stairs #2

Still working on the lower strings, But good news is we finished the upper run.

We rolled up at 1:30 yesterday as the rain clouds appeared again from the North and headed South.

I'm nailed the last tread and was glad that I didn't bust my butt during this little project.

Footing's for the lower string.

Done....

they are as strong as they look. and 6 feet wide, nice & eazy for us old floks

Joy followed me with the Thompson's Water Seal

Trying to beat the rain.

Today's project will land on these blocks....

As Joy keeps spraying the water seal....

Went ahead and treated the entire deck again

I spotted another stair project at the end of the South landing.

Glad these are in...

Still got nice lows in the mornings,today61

no rain for us yesterday.

going up the hill after I post this.

and that's the way it is.

cheers.

bb.

Stairs

Had a busy weekend, Boyd's Camp gathered last Saturday. They have been coming out to these grounds for 121 years to worship and relax in the mountains.With some friends from Ft Davis our Sunday service was given from a Quaker pastor delivered with passion. Sunday was the last day.

The stairs started Friday with cutting stringers for the upper level.I got a tractor coming up tomorrow to cut a level landing for the lower stringers. So far ,so good...


Cutting a few stringers on Friday.

Building bottom step.

Clouding up in the West...

Treads level...

Ready to deck this out...

Will finish this by tommrow afternoon, God willing and the creeks don't rise !
Had a storm blow by and left 1.64inches of rain along with some dime size hail.

The rain fell around 2:00pm and lasted about an hour...

Arizona Sun and Wind got the check today,So things are starting to move my way on the pv system.

and that's the way it is.

cheers.

.bb

Final Solar Design for # 2

Yesterday we made the big step into going "Green".

Here is my final design on renewable energy. The check is in the mail...and it did hurt to write that bad boy.

We started with 10 of the Kyocera KD185GX-LP. Did a lot of researching and found these to be the best fit for our lifestyle.

These pv panels are rated @ 23.6 volts for grid tie operation or stand alone MPPT charge controllers, You series 2 of these together for 5 strings of 47.2 volts @ 7.84 amps per pair.This complies with current N.E.C. code. Code correct "Under 48 volts" for pv systems. 1850 watts total system @ 24 volts.

Xantrex XW MPPT-SCC 60 amp Charge Controller

This charge controller will convert the 47.2 volt PV array @ 39.2 amps and convert down to charge a 24 volt battery bank.This is a 3 stage controller. Bulk, Absorption and Float with manual equalization.

The charge rate will be 27.2 volts up to 29.0 volts @ 53 amps during the 6 hour prime sun,period 10:00am till 4:00pm. Although I get much more sun than 6 hours,It would charge my banks with a 50% state of discharge or (DOD) in the 6 hour period. The charge controller will compensate automatically during the day.Worth the money....

We purchased 8 of these Trojan L16RE-B 6 volt battery's.These will be arranged into 24 volt battery banks.There will be 2 banks rated at 375 AH @ 20 amp rate.The 2 banks will deliver 750 AH @ 24 volts. Expected life span 5 to 8 years with proper care. weight 118lbs each (Bet ya I get 10 out of um)

We purchased the Outback VFX3524 Pure Sine Wave 3500 watt Inverter.
This will provide 29.6 amps @ 120volts. With most all other high amp drains converted to LP gas or wood it will lite up the house and with plenty to spare. The on demand water heater and propane spark ignition type oven and stove have cut our energy bill here at the cabin by over 50% this last month.I will cut the amount of propane used with a solar oven and solar water collector,But not right now. One step at a time. This is first on the list...

I have left room for expansion if necessary. I think this will provide enough electricity for a fairly convenient life style.We will see....I will have a backup inverter just in case.

We worked on the stairs again today and should finish on Friday,We are working 4 hours a day until the heat wave is over....

Going to start the rough-in electrical in a couple of weeks.

I expect the solar package will start arriving next week.

I'll start that install as soon as it arrives on site.Don't want to let anymore free electricity get away.Even if I don't have anything to power up (lol).

and that's the way it is

low this morning 59 degrees. ya got to love it.....

high today 95 with 26% humidity and dew point at 55

cheers

.bb

15 Days later........

We finally got past the monsoon season over the last few weeks of July and got some work done..

It's kinda junkie during this shot, But it's like a clean desk, We have been busy trying to make up some time we lost this winter.

I jester to a friend driving by on the road.

Started on the stairway and landing a few days ago.waiting on material delivery to finish this up , And not to mention not soon enough for my wife....

We decided for a 4 stringer 6 foot wide stairway for easy entrance,or open like a dead duck for intruders !!!!!
The stairs will exit next to the truck. Also 6 footers

Joy was able to get a coat of paint on the hardy,Still got some cracks to caulk up before I trim it out and paint the raw wood. Looking down the West side or front deck.

A look down the service walk on the North side.

And some paint on the South deck, The home is completely dried-in as of last week.

Just another look to the North from the South side entrance.

Enjoyed the cool mornings of July during the 2 weeks of rain.

Most morning were in the high 50's low 60's.

56 was the lowest we recorded. 59 this morning

But here we are in August and yesterday was the highest recorded this summer at an even 100. Right now @ 98 with 19% humidity and dew point of 48.

and that's the way it is.

cheers,

bb.

July 15 2010 six day ago...

These where taken on the 15th, As of the 18th we are dried-in,doors and gables.
Decks are in,and functional.
To much to show on the blog....
At least there is progress and memories on file...for later,


The 3 bay window in the great room.

I'm happy with the windows. On the deck is stucco finish Hardy Board for siding.

6 foot deck on South side.

Brian sits while the pit comes up to speed for some burger's... First cook at the house.The height of the West deck is 13 feet off the ground.

A look down the south deck.

Looking down the West deck,Think the dog wants inside????

Same look.

Working on the moister barrier for the windows.

A look from across the road,before all was dried-in.

And I rest for the day beside the cedar tree I saved while building the South deck

More to come.caulk, paint and trim-out next.

Plumbing and electrical next.

and that's the way it is.

cheers.

.bb

First Month in FT Davis.

Here are some pic's from our first month on the mountain.
The first week it rained every day.no complaints
The house is moving along quickly since I'm here with no departure date , O'ya
I'm holding back on the house pic's for a few more days until I compile a real time progress on film , shooting this with 3 different cameras ,Hard to keep up ....


This was off the porch at the new house

Tom and Cade @ the pond.
again.

This was the best way to get everything out here.

The ranching makes this the "REAL DEAL"these are from the Paradise Ranch...

Tom and Sarai after the 5K run at the 4th in Ft D. Sarai took 2nd in her age division.

Sarai and friend Renee

Tom and Larry before the race.

Sunset at the Richey Ranch.

Joy took the 45acp @ 50 feet.....

Sarai and Brian go over the basics...

Fire in the hole...........

My turn....

Great time at the ranch.

More of the house progress soon to come.

and that's the way it is.

cheers.

.bb