Hello,
We are going to be doing Howard Alan's new Spring Shadyside show in Pittsburgh next weekend. It's an outdoor show, hours are till 8 or 9 p.m., and they recommend that exhibitors bring lighting.
Does anyone have any experience with power sources for electricity at outdoor shows? We've heard that a marine battery can be used, but that we'll need some kind of converter so we can plug our lights into it. Also a charger.
Any input would be very helpful!! Thanks!!
~Emily
Replies
OK guys. You want cutting edge?
How about a solar panel attached to a generator for unlimited power?
Hook it up to some low wattage lights and off you go! Place the solar panel behind your booth and you have power.
It's not cheap, but you'll always have power not only at shows, but for emergencies too.
www.mysolarbackup.com
you will need atleast three marine batteries- each one lasts approx three hours..(batteries plus or Walmart sells them, or auto parts store) an inverter, and chargers to charge each battery overnight for the next day....each battery is about $80...it is a real pain- so we have a generator too which is much easier...the batteries are VERY heavy...Patti
Any advice regarding recharging 3 batteries, overnights, for a 4 day show? I don't mind the weight cuz it's windy there anyways and I'll just use them as weights. I can't bring a generator, but need power for Jazz Fest. Thanks.
Andy Pollack
Hi Emily- we use a xantrax powerpack 1500.....it is a bit more expensive than marine batteries but it's all one unit. It weighs about 65 lbs and is on wheels. We found it on line last year for $500 including shipping. It's all built in one with the inverter battery and all. The other expense is that for outdoor shows we have to use LED lights to get the most life out of the battery. We can burn 8 LED lights 3-4 watts, a credit card machine and sometimes Linda has a video running, showing how her work is made. We typically get 7-8 hours and we recharge it over night in our hotel room. We use it at almost every show and we use the same light system for indoor shows, except we switch back to halogen lights and don't use the power source.
Geoff Coe said:
Heading out to a show so this reply will be quick (you may have gotten your questions of me answered by others): The marine battery is light enough for almost anyone to carry. Generators are quite heavy.
I don't recall Honda capacity, but I have a 5 gallon gas can that I fill at a gas station when I arrive at a show, and that gets me through 2 days with a little left over. As Larry mentions, you should always have gas and a quart of oil with you if you're going to run one. (You'll also need a long extension cord, a power strip (if you're running >2 outlets) and runners (rubber mats that will cover the cord so no one steps on it and trips). So it's a chore.
Walter Klein said:
Thanks for the info. I agree that sometimes even at outdoor shows lights can be helpful. Once we nail down how we are going to light this show, we'll probably take the lights to a number of outdoor shows!
Dave Hinde said:
Larry Berman said:
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