. I can now make power, heat water, and so much more....for decades if required. After all....it's done it before.

That said... that's just my approach. I can see very little need for electricity most days in a "situation" such as many are preparing for. Again this is just my opinion....I feel there are many viable approaches...but I start to wonder, if the grids down, why do you need power?

Wilbur · « **Reply #510 on:** May 04, 2016, 12:57:41 PM »

I like the idea of "Off Grid" or "Back UP" Power (of any type).

Maybe residential systems are not large enough to sell the electricity from batteries I don't know. ???

JR · « **Reply #511 on:** May 04, 2016, 02:59:05 PM »

Well, our Texas friends or Don can answer some of that since they get it time to time. Very little hear. I agree, they are not pretty but flat of a roof is not that bad. I like the idea of small arrays that follow the sun and panels are getting cheaper and better all the time.

I like your setup Norm and another reason I have hinted to Don about hydro off and on. Maybe a small steam gen could work too as there is a little coal in KY.

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #512 on:** May 06, 2016, 06:36:40 PM »

When I was investigating solar, I settled on grid tied with controller and Rolls batteries in storage (acid separate) for if I ever got to the point of needing to be off grid. The battery banks are very expensive and a bear to maintain, especially in the south where we need a lot of juice to keep cool. If I lived in a higher elevation I could get by with a much smaller system, maintenance and expense.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #513 on:** May 06, 2016, 09:18:02 PM »

There was a terrible accident at the farm today. Ranger was killed. I will bury him here in the morning. He loved it here

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Sammconn · « **Reply #514 on:** May 06, 2016, 09:49:44 PM »

Oh no. That's horrible. Thoughts and prayers with you tonight.

Mrwoody · « **Reply #515 on:** May 06, 2016, 10:11:51 PM »

Sorry for your loss Don. I will say a prayer for you.

JR · « **Reply #516 on:** May 06, 2016, 10:18:54 PM »

That is terrible Don. Hope he was having fun and didn't suffer.

More prayers.

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #517 on:** May 06, 2016, 11:34:09 PM »

I'm sorry to hear that Don. I know you loved that dog. I pray for your comfort and for the comfort of your family in the loss of God's creature.

Wilbur · « **Reply #518 on:** May 07, 2016, 02:49:02 AM »

Don I am sorry to hear that. I am very sorry for your loss.

kampfitt · « **Reply #519 on:** May 07, 2016, 05:17:56 AM »

Sorry to hear that, we lost our last dog that way, Very Hard for everyone. Prayers to all your family.

stlaser · « **Reply #520 on:** May 07, 2016, 08:00:07 AM »

My prayers go out to you and your family, sorry about your loss.

Nate · « **Reply #521 on:** May 07, 2016, 09:58:29 AM »

Sad to hear this.

Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #522 on:** May 07, 2016, 12:29:34 PM »

Losing a pup is the hardest thing, God Bless Don

Raising boys into RealMen!!

KensAuto · « **Reply #523 on:** May 07, 2016, 01:29:06 PM »

Sorry to hear that Don. I will say a prayer for you and Ranger.

cj7ox · « **Reply #524 on:** May 07, 2016, 02:56:44 PM »

Condolences, Don! That's terrible. Prayers to you and your family. What happened?

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Flyin6 · « **Reply #525 on:** May 07, 2016, 04:07:32 PM »

I buried him on the hill overlooking the whole farm...Right beside the fire pit. He is free to roam wherever he wants to now.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #526 on:** May 07, 2016, 04:14:19 PM »

Quote from: cj7ox on May 07, 2016, 02:56:44 PM

Condolences, Don! That's terrible. Prayers to you and your family. What happened?

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I dropped a large log and he ran under it the moment I released it.
It was an accident
But it was my fault

Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #527 on:** May 07, 2016, 04:16:03 PM »

Hope the boys and momma ok?

Raising boys into RealMen!!

Flyin6 · « **Reply #528 on:** May 07, 2016, 04:23:59 PM »

Quote from: Bigdave_185 on May 07, 2016, 04:16:03 PM

Hope the boys and momma ok?

Raising boys into RealMen!!

We are currently a wreck to put it mildly.

So let me say it was very kind for all of you to say something, I really appreciate it, and all of you.

This is a hard one for me.

So I'm not going to talk about it anymore.

Feels like losing a soldier...

cj7ox · « **Reply #529 on:** May 07, 2016, 04:24:33 PM »

Sorry to hear that, Don. That's hard. I'm sure he'll continue to look after you guys, and keep the farm safe.

