Weekly Preppers' Thread NEWBIES WELCOME!!!!

11/2/12 | kartographer

[Kartographer]

Weekly Preppers'Thread to post progress, good buys, DIY projects, advice and ideas ...

[Marcella]

In my research, I found that using a solar charger, one will never get a high powered (like 11,000) rechargeable D, fully charged - a solar charger won’t do it.

Where did you get a D shell that holds two AAs? Let me know.

I did buy some AAA Sanyos.

[ansel12]

Here are the Tenergy Ds at $54.00 for 8 of them, at 10,000mah per battery, which is the equivalent of 5 Eneloops or 4 Eneloop XX, the adapters that I buy accept 2 AAs (not one) which would give you 5,000mah per D adapter.

http://www.amazon.com/Tenergy-000mAh-Capacity-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B001AYIRH8

[Marcella]

Where do you buy the D shell that holds two AA inside? That is what I want.

[ansel12]

Remember to look into the Eneloop XX, which are 2500mah.

Here are the adapters.

http://www.focalprice.com/EB095T/2AA_to_D_Battery_Adapter_Converts_2_pieces_of_AA_battery_to_D_battery.html?utm_source=CS&utm_medium=PA_US&utm_campaign=CS_PA_US_EB095T&gclid=CISwh56YsrMCFS6CQgodq3cA4g

[tomkat]

So you've had good luck with the Tenergy brand ?

I almost went with those, but opted instead for the Amazon Basics label, having read (several references, if memory serves) that they're actually private branded Eneloops.

The Tenergy's were a real good value it seemed, but was hesitant to jump into 'em blind.

Suppose that's what I did with the AB units anyway (lol), but thought that if they sucked I'd get less hassle on returning Amazon's own stuff.

[tomkat]

Ma'am, you got some serious LIGHT !   :^)

Do you recall the brand name of the fold out 4hr charger you bought ?

[Marcella]

“Do you recall the brand name of the fold out 4hr charger you bought ?”

Yes, I keep a record of what I buy on my computer. I'll look that up and post it for you fairly quickly. I slept late so I'm just having my coffee and I can't wheel and deal until I drink some.

I did days of research on solar chargers because I have books on my Kindle I haven't read and I don't want to be in a SHTF situation without my books, but the most important reason was to be able to fairly quickly charge AA batteries and this charger is the best there is unless you go to a much higher cost charger, in the multiple hundreds. Think this one was $119 but will give you the exact cost when I look it up. I can't find a cheaper one to be this powerful. I'll look up the charger and post.

[tomkat]

Thanks Marcella, but please take your time .. I’m off to pickup the jillion Sandy limbs scattered around the acre and won’t be back in for a couple/few hours .. cheers !

[Marcella]

Got it at Amazon. There is a Goal Zero 10 but it is not the “Plus” - do not buy it as it’s not as strong and won’t charge a Kindle or Ipad. Make sure you get the “10 Plus”.

Goal Zero 19010 Guide 10 Plus Small Adventure Kit
by Goal Zero $119.95

[tomkat]

Just caught me on the way out the door .. thanks so much !

Will investigate later on w/football on in background   :^)

[JRandomFreeper]

Got another prep/cooking single tip.

If I buy canned tomato paste, most recipes call for a few tablespoons, and the other part of the can winds up going to waste, when cooking for one.

I open both ends of the can removing one end, and using the other end as a plunger, carefully push the tomato paste out about 3/8" and cut with a sharp, damp knife, putting the tomato paste in a neat circle on a piece of parchment paper.

After doing that until the can is gone, I freeze the rounds until solid, and transfer to a freezer bag to be taken out one at a time and used as required. No waste.

Tomato paste can also be dehydrated and added to things like home-made spaghetti sauce, etc...

/johnny

[Marcella]

“If I buy canned tomato paste,...”

That’s a good tip. Thanks.

[The Duke]

Sarge ... your tribe has a great leader and they’ll all pull through this challenging period in grand style. One of the truest of the truisms is the saying ... “That which does not kill me makes me stronger”. Everyone will emerge from this very strong indeed, and with family ties that will enrich everyones’ lives forever.

[Drango]

The soon to be released Sherpa 50 Recharger looks very interesting.

http://www.goalzero.com/sherpa50.html

May have to order one depending on the costs.

[JoeProBono]

Mr Heater Big Buddy Portable Heater Liquid Propane Dual-Heating System

The Big Buddy heater combines radiant heat comfort with convection heat airflow for maximum heating efficiency. The propane gas system heats up to 400 square feet of space for up to 220 hours. Use this Mr. Heater unit to evenly heat small to medium-sized rooms, dorms, apartments and offices. Big Buddy Dual-Heating System: Designed and approved for emergency indoor & outdoor use Automatic low oxygen shutoff system Accidental tip-over safety shutoff 18,000 BTU per hour Fuel: propane gas Connects directly to two 1-lb. disposable cylinders or to a 20-lb. cylinder with optional hose (cylinders not included) Operating Position: Vertical Heating Options: Pilot, Lo, Med. & Hi Heating Time: one 1lb. cylinder/1.5 to 6 hour Overall dimensions: 17"L X 10"W X 17.5"H CSA certified Big Buddy heater model: MH18B This Big Buddy heater is safe for indoor use in small recreational enclosures, having means for providing combustion air and ventilation, such as enclosed porches, cabins, fishing huts, trailers, tent trailers, tents, truck caps and vans. It may be used for emergency indoor heating when connected to a disposable 1-lb. propane cylinder(s) and for indoor use in commercial enclosures, having means for providing combustion air and ventilation, such as construction trailers or temporary work enclosures. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Big-Buddy-Dual-Heating-System/4382667

[Marcella]

“The soon to be released Sherpa 50 Recharger looks very interesting.”

I looked at it and believe the cost will be much more expensive than $119, but I put that page in favorites, to check on it when it is available so I can see the cost. Thanks for your post.

[Marcella]

“Mr Heater Big Buddy Portable Heater Liquid Propane”

I have the smaller Mr. Heater, safe indoors, that heats up to 200 sq. ft. and takes 1 of the small propane bottles. There is only me and my Yorkie in the house, so this small one will do for us to take the edge off if we have really cold weather and no power. Seldom does it get that cold in Texas - we usually have two below freezing days in winter, sometimes three days. If I lived in the north I would have the large one and gobs of small propane bottles.

[JoeProBono]

It also takes big tanks

'

[Titan Magroyne]

Glad I returned to this thread - that’s a great tip, JRandom!

Drummie, check the hiding-in-plain-sight bookshelf locker in #29. :o)

[vox_freedom]

so ping me, OK?