Home hints: Simple, portable off-grid power perfect for cabins and cottages
Off-grid power technology is getting better quickly, and this means it's never been easier to enjoy running water and electric power for lighting and small cooking jobs in cabins and lakeside cottages that can't connect to utility power. Let me show you what I've been recommending recently to a cottage owner who came to me looking for design advice for creating a simple, portable off-grid electricity system. The approach uses four main parts and can even provide backup power during outages if you take the equipment back when you return to the city
Article content
Article content
Article content
These units combine a high capacity battery with a built in inverter for creating 120-volt outlet power, plus 12 volts and built-in USB charging ports for phones. These units are completely portable and can be recharged in a handful of ways: from solar panels, a portable generator, plugged into a wall when you're near an outlet, from a portable generator, from a vehicle, and from solar panels. I have a 1.6-kWh portable power station that puts out 3,500 watts maximum, and this is a good combination of run time, power output and portability. This size is also large enough to directly power a toaster oven, kettle or microwave for most of an hour on a full charge. Don't get anything smaller.
Article content
This is for recharging the power station. Depending on how much power you use, 100, 200 or 300 watts of solar capacity should keep the battery charged. These panels are fairly small, so I recommend using them on the ground in a triangular support frame rather than mounting on a roof. Roof mounting is more complicated, and ground mounting lets you locate your panel in full sun for maximum power output, then move the panel indoors or bring it back to your full-time home when you're not at the cottage.
Article content
Article content
Article content
3. Small, quiet inverter generator
Article content
Why a generator if you've got solar panels? While not strictly necessary, a small backup generator gives you a chance to recharge your battery if the sun can't keep up, or if you want to power things directly when your battery happens to be discharged. These units run on gasoline or gasoline/propane/natural gas, they're super quiet and use fuel very frugally. A 2,000-watt unit weighs less than 40 lbs and can also power a kettle, water pump, toaster oven and lights directly, in addition to recharging the battery.
Article content
Although portable power stations have gotten much better (and getting better all the time), they still offer a fairly limited amount of power. In tests I've run it can provide water for a household of three for 24 hours with showering and clothes washing. Recharging times range from two to six hours, depending on the source of energy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
6 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
30 Walmart Products That Make Sense For Summer
A one-piece swimsuit, because you know you're due for a new one. So why not make it this adorable ruffled number? It'll also look perfect paired with shorts while you get lunch after your beach trip. Promising review: "I love the ruffle detail. It adds some personality to an otherwise simple design. I also love how I feel in this suit, which is a big deal. The adjustable straps are a plus!" —MommyEvansPrice: $13.42+ (available in sizes XS–3X and four colors) A pair of oversize Christian Siriano sunglasses, so you can give classic movie star vibes all summer (yes, even when you're doing lawn maintenance). Promising review: "These are some very nice sunglasses. They have the perfect tint on them. I love the rim style on them; they are just awesome. They fit perfectly without hurting your ears. They are some very cool sunglasses. They are durable. They look gorgeous on you. I was out and about and got several compliments on them." —FrankiePrice: $9.75 A foldable camp chair, because summer presents no shortage of events where you'd like to sit, but nary a seat can be found: outdoor concerts, Little League games, trips to the beach, a three-hour line outside a bakery to get a croissant-bagel hybrid you heard about on get the idea. This chair is lightweight and folds into a carrying case, so you might want to get a few and throw 'em in the back of your car for the whole season. Promising review: "This is a great camping chair! The quality isn't lacking so far, so no rips and it's super sturdy. It's easy to unpack and unfold, and just as easy to get it back in the bag. It's a good, comfy, universal size. The cupholder is deep, although I wish it were a little wider to fit modern day phones better. This has held up well with a various amount of weight ranging from 30-250 pounds, and still hasn't given out. These are an absolute life saver for outdoor events and lake days!" —SunshinePrice: $6.96+ (available in 10 colors) A handheld fan, for days when the temp is so high, you barely dare to leave your AC cave (aka bedroom). Luckily, this three-speed fan has all your cooling needs covered as you venture out into the hot, sticky world — it runs for 21 hours on one charge, plus, it doubles as a flashlight and USB power bank. Promising review: "I