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Old 08-30-2016, 01:13 PM   #1
CAV
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Security for Portable Solar Panels

Since Wisconsin State Parks do not allow generators; and electric spots are booked for the year....I purchased the GoPower 120w portable solar panels to keep batteries charged. They were recommended on one of the AS emails, and I must say they are awesome. What do folks do to secure such panels (if anything) when they are away from their campsite? Thanks!
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Old 08-30-2016, 04:21 PM   #2
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I use a steel cable that is the same length as the power cord. Each end has a loop, one that wraps around the hinges up the center of the panels and the other end that locks into the hitch lock. The whole set-up gets folded up and put away in the late afternoon. Granted, easy enough to snip the cable but since it's only out during the day and typically there are other campers out and about we've been good with this system for over 5 years.
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Old 08-30-2016, 07:05 PM   #3
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Same thing I do with the Honda genset.....lock it in the trailer.

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Old 08-30-2016, 07:48 PM   #4
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25 ft. Marine steel cable. Of course that will barely inconvience a pro but might at least make a crime of opportunity thug go somewhere else to get his drug money.
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Old 08-30-2016, 08:19 PM   #5
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Thanks!
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Old 08-31-2016, 12:35 PM   #6
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alarm?

A simple alarm setup could be made fairly easily. The trip is a wire taped along the steel cable which is connected to a low voltage (12v) relay wired into an alarm system of some sort. As long as the wire is energized the relay is open. If the wire is disconnected or cut the relay closes and the alarm sounds. The alarm can be 12v or 110v and can be anything from a flashing light to an actual alarm.
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Old 08-31-2016, 01:56 PM   #7
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We use cable as well depending on how we feel about the locale. When boondocking, we put it inside when we leave. At a forest service campground, we cable.
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Old 08-31-2016, 02:53 PM   #8
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I've been tempted to buy one like this. http://m.lockalarm.com/?url=http%3A%...referrer=#2890


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Old 08-31-2016, 06:39 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CAV View Post
Since Wisconsin State Parks do not allow generators; and electric spots are booked for the year....I purchased the GoPower 120w portable solar panels to keep batteries charged. They were recommended on one of the AS emails, and I must say they are awesome. What do folks do to secure such panels (if anything) when they are away from their campsite? Thanks!
I have a 100w flex panel (@5 lbs) that I place on the roof of the camper when docked and secure against wind using two elastic bands. I run the wires down the back corner to a compact controller near the battery case and the whole unit is out of sight. So far so good.
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Old 08-31-2016, 07:41 PM   #10
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Zamp Solar Panels

I have 2 Zamp 100 watt panels that fold together. I drilled a hole thru both frames so I can place a large lock through. This enables me to place a large plastic covered cable around the trailer frame in front and lock it to the panels. Much harder to cut than just a cable I feel. My system is awesome although cumbersome to store, setup and breakdown. Recharges the 2-6v AMG batteries well.
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Old 09-01-2016, 06:49 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wayne&Sam View Post
I've been tempted to buy one like this. http://m.lockalarm.com/?url=http%3A%...referrer=#2890


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Interesting product for several different applications.
Observation, in my experience people ignore most alarms going off as do crooks.
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Old 09-01-2016, 07:26 AM   #12
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Solar Cable

Have a black Steel Cable that i put lock on panel and thru hole on edge of battery box. When were away from site i lay panel flat ,and you really don't notice it. When were at site then i position it for max sun. Have been doing for years at Peninsula State Park.
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