Dead In The Water | DIY Off-Grid House Build

[@herbrotter]

Once you get dried in and before you install any insulation or windows you should spray the complete interior with a mold and mildew cleaner to properly kill and prevent any occurrence of with the rain you had. It is noted that a small amount of fungus can live for nice period of time and once you dried in without a treatment, something will pop up in a period of time. Keep striving to the finish line.

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Thanks for the tip!

[@doylelindsey3706]

Tip for fox 223lead nuggets

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Gotta be able to see it to feed it lead nuggets 😄

[@MatthewYBarbo]

Always enjoy catching up on your content and seeing the progress on your build. Glad we were able to get you some replacement inverters and hope they're working out perfectly for you!

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Hey Matt, with all the delays from Hurricanes, sickness, and my Dad passing away we haven't even had a chance to install them yet! We will have a chance to install the batteries soon, and once we officially move out of the RV, we will have time to swap out the inverters. The good news is the County had no issues with ouroff-grid setup and we are going to be able to use it to fully power our whole house without being connected to the grid!

[@glennreach6930]

Thats quite the swimming pool.....eerrrrr.....I mean House you are building. That is quite the family you have there. The two of you must be very proud of your little helper bees.

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

We sure are, thanks for joining us 😊

[@SueWhitney-y4w]

Livestock Guardian Dog for the fox.You need one specifically who has been brought up with chickens. The dogs live with the chickens 24/7. Will protect your family too!

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

We've been holding off on getting a dog...but it might be time. Any suggestions on breeds that are very good with kids as well as animals?

[@jennyyates329]

​@@DIYorDIE_Off-Gridgreat Pyrenees are great gaurd dog and pets but any dog thats been with animals and kids would help keep the fox away

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

We know a few people with great Pyrenees and have heard good things, but to be prepared for them to bark all night 😆

[@SueWhitney-y4w]

@@DIYorDIE_Off-Gridi have 6 Maremmas. They are great with kids as are most LGD's.. We have 50 wooded acres and bear, coyote, cougar and everything below that they keep them away by their bark. They are with goats, sheep chickens and barn cats. Never had a loss since we got them.

[@daddio7249]

For prepping two is one and one is none. Like you I had two 6500EX's and I have a 240v deep well pump. So three months ago I took advantage of Signature Solar's upgrade program, 50% off two 6000XPs when I returned my 6500EXs. I wired them in to the same place as the 6500EXs just replacing the 6 gauge hot with two 8 gauge hots because 6000XPs make 120/240v internaly. Now if one does go out I will still have 240 for my pump. My wife shuts up our hens at night but one night a raccoon found a small crack to force its way in. Only lost one hen. I had bought a solar powered fence charger and electric netting to keep the raccoons out of my corn. The corn is done so I ran the netting around the coop. We let them free range all day and they put themselves to bed when it gets dark. My wife did inadvertently test the fence and assures me it works. She turns it off and makes an opening for them in the morning.

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

That's awesome to hear your experience was good with the 6000XPs! We've already decided to do the same thing and upgrade the system. It just makes sense with the XPs being able to do 120/240. That way the inverters are truly redundant, and not dependant. We will keep y'all updated and let you know how it works out. We have a moveable electric net fence for the chickens too. We only have problems when the birds don't make it back in at night or the fence gets knocked over somehow, or accidently doesn't get closed up all the way.

[@sonnysurles]

@@DIYorDIE_Off-GridI also took advantage of the SS offer and replaced our 6500 for the 6000XPs. Working great! Recommend that move. Lot of info via WiFi and updates much easier. I’m hoping to do something with the rapid shutdown capability. Haven’t figured that out yet.

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

@@sonnysurles thanks for sharing your experience! We are planning to do the same and 1 for 1 swap to the 6000XP inverters. Glad to hear that they are working well for you so far! I've heard lots of good things about the 6000XPs. I personally think the 6500EX were released too soon without enough testing...there were just way too many issues, and not having standalone 120/240 just isn't super useful...

[@CrustyAbsconder]

You guys are awesome. Too bad you couldn't have rigged some kind of rain-diversion system before the storm

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Widening the drainage holes helped a lot!

