Search found 784 matches

by go_mets
Thu Jan 14, 2021 3:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Kind of Generator Do you Use for your Home Backup?
Replies: 139
Views: 13075

Re: What Kind of Generator Do you Use for your Home Backup?

ALP propane-only generator. https://alpgenerators.com/products/alp- ... -blue-gray
The only downside is that the inverter is only 1000 W and that may not be enough for your big side-by-side refrigerator.
I know mine is more than 1000W when the compressor kicks in.

I have also purchased a 500 Wh and 300 Wh solar generators and 180 W and 120 W solar panels.

Can still cook on the gas stove by lighting the pilot light with long matches.

.
by go_mets
Thu Jan 14, 2021 3:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Power is Out - Do you Know How Long Food Lasts in Fridge?
Replies: 39
Views: 4664

Re: Power is Out - Do you Know How Long Food Lasts in Fridge?

We lost power for 18 hours this past summer.
Did not open the freezer.
May have opened the refridgerator the next morning.

After the power came on, boiled the eggs.
We do not drink dairy milk so we did not have that worry.
The vegetables and fruits were fine.

We cooked the frozen shrimp from the freezer.

No food poisoning.

As for food, we cooked canned foods for dinner that night.
by go_mets
Thu Jan 14, 2021 2:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Self employed for half the year... trying to figure out taxes
Replies: 15
Views: 945

Re: Self employed for half the year... trying to figure out taxes

I don't know if it is advantageous to do so or not, but I believe you can open a SEP-IRA until April 15, 2021.

Here is a comparison of solo401k vs SEP-IRA : https://www.merrilledge.com/ask/small-b ... rietorship
by go_mets
Thu Jan 14, 2021 2:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Self employed for half the year... trying to figure out taxes
Replies: 15
Views: 945

Re: Self employed for half the year... trying to figure out taxes

SpaceCowboy wrote: Thu Jan 14, 2021 2:37 pm
go_mets wrote: Thu Jan 14, 2021 2:30 pm Not too late to contribute to solo401k where you can save a lot more.
https://www.mysolo401k.net/solo-401k/so ... and-types/
I believe the solo 401(k) needed to be setup before the end of the year. Contributions can be made until you file taxes.
Totally forgot that. :oops:
by go_mets
Thu Jan 14, 2021 2:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Got my stimulus check, how about you?
Replies: 212
Views: 19764

Re: $600 stimulus

BeerTooth wrote: Thu Jan 14, 2021 11:55 am
1rl9DS5gl2 wrote: Thu Jan 14, 2021 11:05 am If you got the previous payment via prepaid card, does that imply the current payment will be done the same way?
I received my first payment via direct deposit, and my second payment via paper check

This website (https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment) tells you how you will receive your second payment, rather than speculating and asking random online strangers
I read that website, and it does not tell me how I will receive my second payment.
Don't generalize unless you have actually encountered the cryptic message I got.

.
by go_mets
Thu Jan 14, 2021 9:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Got my stimulus check, how about you?
Replies: 212
Views: 19764

Re: Got my stimulus check, how about you?

So, if I filed a paper return for 2019 and even if my first stimulus payment was direct deposited using the IRS online tool to enter my bank information, I won't get the second sitmulus payment direct deposited?

I am definitely eligible based on AGI.
by go_mets
Sun Jan 10, 2021 11:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: pending transaction on American Express gift card
Replies: 5
Views: 3333

Re: pending transaction on American Express gift card

Today I opened up my American Express gift card package and started to use the gift card to donate to 501c3 organizations. All of the three transactions went through, but the credit card processing company used by one of the 501c3 did a trial transaction of 10 cents first. The other two transactions did not have that. So instead of having $50 remaining, I have $49.90. I called American Express and the CSR told me that after 8 calendar days the 10 cents will fall off the card. Is there any way to avoid this from happening? That's the merchant doing it. So nothing for AMEX to prevent. So merchants don't do a test transaction and just authorized for the desired amount. The test authorization will drop off but then you will need to spend that ...
by go_mets
Sun Jan 10, 2021 10:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: pending transaction on American Express gift card
Replies: 5
Views: 3333

pending transaction on American Express gift card

Today I opened up my American Express gift card package and started to use the gift card to donate to 501c3 organizations.

