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We show a different way to wire the Solar Ammo Can to include a disconnect switch.
Apologies in advance for my microphone acting up.
In our original step-by-step build video ( • Build A Solar Ammo Can... ) we showed how to use the setup with the switch simply turning on and off the outputs, useful for things like being able to turn a 12V LED light on and off without unplugging it. In this video, we show an alternate way to wire the Solar Ammo Can to instead make this a main disconnect switch, connecting and disconnecting the solar charge controller.
Components used in this project are available at: www.amazon.com/shop/benjaminnelson
By popular demand, the laser-cut wood faceplates are available for sale at: 300mpg.org/shop/
Components used in this project include:
Ammo Can, 50 cal.
I really like the MTM brand. Nice boxes, made in the U.S.A. Available in multiple colors. Black and green are both classic, but you might want high visibility orange if you intend to use this as emergency equipment.
amzn.to/2FI8lFw
Sealed Lead Acid Battery, 15AH capacity.
I specifically chose a particular physical size, as it fits perfectly inside the MTM Ammo can. It's also a relatively small battery, which keeps the project weight to right around only ten pounds. I used a "Mighty Max" brand battery.
amzn.to/2FBmroN
20A Solar Charge Controller
I found a nice one which has some good safety features, low-voltage disconnect, and also includes a pair of USB ports built in.
amzn.to/2FAJyjo
Four In One Socket Panel
This is a device typically sold for trucks to add a 12V cigarette lighter outlet, USB ports, a voltmeter, and a switch to turn it all on and off. They are available in several shapes sizes and colors.
amzn.to/2FHxCj4
Banana Jacks
These are used as universal electrical inputs and outputs on the project. This project uses two pairs, but since I knew I'm be using more in the future, I bought a box of 10.
amzn.to/2FMDK9I
12 AWG stranded wire in both black and red
(From local hardware store)
Crimp on electrical terminals, spade and 1/4" ring terminal
Silicone adhesive or hot glue
Industrial type hook and loop fastener (Velcro)
amzn.to/2FMDK9I
Wire Nuts or Wago (Brand) Lever Lock Nuts.
amzn.to/2FBj15k
Fuse Holder and Fuse.
amzn.to/2FMLmJp
6-32 and 8-32 nuts, bolts, and washers
The project also features "accessory items" that simply plug in to the Solar Ammo Can to make it as useful as possible. To start with, we will want to be able to charge the battery.
Solar Panel - I already happened to own a solar panel perfect for this project, a 15 watt PV Solar panel. Any 12V nominal solar panel of about 10 to 20 watts is perfect for this project.
Here's one which looks affordable, and it about the right size and style for the project.
amzn.to/2DlkpHw
DC Power Adapter (Wall Charger)
Any DC wall power adapter of higher than 12V (13.2, 14.4, 18) and one amp will work fine.
I already had a 18V 1.3A power adapter handy.
Here's a similar adapter.
amzn.to/2FMUrBS
The other items I packed into the ammo can were for lighting and AC power.
USB Gooseneck Light
These small USB lights work great. They are very simple and durable. Fantastic for camping.
amzn.to/2GhvQTy
100 Watt AC Power Inverter.
This device converts DC power to AC power so that you can run typical household devices from a battery. A 100 watt version is very compact and inexpensive. I already had one, which I used for this project. Here is a similar version.
amzn.to/2FBjGDQ
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