[@billelsener6192]

Today,8/11/24, our pastor from Regeneration Nashville, preached a message on sometimes when we ask God for bread He gives us a stone or rock to develop/point out something we don’t see. Look for what you’re not seeing that God wants you to see/do. It will greatly benefit you and give God the glory. May God continue to bless y’all and direct you foot steps. 🙏

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Thanks Bill, we definitely see these experiences as blessings in disguise. For one, we have decided to upgraded our solar power system for the future to mitigate issues with an inverter going down. When life gives you lemons, make lemon juice, right?

[@matthewnasci2646]

Lead immunization for the fox.

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

That would work, if we could see him!

[@FlipandTheBlueMule]

Putting 10:27 a plug "IN LINE" Is always a great Idea for the well and the HVAC Systems

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Yes, that is a great idea and it is on my list of never ending things to do 😄

[@lakesideof.grateful]

Hate to say it, but your going to have to let them free range but inside a fenced in area for their protecting or get a Guarding livestock dog ! Best of luck getting that roof on !!

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Thanks for the tips!

[@Vinny-i8o]

Hello my friends 🙂

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Hey, thanks for joining us 😊

[@AnnCarolGrant]

Sorry you are having inverter issues. Would you be able to add a hand pump for your current well or add a shallow sand point well to ensure access to water for your family? You really need a back up for your back up since it requires ⛽️ that may soon be hard to come by. Praying for you and your family.

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

We would love to have a shallow well hand pump, that is on the list of never ending things to do around the homestead 😅 in fact, Justin thinks it would be cool to have one cone up through the bottom of the house into the kitchen

[@andrewpowellnz]

Keep up that good work despite the weather & other problems.

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Andrew, thanks for joining us for this week's update ❤️ we will keep forging onwards with the build! Once we get this solar power fixed more roof progress!

[@danielking6266]

Fox: pew pew

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

👍

[@castortroy4502]

This is why I always, always, always build the shell and dry it in before putting in the decking and interior walls on pier built, cabins, sheds, garages, homes ect

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

🫡 get the roof on as quickly as possible

[@lchimenz]

Maybe a 22 caliber rifle

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

If we can ever see it in person 😅

[@joeclark9042]

Okay bro I know I'm a little late watching this but here's the deal on that fox put a cap in it don't mess around with it cuz if you don't it's going to keep on and keep on and keep on coming back bro make it so that it don't see the day light of next week

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

That would work if we could see it, but it only comes out at night between the hours of 2-4am generally 😅

[@joeclark9042]

@@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid OH OK

[@stormcrow1112]

We have the exact inverters (x2) brand new in the box still. Our solar panels are supposed to be delivered today but... FedEx seems to have dropped the ball again. I think no matter what inverters you decide to purchase they will always be sunsetted. There will be newer better models always coming out.

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Have you had time to install your system yet? How are things working out?

[@stormcrow1112]

@@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid my friend, as you well know building a homestead is a LOT of hard work. I just got my forestry head for my excavator (to clear out where the solar panels are going to be) but we had to get our driveway in so we weren't driving through mud and water puddles to get back in here. We hauled ourselves 40 tons of stone in Thursday and Friday with our dump trailer. Yesterday, today and Monday we are putting in the wiring for the barn. Then I'll get back to getting the solar panel area cleared (thick brush and pines)..... Then I'll get to setting up the power house for the Eg4 6500ex's and the two racks of batteries. I hope you faired well with Helene. 🙏🏻

[@thaddeustroyer]

You can save yourself some trouble of rewiring your well pump each time you have to use the genny by installing a 2 in 1 out switch with a generator plug box. Tbat way you move your switch over when power is out and plug in the generator. Never rewire again. Sorry for the inverter problems, i have the same inverter and so far... no problems. Might wanna think about having a spare (backup) inverter for swapping, so there is little downtime whilst said inverter is getting fixed or replaced. "2 is 1 and 1 is none"... in some circles. You two will get it worked put soon though, yall are dojng great.

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Hey Thaddeus, thanks for joining us this week! Glad to hear from someone else that uses the Ezg4 6500EX 😄 we are discussing with Signature Solar the option to upgrade to the newer 6000XP models. Each unit can put out 240V, so they would actually provide redundancy if one goes down.

[@thaddeustroyer]

@DIY_or_DIE that sounds like a great plan and a single inverter that will do 240 is a nice option but if you only get the one replacement a s run everything off it then you are limited to 6000 watts unless you are able to link the new inverter and the 6500 together for the extra wattage. Keep us informed, I would love to hear how it all shakes out for you.