love this fan! It stays charged for soooo long! It isn't super loud. I love that I can bend and move it to my liking. It also comes with a flashlight built into it and it is pretty bright. Three speeds, just buy it." —anonymousPrice: $7.88 (available in two colors) And a stroller fan, so the littlest members of your fam can also stay cool on trips and errands. Plus, it doesn't just hook on to strollers — it can be used on tabletops, too! Useful for when you make it to your favorite taco place, and they only have tables open on the patio. Promising review: "Battery life lasts all day on the highest setting. Used at an amusement park and it was perfect for our little one's stroller." —BriannaPrice: $19.94+ (available in one and three-packs) A bottle of Sun Bum SPF 50 spray, because with traditional lotion, you always end up missing a spot (and if you're dealing with kids who are wiggling around the entire time you're lotioning them up, you end up missing a few spots). This spray makes it quick and easy to thoroughly coat yourself and your fam in SPF, so you can get back to what summer is really about: trying every single different type of ice cream available from your local ice cream truck. Promising review: "This is my family's go-to brand of sunscreen. We find that it works best for us and keeps us from burning if used properly. The smell is nice, it's easy to apply, goes on great with no white residue, and great coverage. Would highly recommend this product to anyone to try." —anonymousPrice: $17.48 A gorgeous textured waterproof outdoor pillow, so you can be prepared the next time you forget to bring it inside from the patio before one of those unpredictable summer rain storms. Price: $19.55+ (available in two sizes and two colors) An 8-foot patio and beach umbrella that comes with its own travel case, so you won't have to spend any time on your beach days wondering, "how the heck do I carry this thing???" Promising review: "Love the look and function of this umbrella. Provides nice shade and is easy to set up. I bought it with a sandbag to help steady it and prevent flyaways. We have had two successful trips to the beach so far on windy days. Highly recommend." —KarelixPrice: $118.20 A Degree 72-hour deodorant so you will no longer need to carry around a deodorant and, uh, covertly re-apply throughout the day. (It's fine, we've all been we DON'T have to be there anymore.) Promising review: "This is the only antiperspirant deodorant product that actually works. It works very well. I do not sweat under my arms much at all, and if I do, the clean, crisp scent of this product is all you smell. As if that wasn't great all by itself, this product is invisible." —LisaPrice: $7.98+ (available in a two-pack or eight-pack) A 12-can soft-side cooler bag, because why pay for drinks and snacks at the beach snack bar when you can easily pack all your faves from home? This cooler even has a special shelf to separate food and drinks, so your sandwich won't accidentally get drenched with soda can condensation. Promising review: "I love this little cooler. Holds a 12-pack with no ice. The insert easily removes for cleaning. Made well. I can't say enough good things. I have a few very expensive coolers but find myself grabbing this little lightweight guy to use 99% of the time." —BexPrice: $26.97 (available in two colors) An ingrown hair and razor bump roller for folks who may be shaving extra body hair during shorts-tank-tops-and-swimsuit-season and want to avoid the painful little ingrown nubs that often come with it. Apply right after shaving, and the formula can help soothe existing bumps and possibly prevent new ones from forming. Promising review: "I put this on straight out of the shower or bath after shaving while still damp. I use it under my arms and my bikini line. I applied three days in a row with not a single bump in sight! It also helps keep ingrown hairs at bay. Huge believer in Megababe." —CassEPrice: $13.97 A five-piece set of waterproof packing cubes with compression capabilities, so you can actually fit all your stuff in your bag for once (instead of panicking as you pack and trying to stuff an extra set of pants into your purse). Price: $19.96 A pack of Clean & Clear oil-absorbing sheets to help you no longer have to deal with the "glow" (aka layer of sweat) you have hanging around your face from now until the fall. Promising review: "I have used these things for many years now, and they are the one product I can count on to reduce oil and shine on my face. Powders can get cakey, and other products have a tendency to irritate my sensitive, acne-prone skin. These sheets suck up the oil without adding any product or residue. The package is small and convenient, easy to keep in a pocket, purse, or even a wallet (one thing my brother does with his, which is also a non-makeup alternative for oily skin for men, too). Overall, I love these things." —JammyDieselbugPrice: $6.78+ (available in single or three packs) A tube of Foot Glide anti-blister balm because whether you're breaking in a new pair of sandals or spending hours exploring a new city on foot, summer can be rough on your dainty lil' hooves. This easy-to-roll-on gel creates a non-greasy barrier between your foot skin and your shoes, preventing