Support Hardware for Digital Field Camp Stored in
Setting up the Digital Field Camp Tent
In addition to the specialized hardware discussed below for the power supply, some standard equipment used for field camp should be gathered to set up the digital geology field tent. First, one of the three WeatherPort tents should be set up to house the computer equipment. Select a flat spot and try to point the window-end into the wind. Two long tables were purchased especially for the computer tent. They may be dusty, but should not be used in the kitchen tent where they will acquire a significant build up of grease. These tables are usually run down the long sides of the tent. A selection of 1 x 12 blanks is also kept in the storage area. Choose two fairly straight planks and 4 milk cartons for building shelves to set the iPAQs on for charging. Two large metal tent stakes should also be selected to provide grounding rods for the generator and power inverter, discussed below.
Equipment Used for the Digital Field
The following pieces of
equipment are kept in
1. Generac 1000M gasoline powered generator
2. Four 5 gallon gasoline cans
3. Everstart automobile battery charger
4. Three deep-cycle sealed marine batteries
5. Trace Engineering power inverter
6. Seven fuse-protected power strips
7. Assorted heavy-duty outdoor extension cords
8. Assorted lightweight indoor extension cords
9. A box of assorted electrical apparatus including
a. A volt meter (1 AAA battery)
b. 25 ft. of 10 gauge stranded wire
c. Electrician’s pliers
d. Wire strippers
e. Washers, nuts, and bolts
f. Wire studs
Instructions for setting up the electrical system can be found here. If connector wires between batteries, or grounding wires for the generator and inverter can’t be found, new ones can be constructed using the wire, studs, and tools found in the electrical box.
In general, the set up shown above can be run in the following manner. On the first days of camp set-up, run the generator continuously to charge the batteries to full strength. Once the batteries have reached full strength and the students have arrived, the generator should be filled each morning and allowed to run all day. This should generate sufficient power to allow evening power to be drawn from the batteries through the inverter with the generator off, as long as the inverter is shut down at the end of the evening of work. The batteries can then be recharged the following day for the next night.
PRIOR TO EACH FIELD CAMP THE GENERATOR SHOULD BE DRAINED
AND FILLED WITH FRESH OIL!!!
