Building a Portable Power Supply

With the growing concern for the environment and the concern surrounding world affairs, alternate sources of energy must be developed. Energy produced by the sun is becoming more important every day. Solar power works great and can be used for many purposes.

The LCD and receiver draw 2.2 Amps DC on 12 volt, energy efficient lighting draws just under 1 Amp for a 12 watt bulb while the phone chargers draw very little power. We needed an appropriately sized battery of between 50 and 150Ah. With a front panel for all the switches and power sockets, a panel at an angle to mount LED displays on and the car stereo, speakers in the sides, 2 AC outputs and with adequate space inside for wiring.

The majority of the cutting was performed using a manual crosscut saw to cut out the holes for the cooling fans, meters, sockets, speakers and switches. Then wire it all together, the two DC-DC convertors are vital to the project. Put some labels so you can see what the switches are for. Connect your panels now; make a waterproof junction box so that all three panels can be connected to the end of the cable.

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