Sunday, April 17, 2011

The Power of One

first dung beetle of the season













assembled and testing the thermostat kit













outside/inside skin temperatures after 1.5 hours running the freezer full blast. (thanks Neil for the IR thermometer)

Special note:  The Grub Shack is closed and has to do some upgrades due to a persnickety inspector.  All the locals are pitching in but Jerry and Eva need more funding for some new refrigeration and a septic tank.  Everyone that sends one dollar will have their name forever posted at my favorite spot as a friend of The Grub Shack.  Please mail donations to Eva Langevin, 9970 Terlingua Ranch RD. Alpine, Texas 79830  85,100,49,0,B
at

22 comments:

  1. UnknownApril 17, 2011 at 9:25 PM

    I don't see any refrigerant in there. Is this meant to be used as a freezer or refrigerator?

    I think I've read all the posts now, so I'm having to adjust to admiring the progress as it occurs and at a much more realistic pace. Very impressive.

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  2. John WellsApril 17, 2011 at 9:30 PM

    Just testing out all the systems - ultimately, this will be used as a refrigerator. Now go get your checkbook and help the GrubShack!

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  3. mikeysklarApril 17, 2011 at 9:49 PM

    Good job putting the temp controller together.

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  4. John WellsApril 17, 2011 at 10:01 PM

    Great kit Mikey!....only took 1/2 hour to solder it up and it worked like a charm. Will drink many a cold beer to you and your kit from now on in the boiling desert.

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  5. mikeysklarApril 17, 2011 at 10:08 PM

    @john: 30 minutes is fast. You are a pro.

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  6. ezrabluApril 17, 2011 at 10:38 PM

    Big bummer about the Grub Shack. Nice thing you've done by posting where to donate to them!

    Thanks for the report on your freezer and thermometer...I'll be hooking mine up in about a month.

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  7. DaniApril 18, 2011 at 2:35 AM

    John

    The process in this country, of purchasing foreign exchange and then posting it to the Grub Shack would cost more than the donation. Could I pay for a set of Benita's postcards, and instead of sending the cards to me, you give that amount to the GS?

    Dani

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  8. AnonymousApril 18, 2011 at 5:49 AM

    John


    I will send a few bucks to The Grub Shack's "Potty Fund" or "save the septic's system fund" (there's gotta be some jokes in there)

    I scored big on craigslist yesterday. I got a $600 excersize bike that had the resistance fan removed and a "90 volt genertor" installed. I can now make my own power as I work my bad right knee (I may need a knee replacement)
    I paid $120.00 for this bike and I can charge a car battery in one hour!

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  9. UnknownApril 18, 2011 at 8:18 AM

    It's in the mail.

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  10. CATANKApril 18, 2011 at 8:20 AM

    Just saw your story on Kim Komando's site... awesomeness!!!! This is great stuff! I am new to the blog/site so am just now looking around. I commend you on this journey you're on! Something I should seriously consider after my kids graduate high school! :o)

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  11. tffnguyApril 18, 2011 at 9:10 AM

    Must be more Dung around here because I've been seeing those for at least two weeks.

    I'll stop by the GS and see if Jerry or Eva are there and chip in some. If not I'll send some.

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  12. SteveApril 18, 2011 at 10:41 AM

    I began following your BLOG after watching your Texas Country Reporter episode. After reading your post I learned about the Million dollar road trip and guess who I ran into this weekend?

    I conveyed to Walter that I had read about them through your BLOG. What a small world!

    Steve Roberts
    Midland, TX

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  13. JLPApril 18, 2011 at 2:49 PM

    I put a donation to the GS in the mail today. Hope they get it fixed pronto!

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  14. markiesparkieApril 18, 2011 at 5:04 PM

    Freezer and power supply is too cool! The new battery bank oughta hold up well, and I gotta say, that Lupe dude looks I lot like you, if you did the shave thing. Didn't get a haircut while you were in el paso, did you?!

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  15. repsychallbluesApril 19, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    I just read this post. I have a small business, and will support the Grub Shack as best I can!

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  16. danApril 20, 2011 at 4:47 PM

    I got $5 on it.....

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  17. Allen HareApril 24, 2011 at 9:47 PM

    That is so cool, literally! Chest freezer converted to refrigerator, and run on solar. The ability to keep your beer cold, and preserve food, on an off-grid, free power set up is invaluable where you are. No more need to run to the store for block ice = saving time, money, wear & tear on the vehicle, and gasoline and it's emissions - win, win, win, win, and win.

    Writing a check to the Grub Shack now...

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  18. janeewalkerApril 25, 2011 at 3:31 PM

    There is nothing more annoying than a PERSNICKETY inspector!!

    I also first saw your video on Kim Komando's link - love your blog and love the animals. I work with a local animal welfare society in Alexandria, Louisiana.

    I am sending a couple of dollars today, but hope to send a little more later. However, I am broke right now - too many house and car repairs. It would be great to get out of the rat race like you did!

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  19. janeewalkerApril 25, 2011 at 3:36 PM

    There is nothing like a PERSNICKETY inspector!!

    I first discovered this blog yesterday on the Kim Komando site - this is just too cool!!! I don't know how you stand the heat, though.

    I especially love the animals! The cows, bull, and donkey are all I have seen so far. You gotta especially love the famous Ms. Benita - I am her friend on Facebook. I am an animal advocate in Alexandria, Louisiana.

    I am sending a couple of bucks - sorry I don't have more - lots of major house and car expenses lately - it would be so nice to get out of the "rat race" and do what you are doing, John Wells!

    I look forward to your blogs now.

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  20. janeewalkerApril 25, 2011 at 3:39 PM

    Sorry both of my comments got through - I did not think the first one did because I had not registered yet. I was trying to remember what I wrote in the first one when I wrote the second one...

    ReplyDelete
  21. EricMay 2, 2011 at 12:52 PM

    write my name five times....

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  22. JRMay 9, 2011 at 2:15 AM

    I sent 'em 5 bucks, hope it helps!

    ReplyDelete