The Contraption 2010

[LeChatNoir]

You might try running a small solar charge controller off the larger battery to the smaller one.

This is not a bad idea either!!

And I have one of those on hand as well. Hmmm... options are good. Thanks for all the input!

[LeChatNoir]

Hey… correct me if I’m wrong here, but isn’t that an inline charge controller on that previously linked float charger? Since it’s after the transformer, that means it’s running on 12v and could be hacked and just put right into the system as is, bypassing the need for a inverter. This would serve the same purpose as the solar charger controller, and at $3.99 it’s too cheap to unhook mine for it. Besides, I’d still like to use the solar panel too this year.

[theCryptofishist]

Thank you, it's very touching.

[unjonharley]

This whole battery thing has been a goo exercise for me.. Learn enough to change the power system.. It's working find now and less drain.

[unjonharley]

Where did fciron go? Did he get some bad shine?

[LeChatNoir]

I think he was packing for this year and got stuck sniffing playa dust out of his sleeping bag.

[LeChatNoir]

Headlights!!!

Those Cree's really throw out some light. Lots of bang for the watt on those little guys. They're aimed slightly down to still illuminate the playa, but not be shining directly in peoples eyes.

[Tiahaar]

that is totally awesome! 200 year-old LED headlamps apologies for being mostly awol the last couple months, doing a big move, but have been lurking regularly...and even got inspired to finish a new flame effect. see youse guys out there soon!

[bigbluedoggy]

Love the lights!!! See you soon LCN!!

[theCryptofishist]

Those are so beautiful.

[unjonharley]

Psst Tiahaar,

Seeing how we have been black balled from riding the Contraption. Here's the secret plan.. We kidnap Karine when she is reasonably sober.. We make her steer the damn thing while on a wild joy ride.. Then get her really drunk, invite a bunch of hippies for a ride and abandon the pile of rust in the deep playa..

I did offer a bribe to the Black Cat.. But you know how those french bog jumpers are.

[Tiahaar]

BwahhaHA! unjon you're going to get us in trouble!! Heh, we'll have a big annoyed black panther chasing us down soon though, soon, we can sneak up on the chugging contraption with our madmax machines and have some fun

[unjonharley]

BwahhaHA! unjon you're going to get us in trouble!! Heh, we'll have a big annoyed black panther chasing us down soon though, soon, we can sneak up on the chugging contraption with our madmax machines and have some fun

oops!! should have PM that.. We be in deep now..

[LeChatNoir]

I have my eye on the two of you.

[fciron]

I'm embarrassed to show my face because I haven't done anything with that three speed bicycle hub that unjon sent me last year. I had a lifetime supply of very good shine in 1999 and haven't touched a sip since. I certainly thought the Y2K bug had ended the world.

I have an extra charge controller and a huge deepcycle battery, I'll bring them this weekend. (gotta go back through the thread, I missed a couple of pages.

[fciron]

i also have a small inverter, a one amp battery charger and a battery isolator that I never put into the art car that I will bring this weekend.

and I have a butane soldering iron and heat shrink tubing that I will bring to the burn. And lots of landscape wire for 12v stuff

and Cricket says we should have a monkey.

[LeChatNoir]

Oh Yes!!

Lots of usable stuff. Extra batteries and battery isolating stuff is a good thing. I picked up the schedule 80 pipe and heavy fittings today for the flame effect plumbing, too.

(glancing over... still watching unjon and Tiahaar)

[Tiahaar]

not up to anything...just horsing around

[unjonharley]

not up to anything...just horsing around

Ditto

[Elorrum]

I put a nice strong magnet on the bottom of the cat flashlight. One watt led. Should stay put wherever it decides to settle down. best on a flat horizontal surface, like any cat I'd guess.

[LeChatNoir]

I can't wait to see it!

This weekend we begin packing the trailer. The Contraption will get the flame effect plumbing finished up and we'll roll her in!!

[unjonharley]

I can't wait to see it!

This weekend we begin packing the trailer. The Contraption will get the flame effect plumbing finished up and we'll roll her in!!

Got the lower part of the trailer packed today.. Tomorrow will load the tractor, bike and ranp on the upper..

Lets get this show on the road!

[LeChatNoir]

She’s packed in the trailer with all the camp gear snuggling her in. The flame effect is re-plumbed with schedule 80 and heavy wall fittings, the lights look good and all systems are go.

Start the countdown clock. I’ll see you in the dust.

[Risky]

Travel safely.

[bigbluedoggy]

LCN, it was so great to see you and Karine once again!! And I actually almost got a ride on the damn thing this year!!! Hope your travels home are safe!!

[Risky]

Spending time with Karine and LeChat was one of my highlights.
Can't wait until they get home and share their crazy Exodus story!
Wonder what color they chose? hmmmmm

[Eric]

Gotta jump in as well- it was great to finally get to see the Contraption in person and meet you & Karine. Next year I've got to finagle myself a ride!

[motskyroonmatick]

As experienced by others it was a sweet moment for me meeting LeChat and Karine. Two truly fantastic people. Talking to LeChat and taking in the contraption was excellent. The artistry, craftsmanship, care, creativity and ingenuity put in to the contraption is mind blowing. It is truly a work of art.

[LeChatNoir]

Awwwwwe...

You guys are too nice. We got to see so many friends this year and got to meet new eplaya friends as well. For me, after my first year, it was my best year ever, even with all the trials and tribulations. We're still on the road, but will post more when we get back to the homebase.




Oh, and Risky...

White with no bling. Simple, clean and professional.

[oscillator]

Dang it, sorry I missed you guys in TC. Even went wandering the back alleys of 9:00 to do some lumen comparing.

2011 perhaps?

cheers!

\osc