charliemyers
Active Member
Posts: 181
Likes: 58
Currently Offline
|
Post by charliemyers on Jan 24, 2018 13:19:08 GMT -8
Sorry BW! I have no intentions of selling anything, but I might be convinced to share my knowledge with those that might want to try doing this themselves. Plus I haven't even completed it yet...it could end up falling by the wayside never to be completed.
Yep, I'm just doing it because I want to, and it sounds like a fun project. It was supposed to keep me busy this winter, but I haven't had much time yet to put into it.
Sorry kathleenc! And to everyone else for the diversion. This is more into digital electronics than 12V wiring, but being related to LED lighting almost makes it appropriate.
|
|
kathleenc
Active Member
Posts: 419
Likes: 101
Currently Offline
|
Post by kathleenc on Jan 24, 2018 13:30:04 GMT -8
Don't worry, I learned a lot just reading through! Thanks for that
|
|
chametzoo
Full Member
Posts: 585
Likes: 128
1960 Mobile Scout
Currently Offline
|
Post by chametzoo on Jan 24, 2018 18:24:53 GMT -8
If this is what "simple 12-volt wiring" discussion is like, I am even dumber than I thought! I guess we got a little off topic...
|
|
turbodaddy
1K Member
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 462
17' 1965 Fan "Sunseeker"
Currently Offline
|
Post by turbodaddy on Jan 24, 2018 19:30:27 GMT -8
In light of the recently proposed 30% tariff on imported solar cells, I had a conversation about LED lighting (and solar cells) with an electrician who is about my age (65). He claimed that LED lights decline in efficiency over time (same w/ solar cells). "An incandescent 65 watt bulb will produce 65 watts until the moment it dies." He griped about tax incentives for solar installations because the utilities have to manage the power distribution on their power lines at their expense.
He also said that that current manufacturing processes make solar cells "hazardous waste" when their life expectancy is done at about 25 years. I really do not know if he is right or wrong, but personally, I like LEDs and I believe solar is a good thing in that it is renewable.
No offence, but some of you guys should have been NASA engineers, we're talking camping trailers here!
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Currently Offline
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 24, 2018 19:37:29 GMT -8
I like the idea of infusing high technology with these vintage campers where it makes sense. And certainly LED is a great upgrade that not only maintains the character, but improves the look (in my opinion anyway). Keeps us old guys and gals current with the times as well.
|
|
chametzoo
Full Member
Posts: 585
Likes: 128
1960 Mobile Scout
Currently Offline
|
Post by chametzoo on Jan 25, 2018 14:04:12 GMT -8
In light of the recently proposed 30% tariff on imported solar cells, I had a conversation about LED lighting (and solar cells) with an electrician who is about my age (65). He claimed that LED lights decline in efficiency over time (same w/ solar cells). "An incandescent 65 watt bulb will produce 65 watts until the moment it dies." He griped about tax incentives for solar installations because the utilities have to manage the power distribution on their power lines at their expense. He also said that that current manufacturing processes make solar cells "hazardous waste" when their life expectancy is done at about 25 years. I really do not know if he is right or wrong, but personally, I like LEDs and I believe solar is a good thing in that it is renewable. FACT CHECK: "An incandescent 65 watt bulb will produce 65 watts until the moment it dies." Not true. They dim by as much as 20% from the time they are new, until the end of their service life, which can be quite short. If an LED light decreases in efficiency across it's lifespan by the same amount, possibly 10, 15, 20 years for some, using 1/10th the electricity, we're all still lightyears ahead in consumption. "He griped about tax incentives for solar installations because the utilities have to manage the power distribution on their power lines at their expense." As they should... they're in the electricity business. I'm not really sure that statement even makes any sense. How the electricity is produced is the issue. Electric utilities provide incentives to save electricity to their customers (discounts high efficiency appliances, etc.), because the cost of building a new fossil fuel powered generating plant is astronomical... similarly, it is why you don't see major new airports or nuclear plants being constructed; it's one of the most expensive things to build and it takes a good 15 years to complete, with permitting and legal issues. Same is true for coal fired power plants. "He also said that the current manufacturing processes make solar cells "hazardous waste" when their life expectancy is done at about 25 years." I'm not sure of the hazardous content or processes with solar panels, but personal computers were once considered "hazardous" at the time of their disposal. Not true anymore. They're entirely recyclable: plastic, aluminum, glass, silicon. The reason is, the enormous market for personal computers. Solar panels and other renewable sources, have been hampered by fossil fuel lobbying, lack of strong economic (tax) incentive and political will for new domestic solar entrepreneurs. BTW, all those "efficient" fluorescent tubes and bulbs we were using for half a century?... yup, super hazardous when disposed of or broken. "30% tariff on imported solar cells". Dumbest idea ever. Further evidence our leaders are pandering to individual domestic corporations. Economic incentive creates strong and enduring domestic industries, not protectionist tariffs. " I like LEDs and I believe solar is a good thing in that it is renewable." The only true thing I read in this post, Turbo, is your assessment of the situation. I think your 65 year old electrician is cranky, because he's out of touch and is not in on the money that solar is making for small renewable entrepreneurs. I live in NM, I know a few of them Oh moderator... or we off topic yet?
