PAL is an acronym for "Power and
Loan". The Eoto Portable Port PAL charging station which has so
many accessory and configuration options, is barely a standard
machine. What it is expected to standardize are the expectations
of service of those who see it, and what others will come to expect
from Port PAL owners and Eoto-Co-op members.
Portable Port PAL
* Roll out in the sun for free 3 amp trickle charge for each of two
separate 12 volt DC batteries. Set the rooftop solar panels to
tilt for maximum
sun and park your small equipment or stack your batteries
underneath. The Portable Port PAL is made of heavy aluminum with
stainless steel fasteners for years of clean and nice looking mount for
the sign which indicates that you are a Co-op member. Your
personal Eoto-Co-op member email address is prominently displayed in
large letters on two sides.
* Portable Port PAL comes with it's own wheels for easy movement to
garage (or even into the apartment - overall assembled dimensions are
6'5"high x 2'4"wide x 7'6"long) for night security or to protect solar
panels from high winds and hail leaving only the small flagged ground
rod for passers by who are looking for an Eoto-Co-op member.
* The basic Port PAL comes standard with fused charge controllers with
voltage indicators and connectors for charging multiple devices with 5
volt USB connectors and 3v. 6v. & 12v. sources. Excellent way
to charge and maintain the standard Eoto 24v battery pack, and many
other equipment brands including lawn and garden equipment, scooters
and bikes, mobility chairs, cars, trucks, tractors and more.
* The basic Port PAL also comes standard with The
BatteryTuner Tool Kit
containing 2 models of the BatteryTuner and an array of connectors and
adapters for different applications. Model S is a stand-alone
device that will rejuvenate 'dead batteries' and maintain any 6 or 12
volt lead/acid battery for a longer life span. This
model of BatteryTuner will work using the battery's own power, or can
be used in parallel with the solar charger or other chargers. The
Model B BatteryTuner is a fully automatic maintenance and diagnostic
tool that is combined with a multi-stage AC to DC charger.
* All Eoto Co-op members receive data and communications services
from the Co-op including email and email forwarding, service
advertising, data base management and sharing for battery and parts
swapping and more..
* The Port PAL owner is optionally enrolled in the Eoto Express service
which maps locations of Eoto Port PAL stations, provides template
agreements for battery charging and battery swapping services, and
offers excellent tools for battery tracking and record keeping.
* Of course the Port PAL owner will also have all of the other benefits
of Eoto-Co-op membership including income opportunities for new member
recruiting, for new innovation and testing and for capital investment.
* Optional accessories (partial list):
switches and electronics weather/security cabinets
12v fan cooling tower for weather/security cabinets
Power inverters (many size options)
AC to DC chargers (many brands and size options)
Electric meters, timers
bicycle rack
Garage rack PTO
Generators (large variety including human powered by the Garage rack
PTO or fossil fuel burning models from small and light weight to large
ultra-quiet models)
Specifications:
2 - Vinyl email banners 50x7 inches each
3 - Aluminum Eoto signs 20x7 inches each
4 - 15 watt solar electric collector panels 14.5VDC output for charging
12 volt batteries
2 - 12VDC 4A charge controllers with led voltage indicators
24" x 20" x 6 3/4" weather cap with shelf for equipment and charge
controllers
2 - 20" spoked wheels with pneumatic tires
1 - 7' copper coated steel ground rod with 2 clamps and flag
Aluminum angle construction 2"x2"x1/4"
Stainless steel bolts
Overall assembled dimensions 77"high x 28"wide x 90"long
6ga. stranded copper battery leads + & - for 2 batteries
Voltage regulators with: 2 - 5 volt USB charge connectors, 2 - 3 volt
pin sockets, 2 - 6 volt pin sockets, 4 - 12
volt pin sockets, and 2 - automotive lighter type 12 volt sockets
1 -
BatteryTuner Tool Kit with 1 -
Model S: Input 4.5-16VDC 45mA
; Output 60V
pulse .8 – 1.2 KHz. ; and 1 - Model B: Input 120VAC 3A ; Output
60V pulse
.8 – 1.2 KHz.; 13.5VDC 2A,8A,12A ; Auto charger ; Auto diagnostic ;
Battery level indicator ; Temp controlled cooling fan ; Auto battery
maintainer. And the BatteryTuner Tool Kit comes with several
extra cables and connectors for common applications which includes a
set of heavy duty booster jumper cables: Red + and Black - with heavy
zinc coated steel clamps and copper teeth; Stranded copper wire
size: 2 gauge; Length 20 feet; 500 amp.
