twisty

G'day Dave, welcome to the forum! A 4Runner huh ... I know a bloke who has one of those. Been into the brindies with him a few times. But he wasn't that good a driver. Maybe you know him :-)

I take photos with my phone only when I don't need high definition (or I don't care that much). Pics of fire pump id plate, tractor tyre size and the like. For keepers I use my little digital (don't remember the brand) which I particularly like for panorama pics (one image not 3 stiched together). I'm not keen enough to go for an SLR. What's a p&s? Point n shoot I'm guessing.

G'day Glort, I've done nothing about electrical generation. I've been busy fencing and cursing the weather. I'm just doing a steel cleanup and have a few old washing machines to get rid of. Time to get the motors out. Thanks for the reminder.

Yeah ... nissan seat belts are a concern. Mine suck as well. Replacement is the best option. Check this mob out.

I was taught to solder in the military. 1. Correct temp. Test temp by wiping soldering tip on a damp cloth (this also cleans it). You should hear water evaporating (sizzle) but not burn the cloth. Then "tin" the iron tip. Solder should melt on the tip within 2 seconds and appear "shiney". Tin component leads. 2. Position components and create a "heat bridge" between them. Do this by touching the iron tip to both components surfaces. When you see the component surfaces go "shiney" apply solder on the heat bridge. Remove solder then the iron tip from the soldered surface. Finished joint should be smooth with no excess solder. Repeat step 1 before next joint. 3. Practice makes perfect. Hope this helps.

Brindabella NP

Glort, you're not the only one having trouble finding good workers. I have family and friends with their own businesses, some for 20+ years, and finding good employees is their biggest hurdle. Best of luck to ya.

I've been considering an SSD for storage when camping but hadn't considered the advantage in my desktop. Thanks guys.

2008, old news. The turbines are still there and the birds have been practicing evasive flying techniques. Junk Science?

Keep at it BigGQ. I'm cheering for ya!

We've had a few -6c mornings, but, like Ray, too much rain for it to be cold atm. No snow on the Brindabella mountains yet either.

Shameless copy n paste from Wikipedia ... The states originated as separate British colonies prior to Federation (in 1901) ... The territories, by contrast, are from a constitutional perspective directly subject to the Commonwealth government. The Australian Parliament has powers to legislate in the territories that it does not possess in the states ... For the purposes of Australian intergovernmental bodies, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory are treated as states. Yeah ... it does make a lot of sence. It's been an idea for a while but is quickly shouted down. I've a good friend on the local council here and he's been at it for almost 30 years (as well as farming). He would like to see the states gone as well, but doubts they ever will. Pollies give up power ... you're kidding. They've (North Queensland) wanted that since the mighty Jo was in charge. Rolling electricity blackout ... ahh, memories.

I notice you process up to 1000l at a time and that would last me 3-4 months. How long can veg oil be kept Glort?

I think I've read this thread before somewhere ... dejavu ... "It's happened before and will happen again" - Starbuck

The hydro system is dead in the water! After a bit of research I've discovered that achieving even 100watts from a micro/nano hydro system with my configuration is almost impossible. The problems are, not enough water and not enough head. A 7 metre head gives 10psi and is the maximum I could achieve. The chart below for a nano hydro system tells the story ... Our power supply is very reliable. I've been interested in power generation and storage since I was a little bugga. Problem is I'm also easily distracted and projects get put aside. I'm just playing with ideas and, perhaps one day, I'll dig the solar hws out and hook it up as well. Glort, I like the veg oil engine and will do a bit more research. I could run the tractor on it as well (save a grand or two a year). Thanks for the input.