All of the three transactions went through, but the credit card processing company used by one of the 501c3 did a trial transaction of 10 cents first.
The other two transactions did not have that.
So instead of having $50 remaining, I have $49.90.
I called American Express and the CSR told me that after 8 calendar days the 10 cents will fall off the card.

Is there any way to avoid this from happening?
by go_mets
Wed Aug 19, 2020 10:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: A primer on backup battery systems for power outages
Replies: 195
Views: 19390

Re: A primer on backup battery systems for power outages

You could heat an apartment surprisingly well with a small propane heater like a Mr. Buddy. We have several of the 20 lb. (i.e. the kind used with grills) tanks in reserve just in case we need to heat at least one bedroom in the house for a couple of weeks. I got hammered on another message board by an EMT for suggesting using a Mr. Buddy. For the record I do have a Mr. Buddy. The EMT wrote about all the people he had to haul to the hospital from CO poisoning. I should have also said that any time you have a flame indoors, you need a carbon monoxide detector. We have combined smoke/CO detectors in our home and our garage. I completely agree with you about the CO detector. When I was living in an apartment even though there was one provided...
by go_mets
Wed Aug 19, 2020 10:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: A primer on backup battery systems for power outages
Replies: 195
Views: 19390

Re: A primer on backup battery systems for power outages

"Have you tried this yourself?" Very common on boats where there are larger battery banks and very good inverter/chargers with battery condition monitors. Less common on RV's where weight becomes more important than on boats where extra weight is more easily supported for larger battery banks. You can visit boating and RV sites that speak about these issues and get much greater details is you like. Your calculations are not real world - the run hours will be higher and any need to access the refer will add loads. Ambient air temps outside the unit will affect run time as well. We had a 14 cubic foot top and bottom refrigerator/freezers in boats in the past and they were 120 and 12 volt driven which made the battery power a bit mo...
by go_mets
Wed Aug 19, 2020 9:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I purchase a whole house generator?
Replies: 321
Views: 24151

Re: Should I purchase a whole house generator?

"I read his post. I want to believe that his modified maintenace which is apparently not per the manufacturer's recommendation is adequate. It worked for him." He runs only on propane - it is very adequate. "It may not work for me just when I need it most." Which generator and maintannce schedule are you referring to? The Honda one I linked earlier. The way I read his post is that with propane there is no maintenace. It is not clear his generator is propane . I may have missed that part of it as the small print on this message board is hard on my eyes. . "The Honda one I linked earlier." OK - I found that link and read the maintenance in that article. First observation is that is not from the handbook for that...
by go_mets
Wed Aug 19, 2020 9:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: A primer on backup battery systems for power outages
Replies: 195
Views: 19390

Re: A primer on backup battery systems for power outages

If you want to support any full sized refrigerator and open the door from time to time over 3 days batteries will not suit your goal without a robust charging system for the batteries. By the time you add the charging system(s) (solar, small genset, wind) required you might as well get a suitably sized small generator. Have you tried this yourself? My calculations: My refrigerator says it is 11.5A which I am guessing is the average current draw per hour. So if I run 1 hour per day and the battery is 50Ah. It would seem I would get 4 days out it. My main goal is to not have the food spoil so I would try to avoid opening the door. . "Have you tried this yourself?" Very common on boats where there are larger battery banks and very g...
by go_mets
Wed Aug 19, 2020 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I purchase a whole house generator?
Replies: 321
Views: 24151

Re: Should I purchase a whole house generator?

"I read his post. I want to believe that his modified maintenace which is apparently not per the manufacturer's recommendation is adequate. It worked for him." He runs only on propane - it is very adequate. "It may not work for me just when I need it most." Which generator and maintannce schedule are you referring to? The Honda one I linked earlier. The way I read his post is that with propane there is no maintenace. It is not clear his generator is propane . I may have missed that part of it as the small print on this message board is hard on my eyes. . Quoted once again for your use: "Propane has little to no carbon fouling as gasoline does. Hence little to no fouling of the cylinder or spark plug... when it's ru...
by go_mets
Wed Aug 19, 2020 9:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I purchase a whole house generator?
Replies: 321
Views: 24151

Re: Should I purchase a whole house generator?