blisters, chafing, and that horrible thing your flip-flops do to your big toe. Promising review: "A great product for my feet, it helps prevent skin irritation on my feet, well worth the price." —anonymousPrice: $9.98 A 30-ounce stainless-steel mug with a built-in reusable silicone straw, so you can make this the first summer you actually stay well hydrated (instead of just thinking about it, and then going for more iced coffee). Promising review: "I wasn't sure I'd like the rubber straw, but now that I've used it for a few days, Took some getting used to because it's very flexible, so you can't use it to break up ice, etc. But it feels really nice in your mouth. The mug itself is great. Tall, but fits in the car cup holder. Lightweight, but keeps drinks cold even in our summer heat. Would recommend this item." —JoycePrice: $13.66+ (available in five colors and in one or eight packs) A combination bladeless fan/air purifier that's especially useful for anyone who is battling the twin ordeals of sticky heat and seasonal allergies. The HEPA purifier has 10 speeds, a programmable timer, four different fan modes, and smart control options. Promising review: "I just got this fan today and was worried it wouldn't put out enough cool air but I'm pleasantly surprised because it is so far exceeding my expectations. I don't know how it does it but the air from the fan is very cool, similar to an air conditioner, I'm looking forward to using this during upcoming hot summer nights as sleeping without a fan is next to impossible where I live. I highly recommend this fan/purifier." —jennaPrice: $149 A seat-back organizer with drink and tablet holders, to minimize the number of "hey, I spilled my juice!/ hey, my toy rolled under your seat!/ hey, Big Sibling stole my iPad and said they'll only give it back if I eat this potato chip we found on the ground" moments on your next family road trip. Promising review: "Used on a road trip. Plenty of room for a three-year-old's books, snacks, and tablet. Kept him well entertained." —NitPrice: $12.96+ (available in one or three packs) A set of two Bluey ice pop molds, because making ice pops of your favorite Blue Heelers is more fun (and much, much cheaper) than buying them from the store. Plus, when you're DIYing it, you can actually sneak some fruit chunks in there (shhh, I won't tell if you don't). Promising review: "Absolutely love these! Easy storage — the sticks are stored behind the molds so they don't get lost and come out so easily. They fit in the freezer without taking up too much room! Perfect for little freezers." —Mama DPrice: $3.98 A stick of Megababe's Thigh Rescue so this can finally be the year when shorts, mini-skirts, and sundresses don't mean chafed thighs screaming in agony. This anti-friction stick will help your thighs glide like buttah. Promising review: "This was a lifesaver during our Caribbean honeymoon! It applies very pleasantly: easy like deodorant, but silky smooth like a good lotion. Amazing how a morning application lasted all day long. I even put it on the sides of my feet to keep my cheap water shoes from giving me blisters. Who knew?" —KatPrice: $13.97 A set of reusable water balloons because your children will love the poo shape (sorry, but they will!) and you'll love not having to pick pieces of exploded balloon out of your grass for the next three months. Magnetic seals mean they can be used again and again, and that they burst much less forcefully than traditional balloons. Have you ever been this happy to have poo on your lawn??!!?? Promising review: "So much fun! Wasn't expecting a lot, but they definitely blew my mind! My kids can fill them up with no problem, so I can just sit back as they have a blast! They're soft and don't hurt when you get them by them. My kids just enjoy them so much, and we've just given them many times, and they still work great! Plus, no little balloon bits to pick up off the ground! Definitely buying a few more packs for the summer!" —RobertPrice: $16.99 for a 10-pack A bug-bite suction tool that sucks the venom right out of your skin before you can have a reaction to it — so that means no swelling, no bumps, no lotions, and no furiously scratching every single second when you think no one is looking. Promising review: "I got unexpectedly attacked by a lot of mosquitoes, and I am allergic to the bites. So, I was grateful to have the Bug Bite Thing on hand! I used it on the mosquito bites I found. I couldn't see anything come out, so I didn't know if it had done any good at all. But, the bites that I used this on didn't swell up. However the bites I missed swelled up a LOT! So it had worked really well! Later, I used it on a very fine splinter of glass that I could barely see and it got it right out! I highly recommend this tool!" —OstracaPrice: $9.98 A single-serve iced coffee maker, because have you seen how much coffee shops are charging these days? If you're a fan of ice-cold caffeine, this will pay for itself in a matter of weeks. Plus, it uses regular coffee grounds and a reusable filter — so no need to buy any special pods here. And when the weather turns cool again, you can easily use this to make hot coffee, too! Promising review: "If you're an iced coffee lover like me, you need this! Basically