12volt,
batteries & solar panel workshop
Shane Adam's from QLED Superior
LED Technology is a longtime member of the CamperTrailers Group &
hosted a few workshops over the week, the first being an overview of
12volt systems centered around camper trailers as well as the tow
vehicle. This is a topic which is discussed within the group online
& very often misunderstood. To get hands on, face to face
information from a professional is a great asset to the group
members.
Shane explained the different types of batteries, their uses in off
road vehicles & camper trailers which can be very different to
normal everyday car batteries. The usual camping application is a
high draw over a number of days using a 12volt fridge, camp lights &
perhaps a Cpap as well as chargers for computers, cameras & phones.
Recharging 12volt batteries can often be a problem when camping away
from 240volt power. Solar panels are a common means of recharging
12volt batteries in the bush. Shane showed the different types of
panels available, setting up a panel to the optimum size for your
requirements & how to include a solar regulator into the system
between the panel & battery.
DC-DC chargers have become very popular & Shane showed how they can
be included into the system to charge the remote camper trailer
battery from the vehicles alternator when travelling.
It was pleasing to see most had a good grasp on the subject at the
end of the workshop.
dream
pot
Jenny Peisley &
Donna Zwerus
hosted a
workshop on the use of the Dreampot which also gave her the
perfect opportunity to cook her nights meal. The Dream Pot consists
of a double layer insulated outer pot with one or two
stainless steel inner pots & lids which can be used as
saucepans. The cooking process is very simple. All you need
do is place the ingredients into the inner pot & gently boil
on your stove for the required short time based on the
recipe. Then place the inner pot directly into the Dream Pot
& close the lid. The thermo cooking process now starts by
cooking the food in the residual heat. No further monitoring
is required during this process allowing you the convenience
of going about other tasks or while you are travelling. Your
meal cannot burn, boil over or overcook. After the necessary
thermo cooking time in the Dream Pot the meal is ready to
serve.
auction night
The auction night has now
developed into its own night after starting as an idea during the bands break at the Nyngan
national meet. Local real estate Bruce McGregor & auctioneer
provided an entertaining night as a total of 60 items donated by members &
local businesses
were bid on. Proceeds totalled $3,300 & was in aid on the
Gulgong
Holtermann Collection, a community based association
established to conserve & promote Gulgong’s rich gold rush history
through the restoration of two of its earliest buildings to house an
interactive educational & tourist facility based on the renowned
Holtermann photographs taken during the town’s “roaring days” in the
1870’s.
A big thanks to Australian
CamperTrailers Group members who bid & to those who donated items,
Marty & Sue Alford, Dave & Joy Wilkinson, Mike Fretwell, Alan &
Stasia Everingham, Mal & Ros Currey, Kevin & Kathleen Beckwith, Doug
& Jenny Peisley, Chris & Carol Lawler, Terry & Sue Agland, Barry &
Michele Moore, John & Penny Heath, Peter & Karyn Sluyter, Jason Cox
& Sue Christie-Cox, Bruce & Barbara Simpson, Phil & Myrna Chandler,
Des & Anna Matejka, Robert & Julie Kent, Mark & Fiona Stagg, John
Florin, Chris Rogers, Susan Gregory, Wim & Judy Schneider & Kevin
Phillips.
Businesses donating goods included Campertrailer Australia magazine,
Peggy Pegs, Chris Pearson Jewelers, Gulgong Pioneer Museum, Bruce
McGregor, Holtermann Collection Museum & the Centennial Hotel.
kids movie night
Nigel Welsh along
with daughter Amelia entertain the kids with a movie
night.