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Everest power!
Apr 19, 2004 20: 05 EST
Published April 12, 04.
One of the biggest problems for expedition technology and communication is power. Most teams use a combination of generator and solar power to charge their batteries, which in turn powers the lights, laptops, sat phones, and a host of other electrical devices.
If you are going with a large or commercial team, often the expedition leader takes care of the equipment. If you’re not, you may find yourself scavenging in Kathmandu for a generator and some batteries as these components of your power setup are difficult to transport from home. Luckily, if you know where to go, both objects are relatively easy to find.
Buying in Kathmandu
As far as generators go, you can certainly buy one in the states, but lugging it to Kathmandu is a hassle and if the security people start prying, even an empty, but previously used gas tank might keep it from getting on a plane. We’ve even heard of airport folks not letting people get on the plane with camping stoves that have been previously used – something to do with the fumes or the residue of the gas.
Petrol or Kerosene?
There is a Honda dealer in Kathmandu that sells a variety of generators, small and large. When it comes to fuel, you’ve got two and a half choices, petrol, kerosene, or a combination of the two. Petrol is best and will both start and run better at altitude. Some of the generators have both, petrol to start the machine with, and then kerosene once it’s warmed up. Straight Petrol is the most hassle free as kerosene doesn’t always like to start in the cold or altitude.
Close to Thamel
The Honda store observes normal business hours and is just a short distance away from Thamel, the main touristy district. As you leave Thamel and are walking past the “Fire and Ice” restaurant, turn right at the intersection and halfway around the block is the dealer with knowledgeable sales people. If you let them know you are taking the generator to altitude they will even re-jet the carburetor for the correct fuel mixture. If you buy a used generator or one from the states, remember to get the carb re-jetted, or you’ll have a sore back from yanking the pull start over and over and over again.
AC/DC
Most of the generators there have both a 12 volt DC output for charging batteries as well as a 240 volt AC output. Be sure to bring or buy an adapter as some have a US style while others have a European style plug. If you decide on a huge generator, then you’ll need a heavy duty plug, not unlike what you see on larger washer and driers. Also, the most important thing to bring is a surge protector – countless laptops and electrics have been fried by generators sending spikes. A majority of your electrical devices like laptops and chargers can handle both 120 volt as well as 240 volt systems – but be sure to look at the device. Putting the 120 volt rated blow dryer in the 240 volt socket will give a nice light show and a destroyed blow dryer. Who needs a blow dryer in Base Camp anyways?
Big and small
The Honda EM 650Z is a good choice for a smaller expedition. It costs 39,000 rps, which translates to about 560 USD. It’s 22 kilos and has a rated AC output of 450 VA. The Honda EB 3000 is 921 USD. This one is rather large and weighs 62 kilos – its rated AC output is 2300 VA though – it’ll be able to power much more without blowing. These prices are haggle free, even the Russians weren’t able to get a better deal after spending two hours working on it! But, you are buying from an authorized dealer and getting a brand new product. Other cheaper deals are probably available in Kathmandu if you hunt, just be weary of older and worn generators – you’ll end up paying the price in Base Camp when you’re spending time figuring out why they won’t run.
Batteries
Surprisingly, there’s a host of companies in Kathmandu that can fit you out with batteries and solar systems. It’s is much cheaper, however, to buy most of the components like solar panels and inverters in the states or Europe, where you can find more options and a better deal. Batteries, however, it might be better to buy in Kathmandu as some airlines might hassle you, even if you have a battery that is technically allowed to fly. They are also extremely heavy and you might end up paying the same amount in excess baggage fees if you bring your own.
Dry, Gel, or Wet
You’ve got three choices, a Dry cell, Gel cell, or Wet cell. Of the three, the Wet cell is the only one you can’t take on a plane. Reason is because it’s got plugs on the top where you occasionally have to add water to the battery. Dry cells and Wet cells are the cheapest; however, they don’t do as well as the Gel cell in the cold. Not surprisingly, the Gel cell is also the most expensive, twice as much as the other two. A small, 12 volt, 30 Amp gel cell will run you 80 USD at Lotus Energy in Bhatbhateni, Kathmandu – also near Thamel. This battery is a decent size for tech, however, if you are powering lights and other stuff, a bigger 70 Amp battery might be better.
It’s just down the street of the big grocery store – any cab driver will know. Look in the phone book under ‘solar’ and you’ll find a host of different dealers where you can pick up batteries, panels, inverters, or even a charge controller if you’ve forgotten. Remember, you can’t just plug the battery into a solar panel or generator; you need a device called a charge controller to go in between.
It’s important to have tested and done the research about expedition power systems before getting to Base Camp or even Kathmandu. Not bringing a surge protector, spare fuses, or a charge controller can ruin everything.
ExplorersWeb image of Honda’s assortment of generators and Rita, the very helpful salesperson at the Honda store.
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