no set up at all really once you pull it out of the box. I love that it's a single serve , and includes the tumbler to go with it for when you're on the go. Simple instructions on how to use, it has two buttons for the iced or hot coffee functions. Love this product!" —BrittanyPrice: $19.98 A package of Terro liquid ant baits, so you can change the travel plans of summer's most unwelcome visitors. My home used to be Ant Central Station, but now that I put these out like clockwork every May, I never see those little troublemakers anymore! Promising review: "I had tiny ants coming out of my wall over my kitchen sink. Terro saved this infestation! It took a few days, so be patient. They eat the Terro liquid then go back to their nest and die. I had tried other brands, but none worked. I will always go to Terro as needed." —BarblsPrice: $4.28+ (available in packs of two, four, and 12) And a Zevo flying insect trap, for anyone whose summer bug woes are more of the flying variety. The blue light lures flies and gnats, and the sticky pad catches and hides them until they're ready to be disposed of. Promising review: "Do it! Buy it! If you're reading this to see if it will help with gnats in your house, this is your confirmation to buy it. We had a gnat-apocalypse last year and bought one of these way into the infestation, and it VASTLY decreased them within hours. This year I went ahead and bought the two-pack and placed all three I had in three different locations of my home as soon as I saw a few showing up. I checked the backs after a few days because I hadn't really seen anymore since. Each were covered with about 50 or more so it seems I got ahead of the problem. Smartest move is just get it." —MkPrice: $33.29 for two A 3-in-1 portable evaporative air cooler, because we all have a space that gets hot as the dickens, but simply cannot accommodate a traditional AC unit. (Helloooooo, stifling screened-in porch!) This air cooler operates by remote control and also works as a regular fan and humidifier, so it'll help you out all year round. Price: $78.95 (originally $109.99) A mini trash can so that Road Trip Season doesn't have to turn into Ridiculous Car Mess Season. Use this handy little can for food wrappers, receipts, and all the other random stuff that seems to wander into the far corners of your car and establish a permanent home. Promising review: 'I bought four of these for stocking stuffers. One of them is for me. I never have a place to put trash and this is ideal. It's small and it fits in my door. Love it and it holds a lot more than you would think." —JudyPrice: $3.98 A can of antifungal foot spray because no one wants to talk about it, but between wearing flip-flops 24/7, walking on damp surfaces at the pool, or just not toweling down properly after a trip to the feet can get kinda funky. This spray can help put a stop to all that. Promising reviews: "My husband is a farmer so he's outside in any kind of weather. He prefers this over any name brand and not just for the lower price. Great product for an even better price." —marieinscPrice: $5.97+ (available in one and two packs) A Neutrogena SPF 50 sunscreen stick so you don't have to worry about a bottle of traditional sunscreen spilling in your bag and getting goop on everything. Plus, since it's a solid, it's TSA friendly, so you can take it on all your summer travels. Promising review: 'I use this for quick application to my face and shoulders when I'm out in the sun for extended periods of time. My eyes are very sensitive to most products but this sunscreen doesn't irritate my eyes. I will buy this again!" —KatePrice: $14.88 An 11-quart portable cooler that has a carrying strap that you will be SO grateful for when it comes time to bust out the drinks at your next softball game or lake expedition. Keeping both of your hands free — what an innovation! Promising review: 'This small cooler is perfect for carrying a few items with a nice pink outer color. Everything I wanted to take fit nicely inside. Handy strap carrier was also a plus. Instead of tying up one of my hands, it freed it because the strap fit right on my shoulder." —DebbiePrice: $39.98 (available in two colors) A set of acupressure anti-nausea wristbands because there sure are a lot of fun summer activities that can make us kinda wanna barf: cruises, theme park rides, boat rides down the these wristbands a try — you may finally be able to go on the Tea Cups, worry free. Read more about acupressure and nausea at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer review: "Excellent non-drug alternative for motion sickness. Went on my first cruise and used these for the first two days. Removed them for our beach day and never had to put them back on. The ship was rocking more at the end of the trip, but I had my sea legs! I will keep them handy for future use. Loved that they worked! Follow the instructions to make sure they are putting pressure in the right place." –GAmom26Price: $8.54+ (available in single or multi-packs) Need ingredients for all your new recipes? Shop each recipe directly through the app, or check out Walmart's grocery selection to get veggies, meat, seafood, and more delivered right to your door. Reviews have been edited for length and clairty.
