Sunforce 60032 30 Amp Digital Charge Controller
From Sunforce
Product Description
Digital controller links solar panels together and prevents 12V batteries from overcharge and discharge. Unit reduces overall system maintenance and prolongs battery life.
You gotta have these. I don't care if you're a clean-energy enthusiast or you're up to your neck in mutants and zombies. You can't efficiently run a solar or wind power operation without one. I recommend one charge controller per battery, and as many solar cells as it takes to use the whole 30 amp capacity. Then your batteries will charge faster. I'm sure there's plenty of other ways to do it, but I would just use charge indicators and swap out the batteries in my system. That way I would be able to quickly charge each battery and then just store the charged batteries.
Sunforce 60032 30 Amp Digital Charge Controller
M561 Gama Goat
It would be cool to get one of these military surplus. Super good for a post-apocalyptic setting. $8000 bucks new (at the time). From Wikipedia:
Gama Goat
The Gama Goat was a six-wheel-drive semi-amphibious off-road vehicle originally developed for use by the US Military for the American War in Vietnam. It was famous for an articulated body, which allowed it to travel over exceptionally rough terrain and for a unique four wheel steering arrangement with the front and rear wheels turning in opposite directions.
The nickname came from two sources, "Gama" from the name of the inventor of its powered articulated joint, Roger Gamount, and "Goat" for its mountain goat-like off-road ability. Its military designation was M561, 6x6 tactical 1.5 ton truck. There was also an ambulance version known as the M792.
It was 226.6 in (5.76 m) long, had a curb weight of 7,300 lb (3,300 kg) and a payload capacity of 2,900 lb (1,300 kg) and was powered by a Detroit Diesel #3-53 three cylinder, two stroke engine that produced 103 hp (77 kW) at 2,800 rpm with a 159.3 in³ (2,610 cc) displacement. It could travel at 55 mph (90 km/h) on paved surfaces and traverse almost any terrain. It was designed to be air-transportable and droppable by parachute.
While technically listed as amphibious, the swimming capability was limited to smooth water crossings of ponds, canals and streams due to low freeboard and the lack of a propeller. Propulsion in the water was supplied by the six spinning wheels. Bilge pumps were standard equipment. Some models had extra equipment installed which made them non-swimmable, such as heavy-duty winches or radar gear.
The concept for the vehicle came when the French Army reported that the US Army trucks provided to them were woefully inadequate for the terrain in Vietnam. In 1959, ARPA funded a research project called Project Agile to develop a new tactical truck for the Southeast Asia theatre, as well as other projects of interest to the then looming Vietnam War.
Several companies bid for the contract including Clark, General Motors and LeTourneau, but the contract was given to Ling Temco Vought (LTV)aerospace, best known for their A-7 Corsair II aircraft. Final construction was by Consolidated Diesel Electric Company (CONDEC) at their factory in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Overall, some 15,274 Gama Goats were built at a cost of $8,000 each. This was considered quite high at the time, and while the Gama Goat had exceptional off road ability its quirky steering made it hard to handle on pavement combined with its tendency to founder in amphibious operations meant it required special training to operate. This meant it could not be the "general purpose" vehicle the Army had hoped for, and production was halted after the original contract expired. This is somewhat ironic, as some claim the problems were largely due to cost-cutting modifications made at the request of the U.S. Army. The Gama Goat came with a warning that hearing protection was mandatory during use. The 'goat is prized among military vehicle collectors because it is so unique and in short supply.
The vehicle was replaced by the CUCV and HMMWV, or HummVee, which are still in service.
(Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gama_Goat)
US Tape 69110 Truckman Fire Axe
US Tape 69110 Truckman Fire Axe
This is the best axe for a zombie situation. Not only can it be used in self defense, it's perfect for getting in and out of abandoned buildings. I would use mine to punch a hole in the ceiling of my house after thoroughly barricading (preferably with a nail gun and generator setup).
Xantrex Technologies XPower Powerpack 1,500-Watt Portable Backup Power System
Xantrex Technologies XPower Powerpack 1,500-Watt Portable Backup Power System #802-1500
If you're lucky enough to have a solar power system (I'll post some stuff for that later), you'll need energy storage options. This 1500w backup power source is the perfect thing. A few of these, with some solar panels, could keep all your essential appliances running when the power goes out.
PowerMax 3500 Watt Portable Electric Gas Powered RV Camping Generator w/ 6.5HP Engine EZ Start
PowerMax 3500 Watt Portable Electric Gas Powered RV Camping Generator w/ 6.5HP Engine EZ Start
A portable gas generator will be crucial for surviving a zombie outbreak. Ideally only used for emergencies, the generator can make sure your power tools work when you need to barricade your house in a hurry. I chose the most affordable, most highly rated generator on Amazon. I haven't used it myself, but at this price I'd buy 2.