"I don't understand why that is so difficult to understand." He has done everything needed to make sure that his generator works when needed, here is his post: "There is NO maintenance for the generator... Period. There is maintenance for the small engine that runs the generator, exactly the same as a lawnmower, snowblower etc. It's not rocket science. I have had Mower engines last over 25 yrs, My current mower engine is 20 yrs old and going strong as the day it was new. Scag turf Tiger. And they are/were GAS engines. Propane has little to no carbon fouling as gasoline does. Hence little to no fouling of the cylinder or spark plug... when it's running. No carburetor fouling as with gas. When it does not run it does not use o...
by go_mets
Wed Aug 19, 2020 9:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: A primer on backup battery systems for power outages
Replies: 195
Views: 19390

Re: A primer on backup battery systems for power outages

Thank you for the primer. Given that a 100Ah lead acid battery weights 65-70 pounds, Will a 50Ah one be enough to peridocially run a full-size side-by-side refrigerator for 2-3 days? These are about 45 pounds. I am looking at the ones sold by Advance Auto Parts who have a store nearby: https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web/SearchResults?storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&searchTerm=deep%20cycle%20battery&filterValue=l4CatNameIdFacet%3ABattery%7C13646&beginIndex=0&sortBy=5&_r=0.9983223187878341&sortBy=PRICE_LOW_HIGH If you want to support any full sized refrigerator and open the door from time to time over 3 days batteries will not suit your goal without a robust charging system for the batteries. By the...
by go_mets
Wed Aug 19, 2020 9:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I purchase a whole house generator?
Replies: 321
Views: 24151

Re: Should I purchase a whole house generator?

"I don't understand why that is so difficult to understand." He has done everything needed to make sure that his generator works when needed, here is his post: "There is NO maintenance for the generator... Period. There is maintenance for the small engine that runs the generator, exactly the same as a lawnmower, snowblower etc. It's not rocket science. I have had Mower engines last over 25 yrs, My current mower engine is 20 yrs old and going strong as the day it was new. Scag turf Tiger. And they are/were GAS engines. Propane has little to no carbon fouling as gasoline does. Hence little to no fouling of the cylinder or spark plug... when it's running. No carburetor fouling as with gas. When it does not run it does not use o...
by go_mets
Wed Aug 19, 2020 9:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I purchase a whole house generator?
Replies: 321
Views: 24151

Re: Should I purchase a whole house generator?

Then buy two generators, one for backup. You just want to argue. I'm done. The point is that power outages rarely occur yet when they do I need something that WORKS and as maintenance-free as possible. I don't understand why that is so difficult to understand. . "I don't understand why that is so difficult to understand." He has done everything needed to make sure that his generator works when needed, here is his post: "There is NO maintenance for the generator... Period. There is maintenance for the small engine that runs the generator, exactly the same as a lawnmower, snowblower etc. It's not rocket science. I have had Mower engines last over 25 yrs, My current mower engine is 20 yrs old and going strong as the day it was ...
by go_mets
Wed Aug 19, 2020 9:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: A primer on backup battery systems for power outages
Replies: 195
Views: 19390

Re: A primer on backup battery systems for power outages

Thank you for the primer. Given that a 100Ah lead acid battery weights 65-70 pounds, Will a 50Ah one be enough to peridocially run a full-size side-by-side refrigerator for 2-3 days? These are about 45 pounds. I am looking at the ones sold by Advance Auto Parts who have a store nearby: https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web/SearchResults?storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&searchTerm=deep%20cycle%20battery&filterValue=l4CatNameIdFacet%3ABattery%7C13646&beginIndex=0&sortBy=5&_r=0.9983223187878341&sortBy=PRICE_LOW_HIGH If you want to support any full sized refrigerator and open the door from time to time over 3 days batteries will not suit your goal without a robust charging system for the batteries. By the...
by go_mets
Wed Aug 19, 2020 9:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I purchase a whole house generator?
Replies: 321
Views: 24151

Re: Should I purchase a whole house generator?