1 - Digital Multimeter: DC volt function in ranges:
200mV/2000mV/20/200/1000V ; AC volt function in ranges: 200/750V ; Ohm
meter function is ranges: 200/2000/20K/200K/2000K ; DC Amps function in
ranges: 200uA/2000uA/20mA/200mA/10A ; Accuracy ranges:
0.5%(DC200mV)-1.5%(AC750V) ; Other functions: Transistor hFE ; Diode
voltage drop ; Small battery charge level
A Portable Port PAL is a standard Eoto machine and Eoto-Co-op project.
To purchase any Eoto machine a Parts Deposit of an additional 25% of
machine cost is required. These funds are applied to your Roll-over
account which is explained in the Co-op member's manual. It has
been compared to the purchase of an 'Extended Warranty' and to a
'Rebate' but neither of these terms is correct because they do not
describe the 'Savings' aspect. This account can be used to pay
for replacement machine parts during the first year and will accumulate
from Eoto-Co-op Roll-over disbursements - (10% of the amount of every
machine sold by all Co-op members is disbursed proportionately to the
amount in your account). This system is designed to support the
Co-op and encourge you to leave your funds in the account at the end of
a year when you have the option of cashing out.
Total purchase cost is the tally of the following 6 items:
1. Shipping and handling - contact a member near you that already has
the Portable Port PAL for an estimate, or email EotoSecretary@comshield.net
2. Machine price
3. Co-op membership is included and there is no additional cost for
this, but your contribution to the project is desired, and the minimum
requirement is that your machine be maintained to original standards
for as long as you display or show your machine.
4. Parts Deposit required - 25% -
Eoto-Co-op project machines are sold with no warranty. You are
required to pay for your replacement parts in advance. At the end
of a one year period, you can cash out of this account, however there
is more: after the costs of parts that have been requested for shipment
to you has been deducted from your Parts Deposit, (including the first
year), these funds are pooled with other Co-op member's funds in Parts
Deposit and machine order Rollover accounts to calculate a portion of
payment to you for each additional Eoto machine that is sold during the
time that you have funds in your account. (This is just one of
the ways to make money as an Eoto-Co-op member. Ask a Co-op member for
more information.)
5. The Portable Port PAL can be delivered disassembled to any
destination. (Some Eoto machines must be picked up at Distributor
locations or drop ship points that may require service and make ready
fees. There are no Make Ready costs or Distributor fees for an
unassembled Portable Port PAL)
6. Sales tax is paid when machines are picked up at a
Distributor's location, or when shipped to a state where a Distributor
is located except when presented with Buyer's agricultural exemption.
How to buy the Eoto Portable Port PAL:
First allow the Co-op member who introduced you to register with the
Eoto-Co-op secretary's office as your Accedtor - (This person will
receive a payment from the Co-op in the amount of 10% of your machine
cost and is expected to help you through your introduction to the
project.)
Obtain and study a copy of the Eoto-Co-op membership policy. Get this
through your Accedtor.
Make a check or money-order out to EOTO for the total amount of Machine
price + Parts deposit + Shipping and handling + Distributor charges +
Sales tax, and deliver to the Distributor or the Eoto-Co-op secretary's
office with your request for earliest machine delivery. (Note: if
you are joining the Co-op using the Roll-over plan, Machine price is
all that is required. The parts deposit, shipping, distributor
charges, and tax are paid at the time of delivery request.)
