In a message dated 08/05/01, CapAAVSO@....... writes:

> I like your idea and plan on eventually building a similar backup system. 
> What I would like to know is how can I go about eliminating the 12V DC/120V 
> AC inverter in your system. Since the computer ultimately runs on DC power, 
> how can I just run it from the 12V batteries? 

Hi there Cap,

       You can. You will need +5, -5, +12, -12 and maybe other voltages, some 
at several amps. Building your own PSU is quite a task. However, Keypower 
sell complete battery PSUs for 12, 24 & 48 V, see 
http://www.keypower.com/dcdc.htm

       The next question is what supplies does your VDU use? A good quality 
'sine wave' 120 V inverter could be your most satisfactory choice.

> Also another question, does anybody know how I can clean the carburetor on 
> my 
> Honda generator. I left gas in it for too many months and now it won't 
> start. 
> I took the carburetor apart and blew it out with air but it still won't 
> start. How can I get it running again?

       Probably with some difficulty! The inside gets coated with brown gunge 
and the jets tend to block up. You can clean out the carb with Brush Clean 
Fluid / Methylene Chloride, but do wear PVC gloves. Remove any rubber 
components first. You may have to get some really fine stiff wire. Do you 
have any 'prickers' for kerosene stoves / old vapourisers? However, before 
you do this, have you checked the gap on your spark plug and that it does 
have an energetic spark when you pull the starter cord? If the engine does 
have a contact breaker, oxidised contacts over winter are a likely problem 
(some engines don't use them). Cleaning with a 'points file' is satisfactory, 
if you can get at the points. You sometimes have to take the flywheel off to 
get at them... Gives the service agencies something to do. 

       Regards,

       Chris Chapman


In a message dated 08/05/01, CapAAVSO@....... writes:



I like
 your idea and plan on eventually building a similar backup system. 

What I would like to know is how can I go about eliminating the 12V DC/120V 

AC inverter in your system. Since the computer ultimately runs on DC power, 

how can I just run it from the 12V batteries? 




Hi there Cap,



       You can.
 You will need +5, -5, +12, -12 and maybe other voltages, some 

at several amps. Building your own PSU is quite a task. However, Keypower 

sell complete battery PSUs for 12, 24 & 48 V, see 

http://www.keypower.com/dcdc.htm



       The next question is what supplies does your VDU use? A good quality 

'sine wave' 120 V inverter could be your most satisfactory choice.



Also another question, does anybody know how I can clea
n the carburetor on 

my 

Honda generator. I left gas in it for too many months and now it won't 

start. 

I took the carburetor apart and blew it out with air but it still won't 

start. How can I get it running again?



       Probably
 with some difficulty! The inside gets coated with brown gunge 

and the jets tend to block up. You can clean out the carb with Brush Clean 

Fluid / Methylene Chloride, but do wear PVC gloves. Remove any rubber 

components first. You may have to get some really fine stiff wire. Do you 

have any 'prickers' for kerosene stoves / old vapourisers? However, before 

you do this, have you checked the gap on your spark plug and that it does 

have an energetic spark when you pull the starter cord? If the engine does 

have a contact breaker, oxidised contacts over winter are a likely problem 

(some engines don't use them). Cleaning with a 'points file' is satisfactory, 

if you can get at the points. You sometimes have to take the flywheel off to 

get at them... Gives the service agencies something to do. 



       Regards,



       Chris Chapman