Lets see, 40+ years working on engines in the auto industry, small engine repair courses. Yes I was "Lucky" There is NO maintenance for the generator... Period. There is maintenance for the small engine that runs the generator, exactly the same as a lawnmower, snowblower etc. It's not rocket science. I have had Mower engines last over 25 yrs, My current mower engine is 20 yrs old and going strong as the day it was new. Scag turf Tiger. And they are/were GAS engines. Propane has little to no carbon fouling as gasoline does. Hence little to no fouling of the cylinder or spark plug... when it's running. No carburetor fouling as with gas. When it does not run it does not use or foul the spark plug, nor clog or dirty the air cleaner. ...
by go_mets
Wed Aug 19, 2020 8:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: A primer on backup battery systems for power outages
Replies: 195
Views: 19390

Re: A primer on backup battery systems for power outages

You could heat an apartment surprisingly well with a small propane heater like a Mr. Buddy. We have several of the 20 lb. (i.e. the kind used with grills) tanks in reserve just in case we need to heat at least one bedroom in the house for a couple of weeks. I got hammered on another message board by an EMT for suggesting using a Mr. Buddy. For the record I do have a Mr. Buddy. The EMT wrote about all the people he had to haul to the hospital from CO poisoning. . You would think, in addition to the safety element of the Mr Buddy O2 sensor, no one would be without working CO alarms in their living space. But based on the number of fire deaths that occur in homes that don't have a working smoke detector, I suspect CO monitors are also not ubi...
by go_mets
Wed Aug 19, 2020 8:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: A primer on backup battery systems for power outages
Replies: 195
Views: 19390

Re: A primer on backup battery systems for power outages

Thank you for the primer.

Given that a 100Ah lead acid battery weights 65-70 pounds,
Will a 50Ah one be enough to peridocially run a full-size side-by-side refrigerator for 2-3 days?
These are about 45 pounds.
I am looking at the ones sold by Advance Auto Parts who have a store nearby:
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web/S ... E_LOW_HIGH
by go_mets
Wed Aug 19, 2020 8:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I purchase a whole house generator?
Replies: 321
Views: 24151

Re: Should I purchase a whole house generator?

I changed it when it was new, it had synthetic in it for 9 yrs without being used, changed that out when I needed to run it. No need to maintain the spark plug or air filter if it isn't being used. 2/3 of a quart of oil, take off cap, lean generator over, oil flows out, lean generator back upright pour in oil till it starts to overflow (on mine anyway) Put cap back on. Done. Ran for aprox 2 days. Changed oil again, back in storage. Nothing cavalier about it. Are you following exactly the manufacturer's recommendation? If not, arre you simply lucky that your generator worked when you needed it to? If I did as you did, would I be unlucky and not have the generator work when I need it to? . Lets see, 40+ years working on engines in the auto i...
by go_mets
Wed Aug 19, 2020 8:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: A primer on backup battery systems for power outages
Replies: 195
Views: 19390

Re: A primer on backup battery systems for power outages

willthrill81 wrote: Tue Aug 18, 2020 9:26 pm You could heat an apartment surprisingly well with a small propane heater like a Mr. Buddy. We have several of the 20 lb. (i.e. the kind used with grills) tanks in reserve just in case we need to heat at least one bedroom in the house for a couple of weeks.
I got hammered on another message board by an EMT for suggesting using a Mr. Buddy.
For the record I do have a Mr. Buddy.
The EMT wrote about all the people he had to haul to the hospital from CO poisoning.

.
by go_mets
Tue Aug 18, 2020 8:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I purchase a whole house generator?
Replies: 321
Views: 24151

Re: Should I purchase a whole house generator?