*****************************
PPP Manual - Introduction
The Eoto Portable Port PAL has many aspect project channels including
the Eoto Express service. PAL is an
acronym for 'Power and Loan'
which is a description of the common use of included equipment of
providing battery charging power, and loaning charged batteries.
The Port PAL standard equipment includes a portable charging station
which promenently displays your Eoto Co-op membership and your contact
information on large signs attached to the solar panel portable
stand. Constructed of aluminum and stainless steel, should look
good in the front yard for many years to come. Roll out to catch
the sunlight in the day, and can roll through the door for indoor night
protection from hail storms, etc. The standard equipment included
Unpack. Parts:
3 Eoto signs
2 Banners with your personal Eoto Co-op email address
4 Banner stretch cords
4 Solar panels
2 Model C Eoto Solar Charge Controllers
1
BatteryTuner Tool Kit (a
Stand-alone/Solar tuner & an AC charger,
tuner, with diagnostics)
1 Multi-meter
1 Splitter Cable
4 Battery Clamp Cables
1 Lighter Cable
2 Multi Adapters
1 Extension Cable
1 copper coated steel ground rod
1 Eoto flag for ground rod
2 wheels
1 Opaque cover
Aluminum stand (assembly required)
Al angle 2x2x.25 2
Stand legs
Al angle 2x2x.25 2
wheeled legs
Al angle 2x2x.25 2
upper flat frame long sides
Al angle 2x2x.25 2
upper flat frame short sides
Al angle 2x2x.25 1
wheel level cross brace
Al angle 2x2x.25 2
feet
Al angle 2x2x.25 6
hinges
Al angle 2x2x.25 3
tilt handle brackets
Al angle 2x2x.25 2
wheel axle supports
Al square tube 1x1x.125
2 lower cross braces long sides
Al square tube 1x1x.125
1 handle
Al square tube 1x1x.125
3 tilt adjuster handles
Al angle 1.5x1.5x.25 2
upper tilt frame long sides
Al angle 1.5x1.5x.25 4
upper tilt frame short sides
Al angle 1.5x1.5x.25 2
upper tilt frame cross braces
Al angle 1.5x1.5x.25 3
tilt adjuster handles
Al angle 1.5x1.5x.25 3
tilt handle hinges
Al angle 1.5x1.5x.25 3
upper hinges
Al angle 1x1x.125 2
sign bottoms
Al angle 1x1x.125 2
sign bottoms
Al angle 1x1x.125 1
cap support
Al angle 1x1x.125 2
shelf
Al angle 1x1x.125 2
shelf brackets
Al sheet 24.5x22.25x.125
1 weather cap
Stainless steel bolt fasteners
Assembly instructions
(No batteries are included)
PPP has wheels on one end. Other end is Lift handle end.
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Placement of Portable Port PAL
Grass & Yard - Soft ground parking
The copper coated steel ground rod is included for extra electrical
safety protection and stabilizing one PPP leg when clamped in place.
Fasten foot to one leg of Lift handle end.
Check the area for buried pipes and lines. Water pipes, gas
pipes, electrical service lines, telephone lines, sewer lines, drainage
tiles, etc. - all of these could be seriously damaged and/or dangerous
if penetrated by a driven ground rod.
Drive copper coated steel ground rod into ground 5 feet (leave 2' above
ground).
Slip Eoto flag over the top of the rod and slip worm gear hose clamp
through holes in bottom of flag and tighten to ground rod; (be sure to
leave protruding parts of clamp facing away from the side that PPP leg
will clamp against).
Use 2 U-bolt clamps with 4 wing nuts to fasten ground rod to PPP Lift
handle end leg that does not have the foot.
Park on level ground when possible. Excavate the normal spot if
necessary. If ground is low or sometimes wet, it is recommended that a
mound be created. If parking on a hill, always keep rain cap end
higher to keep rain water from running under the cap.
