12V experimenting

[Bijela]

So, I think part of the battery has died in the car as it was slow starting and went flat 3 times (power, but not enough). So, changed it and have a battery that could hold some charge. I'm guessing it will hold a decent charge still as its a diesel, stop/start battery.

And ordered some grow lights

I think I've got a set of clips and wire to a old lighter socket somewhere.

Next step is to get a heat pad or solar and then wind charging.

Anyone else attempted a low cost, slap together project similar or got any tips?

[Zoidberg]

I have a couple of 75Ah 12V leisure batteries connected to a good sized Hotline solar panel. It is a weatherproof outdoor panel designed for keeping cattle farmers electric fences running off grid.

I also have a simple 12V to a 230V smooth sine-wave inverter which can be connected to one of the 12V batteries if ever I needed off grid power. It is currently unused but it has been tested and works. It is a simple system with limited power but it would probably be enough to keep things like phones, torches, an MP3 player, a laptop or a Nintendo Switch charged up.

I have read that a smooth sine-wave inverter is important when using a a 12V battery to charge lithium ion battery powered devices. Apparently most of the cheap 12V to 230V inverters create a stepped wave rather than a smooth sine-wave. This is important as a stepped wave can gradually damage lithium ion batteries shortening their lifespan and reduce the number of recharge cycles available. I am no expert though but that I what I have read.

[GeraldTheBonzai]

Probably most of us started off with a cobbled together rig based on whatever we could pick up cheap off of ebay. My first righ was an old car battery, a simple pwm charge controller, a 25W panel and a 500W msw inverter. But, it was enough to learn on.

[Bijela]

Probably most of us started off with a cobbled together rig based on whatever we could pick up cheap off of ebay. My first righ was an old car battery, a simple pwm charge controller, a 25W panel and a 500W msw inverter. But, it was enough to learn on.

Kinda the way this is going. Thought I would see what I could do and keep a total for the items incase someone else is interested.