Latest news with #offgrid
Gizmodo
19 hours ago
- Gizmodo
This Anker Portable Power Station Hits Its Lowest Price as Amazon Clears Out Stock Early in June
There's nothing quite like heading into the great outdoors or prepping for a camping trip, until your devices run out of juice. You need to keep your phone charged for navigation or power a lantern at night. or just having peace of mind during a power outage, portable energy solutions have become a must-have. That's where the Anker Portable Outdoor Generator comes in. No matter where you go, even when you're off-grid, you can have access to power to keep you juiced up and ready for whatever's on the agenda and then some. See at Amazon You can check out Amazon right now to get the Anker Portable Outdoor Generator for just $90, down from its usual price of $150. That's $60 off and a discount of 40%. Portable and affordable power for every situation This isn't your average power bank. It's designed for people who want something more rugged, more capable, and more flexible than a typical battery pack. It offers just enough power to make a real difference when you're off-grid but doesn't come with the bulk or cost of a full-size power station. The PowerCore Reserve features a 192Wh capacity (roughly 60,000mAh), which means you can charge your phone multiple times, power small appliances, or keep lights running for extended periods. If you've ever been out on a hike and returned to a dead phone or lost power during a storm, you know how much a little backup can matter. It's all kitted out with everything you need so you can get everything charged, too, like USB-C ports (60W and 27W) along with two USB-A ports. There's also a retractable LED light built in that has multiple brightness levels and an emergency SOS function. You can even use this power station with a solar panel if you have one with the right voltage. Y ou can plug it in and use solar power to recharge the generator. That's a huge bonus if you don't have an alternative energy source or just want to run clean energy to power everything you have up. If you've been on the fence about getting a power solution for your outdoor adventures or household preparedness kit, this Anker option strikes the perfect balance between affordability and functionality, and right now, the price makes it even easier to justify. Saving 40% makes it an even more palatable buy, and you likely won't see these kinds of savings for the foreseeable future, so might as well lock in. See at Amazon
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
It looks like a big country shed. For one savvy Aussie couple it's their dream home - and it all makes sense when you step inside (and learn the $365k price tag)
When Claire and Brett Wells decided to start building their dream home in country Victoria, they weren't chasing luxury. They were chasing freedom. The Geelong couple, who have been together for 10 years and are parents to four young-adult daughters between them, were craving a simpler life - and they've found it in the form of a shed. But this isn't your average backyard tin box. The couple have transformed a humble shed structure into a stunning, architecturally inspired sanctuary nestled on five acres at the foot of the breathtaking Grampians Mountain range. Only a two-hour drive from their current home the plot near the small town of Moyston is equal parts an off-grid retreat and modern design marvel, and astonishingly it's entirely their own creation. 'It's actually our weekender at the moment,' Claire told FEMAIL. 'We'll use it on weekends and in the holidays until our lifestyle changes, with a plan to eventually relocate out there at some point.' The couple's journey to rural life began in 2020 during Melbourne 's harshest Covid-19 lockdowns and her husband Brett's heartbreaking stage-three cancer diagnosis. Claire also lost her job during the pandemic too. Stuck at home and both stripped of their usual routines, the couple were forced to rethink everything. 'That's what sparked this whole change and what we wanted out of life,' she said. 'Everyone was thinking about getting out of the city, but Melburnians couldn't travel outside of their zone at that time. So, I think, we probably had the upper hand as there wasn't a lot of competition for the land at the time.' Dreaming of a quieter life, a home with space to breathe, and a way to live without being tied to a mortgage, the idea of a shed conversion was born. 