Concrete, Asphalt - Hard surface parking
Do not place ground rod in or near areas with vehicle traffic, or in
the direct pedestrian paths. Grounding may not be necessary for
many PPP applications, but connecting with ground wire to remote ground
rod - all should be buried, or the flag waving rod should be tight
against a building or permanent structure. For mount security
(consider grounding separately) when normal parking spot is a hard
traffic surface, install surface level sockets (as in: large pipe
sleeve installed flush with driveway surface, and smaller insert pipe
clamped to PPP leg).
Place where visible from highest traffic road. Email banners
should be perpendicular to road when possible for display to oncoming
traffic in both directions. Normal tilt of the solar panels will be to
the short side of Port PAL but modifications should be made to track
the sun when the signs do not face the road properly. When
working around the PPP it may be convenient to rotate the stand around
the ground rod during the day to track the sun. Your Portable
Port PAL is easy to move, so for small lots with trees, to get maximum
power you may wish to prepare more than one spot such as tracking the
sun on one side of the tree in the morning, and moving to the other
side in the afternoon.
It is recommended that grass be kept cut where the wheels are regularly
parked to 2 to 3 inches high. Do not park the Port PAL in grass
exceeding 7 inches high. Do not park near
dry grass or vegetation at risk from spark and flame. Keep
batteries and all electrical connections at least 24 inches above and
away from any grass or vegetation. All clamp-on wiring connectors
whether in use or not, should be fastened to swing free of all metal
and vegetation when un-hooked.
PPP parked in areas that may have animals such as pets or varmints
should be equipped with a security cabinet for all batteries, equipment
and wiring. This also applies to areas with access by children and yes,
even adults who are not Co-op members. Do not underestimate the
foolishness of adult passers-by and neighbors, and do not put it beyond
the kids playing ball next door to climb your fence.
PPPs that are monitored from a distance and open to air equipment can
be just the spot selected for a bird's nest. We use a rubber
snake to solve this problem. Works to repel squirrels too.
It is not recommended to mount a fire extinguisher on the PPP unless
using an opaque cabinet; however inside vehicles that are charging at
the Port and just inside the door of the nearest building are good
placement choices.
The Portable Port PAL is not recommended for duty requiring plumbing
connections. There are several configurations of the Permanent Port PAL
that will do these duties.
When AC power is required at the outdoor PPP parking, buried conduit
with rising weather tight outlet box is recommended. Cords that are
stretched from a building should be a minimum of 12 ga. copper with
ground fault interrupt.
The tilt of the solar panels can be adjusted from flat on top to 80
deg. For high tilt and in windy areas, additional tie downs or
permanent leg sockets will be required. If using stakes and guy
wires, make sure they are brightly colored and marked with flags.
-----------------------------------------
Equipment
Batteries, Controllers, BatteryTuners, and other components should be
placed or mounted on shelf with at least 3 inches air space between
them. If stacking is required, use a wire rack with at least 6
inches above and below each component. Direct sunlight can
increase the heat on these items considerably, but solar powered
cooling fans work when they are needed and are a recommended option
when there are more components than will fit on the protected
shelf.
Handling these cords and batteries will expose you to lead. Wear
gloves. Wash hands after moving the PPP or handling any of it's
components.
------------------------------
Solar panels and Controllers
Keep opaque cover over the solar panels when moving the PPP.
Keep opaque cover over the solar panels when the DC power is not in use.
Do not focus light on panel.
Do not use a damaged solar panel. If wiring insulation is damaged
or weathered, glass is cracked, or housing is opened, correct before
further use.
Each Controller Model C has 3, 6 and 12 Volt DC plugs.
Plug the appropriate plug on the Multi-Adapter into the appliance.
Insert the plug on the other end of the wire within the appropriate DC
Outlet on the Charge Controller.
Activate your appliance. CAUTION! Only one appliance can be used at a
time with each Controller and the adapter must be plugged into the
proper voltage output.
