The Dispatch | Expert | Scudo Hub

This is by far the longest period I have spent in one place for many years.  Been here since early March and have had no wish to move even if I could.   Of course I deeply regret the circumstances behind it but the past almost three months have been the most relaxing and stress free time of my life.  I do tend to social distance when possible at any time anyway so won't have too many problems adjusting back to what passes for normality, but can't say I am looking forward to it.

If possible, and safe, I hope to go to Moniave again for the bluegrass festival.  I notice they are making a decision in early August as to it going ahead or not.

They do look big with nowt in em. 

Hello and welcome 16 daddy.   

Are you getting no output at all at the alternator itself?   Could it just be a dud?

I know little of electrics but perhaps try giving it a bit of load with lights.blower. etc all on.

I also thought my alternator wasn't charging recently.  Turned out I had my cheap, non self ranging meter on the wrong range.  Wouldn't register on 20v range but did on 200v.

As you think it may have worked briefly, have you checked all relevant fuses.?

But electricity isn't always available.  In fact I seek out places without electric as they are quieter. 

Even so, you are correct that I don't "need" it.  I have managed quite well without  for many years.  But it is obviously very useful if you want to remain in one place for any longer than a few days.

I would also like to replace my uneconomic old 3 way with a compressor fridge.  Unless always camping with hook up, solar will be essential.  But then again, I suppose you could say I don't "need" a fridge.

If you park up on a cold windy day you might try using that lever vaz.  It closes of the direct air flow from the intake and considerably reduces draughts.

Although the footwells still always remain a constant cold spot it does help.

Mine is an earlier model and might be totaly different.  It has what feels to be quite a strong mechanical lever which directly opens a flap in the dash.

Are you are talking about those plastic slider knobs

Sorry I can't  suggest  where  you might get them anyway except a scrapyard.,  just trying to clarify,

Apparently I have had some stickers delivered while I am away.  Being in an unexpected brown envelope there was a slight moment of dread as I asked my son over the phone to open it for me.

But thanks Tiree, if I ever wash it I will stick them on. 

Well he is friendly enough now, but out all day lambing.

Did give me an impromptu outdoor concert for the NHS last night.  Him playing bass at one end of the Loch and ex Metalica guitarist 2 miles away at the other end.

This place is like Brigadoon twined with Royston Vasey.  ☺

Been thinking along similar lines myself although my considerations are different due to grp pop top with corrugations.   If I go ahead, I will mount it back off the curve.

I have heard that 30 degree limit too vaz.  But I don't know what it means.  30 degrees describes the size and proportion of a sector.  It does not, as far as I understand it indicate the radius or tightness of a bend in any way.   Perhaps I have misunderstood?

I have also considered the impact of having a panel mounted on such a curvature.   It would in effect mean that a significant proportion of the panel must always be at less than optimal angle to the sun however the sun, or the van were positioned.  As I understand it, the efficiency of the whole panel is significantly reduced by the performance of it's least efficient area.  As in a reletively thin branch casting a shadow on one corner and disproportionately reducing the overall efficiency.

This might not be too significant if your power needs are low or in the summer, but in the winter, when you need every amp, could be crucial.

My own concern in mounting a semi flex panel on my roof is with the corrugation of the roof allowing wind underneath and peeling it back.  I  think I would need to fill the gaps at the front edge.

To get me by for now I have bought a 100w folding panel.  £117 all in with controler and cables.  Impressed with it's performance due to being able to maintain it's angle to the sun all through the day in comparison to a fixed position on the roof.  Uses the controler Casper mentioned.  Also fits nicely inside the screen providing shade and privacy if required while still working efficiently.  Stores out of the way against the back door when traveling.

A good step by step on your method here vaz.  Just happened to have watched it yesterday  :-

Not at all Tiree.  Sorry if it sounded like I did. 

Just can't see past it all yet to even think what I might want to do myself.  But then again, I am not used to planning that far ahead anyway.  I did have Ireland in mind for the summer but that's out.  Europe too, and finding enough undisturbed seclusion in England gets tougher every year.
Looks like you may have to tolerate this sasenach a while longer. 

Mines a 98 built 99 reg 1.9 turbo.  Can't check it out for coverage just now as only have tablet with me but should cover it I think/hope.