'Where can you buy a brand-new house now for $365,000, you know?' Claire said after telling FEMAIL that the build itself cost $250,000, with the land adding to the grand total. 'Housing affordability is getting further and further out of people's reach, so you have to think outside of the box [with] housing. You don't need a big home.' The pair mapped out their new vision: fresh country air, a slower pace, financial freedom, and a house they could build themselves, from the ground up. Four years on, their unconventional home rises like a black barn from the paddock with its bold exterior housing a surprisingly airy and light-filled interior. The shed-like frame was a practical choice, ticking boxes for affordability, bushfire safety, and simple construction. But Claire, who led the design and project management herself, said the process was far from easy. 'I come from the construction background, so we were originally thinking about doing a tiny home on wheels and also explored shipping container homes because we wanted something small.' The shed-like frame was a practical choice, ticking boxes for affordability, bushfire safety, and simple construction. But Claire, who led the design and project management herself, said the process was far from easy Affordability, simple design, off-grid living and a home that was 'on the ground, so it was an actual appreciating asset,' were all important factors for the couple. After deciding on their concept of a large shed frame, the Wells' quickly discovered the complexities around such a unique build as not many companies offered the service. 'We took the portal shed frames and then the house design, and had to marry the two together. So lots of my time went into designing and working with floor plans with a draftee to help us put the formal house plans together to submit to council.' Inside, Claire insisted on having soaring 6.3-metre ceilings to create a sense of space and calm. The open plan living, kitchen and dining area flow seamlessly under the vaulted roofline and a bespoke spiral staircase leads to a mezzanine that doubles as a guest room and home office, with sweeping views of the surrounding bushland. Claire and Brett did most of the building work themselves, often spending full weekends on-site before driving back to town to resume their daily lives during the week. 'He's not a builder or a trades person, but he's super handy,' Claire said of her husband Brett, who at the time was working as a teacher and chipped away on the project in his downtime. The couple did most of the building work themselves, and they even added wheels to their furniture to make the most of the ever-changing views Having grown up on building sites with his builder dad, Brett brought serious hands-on skills to the table. He hand-carved the timber benchtops, laid polished concrete floors, and helped install large, double-glazed windows to frame the picture-perfect landscape. 'Even when you're inside, it feels like you're outside,' said Claire. 'It has big, high, open ceiling spaces, with big windows and by folding sliding doors, to capture all the light and surrounding bush.' To make the most of the ever-changing views, they even added wheels to their furniture. 'That way we can follow the sun or catch the sunset behind the peaks,' she added. The home is fully off-grid, powered by a small solar system that supports ultra-efficient appliances, like their camping fridge, portable induction cooktop and a Ninja multi-cooker instead of a traditional oven. They also rely on rainwater tanks and a composting toilet, proving that living sustainably doesn't have to mean sacrificing comfort or style. With their daughters now grown and all leaving the nest soon, Claire and Brett are looking forward to this next chapter, just the two of them in their little piece of paradise. They've even planted a mini vineyard with 200 chardonnay and shiraz grapevines, alongside an orchard of cherries, apricots, peaches and chestnuts. 'I'm a very romantic person at heart, and I've always loved the idea of having my own little vineyard. So we planted it before we even built the house, while we were still in that planning phase.' On an even brighter note and after a long battle, Brett was finally cleared of cancer last month. 'It's just a weight off our minds knowing that that chapter is behind us now, we can breathe a bit easier and look towards the future.'
