Seminars, electric problem - Yr 1, Day 232

Arcadia, FL

Another day, another problem.  Actually, let me start off on a positive  note: we started the day with a community breakfast.  Another feast (we brought oranges and our veggie sausages), which was followed by 2 seminars -- continuation of the tanks, and then all about electrical systems (involving 120 volt AC vs. 12 volt DC and the various options regarding using them both).  We learned that the batteries are the heart & soul of the system and they must be well maintained and charged.  When boondocking (no hookups), you can get AC power by using the generator, which also charges the batteries.  We had been doing this just fine since we got here.

And then.... we came back from the seminars, turned the generator on, and discovered that we did not have any AC power.  Not good.  We are so blessed that this happened in a place where there are lots of folks who are able and more than happy to help (thank you Ron, Bill, Mark, Bob, Craig and Greg).  It took about 5 hours and taking everything apart to find and finally figure out what the problem was - which is a bad transfer switch (the purpose of which is to transfer between AC and DC).  The part is relatively easy to find but we need a professional to help install it.  We called a recommended tech, but he can't come out until next week some time (rally is over on Sunday).  Greg Young is the professional electrician who is installing solar systems here at the rally (the one who was able to diagnose the problem) and suggested that if we order the part, he will take time out of his busy schedule and install it for us.  Meanwhile, while they had all the walls taken apart in the basement with everything exposed, some wet wood, a little puddle and a bad odor was also discovered - most likely a small leak in the gray tank (while I'm writing this, I just learned that Mitch is also adding his own post to my blog.  I'm sure his details will be a lot more accurate).  The end result is that Greg did some bypassing of the system and was able to get us AC power while using the generator.  However, we will not be able to use AC power if plugged into shore power, so this really does need to get fixed quickly.  Not sure what we're going to do about the tank leak yet (anyone here want to help??)

In the evening, there was another huge feast - pot luck dinner.  So many great cooks here! (I made a vegetable pasta dish, but I don't think anyone could beat Kelly's mac & cheese.  Kelly: don't forget to give me the recipe!)  As it turned dusk then dark, we had 3 nice campfires going and more camaraderie.