DIY Vortech Backup Group Buy / Workshop

[RTMA]

For those interested.

I will be happy to host a special DIY Vortech battery backup workshop for ARKSC members who want to build their own Vortech Backup.

Date: Monday May2nd @ 8 pm.
Where: Joe's House in Norwalk

Cost is $63.00 and includes everything you need to build a 36 hour (MP40 / MP40W / MP40W ES / MP20 / MP10) battery backup. (Offical Ecotech is $160)

Whats' included: 12v 18ah Battery, 12v 500ma Smart Charger, all wiring, all connectors, fuse with holder, barrel connector.

I have tested and am currently running one (15AH) on my MP40W ES. with great results.

At least 5 people are needed for the workshop.

 

[PurpleMonster]

Thats an awesome idea but i think i have go for a trip that week... will check up with the boss to see if i still have to go.

 

[gdubs97]

Awesome idea. Count me in!

 

[thefuz]

Might be up for this - need to check schedule that week with the kids. Any photos of what this might look like? Aesthetics are always fun with the wife involved. Working on finding/building a small cabinet for the side of my tank to hide fun stuff like top-off, wires, etc.

 

[RTMA]

If more people could make a weekend, I could switch it. I was thinking more people would be able to make a weeknight for 2 hours then a weekend. As for pics, I'll take some of mine tonight. But its pretty simple, battery, charger, plugs & 4 wires

 

[rjinct]

I'm up for this. Timing works well for me. Able to help put kids to bed and drive to Norwalk in time for the workshop.

 

[RTMA]

So that's 2 - Any more?

 

[RTMA]

Is this something that maybe if I host a summer meeting (August?) (as a meeting activity) - more people, would join in?

 

[Galantra]

unsure, just wasn't sure bout timing for me

 

[scolley]

For $63 I'm in! Meeting or not. However I have to rescend if it's August, as I'll be vacationing most of that month.

 

[zhangg3]

I am interested in the group buy, but usually unable to make it to meetings on weekends.

 

[Arusso713]

I just don't have the money right now planning a wedding. I would be interested.

 

[gdubs97]

When is this going to happen? Power went out last night for 2 hours and I was NERVOUS!

 

[scolley]

I've got an "official" Ecotech battery backup, and I DO sleep easier because of it. However, I'd love a BIGGER one. We had a power failure last spring for a couple of days, and even at its fallback setting of 50% normal power, and even on my little MP10, it did not run anywhere near 36 hours. I had to stay up all nite the second night to scoop up water with a pan and pour 10-20 pans full into the tank every hour or so to keep it aerated. It sucked. My little reef is alive today because of my persistence, not because of the Ecotech battery I'm afraid.

So a BIGGER battery would be great. Something that would last a good 2 days is what's ideal around here IMO.

Also, a problem with Ecotech's battery is apparently every time it discharges - even a little - it loses some depth to it's charge. That may be why mine performed so poorly. Because in the spring/summer it's not uncommon on my block to lose power for 10 minutes in the mornings. So a battery that can live though some of those events and still give a good two days backup is what I'd like.

 

[RTMA]

All you will need is a higher ah battery. This is a 35 ah battery, which should last twice as long. Ecotech says their 18ah battery lasts 36 hours for a MP40W - so a 36 ah battery should easily give you 4 days. Or you can chain two smaller 18ah batteries wired in series.

http://www.wholesalebatteriesdirect...-solar-battery-also-replaces-34-ah-36-ah.html

If we do the workshop one day - you can buy different batteries, or buy two of the 18ah ones.