Globe and Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
LiTime to Unveil Next-Gen RV Power Systems at Overland EXPO PNW
As demand surges for smarter, more adaptable RV energy solutions, global lithium battery leader LiTime is redefining what mobile power can do. The company, known for its best-selling LiFePO4 batteries, is set to showcase its latest off-grid power innovations at Overland EXPO PNW, held June 27–29 at the Deschutes Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon (Booth A628). On display will be a full suite of next-generation system kits and rugged-use solutions—designed to meet the growing needs of van lifers, off-road adventurers, and DIY RV builders pushing the boundaries of where (and how far) their rigs can go. LiTime 12V 100Ah Slim Battery: Built for Tight Spaces, Engineered for Performance Specifically engineered for non-standard retrofit spaces, the LiTime Slim Lithium Battery is just 2.36 inches thick—making it easy to embed behind bed platforms, curved surfaces, or storage drawers. It frees up to 65% more floor space compared to traditional batteries. Despite its slim form, it features EV-grade LiFePO4 cells, a cycle life of 15,000 times (@60% DOD), a durable metal housing, and a traceable 'one-cell-one-code' system—offering both design flexibility and industrial-grade durability. LiTime 12V 100Ah Xtra-Mini Smart Battery: Big Power in a Tiny Package LiTime Xtra Mini takes compact power to the extreme. Weighing only 19.13 lbs, it's approximately 23% lighter than a standard 12V 100Ah LFP battery and 70% lighter than traditional AGM models. Its volume is just half that of a Group 31 battery, yet it delivers an impressive 194.7Wh/L energy density—perfect for tight compartments such as pickup bed boxes, motorcycles, or compact camping storage. Paired with Bluetooth 5.0, it enables remote monitoring of SOC, voltage, current, and temperature—eliminating the need to open battery enclosures for checks. LiTime 12V 100Ah Smart ComFlex Edition: Plug-and-Play Battery Optimized for Victron Ecosystems The LiTime 12V 100Ah Smart ComFlex Battery is one of the few intelligent batteries on the market that natively supports Victron system integration, purpose-built for the demanding environments of RV applications. Native Compatibility with Victron Systems: Supports CAN communication protocol for true plug-and-play functionality. Seamlessly integrates with the Cerbo GX to enable remote visualization of SOC, voltage, and temperature data. Smart Bluetooth 5.0: Delivers a stable, fast wireless monitoring experience. Multilingual display support (EN/CH/JP/DE) allows real-time access to battery metrics via external screens. One-Touch Control and Comprehensive Protection: Equipped with LED status indicators and a single-button control interface. Features include low-temperature charging protection and a robust BMS with multiple safeguard functions, ensuring reliability in extreme conditions. This integration capability positions the ComFlex as one of the few battery models on the market with native Victron compatibility—ideal for advanced retrofit users and those building intelligent off-grid systems. LiTime 12V 100Ah Group 24 Smart Self-Heating Battery: Cold-Weather Pioneer with Stable Output During off-road expeditions, the LiTime 12V 100Ah Group 24 Bluetooth battery leverages intelligent self-heating to tackle extreme cold, enabling normal charging even in -4°F environments. With 500A surge discharge capacity and over 20 BMS protection features, it ensures system stability across rugged outdoor conditions—making it the ideal choice for cold plateaus, winter camping, and other frigid scenarios. LiTime 12V 165Ah Smart Battery: A Versatile Power Core for Heavy-Duty Applications The LiTime 165Ah LiFePO4 battery delivers both high capacity and compact form, offering 2,112Wh of energy and a continuous 2,112W power output—perfect for power-hungry devices like induction cooktops, electric heaters, and RV air conditioners. Engineered within a Group 31 standard form factor, it achieves an energy density of 172.3Wh/L, making it a reliable core for long-term stationary living and heavy-load power needs. LiTime One-Stop RV Power Kits Debut, Fully Matching Diverse Travel Needs LiTime will unveil three categories of RV energy solutions at the exhibition: Weekend Camper Kit: Features two Slim batteries paired with a 2kW inverter. The system supports quick 10-minute installation and is ideal for weekend camping and lightweight RVs. Family Trip Kit / Long-Haul Pro Kit: Equipped with high-capacity 165Ah or 320Ah batteries, Bluetooth-enabled MPPT controllers, and 3000W inverters. These systems are designed for long journeys and multi-device usage. Extreme Overlander Kit: Combines dual 24V 200Ah batteries with an all-in-one inverter, built to support heavily modified vehicles and full-time RV living. This kit has