To charge cell phone or other small electronic item, plug the item’s
power cord into one of the USB Ports on the front of the Controllers.
Use the Outputs marked "Inverter" and the 12V Female Output ports
to connect the
male adapters for 12V accessory items that need to be charged.
Recharging a Battery
To recharge a 12 volt battery, while paying attention to the proper
polarity (black (-) is negative and red (+) is positive), connect the
two ring terminals on the Battery Clamp to the Battery Terminals on the
back of the Charge Controller.
Connect the black clamp to the black or negative (-) terminal on the
battery. Finally, connect the red clamp to the red or positive (+)
terminal on the battery. Avoid accidental contact of the red and black
battery clamps to each other.
Turn on the Charge Controller at the On/Off switch.
The voltage display will have to be turned on in order to monitor the
battery voltage. (Press the Voltage Meter Switch to turn off the
Voltage Meter when not monitoring the battery voltage since it consumes
energy.) Twelve (12) Volt batteries should charge to 13 Volts for a
full charge. To stop charging the battery, turn Power Switch to OFF and
disconnect the solar panels from the Charge Controller.
The Charge Controller provides “overcharge” protection. If the battery
voltage is higher than 14.5 V, the regulator will shut off charge
from solar panel.
The Charge Controller provides the following protection while charging:
a. Over-discharge Protection: When the electricity
level of the battery goes too low (below 11 volts) from product
usage, the Charge Controller will automatically shut off the
power output to prevent damage to the battery and appliances. If this
occurs, stop
using the battery and charge it until the Voltage display shows 13
volts.
b. Overcharge Protection: If the electricity level
on the battery goes too high (above 14.5 volts) the Charge Controller
will automatically shut off power input to prevent damage to the
battery and appliances.
c. Overload Protection: Each Controller has a
4 amp fuse (8 amps for two controllers) If the output exceeds this
current the fuse will blow to prevent
damage to the Charge Controller and appliances.
The On/Off switch of a Charge Controller must be in the “On” position
to activate the three protection functions mentioned above.
Keep the Solar panels clean.
Wear electrically insulated gloves and safety goggles.
Dry solar panels and wiring thoroughly.
Cover solar panels with opaque cover.
Clean solar panels one at a time with mild, non-abrasive cleanser and
soft cloth and paper towels.
Do not clean with brushes or abrasive cleaners.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Digital Multimeter
model r
Connect black lead to COM jack. Connect red test lead to
VΩmA jack (except for DC10A range current tests).
Select Function
Use highest range and select downward ranges for voltage to be
determined.
Do not change the Function selection with test leads attached to
circuit.
Be careful that there is no voltage or charged capacitors on the
circuit before using Ohm function for resistance test.
Be careful that current is below the range selected before connecting
the DC Ammeter.
Do not use the multimeter on circuits with VAC>750 or VDC>1000
Turn 'On' meter On/Off switch below Function selector knob.
Display backlight button is to the left of Function selection knob.
Transistor hFE Measurement insert pins into jacks EBC(Emitter,
Base, Collector) (NPN or PNP)
Diode forward Voltage drop connect red probe to anode and black to
cathode display in mV (reverse connections display is "1"
Battery Charge Level function is for small 9V or 1.5V batteries only.
Remove back of meter case for access to 9V battery and .5A/250V fuse.
Work with high voltage circuits can be dangerous. It is
recommended that such work be done with a partner who has proper
insulated equipment available and understands the job. AC feeds
in building can be turned back on when servicer had turned it off, bad
switches can bleed power through, insulation may fail, etc. Avoid
touching exposed conductors, even when power is "off".
------------------------------
Extra Cables and Connectors
Your Portable Port PAL comes with several extra cables and connectors
for common applications. Accessory items available include
connectors and sockets to fit most brands of scooter, electric bike,
lawn and garden equipment, mobility chairs, golf carts, fork lifts,
much more.
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Eoto may change specifications at any time. Eoto members are
continually updating and improving the project manual.
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