RVelectricity: Solar generator updates – Bring your band!

Note: Mike Sokol wrote this when he was a columnist for RVtravel.com. He has since moved on and is therefore unable to respond to comments.

Dear Mike,
I really liked your article a few months ago about musicians playing far away from AC outlets using solar generators. You provided links to your first three articles, but I wonder if you’ve added anything new. I have a small ’70s band and do a lot of camping, so the idea of being able to jam with my musician friends while boondocking is really interesting. So, any updates? —Stan

Dear Stan,
Indeed I do have solar generator updates. Since I first published this article, I’m now up to Part 7 of Unplugging From AC. In addition to using Solar Power Stations to power bands, I’ve now used a Jackery 1500 for a video production crew to power interview lights and charge camera batteries out in the field.

I’ve also tried out a Jackery 2000 Explorer Pro to power a rotary impact hammer all day to demo a sidewalk and steps at my son’s house in preparation for new concrete in a few weeks. The possibilities are endless with these modern Lithium Battery/Inverter Power Stations.

What about bands?

I’m now up to seven articles in my Unplugging From AC series, with no end in sight. As I’ve already published, I’m now covering all sorts of sound systems and stage lighting powered from lithium battery inverter alone, plus some outdoor tests include solar panels.

This is essentially boondocking for bands, so what I learn here is applicable to camping off-grid. And yes, there are quite a few musicians who also camp who want to bring along their keyboard or guitar or even accordion (yikes!).

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Here are links to my first six articles in Unplugging From AC Outlets:

• Part 1: Why Playing On Battery Power Alone Can Be Useful in 2022
• Part 2: Measuring A System And Band’s Power Requirements
• Part 3: Exploring Recent Developments and New Possibilities in Alternative Power
• Part 4: Early Road Tests Of Solar In The Field
• Part 5: Let There Be Sound – Joined By lighting…
• Part 6: Going All-In As A DJ
• Part 7: And here’s an early look at Part 7 on more examples 

OK, everyone. Remember that electricity is a useful and powerful force, so we all need to pay attention to safety precautions while using it.

Let’s play safe out there….

Mike Sokol is an electrical and professional sound expert with 50+ years in the industry. His excellent book RV Electrical Safety is available at Amazon.com. For more info on Mike’s qualifications as an electrical expert, click here.

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