I wasn't sure if I should have posted this to Humor or not, but it's really not a joke. Awhile back I mentioned cobbling together an emergency equipment battery box from an empty laundry detergent container. It works fine, but it's a bit on the flimsy side. A couple of days ago I bought another 18ah battery to have on hand for an upcoming static project, and needed a box for it. I spotted a no-longer-used polyethylene gas can -- the kind that's no longer allowed under OSHA or DOT or some other agency rules -- and the light bulb went on over my head.
I cut a rectangular hole in the side of the can, fitted it with some custom-cut foam packing material, inserted the battery and cable, and voila! A very sturdy, if somewhat oversized, battery package.
Those old style gas cans seem to be rather popular on eBay these days. At a quick glance, prices were under $30, but one sold for $84......
I have seen the new cans and it looks like one needs three hands and to be a contortionist to get them to actually pour gas.
> I have seen the new cans and it looks like one needs three hands and to be a contortionist to get them to actually pour gas.
I have one of the new ones, I think I spent about $80 on it. You do need two hands -- or one hand with a very strong wrist -- to keep the dead-man valve open while pouring.
yea...but think how you're saving the ozone layer
That's a good idea.. it could save me at least a pair of jeans a year from lugging around a battery and getting acid on my cloths.
my favorite gas can
Those old style gas cans are tough and should last a long time as a battery carrier.
Depending on what container your pouring into, I have found that they are more prone to spilling than the old style (if carefully used).
Old Battery Case as GPS Battery Holder
Jim-
Similar idea ....
I took an old 12V battery, carefully "ecologically soundly" removed the 'guts' and now use the plastic case as a GPS battery carrier as the 12V originally came with a handle.
Frames & Grahams must have a "Scottish" sense ? 🙂
Cheers,
Derek
PS-
I rejoice every time I cut a cross with my Makita portable diamond blade saw you recommended !!
Old Battery Case as GPS Battery Holder
Derek (or Jim),
Which saw is that?
Thanks,
Ed
Old Battery Case as GPS Battery Holder
Makita 4190DW:
Old Battery Case as GPS Battery Holder
Sweet! Thanks a lot Jim. I will have to get one of those.
Old Battery Case as GPS Battery Holder
That's looks rather suspicious having wires coming out of a gas can . Great idea but just saying . Might cause an incident , with todays hiper vigilante public and po po.
Old Battery Case as GPS Battery Holder
I hadn't thought of that -- it does look a bit bombesque. I'd better not use it on the unattended setups, instead keeping it with me so I can allay any fears that might arise.
Old Battery Case as GPS Battery Holder
Yep, keep it with you. [sarcasm]That way they don't have to look for you to handcuff you and take you to jail.[/sarcasm]:-P
Old Battery Case as GPS Battery Holder
How much does it cost you when they call the b0mb squad who destroy it to protect the public, find out it was YOU who put it there, and eventually you convince them it wasn't dangerous?
Old Battery Case as GPS Battery Holder
> How much does it cost you when they call the b0mb squad who destroy it to protect the public, find out it was YOU who put it there, and eventually you convince them it wasn't dangerous?
I'm counting on my ability to explain things to the first responder -- or, better yet, to the first reporter -- sufficient to avoid messy complications. I do think it would be best *not* to leave it at unattended setups, though I have a sign at those that reads "SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENT - PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB" along the my cell number.
Old Battery Case as GPS Battery Holder
It is well worth the money to have someone like the kid down the block sitting with a lawn chair equipped with lawn chair, lunch and water and armed with a cell phone and your business card hired as watchdog.
Old Battery Case as GPS Battery Holder
> It is well worth the money to have someone like the kid down the block sitting with a lawn chair equipped with lawn chair, lunch and water and armed with a cell phone and your business card hired as watchdog.
For this particular project, the unattended receivers will be on a large ranch with restricted public access. They'll be locked to fixed objects with a cable strong enough to deter the casual thief.
Besides, the kids down the block will all be in school when we're observing. 🙂
Old Battery Case as GPS Battery Holder
Ed-
We don't have the water bottle accessory.
I'd be certain to try the saw out first on a 'hidden' piece of concrete.
I find 3/8" is a good saw depth setting on flat pre-scribed concrete.
Invest in a few extra diamond cutting blades.
It certainly beats twacking away with a cold chisel and hammer.
The crosses are not as easily found unless widened with two more cuts each side.
Tiz a good thing young Jim drew to my attention.
Also the battery charger is vehicle source friendly.
Cheers,
Derek