We used solar panels on the river to cover our (small) power requirements. We used a small solar panel, 25 x 35 cm (wattage unknown!) to recharge our batteries: phones, GoPro camera, SLR, AA batteries, etc. We found that the Inca charger worked really well and enabled us to charge all these things easily. We also used small rechargeable lights / USB chargers (link to follow) which were great in the evening as the light ws diffuse and they could also be used to “shock-charge” a USB powered device to bring it back to life. Foe the Danube we have been looking at a larger solar system. We need to have a working anchor light each night. So battery capacity of around 10 hours with 10-20 watts (0.8-1.6 Ampere), i.e. 8 - 16 Ah. Offer of Lithium-Ion batteries, 9 Ah capacity, looks good, but there are few solar charging modules available on the market. The only one seems to be: here. charging systems for lead acid batteries are more easily found, even from Conrad, prices around 15-50 Euros.
In the end the solar system used on the Danube and in Belgium avoided the batteries as they held almost no charge - the problem of trying to re-use old tech. Some ideas on how to reinvigorate old lead-scid batteries would be good. We also purchased but never used (no battery) an iGo (will attempt to find exact details) which should be able to charge all sorts of laptops, etc. More details as they come to light.
These working notes are for those interested in supporting the project or who are involved. Feel free to add, edit, extend and assist.
They are ongoing and will be updated as we move into phase 2.
The Murray river will involve the second construction of a vessel and the first journey. The construction will happen in Port Adelaide, transport to the launching place will be from our support team.
One question that remains very open is our expected speed along the river. Which is closely dependent upon the water speed. On one extreme we have:
“With the exception of Weir 6, Murtho, the weir pool of each storage extends to the storage upstream. Therefore, the River Murray between Blanchetown and Wentworth is more like a series of lakes than a lowland river, particularly when river flows are low.” from http://www.murrayriver.com.au/about-the-murray/locks-weirs-dams-barrages/
From the flow rate measurements, estimating the river width at around 150m and the depth 4m (probably too deep) we get a speed around 500 m / hour, i.e. half a kmh. because we overestimate the cross section of the river, this number is probably too low.
From people travelling on various European rivers, upstream as well as downstream, we have travel distances around 40 km per day. This seems too high.
We experienced speeds from 0kmh, mostly around 1-1.5kmh and maximally 4kmh just from the current.
Vessel construction and testing January 23-28, Journey 1-21 February, Parade 24 February.
Launching around Ned's point or Lock 9.
Travel is expected to be between 20 and 40 kilometers per day, based upon experiences of 2 similar projects. Water currents will be important. The can be found here, and it seems that if we take the river to be 150m wide and 4 meters deep, the flow at the SA border is around 0.5 kmh, compared to 4-6 on the Danube. Maps of the river are available here: http://www.rmboa.org.au/maps.html
The vessel will be built from scavenged, recycled or otherwise low impact parts.
Sail will be a junk rig, oars will be used and possibly a Yuloh. A tentative plan for pedal power exists - details at the beginning of January.
We used solar panels on the river to cover our (small) power requirements.
We used a small solar panel, 25 x 35 cm (wattage unknown!) to recharge our batteries: phones, GoPro camera, SLR, AA batteries, etc. We found that the Inca charger (will find link) worked really well and enabled us to charge all these things easily.
We also used small rechargeable lights / USB chargers (link to follow) which were great in the evening as the light ws diffuse and they could also be used to “shock-charge” a USB powered device to bring it back to life.
Foe the Danube we have been looking at a larger solar system. We need to have a working anchor light each night. So battery capacity of around 10 hours with 10-20 watts (0.8-1.6 Ampere), i.e. 8 - 16 Ah. Offer of Lithium-Ion batteries, 9 Ah capacity, looks good, but there are few solar charging modules available on the market. The only one seems to be: here. charging systems for lead acid batteries are more easily found, even from Conrad, prices around 15-50 Euros.
Some things to bear in mind for the Fringe parade finale on 24 Feb.
Things we will need: please edit as things become available.
Short version here, long version below:
The following people have registered interest. Contact coc (at) timesup.org if you would like to join in for building or (part of) the journey.