drawn considerable interest from professional RV enthusiasts. LiTime states that by offering standardized power solutions, it aims to lower the barrier to RV energy system upgrades—making high-efficiency, smart, and scalable energy more accessible to users. LiTime Is Defining a New Era of Mobile Power According to a report by Econ Market, the global RV and van conversion market was valued at USD 8.05 billion in 2023 and is projected to double to USD 16.47 billion by 2032. Backed by a matrix of 100+ SKUs, 35 overseas warehouses, and a full-service systems network, LiTime is rapidly advancing into the North American core market. Its comprehensive presence at Overland EXPO PNW showcases not only the company's technical capabilities but also signals a strategic acceleration in its global mobile energy deployment. About LiTime LiTime is a company with 15 years of experience in the new energy storage sector. Focused on user needs and powered by technological innovation, LiTime continually pushes forward in its mission to deliver the best value in lithium iron phosphate batteries. To date, LiTime's battery technology has earned more than 380 product certifications. Guided by the brand philosophy of "Life & Discovery," LiTime stands as an industry leader, dedicated to providing green, sustainable, and efficient energy solutions, while making a significant contribution to reducing the global carbon footprint and reshaping the power grid landscape. Media Contact Company Name: Shenzhen LiTime Technology Co., Ltd Contact Person: Shafee Chang Email: Send Email Country: China Website:
Daily Mail
29-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
On-the-run convict murdered grandmother Anita Rose in 'brutal' attack as she walked dog before she was found with his boot marks on her face, court told
An on-the-run convict who was living 'off-grid' to avoid being recalled to prison killed a grandmother out walking her dog in a 'vicious and brutal attack', a court heard today. Anita Rose, 57, was subjected to 'numerous kicks, stamps and blows' by Roy Barclay, 56, whose semen was found on her jacket, jurors were told. Opening the case, prosecutor Christopher Paxton KC said mother-of-six Ms Rose left her home in Brantham, Suffolk, to walk her springer spaniel, Bruce, on July 24 last year. She was found by passers-by on a footpath beside a sewage works but died four days later. 'After she left home and before 6.25 that morning, Anita Rose was subject to a vicious and brutal attack with numerous kicks, stamps and blows being delivered to her face, head and body,' Mr Paxton told Ipswich Crown Court. 'Found by passers-by, help was called for but on July 28 Anita Rose died in Addenbrooke's Hospital [in Cambridge ] from the injuries she received.' 'No eyewitnesses saw the incident', Mr Paxton told jurors, adding: 'You will hear that Roy Barclay had no fixed address and lived mostly in the countryside, wandering the fields and lanes, sleeping in various makeshift camps. 'He lived off-grid because, for two years, Roy Barclay had been unlawfully at large. 'He had been on the run trying to avoid the police and authorities to try and avoid being recalled back to prison.' The prosecutor said Mr Rose - who lived with her partner Richard Jones in the village – wore a distinctive pink jacket on the day she was attacked and it was later found at one of Barclay's makeshift camps. The defendant kept the garment 'as a trophy' and it had his 'semen on the neckline'. Mr Paxton added Barclay's walking boots, which 'amounted to the murder weapon', were found at the same camp. 'I say the boots are the murder weapon because the pathologist, and additionally the neuropathologist, will tell you the injuries Anita Rose sustained are consistent with kicking and stamping,' the barrister said. 'The level of trauma to Anita's brain is akin to that seen following road traffic accidents, such was the force of Roy Barclay's attack.' Ms Rose's phone case was also found at the camp and her Samsung earbuds were located at a different hideaway Barclay used under the Orwell Bridge near Ipswich, it is claimed. A lock-picking kit was also discovered there, along with pairs of women's underwear – although none of them belonged to Ms Rose, Mr Paxton said. A series of notes on the calendar of his phone showed Barclay had 'celebrated' anniversary dates of the attack on July 24, Mr Paxton said. The date of September 3 - six weeks afterwards - stated '6 weeks'. Other entries for September 18, October 9 and October 16, respectively stated '8 weeks', '11 weeks' and '12 weeks' with the final entry adding the word 'Court?'