Many Vanlifers choose a laptop as their companion. My dislike of these mobile devices led me to install a small formfactor desktop as my primary computer for 4K video editing (and all the other ordinary office work). My Computer Philosophy I an still remember my first computer, a ZX80 with 1K memory and audio cassette… Continue reading Hardwired Computer
Category: Solar
Hardwired Computer
Victron Smart Devices
The installation of a Victron Smart Solar Controller and a Victron Orion Smart DC-DC Converter as part of my vanconversion. The “Smart” part of this, is the ability to access the settings and output values of these devices through Bluetooth. While the DC-DC Converter is a new addition to the electrical system of the van,… Continue reading Victron Smart Devices
Onboard Compressor – Part 3
In this final episode of the Onboard Compressor installation, I resolve some issues with the Engine Run signal from the Ford Transit. Previously I guided the compressor harness through the engine bay firewall to the area behind the glove box and from there, the wiring is guided behind the center console and under the floor,… Continue reading Onboard Compressor – Part 3
Onboard Compressor – Part 2
In this second part of the Onboard Compressor installation, I show you how I extend some of the wires in the wiring harness of the compressor. The lengthening of the wiring harness is necessary to comply with Ford’s requirements to directly connect the harness to the vehicle battery (through the CCP – Customer Connection Point),… Continue reading Onboard Compressor – Part 2
Onboard Compressor
Besides the traction boards and the come-a-long, I still have an issue with deflating and inflating of the tires, in case I get stuck in mud or sand or when I drive over long stretches of washboard road. Not long ago I decided to bring along my old, but oh-so good working 110V Campbell compressor… Continue reading Onboard Compressor
Bluetti EB55
Just got this Bluetti EB55 in the mail. The company send this to me without any strings attached, just for some exposure. Ordinarily, I just don’t do these things, unless it really fits within the character of this channel. It arrived at the right time, as I have been looking for one of these for… Continue reading Bluetti EB55
Safety & Rescue Gadgets
After working some more on the kitchen countertop, I sit down and show some of the safety and rescue items that should be part of any Vanlife experience. Especially, when you head out to boondock or while off-road driving. Kitchen Countertop The movable part of the countertop, that hides the induction cooktop, returns to the… Continue reading Safety & Rescue Gadgets
Induction Cooktop
I continue working to finish the ceiling in small increments; this time above the wardrobe closet. The main focus this week is on the installation of the induction cooktop. The storage for this cooktop is under the kitchen countertop, where I have a tray to store it in and some more storage space under that.
DIY Lithium Battery – 4
It’s time to install the new Lithium batteries into the van but first, I need to clean up and streamline some of the old wiring. And I have to add and replace some solar components. I will add 250A bus bars to accommodate the new batteries and the soon to be installed 3000W inverter/charger. A… Continue reading DIY Lithium Battery – 4