High Tech Survival
In this high-tech age, it seems people often lack the most basic survival gear, but yet they have a “smart” phone, wi-fi and many different gadgets. What if they were stranded out in the woods with only a solar generator or portable power station? Could they start a simple campfire to keep from freezing to death?
This question has been in the back of my mind for some time now, so I decided to satisfy the curiosity. One of the easiest methods is to scrounge up a piece of scrap wire or nichrome from an old car or junk pile, then short that out on the DC-12v output of the solar generator. Using the AC output this way risks blowing up the inverter output and electrocution – but it could also be used as a last resort.
Satisfying a Curiosity
I set up a simple test in a metal pan. The supplied 12v power cord that came with the solar generator was chopped off to expose 2 bare wires. I used some clips to connect a piece of scrap nichrome wire.
At the time, it was raining and rH was over 80%. I tried to use fairly dry tissue paper to start the fire. To be honest, I found it harder to start the fire than I thought.
I managed to do this test without damaging the solar generator 12v output. That was my main concern.
Solar Generators as Survival Tools
Solar generators are actually a great survival instrument, if you understand how to leverage them. I think the fusion of low tech
and high tech skills can be a great survival asset. Believe it or not, using the potential heat from a battery in a cold environment to warm up your body by pre-heating food before consuming it can extend your survival time. Not only that, a small heating pad could be used to help keep hands and feet from freezing.
If you’re curious about this stuff like I am, below is a short video about the fire starting test. Plus some of my thoughts on using a solar generator to pre-heat food in a survival scenario. It’s Food For Thought.
Thanks for reading! -Dave, SPE
PS: the solar generator in this video is the VTOMAN Jump 1800. I gave this thing a real test some months ago – also posted below if you’re interested.
My VTOMAN Jump 1800 Hardcore Stress Test!!
Solar Thoughts blog 