. Mr Paxton added: 'Roy Barclay was getting sloppy. But perhaps, in his arrogance, having evaded the police and authorities for two years, he felt he was untouchable. That, quite literally, he could get away with murder.' Barclay tried to leave a false trail of evidence by dumping Ms Rose's mobile phone a few days after the attack in a seating area in Ipswich town centre, the court heard. He did so 'no doubt hoping it to be found, as it was, and hoping that it would be switched on'. The phone was picked up by a couple who decided to try and sell it and were immediately arrested by the police, jurors were told. Mr Paxton added Barclay appeared to have taken the phone to avoid the chance of her calling for help but had no plans to sell it himself as he had 'several thousand pounds in a bank account'. The barrister claimed the defendant, who 'carries dog biscuits with him and is a dog lover', tied the dog lead around Ms Rose's leg 'to stop Bruce running off'. 'Cunning and resourceful' Barclay is said to have made various internet searches after the attack, including 'How are outside objects swabbed for DNA?' and 'Can barbed wire be swabbed for DNA?'. Further internet searches about the attack in the months after the murder were made so he could 'follow the twists and turns of the police investigation on media websites. 'He did so because he had a vested interest in knowing what the police were up to, what that might signal to him, whether his time was up or not,' Mr Paxton said. The court was told when the defendant was eventually arrested by police, he answered 'no comment' to many of the questions he was asked. Instead, he provided a prepared statement denying any involvement in Ms Rose's death and insisting he would 'not be forensically' linked to it. Ms Rose was filmed by a doorbell camera when she set off from home on the fateful walk. She is thought to have walked more than three miles on a network of tracks and paths before being attacked. Barclay, who wore glasses, a grey prison-issue tracksuit and has a grey beard and long, thinning grey hair, listened to proceedings from the secure dock of the court. He denies murder. Relatives of Ms Rose listened from the public gallery. The trial, which is due to last eight weeks, continues.
Daily Mail
29-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS On-the-run convict murdered grandmother Anita Rose in 'brutal' attack as she walked dog before she was found with his boot marks on her face, court told
An on-the-run convict who was living off-grid to avoid being recalled to prison killed a grandmother out walking her dog in a 'vicious and brutal attack', a court heard today. Anita Rose, 57, was subjected to 'numerous kicks, stamps and blows' by Roy Barclay, 56, whose semen was found on her jacket, jurors were told. Opening the case, prosecutor Christopher Paxton KC said mother-of-six Ms Rose left her home in Brantham, Suffolk, to walk her dog, Bruce, on July 24 last year. She was found by passers-by but died four days later in hospital. 'After she left home and before 6.25 that morning, Anita Rose was subject to a vicious and brutal attack with numerous kicks, stamps and blows being delivered to her face, head and body,' Mr Paxton told Ipswich Crown Court. 'Found by passers-by, help was called for but on July 28 Anita Rose died in Addenbrooke's Hospital [in Cambridge ] from the injuries she received.' 'No eyewitnesses saw the incident', Mr Paxton told jurors, adding: 'You will hear that Roy Barclay had no fixed address and lived mostly in the countryside, wandering the fields and lanes, sleeping in various makeshift camps. 'He lived off-grid because, for two years, Roy Barclay had been unlawfully at large. 'He had been on the run trying to avoid the police and authorities to try and avoid being recalled back to prison.' The prosecutor said a pink jacket worn by Ms Rose on the day she was attacked was found at one of Barclay's makeshift camps. The defendant kept the jacket 'as a trophy' and it had his 'semen on the neckline', it is alleged. Mr Paxton added Barclay's walking boots, which 'amounted to the murder weapon', were found at the same camp. There is 'support for the conclusion that the marks on Anita's face were made by these boots', the barrister said. Ms Rose's phone case was also found there and her Samsung earbuds were located at a different makeshift camp Barclay had used. The barrister said Barclay, who 'carries dog biscuits with him and is a dog lover', tied the dog lead around Ms Rose's leg 'we say to stop Bruce running off'. 'Paramedics found Bruce the dog's lead wrapped tightly round Anita's leg,' he added. 'Cunning and resourceful' Barclay is said to have made various internet searches after the attack, including 'how are outside objects swabbed for DNA?' and 'can barbed wire be swabbed for DNA?'. The defendant, who wore glasses, a grey prison-issue tracksuit and has a grey beard and long, thinning grey hair, listened to proceedings from the secure dock of the court. He denies murder. Relatives of Ms Rose listened from the public gallery. The trial, which is due to last eight weeks, continues.