I agree, after 9 yrs in storage I changed the oil on my 3500w gen, and hooked up my 20 lb cyl of propane sitting outside for just as long, good for 2 days. Phew. I didn't think I could do it. That's not the recommended maintenance from what I have read. http://blog.hondalawnparts.com/honda-eu2000i-generator-maintenance-guide/ Heck, if I was to be that cavalier about something needed for an emergency, why not? I also don't change oil on my own car. Good for you that you can. . I changed it when it was new, it had synthetic in it for 9 yrs without being used, changed that out when I needed to run it. No need to maintain the spark plug or air filter if it isn't being used. 2/3 of a quart of oil, take off cap, lean generator over, oil flows ou...
by go_mets
Tue Aug 18, 2020 8:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I left my old cell phone in my trunk this summer. The phone works great but will not charge. I even tried a new
Replies: 21
Views: 1728

Re: I left my old cell phone in my trunk this summer. The phone works great but will not charge. I even tried a new

consumer electronics is typically rated for 0C to 70C = 158F


Since you replaced the battery, the other possiblity is that one of the other components inside the phone failed.
Move on. You won't be able to fix it unless you are good with working with surface mount components.

.
by go_mets
Mon Aug 17, 2020 1:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I purchase a whole house generator?
Replies: 321
Views: 24151

Re: Should I purchase a whole house generator?

If I can survive Sandy without any preparation, I think I can survive with additional mitigation. Not interested in the maintenance required for portable generator. . I strain under the maintenance of changing the oil every 2 years and keeping gasoline on hand. I agree, after 9 yrs in storage I changed the oil on my 3500w gen, and hooked up my 20 lb cyl of propane sitting outside for just as long, good for 2 days. Phew. I didn't think I could do it. That's not the recommended maintenance from what I have read. http://blog.hondalawnparts.com/honda-eu2000i-generator-maintenance-guide/ Heck, if I was to be that cavalier about something needed for an emergency, why not? I also don't change oil on my own car. Good for you that you can. . That’s...
by go_mets
Mon Aug 17, 2020 1:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I purchase a whole house generator?
Replies: 321
Views: 24151

Re: Should I purchase a whole house generator?

If I can survive Sandy without any preparation, I think I can survive with additional mitigation. Not interested in the maintenance required for portable generator. . I strain under the maintenance of changing the oil every 2 years and keeping gasoline on hand. I agree, after 9 yrs in storage I changed the oil on my 3500w gen, and hooked up my 20 lb cyl of propane sitting outside for just as long, good for 2 days. Phew. I didn't think I could do it. That's not the recommended maintenance from what I have read. http://blog.hondalawnparts.com/honda-eu2000i-generator-maintenance-guide/ Heck, if I was to be that cavalier about something needed for an emergency, why not? I also don't change oil on my own car. Good for you that you can. . I chan...
by go_mets
Mon Aug 17, 2020 1:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: USPS shipping: Caveat Emptor
Replies: 79
Views: 6556

Re: USPS shipping: Caveat Emptor

chrisjul wrote: Mon Aug 17, 2020 11:19 am quasi governmental and yet expected to perform like a business
Which makes no sense to me.
I do not want my mail to be privatize.
UPS is no better. I had a package delivered to a different address simply because the driver reversed the numbers.
I have had Walmart gift cards stolen sent FedEx Home.

.
by go_mets
Mon Aug 17, 2020 1:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: USPS shipping: Caveat Emptor
Replies: 79
Views: 6556

Re: USPS shipping: Caveat Emptor

USPS Parcel Select
8/06 Thursday accepted at Naperville, IL post office 11:50 am
8/15 Saturday received at my post office


Priority Mail has been on time or 1 day late.
I have purchased about a dozen items on eBay in the past 3 months.

.
by go_mets
Sat Aug 15, 2020 9:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Personal website hosting
Replies: 8
Views: 790

Re: Personal website hosting

a BIG no to Bluehost
they're part of a big conglomerate Endurance International Group
https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/burlington/pr ... 0021-76863

www.pair.com is who I use
highly recommend them
by go_mets
Sat Aug 15, 2020 9:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I purchase a whole house generator?
Replies: 321
Views: 24151

Re: Should I purchase a whole house generator?

