How to Build a Ground Mounted Solar Array (DIY Foundation Guide)
Ground mounted solar array guide covering site selection, foundation layout, concrete piers, and a durable DIY mounting system for eight full-size panels.
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Off Grid Solar System for Shop (2 kW System Design & Build)
Off grid solar system for shop: real 2 kW system design to power a workshop, including air conditioning, lighting, battery storage, and backup power.
Continue reading →Farming Bluebonnets is Easy
For the last ten years, we’ve been farming bluebonnets (Lupinus texensis) around the place. It started when I planted a few seeds and gradually, they’ve bloomed and spread. Because I’m impatient, I also helped them along by mowing the plants after they had gone to seed and spreading the clippings to other parts of the ranch.
Continue reading →Buying A Great Massey Ferguson 65
A Massey Ferguson 65 is nice to have. Over the years, I’ve learned that a tractor is essential. The point was made in about 2002 when I decided to buy a truckload of decomposed granite to improve the driveway. After spreading 10 yards of material with a wheelbarrow and shovel, I realized there had to be a better way.
Continue reading →An Altoids Light for the Solar Station
Ikea makes a wonderful work light (JANSJÖ)that sells for about $13. I have several of them, and love the warm pool of light they provide on desk surfaces. Let’s convert one of them to solar power with the Altoids LED light project
Continue reading →Solar Water Pump for Well Completed | Solar Powered Rainwater Project
Solar water pump for well—measured power consumption, battery capacity, inverter losses, and real-world off-grid system performance.
Continue reading →Adding Solar Panels to an Off-Grid System | Solar Power Rainwater System
After testing our off-grid solar system, it became clear we needed more capacity. By adding solar panels, we improved charging performance, and expanded the system for real-world use.
Continue reading →Weber Piano Action Rebuild – Refinement: Jammin’ Jacks
Every piano is different, and although there are recommended measurements for key dip, blow distance, hammer height, etc., changes are sometimes needed to suit a specific action. At this point, Danny Boone’s Regulating Grand Piano Touch and Tone suggested fully regulating … Continue reading →
Weber Piano Action Rebuild – Early Impressions
With casters installed and a rudimentary understanding of action adjustments, I was able to tinker. Hammer alignment went quickly, and as predicted, the sotto voce pedal now worked properly. Since the rockers were not snugged into their final position, they tended to drift, so I touched up the hammer line and let-off, and put the action back into the piano. It was time to play!
Continue reading →Weber Piano Action Rebuild – Baby Needs New Shoes! (Err, Casters)
As I mentioned a couple of posts ago, the Weber had been without casters for about 20 years. After we moved to our log home, I was eager to make it more playable, but there was a distinct rattling!
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