|
|
turbodaddy
1K Member
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 462
17' 1965 Fan "Sunseeker"
Currently Offline
|
Post by turbodaddy on Jan 25, 2018 17:16:57 GMT -8
Chametzoo, thanks for your input. Indeed he is "cranky"...also one of those people who seems to know everything about anything. He actually suggested that he advises 20 year old guys to start a business based on removing "old" obsolete solar panels and stripping the roof, because there are going to be so many of them. One of those rare people who, when they get on a roll...it is just best to be quiet and patiently wait for him to stop talking...and NEVER ask him a question.
By the way, the origin of the discussion was a suggestion that our business condo association consider solar on our huge, totally south facing roof.
I actually was involved in early silicon and gallium arsenide solar cell R&D in the '80s. There was so much resistance (no pun intended) to the technology by utilities that it was almost impossible to get grant money...even from the Dept. of Energy. Guess what? We're right back there again.
|
|
chametzoo
Full Member
Posts: 585
Likes: 128
1960 Mobile Scout
Currently Offline
|
Post by chametzoo on Jan 26, 2018 22:23:22 GMT -8
I actually was involved in early silicon and gallium arsenide solar cell R&D in the '80s. There was so much resistance (no pun intended) to the technology by utilities that it was almost impossible to get grant money...even from the Dept. of Energy. Guess what? We're right back there again. Petroleum is one of the more stubborn vested interests... What you contributed in that early research was very important work, you should be proud.
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Jan 26, 2018 23:49:48 GMT -8
Yup, off topic and certainly not simple..
I appreciate everyone being polite.
|
|
turbodaddy
1K Member
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 462
17' 1965 Fan "Sunseeker"
Currently Offline
|
Post by turbodaddy on Jan 27, 2018 4:56:13 GMT -8
I guess I'm the one who derailed the thread. Sorry!
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Currently Offline
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 27, 2018 12:03:30 GMT -8
Here's a thought...create a separate section on the forum titled "Political Ramifications of Owning a Vintage Trailer". Just kidding of course...but maybe not?? You all know me by now....I enjoy participating in a healthy debate now and again!
|
|
chametzoo
Full Member
Posts: 585
Likes: 128
1960 Mobile Scout
Currently Offline
|
Post by chametzoo on Jan 27, 2018 15:41:11 GMT -8
Here's a thought...create a separate section on the forum titled "Political Ramifications of Owning a Vintage Trailer". Just kidding of course...but maybe not?? You all know me by now....I enjoy participating in a healthy debate now and again! Vikx is right... politics can get too emotional and distract us from important issues like vintage trailering
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Jan 27, 2018 21:54:07 GMT -8
AGAIN, DEBATES ARE NOT WELCOME here at VTT. Seriously.
|
|
theresa
1K Member
from Northern Maine ~ Proud new owner of Lola, a 1960 Shasta Airflyte and Pearl, a 1962 Mobile Scout
Posts: 1,055
Likes: 347
Currently Offline
|
Post by theresa on Feb 15, 2018 7:10:50 GMT -8
Very cool! I'm a portrait photog. I love that you thought to gel your lights! Fascinating!
|
|