If I can survive Sandy without any preparation, I think I can survive with additional mitigation. Not interested in the maintenance required for portable generator. . I strain under the maintenance of changing the oil every 2 years and keeping gasoline on hand. I agree, after 9 yrs in storage I changed the oil on my 3500w gen, and hooked up my 20 lb cyl of propane sitting outside for just as long, good for 2 days. Phew. I didn't think I could do it. That's not the recommended maintenance from what I have read. http://blog.hondalawnparts.com/honda-eu2000i-generator-maintenance-guide/ Heck, if I was to be that cavalier about something needed for an emergency, why not? I also don't change oil on my own car. Good for you that you can. .
by go_mets
Sat Aug 15, 2020 9:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I purchase a whole house generator?
Replies: 321
Views: 24151

Re: Should I purchase a whole house generator?

willthrill81 wrote: Sat Aug 15, 2020 4:16 pm
go_mets wrote: Sat Aug 15, 2020 3:21 pm If I can survive Sandy without any preparation, I think I can survive with additional mitigation.
Not interested in the maintenance required for portable generator.
You don't necessarily need a generator or solar panels to have backup power. A relatively small pure sine wave inverter that can be connected to the battery of your vehicle can provide you with enough power to operate a modern refrigerator, freezer, or other small appliances. Such an inverter requires no maintenance whatsoever. You might not need backup power to survive, but it can definitely be a boon when the lights go out.
I wrote that I planned on buying a pure-sine-wave inverter, but neilpilot belittled that idea.
by go_mets
Sat Aug 15, 2020 3:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I purchase a whole house generator?
Replies: 321
Views: 24151

Re: Should I purchase a whole house generator?

If I can survive Sandy without any preparation, I think I can survive with additional mitigation.
Not interested in the maintenance required for portable generator.


.
by go_mets
Sat Aug 15, 2020 1:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I purchase a whole house generator?
Replies: 321
Views: 24151

Re: Should I purchase a whole house generator?

I am planning on buying a 2000W pure-sine-wave inverter to connect to the car battery.
Cost is about $250-$300.
It should be enough to run the electrical gadget (120V 3.1 FLA) --- not sure what is it--- that sits on top of my gas water heater.
It definitely will be enough to run a 21" TV and the cable +internet boxes.

I am thinking about buying the 1000W Jackery Explorer 1000 which sells for $1000.
It had been on sale back on Memorial Day for $800. :(
It can be charged using 100W solar panels.
It has lithium battery.

Thinking about one of those 12V camping refrigerator with a compressor.
The no-name brand starts about $275 for 40L size.
by go_mets
Sat Aug 15, 2020 1:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to replace prepaid cellphone
Replies: 9
Views: 1118

Re: How to replace prepaid cellphone

Thanks everyone for the responses. My current phone is a Nokia 521. It's old but does fine for my limited use needs. Plus I'm grandfathered in the old T-Mobil pay as you go plan so it costs practically nothing to operate. Found a 521 on Amazon, barely used for $20. I was about to buy it but decided to check my current phone one last time. Well, the reason it appeared dead was the heavy rubber case's button was slightly deformed and did not activate the phone to turn on. Took phone out of case and it works fine. Francis I have two of the Nokia Lumia 521. I bought them for $20 each and they are MetroPCS. It is Windows 8 and is 4G not 4G LTE. If you only use it as a phone then it is fine, but 512 MB of RAM for a "smartphone" is pain...
by go_mets
Wed Aug 12, 2020 10:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Struggling with Spending
Replies: 79
Views: 9589

Re: Struggling with Spending

I am planning on being better prepared for the next power outage.
That requires spending money. :D
by go_mets
Wed Aug 12, 2020 10:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Retiring this Friday. Now what?
Replies: 109
Views: 13146

Re: Retiring this Friday. Now what?

I am surprised that given the pandemic that you are not considering doing nothing for the next 6-12 months.
I personally am in no rush to go back to work at a job that would require me to be on-site.
I will be postponing my semi-annual dental exam next month.
Being around people indoors is something I try to avoid.
by go_mets
Sun Aug 09, 2020 10:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I purchase a whole house generator?
Replies: 321
Views: 24151

Re: Should I purchase a whole house generator?