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Since I have the two 6500EX they would replace the pair with two of the 6000XP models, so it would be a 1 for 1 swap and I'd have the same power output with the two 6500, except if one goes down I still have the 240V

[@thaddeustroyer]

@DIY_or_DIE OH! Sweet! I didn't think they would do that. That's a great option and yes! 240, just reduced power output. Very manageable.

[@seymur_Məstiyev]

🖐 Hello how are you 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Hello, thanks for joining us 😊

[@seymur_Məstiyev]

Where are you from

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

We are in southeast Georgia

[@seymur_Məstiyev]

What country are you from

[@eddieandjulieklysz458]

The house is looking good 👍 from Australia.

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Thanks for joining us 😊

[@richardc3208]

Nice update, sorry for the inverter failure. I hear the 6000xp are nice and glad SS is going to work with y'all or make it right.

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Thanks for joining us! I've heard good things about the 6000XP as well. Will definitely keep y'all posted on how it works out.

[@loucinci3922]

Enjoyed the video. Thanks for sharing

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Thanks for checking in this week, Lou!

[@williamhill9432]

I think you’d better put up some type of fencing in order to keep the fox out. Secondly I’d put out a trail cam and find out the fox’s habits and patterns; then take him out permanently.

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Taking him out permanently is the goal!

[@lilliedavis3102]

Love your channel

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Thanks for joining us 😊

[@kennethalmond8922]

I run an off-grid solar system but built it 7 years ago so I have individual components - Midnite Classic charge controllers are independent of the DC -> AC Inverters. After 25,000hrs (~5yrs) my 12,000w AIMS Inverter died and AIMS couldn't get me replacement parts. I bought a replacement SGP 12,000w inverter and was eventually able to get the AIMS control board fixed so now I have a backup I can deploy within hours. Suggest thinking about a backup plan - maybe a simple (dumb) XXXXw (whatever the water pump needs) 240v/120v inverter wired from batteries to a breaker on you're distribution panel that's normally OFF. Add breakers for option to disable AC output on wall units. This would let you enable the backup inverter -> distribution panel, turn off AC from remaining wall unit but continue using it for PV -> battery while you resolve the situation. Regardless of the implementation, the main point I'm making is that you might think about a backup of some kind - I found it useful in my situation. :)

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Hey there, that is so cool to hear you've been using your system for so long! Totally agree with you about the redundancy. That is the main downside with the 6509EX model and pretty sure why EG4 discontinued it. We are discussing with Signature Solar the option to upgrade to the newer 6000XP model. Each unit can output 240V, so if one goes down the other would actually be able to power everything, albeit half capacity. If we needed more they are easily stackable in parallel.

[@Robertbush-s7t]

It's a good thing you put the sealant on the floors Smart

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

We have never regretted the extra time and steps that took. Well worth it.

[@loucinci3922]

Pesky chicken eating fox. Hope you make a fox hat for momma soon.

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

We just want it to stop eating our chickens 😅

[@margarita8442]

would have gone for a solark or victron

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Both great options! I really like some of the victron system designs I've seen. That being said, I have enjoyed the EG4 line as well! We will see how the newer 6000XPs work once we upgrade.

[@margarita8442]

If u living there full time EG4 wont cut the mustard - go victron they make an all in one now -- mppt- inverter-charger

[@margarita8442]

go the victron quatro

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Maybe victron will send me one for free 😄 but EG4 has already agreed to replace our 6500EX for the 6000XP for free, so we are going to give those a try.

[@margarita8442]

@@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid buy once cry once

[@JR-xw5dk]

With the inverter you may want to ask if you can upgrade to the 6000 xp I think that is it. It is black with solar disconnect and breakers for the AC. It also has 240v by it self.

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Yessir, that is the plan, we will keep yall updated on how it works out!

[@connyscheringa6106]

✌💗💗🤗

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

😊

[@josephgarrett523]

I think there are a lot of us who would like to know more about your back ground and how you ended up where you are now.

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Check out our Playlist, especially our video for Top 5 reasons we are living off the grid. What things specifically would you like to know about?

[@youtubetv5762]

Great job guys

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Thanks for joining us!

[@ShadowMoonFarms]

Thanks for sharing

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Thanks for joining us 😊

[@RickMatheny-yi4pg]

So glad to see that you have dried out,just wasn't sure where you were but TS Debby sure dropped a lot of water. Yes,foxes love chickens and ducks so they will go to extreme to get them. Sorry about your electric issue but you have it under control. As a farmer you have to be prepared for just about anything. I am sure you will figure this out. God bless your family.