Chicago Tribune
20 hours ago
- Chicago Tribune
Type smarter with the best Logitech keyboard picks
A keyboard is arguably the most important input device on any computer. You can navigate through menus with just a mouse, but you can't type or browse if you don't have a keyboard. For that reason, it is essential that you get one that best suits your working or gaming style. There are plenty of models and brands to choose from. But Logitech has been around since 1981, so it knows a thing or two about computer peripherals. And if you are in the market for a new keyboard, the Logitech MX Keys S Wireless Keyboard is an excellent choice for typing. Wired vs. wireless One of the first considerations when looking for a keyboard is the connection method. Logitech makes both wired and wireless keyboards, and there are pros and cons to each. Compact vs. full size Depending on where and how you want to use the keyboard, it might be worth it to consider the size. Macro-programmed buttons Smaller keyboards aren't necessarily a bad thing, as you can often program other keys to perform functions. Often you'll find that keyboards have a row of macro keys, and you customize these to perform keypresses you don't have a dedicated key for. You can also use macros to bind multiple keypresses to a single key. Backlit keys If you often find yourself working long hours or in dimly lit environments, it can be difficult to see the keys. A good-quality keyboard has backlighting that illuminates each key. This makes it easier to see when you type, and you can adjust the brightness of the backlighting to suit the surroundings. On some keyboards, you can even change the colors. Battery life for wireless keyboards You certainly don't want to run out of battery life halfway through an action-packed game or typing an important document. That's why it is crucial that your wireless keyboard has a long-life battery that can recharge quickly. Typically, a wireless keyboard provides around 10 hours of use and is charged through a USB cable. Some keyboards let you continue working while it is charging. Changing the keys on a mechanical keyboard An advantage mechanical keyboards have over others is that you can change out the keycaps and switches. The average price of a Logitech keyboard largely depends on the connection method and the board's functions. An affordable keyboard that doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles costs $20-$30, while a full-size typing keyboard can retail for $120-$150. Can you connect a Logitech keyboard to a gaming console? A. Yes, you can. Simply plug the keyboard's USB cable into one of the USB ports and it should work immediately. If you have a wireless keyboard, you'll need a USB wireless transmitter to connect to the console. What is a USB Passthrough on a keyboard? A. A USB Passthrough is an additional female USB port on the keyboard so that you can charge or power other devices through it. Top Logitech keyboard Logitech MX Keys S Wireless Keyboard What you need to know: This keyboard is made for typing and office work, as the tops of the keys are shaped for your fingertips and it comes with a palm rest. What you'll love: The keyboard has a robust design of a single metal plate, keeping all the electronics together. It has a full-size layout, can connect to multiple devices and the battery can last for up to 10 days. What you should consider: The backlit keys don't remain on if the ambient lighting is sufficient. This is a disappointment, as many gamers prefer to have the keys permanently illuminated. Top Logitech keyboard for the money Logitech K120 USB Wired Standard Keyboard What you need to know: The K120 is a perfect keyboard if you are looking for an input device that doesn't have a lot of frills and features. What you'll love: This full-size keyboard has a complete numerical pad and a row of Function keys. It is made from lightweight plastic, connects through a standard USB cable and is spill-resistant. What you should consider: It might be too basic for gamers or power users. Worth checking out Logitech G Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard What you need to know: This gaming keyboard has a detachable USB cable so that you can easily store and transport it. What you'll love: Designed for serious gamers, it uses prograde GX Blue clicky switches, is compatible with Logitech's LightSync RGB system and has a three-angle adjustment with nonslip feet. What you should consider: It doesn't have a numerical pad, and even though the USB cable detaches, it's not wireless. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Android Authority
a day ago
- Android Authority
OnePlus added a proprietary watch charger to its phone charging cable, because why not
OnePlus TL;DR OnePlus has launched a new two-in-one SuperVOOC charging cable. The cable allows you to simultaneously charge a smartphone and OnePlus smartwatch. Expect to pay $29.99 for the new OnePlus charging cable. There are a few solutions if you'd like to charge your phone and watch simultaneously, such as wireless charging pads or adapters with multiple USB ports. Now, OnePlus has revealed a nifty cable as an alternative solution. The company's two-in-one SuperVOOC cable has a USB-C port for charging your OnePlus phone at up to 67W. However, the middle of the cable also hosts a cradle for charging your OnePlus smartwatch at up to 10W. Don't need to charge your watch? Then the company says you should expect 80W speeds when only charging your phone. OnePlus This is a cool approach to charging cables, and means you don't have to pack a separate charging cable for your smartwatch. I do hope this charger is compatible with future OnePlus watches, though. However, I'm guessing this won't work with other smartwatch brands. The cable also has a USB-A port, which means it technically doesn't support the widely used USB-PD charging standard. It's not the first time we've seen this concept, though. Nomad released a similar cable for the Apple Watch and iPhone earlier this year. But we're still glad to see an Android OEM embracing this solution. OnePlus's new two-in-one SuperVOOC charging cable is now available on the OnePlus Canada and US websites. Expect to pay $29.99 in the US, with an estimated delivery date of July 24. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