I am tempted to buy the Jackery. Maybe if there is the next round of $1200 stimulus checks.
$1000 vs the $350 for the pure-sine-wave power inverter.

decisions decisions :happy
by go_mets
Sun Aug 09, 2020 9:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I purchase a whole house generator?
Replies: 321
Views: 24151

Re: Should I purchase a whole house generator?

That would work, but because it's an integrated system, you're paying a big premium for it. You could buy a Xantrex 1000 watt pure sine wave inverter for $300 (available on this site and many others), clamp it on to your vehicle's battery, then start the car, and you're good to go and for a lot longer than the Jackery will run. Granted, the Jackery has an integrated battery (one that you could buy of an equivalent size separately for about $120) and some other bells and whistles, but you may not need all of those, and you're still paying a premium for an integrated system. There are some other minor issues with it that I'll address in the next few days when I start a battery system thread. Excellent. Looking forward to your post. For me th...
by go_mets
Sun Aug 09, 2020 7:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I purchase a whole house generator?
Replies: 321
Views: 24151

Re: Should I purchase a whole house generator?

What do you think of something like this : https://www.jackery.com/products/explorer-1000-portable-power-station ? . That would work, but because it's an integrated system, you're paying a big premium for it. You could buy a Xantrex 1000 watt pure sine wave inverter for $300 (available on this site and many others), clamp it on to your vehicle's battery, then start the car, and you're good to go and for a lot longer than the Jackery will run. Granted, the Jackery has an integrated battery (one that you could buy of an equivalent size separately for about $120) and some other bells and whistles, but you may not need all of those, and you're still paying a premium for an integrated system. There are some other minor issues with it that I'll ...
by go_mets
Sun Aug 09, 2020 3:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I purchase a whole house generator?
Replies: 321
Views: 24151

Re: Should I purchase a whole house generator?

What do you think of something like this : https://www.jackery.com/products/explorer-1000-portable-power-station ? . That would work, but because it's an integrated system, you're paying a big premium for it. You could buy a Xantrex 1000 watt pure sine wave inverter for $300 (available on this site and many others), clamp it on to your vehicle's battery, then start the car, and you're good to go and for a lot longer than the Jackery will run. Granted, the Jackery has an integrated battery (one that you could buy of an equivalent size separately for about $120) and some other bells and whistles, but you may not need all of those, and you're still paying a premium for an integrated system. There are some other minor issues with it that I'll ...
by go_mets
Sun Aug 09, 2020 1:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I purchase a whole house generator?
Replies: 321
Views: 24151

Re: Should I purchase a whole house generator?

Most refrigerators today only draw 100-150 watts while running and maybe up to 500 watts when the compressor first starts but generally not even that much. My refrigerator is only 10 years old. I tried running it with a Duracell Inverter rated for 800 watts ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DZLLZY ) and I got the E03 error which means the refrigerator exceeded the inverter's capability. The inverter shut down. Granted I did not have my car engine running. Either the Duracell Inverter is wrong --- a review of their newer model claims it won't run a 600 watt peak air conditioner --- or the refrigerator draws more than 800 watts. . The problem there isn't the wattage of the refrigerator. It's because the Duracell inverter is a modified ...
by go_mets
Sun Aug 09, 2020 9:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I purchase a whole house generator?
Replies: 321
Views: 24151

Re: Should I purchase a whole house generator?

Most refrigerators today only draw 100-150 watts while running and maybe up to 500 watts when the compressor first starts but generally not even that much. My refrigerator is only 10 years old. I tried running it with a Duracell Inverter rated for 800 watts ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DZLLZY ) and I got the E03 error which means the refrigerator exceeded the inverter's capability. The inverter shut down. Granted I did not have my car engine running. Either the Duracell Inverter is wrong --- a review of their newer model claims it won't run a 600 watt peak air conditioner --- or the refrigerator draws more than 800 watts. I thinking about buying an inverter from Harbor Freight https://www.harborfreight.com/1500-watt-continuous30...
by go_mets
Sat Aug 08, 2020 7:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I purchase a whole house generator?
Replies: 321
Views: 24151

Re: Should I purchase a whole house generator?

willthrill81 wrote: Sat Aug 08, 2020 10:52 am While it's running, it will cool down your refrigerator and freezer, operate your air conditioner or furnace, water heater, stove/oven, etc. and recharging your battery system.
What is the current draw of your refrigerator+freezer? My GE Profile says it is 11.6A which is almost 1400 watts.
I have read that the startup surge means I need something that will provide 2x that or 2800 watts.
Is your Yamaha able to handle that surge?

