2015-09-13

For the last 2 days, my solar irrigation system has been unable to work due to the lack of sunlight. Because of the high heat, the plants definitely needed some water, and I really didn't feel like lugging buckets of water up a hill. Fortunately, I had some crap in the Wreckroom that could make my job easier.

Easier is good. :)

Basically, I need some 12 volt power to run the pump for an hour or so.

Dark Days

Just over 60 miles south of me, the Butte fire is raging; and 80 miles to the west is the Valley fire. This picture of the Sun was taken around 3PM. California is burning. [hella sadface]

Fix Some Crap

Oh, some broken battery terminal clips!

Who said being a pack-rat is a bad thing? Wooowee, I sure am glad I didn't throw the broken clip in the trash. A bit of J-B Quick and that broken clip is as good as new.

Add Some Twisty Cap Thingies

When I set up my solar irrigation system, the panel was attached to the pump with MC4 connectors. As luck would have it, I just happened to have a set of heavy gauge wires with MC4 connectors on one end and bare wire on the other.

A few quick twists (and some gorilla tape) and everything was together and ready to rock.

Give It Some Juice!

Boring, isn't it? :)

After walking to the irrigation site, the wires were connected to the pump and the clips were attached to my spare motorcycle battery.

Booyah! flowing water.

After everything was running, I cleaned out some clogged emitters and watched as the water soaked into the parched land.

Now quit reading, and go do a rain dance. please.

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