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Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #530 on:** May 07, 2016, 04:40:53 PM »

We are here as always. Honestly why I love this forum

Raising boys into RealMen!!

fenriswolf039 · « **Reply #531 on:** May 07, 2016, 04:56:47 PM »

Don, I am so sorry to hear about this...

You've done right by him, giving him a good vantage point on the property. He will be on eternal patrol.

May God's peace be with you.

Wilbur · « **Reply #532 on:** May 07, 2016, 06:10:59 PM »

He's got a perfect spot Don and will be watching over you all and the comings and goings for years to come. I am sorry.

Atkinsmatt · « **Reply #533 on:** May 08, 2016, 10:37:39 PM »

Sorry for your loss.I know it is a terrible time. I am praying for you.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #534 on:** May 09, 2016, 09:28:53 AM »

Life goes on...

Getting on with it. Range was a great dog and good friend, I will miss him. But life is short, time to get back at it...

Thanks again all...It was a tough weekend

Nate · « **Reply #535 on:** May 09, 2016, 11:43:32 AM »

so when are you going to show us the installed privy?!

Flyin6 · « **Reply #536 on:** May 09, 2016, 01:01:57 PM »

Quote from: nmeyer414 on May 09, 2016, 11:43:32 AM

so when are you going to show us the installed privy?!

After Duane gets down there and digs the hole he promised!

Flyin6 · « **Reply #537 on:** May 10, 2016, 10:34:56 AM »

So I have my temporary water supply system up and running.

The 325 gal tank and 12VDC pump to which I added a heavy duty RV water filter and a length of potable water hose

Flyin6 · « **Reply #538 on:** May 10, 2016, 10:37:11 AM »

This was the clearing I was doing on the fateful day

The plan is to open up the area between where the building is now and an adjacent field

Flyin6 · « **Reply #539 on:** May 10, 2016, 10:40:11 AM »

The offending tree is in the foreground

This was taken minutes before the accident.

The next day the boys took a hatchet and hacked that log to pieces...They were venting their anger and frustration.

I'll never use that one, nope, we plan to burn it!

This was pretty much all I got done except for creating the grave the next day...

Nate · « **Reply #540 on:** May 10, 2016, 06:32:30 PM »

did you center that tank over the axle or is it more towards the front with a majority on the tongue?

Flyin6 · « **Reply #541 on:** May 10, 2016, 06:33:27 PM »

Quote from: nmeyer414 on May 10, 2016, 06:32:30 PM

did you center that tank over the axle or is it more towards the front with a majority on the tongue?

I slid it in to the front until it stopped, then strapped it down

cruizng · « **Reply #542 on:** May 11, 2016, 08:36:07 AM »

Quote from: Flyin6 on May 07, 2016, 04:07:32 PM

I buried him on the hill overlooking the whole farm...Right beside the fire pit. He is free to roam wherever he wants to now.

So sorry to hear about your loss. They are man's best friend. Prayers sent for you and your family.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #543 on:** May 11, 2016, 09:36:22 AM »

Quote from: cruizng on May 11, 2016, 08:36:07 AM

Quote from: Flyin6 on May 07, 2016, 04:07:32 PM
I buried him on the hill overlooking the whole farm...Right beside the fire pit. He is free to roam wherever he wants to now.

So sorry to hear about your loss. They are man's best friend. Prayers sent for you and your family.

Thank You

JR · « **Reply #544 on:** May 11, 2016, 10:54:34 AM »

That is a great spot and will let everyone remember him.

Dawg25385 · « **Reply #545 on:** May 11, 2016, 07:41:23 PM »

No need to reply, I'm late to hearing the news. But have to say so sorry to hear about Ranger. Prayers sent

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Flyin6 · « **Reply #546 on:** May 12, 2016, 08:42:38 AM »

Quote from: Dawg25385 on May 11, 2016, 07:41:23 PM

No need to reply, I'm late to hearing the news. But have to say so sorry to hear about Ranger. Prayers sent

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Thank You

stlaser · « **Reply #547 on:** May 12, 2016, 09:02:56 AM »

Seeing how you have connections & I like to see the big picture I think we need some Ariel photos of the place to see "your" intended vision. A sketch would work too, everything I look at the pics I wonder where all of this or that is in relation to something else. Or not just saying it would help the thread to see the big picture.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #548 on:** May 12, 2016, 09:26:26 AM »

Here's an aerial shot:

Tommy13 · « **Reply #549 on:** May 12, 2016, 09:37:32 AM »

Don,

It always hurts to lose a buddy. Praying for God's peace in your family's life right now. Peace be with you brother.

Author Topic: Hide/Bug-out site construction thread, Part 2 (Read 195963 times)

OldKooT