Also, what battery system do you have?
Can explain more about this?

.
by go_mets
Sat Aug 08, 2020 6:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: tips for frozen food during power outage
Replies: 37
Views: 3241

Re: tips for frozen food during power outage

Mr.BB wrote: Sat Aug 08, 2020 5:25 pm
go_mets wrote: Sat Aug 08, 2020 5:03 pm
Mr.BB wrote: Sat Aug 08, 2020 4:58 pm We have a large ice cooler chest. At the height of the pandemic we decided to buy some extra frozen and refrigerated foods (milk, steak, chicken,etc). We kept that extra food in the cooler and bought a few bags of ice, worked great.
I am curious about this.
How big is the cooler chest?
How often did you open the cooler chest?
How often did you have to replace the ice bags?

.
31x14
A few times a week.
2x a week.
It was March so that help keep things cooler/longer. Probably used it for 2 weeks.
Thanks!
Sounds like your cooler is slightly bigger than the one I have.
Mine is 48 qts --- 26" x 14" x 14" outer dimensions.
by go_mets
Sat Aug 08, 2020 5:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: tips for frozen food during power outage
Replies: 37
Views: 3241

Re: tips for frozen food during power outage

Mr.BB wrote: Sat Aug 08, 2020 4:58 pm We have a large ice cooler chest. At the height of the pandemic we decided to buy some extra frozen and refrigerated foods (milk, steak, chicken,etc). We kept that extra food in the cooler and bought a few bags of ice, worked great.
I am curious about this.
How big is the cooler chest?
How often did you open the cooler chest?
How often did you have to replace the ice bags?

.
by go_mets
Sat Aug 08, 2020 4:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: tips for frozen food during power outage
Replies: 37
Views: 3241

tips for frozen food during power outage

According https://www.insider.com/how-to-keep-foo ... ge-2018-10
a full freezer will keep its temperature for 48 hours.

I have read suggestions to put containers of water into the freezer before impending storm and that the ice it forms will help the freezer maintain temperature.

Just wondering if folks here have any tips for surviving a "short" power outage of about 18-24 hours without a generator.
by go_mets
Wed Aug 05, 2020 9:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Speed up old computer
Replies: 64
Views: 4445

Re: Speed up old computer

Seasonal wrote: Wed Aug 05, 2020 2:56 pm
go_mets wrote: Wed Aug 05, 2020 2:49 pm OP,

I highly highly recommend the Orico 2.5" to 3.5" adapter.
https://www.orico.shop/en/orico-25-to-3 ... erter.html
What's the advantage of that over the simple metal bracket I've linked?
I wanted something that gave the 2.5" SSD the same exact form factor as a 3.5" traditional hard drive so that it would fit in the hard drive bracket for the Dell Optiplex 3020 SFF desktop PC.

.
by go_mets
Wed Aug 05, 2020 8:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I purchase a whole house generator?
Replies: 321
Views: 24151

Re: Should I purchase a whole house generator?

A 2000W inverter generator should be plenty to run a modern refrigerator with minimal noise compared to less expensive portable generators. These can be had for $500-1000 (The base model Champion on sale price at the low end, and a Honda at the high end). We lost power for about 20 hours because of Isias. I saw this inverter sold at Harbor Freight. Seems to get good reviews. https://www.harborfreight.com/2000-watt-continuous4000-watt-peak-modified-sine-wave-power-inverter-63429.html Your thoughts? There are larger capacity ones 3000/6000 and 5000/10000 ones as well. You understand that the HF unit is simply an inverter, and not a generator. It's designed to provide temporary and limited power from your car's charging system. Not appropriat...