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Hey Rick, thanks for checking in this week! We are blessed to be on high ground, so once we get the house dried in we won't have to worry about water any more 😅 God is good and sometimes answers prayers in the most unlikely of ways. We will be upgrading our solar power system in the near future 😀

[@gabrielstern4992]

If you are going to upgrade your inverters I would go with a, solark 15 k model or the eg4 18k and I think with the solark which would be my first choice and the eg4 18k you wouid only need one inverter instead of 2 as one is capable of puting our 240v and you can even set it where your generator acts as the utility back up power. My other suggestion is you add a emf emp surge protector to the system to protect it from thunder and lightning. And make sure it's military grade. Good luck.

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Hey Gabriel, thanks for joining us and for the recommendations! Do you have a solar power system yourself? Just curious what others are using. We are already discussing with Signature Solar the option to upgrade the 6500EX to the 6000XP models. I think the 18KPV looks great, but I'd rather have 2 units in case one goes down.

[@gabrielstern4992]

Understand with 2 units but you could do 2 18k ep4s if you like or 2 15k Solarks me I don't personally have solar but I am looking into it but my older brother does and sells solar systems in California. Also for some more sugestions you need to insulate well the whole house and you may want to consider polyiso on the outside of your sheathing before you do your siding. As that will help keep the house cooler in hot months and keep home warmer during cooler months and finally I suggest if you are looking for an hvac guy to do your ductwork unless you are going to diy which I don't sugest is to look at hvac guys channel Curtis and he is in Georgia as he sells gree flex microinverter heat pump systems that work very well with solar trust me when I can afford it and get out of my condo I would love to have land or buy a home and do my own diy solar my way and tell my local utility company to go screw themselves. And trust me peco in my area in the state of Pennsylvania is very crooked with their meters. As they are rigged up to over bill. Anyway another future upgrade you may want to consider is adding wind turbines that's why I suggest 2 18k eg4s or 2 solark 15 ks for your inverter upgrades so you can add wind turbines and not have to use that gas generator so much. Good luck. ​@@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid

[@TheKiloG69]

Sorry to hear all you trouble. Perhaps you should consider getting some non computer-controlled low frequency large transformer type inverters. My twin magnasine 4448PAE Inverters have been Bullet proof for 6 years. Best.

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Glad to hear your system is running well! Thanks for the recommendation! Looks like we will be upgrading to the new EG4 6000XP models. Since they each can output 240v, it will provide more redundancy if one goes down.

[@JohnnyBeeryJr.-ru1ft]

Fox, if you're free ranging your 🐔 then nothing, but Dead 🐔 It's the foxes area, most are protected, you need to foxproof secure your chicken coup for night and create wire fenced area and get the right dog during day

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Thanks for the tips! What kind of dog would you recommend that is both good with animals and also children?

[@JohnnyBeeryJr.-ru1ft]

@DIY_or_DIE for area and livestock and young children, if it was me, Border Collie , but the Best choice for chicken 🐔 would be an Anatolian Shepherd, ONLY buy Border Collies from reputable breeder as some have genetic issues,

[@JohnnyBeeryJr.-ru1ft]

@DIY_or_DIE also, to keep free range elements legally, you can have a modified dog run , green house kit or enclosure thru wayfair or Etsy, it can have a solid roof but 3 walls must be open to elements to keep free range status if for resale

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

What kind of genetic issues??? Can they be aggressive?

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Huh, that is interesting. Where is the legal definition of free range specified???

[@paulharbron5235]

Hey folks, thanks for this week's update. Your joint intro is a nice touch for the video! Sorry to hear about your problems this week, sure you'll get them sorted. At least it sounds like the company is standing by their product and dealing with the fault. It could have been way worse, at least you can still run your AC etc for the RV to stay comfortable. Quick right in terms of your redundancies, 2 is 1 and 1 is 0. Has the downpour and pooling caused any issues as yet with warping at all? Stay safe (including the chickens!)

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Hey Paul, glad you enjoyed the intro and thanks for checking in this week 😊 you are right, we are blessed to still have AC, lights and some appliances for sure! Would have been much worse if both went down...no issues with warping yet, and God willing we will get this roof finished soon 😄

[@josephmiller6866]

I have on camera a Opposum killing a dove on our front porch. Also friend in the country said they were killing his chickens. Could be both the fox and Opposum

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

It could be! We had a possum take out some of our chicks last year. I can't credit that possum with taking out the rooster, though!

[@sciglassblower]

Chickens and ducks are a huge investment & should be in a predator proof Coop & Run. Metal Roof, 1/2" x 1" welded wire wrap on outside of Run and area below Coop in ground 6" or more. Why such small opening rather than chicken wire? Because many have had Owls and other predators grab the chickens head when they stick it out. To free range you need predator proof fencing. We did 2' tall of rattle snake deterrent fencing on bottom, hog tied 4' of 2"x2" welded wire, then made double forked barb wire on top. We did 7' Tposts with home made 1 5/8" galv chain link tubing approx 6" long with the arms welded on. Looks like a prison compound lol, but No Coyotes, Fox, Cows, Bobcat, etc. Our chickens, cats etc are safe. We did 2 1/2 Acres for about $10,000 in materials.

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Wow, that is amazing what y'all have done to keep your animals safe! We have a moveable electric net fencing, and that has worked fine, as long as the chickens are inside the net and it doesn't get knocked over somehow. If a bird doesn't make it back inside the fence at night that is when we have problems with the fox.

[@Robertbush-s7t]

Det SS to upgrade you to the 18K

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Already in the works 🫡 I think getting 2 6000XPs will be better for our situation. Do you have an 18K?

[@InPursuit360]

Is the massive "Thunderstorm" you are talking about really the Tropical Storm named Debby? I think the campground you stayed at when you came from Illinois is the same camp ground I am staying in now. I have been looking into creating a "community homestead" on about 10 acres with 10 RV sites, would you be willing to PM what county allowed a variance to live in the RV for what will be 2 years while you build? Thanks

[@stevematthias8438]

I had same inverters, and same type of problem, and then tried one of their bigger inverter and it failed too.

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Oh no! What happened? Seeing as we are planning to upgrade, would love to hear more about your situation!

[@joeclark9042]

I think you did a very good job girlie and you know what we would really love to see more of you on there too you help with the show or the video so try to show yourself more often we know your Prego we want to see you we want to see you grow so get your little booty back out there

[@Anthonyshmanthony]

Wow the main builder guy is really hot 😮 🔥

[@mortenmyhrmoen7592]

🇳🇴👍👍🥇

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

❤️

[@margarita8442]

I started looking up the F90 error and found a few threads talking about it here. It has to do with cloned inverters that is using software that it isn't authorized to use. Apparently it's sort of a software time bomb, where it doesn't affect the units until after 1440 hours (60 days). But the thing is, my EG4 is not cloned. It came directly from Signature Solar. For whatever reason, the serial number that is embedded into the unit was not correct and it triggered the software time bomb to fail after 60 days.

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

I think we found the same thread! Unfortunately, EG4 is no longer providing a fix for that issue, so they deemed the unit defective and are sending a replacement.

[@margarita8442]

@@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid ok darlinks- kiss

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

🧡

[@williamfreeh1198]

i doubt that you will catch the fox in a live trap. a fox is too smart and wary to go near it. i agree with building a predator proof coop and run.

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

He's smart alright.

[@daddio7249]

@@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid Watched a video of a man showing the best way to trap a preditor. His chickens were in a coop, he just made a hole in the wall and wired the trap into the hole. Mr. Predator pokes around and thinks he found a good way to get in, all he gets is trapped. With no actual bait only a large predator looking for a chicken dinner will try to get in.

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Haha, he is literally using the chickens as bait! Sounds kind of genius though.

[@keithcox255]

For one thing, your fox trap is too small. And you need to get your scent off the trap. He smells you a long way off. Use chicken wire on ground, sides and top and put your chickens up at night.

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Yeah, we probably need a bigger trap!

[@AandHAutomationllc]

get a VFD

[@theslawek]

Would you really die if you didn't DIY your roof? :)

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Who knows, but I don't want to find out! How is your homestead coming along?

[@doylelindsey3706]

V

[@ervintaylor6508]

5.56 lead nuggets .22 lead nuggets 12g lead nuggets all will work it's killing your families food

[@DIYorDIE_Off-Grid]

Tricky part is gotta be able to see it to feed it lead nuggets 😄