Alloffroad

13/12/2023

Absolutely had to share my recent experience with RREDARC Electronics– it's a testament to their customer support, and I think it's worth mentioning. Last week, I hit a bit of a snag with my Alpha 150 battery following a firmware update. Couldn't connect my phone to it anymore. Luckily, the battery itself was working fine, but I lost the ability to monitor its status and adjust the low voltage disconnect.

Here's where it gets impressive. Martin McInnes from Redarc actually made the trip out from Newcastle to sort out the issue. He updated the firmware on the spot, and just like that, everything was back to normal. I'm particularly keen on the Bluetooth firmware update feature – it's a slick bit of tech that lets you manage updates right from your phone. And it's comforting to know that any rare firmware glitches can be swiftly resolved at your local Redarc dealer, usually in about 10 minutes.

I had a moment where I wondered if I was receiving special treatment, but Redarc assured me this level of service is standard for all their customers. That's exactly what you want to hear, right? This kind of support was a major factor in my decision to choose the Redarc Alpha 150, especially after the troubles I had with DCS batteries.

In summary, Redarc's customer service is top-notch. With their extensive service network across the nation, help is always within reach. Hats off to Redarc for their commitment to customer care.

12/12/2023

What a nice surprise from Rode, was keen to check out 32bit float so this is very welcome xmas 🎄 present 🎁.

11/12/2023

Hm will I regret this? Sold Sony A7iiiS and bought Lumix S5iiX

10/12/2023

Experience the unexpected with us in the final episode of our 2023 Winnecke Desert Trip. Mother Nature decided to up the ante this time – we got caught in a rare, powerful storm while camping in a dry river bed! It's not every day you witness such a spectacle in the remote desert.

Join me as I partner with the The Long-Range Desert Group to retrace the epic journey of explorer Charles Winnicke through the Australian desert. This series...

07/12/2023

"The land of the inland sea is a land of desolation and despair, a land of incalculable riches but of hidden dangers." - Ernest Giles

03/12/2023

In today's video, I'm revisiting the DCS LiFePo4 topic, prompted by recent developments. I've come across statements from DCS and their representative, Steward Paternoster, that misrepresent my testing methods and findings. Coupled with feedback from viewers experiencing similar issues, it's clear that these concerns are not isolated. In this video, I'll correct the misinformation spread by DCS and Steward Paternoster, and I'll also expose more examples of what I believe are DCS's product failures and questionable business ethics.

Moreover, understanding the importance of hands-on knowledge, I've included detailed steps on how to conduct your own capacity test on LiFePo4 batteries. This will empower you to personally verify the quality and reliability of your batteries.

As always, honesty and transparency are my guiding principles. Given that my initial reviews were positive and may have influenced your purchase decisions, I want to let you know about any changes in my experiences with these products. Stay tuned for an honest, in-depth analysis.

https://youtu.be/FuiviCPpK-Y

30/11/2023

Adventurous 5 days in the VHC had to bail out early as it’s started raining itself in and the forecast did not look good. Last photo ever taken with my Mavic 3 “dennis” just before he likely hit a tree and unfortunately went down on a steep cliff face beyond recovery.

30/11/2023

The day the big rain started and I lost my Mavic 3 Classic. This is the last shot she took. Crooked River VHC

27/11/2023

Awesome trip so far

25/11/2023

So far so good let’s hope the Thunderstorm does not get us

24/11/2023

hm can’t wait, tell me where am i ?

22/11/2023

Dive into my latest review: the Ecoflow Glacier 12v Fridge Freezer. This isn't just a fridge; it's a battery-powered, ice-making powerhouse. But does it live up to the hype as a portable fridge?

The Ecoflow Glacier boasts unique features like solar charging, dual-zone capability, and app control. But the real question is, how does it perform in the wild? Does its VIP (Vacuum Insulation Panels) technology offer better insulation than traditional materials? And what about its portability with that significant weight and size?
https://youtu.be/sy7iZ7nC6SE

🧊 🧊y

Dive into my latest review: the Ecoflow Glacier 12v Fridge Freezer. This isn't just a fridge; it's a battery-powered, ice-making powerhouse. But does it live...

15/11/2023

Get ready for a real-world test drive of the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus with me ! I'm digging deep into this 3000-watt pure sine wave inverter portable battery bank to see if it lives up to the hype for 4WDing and camping. From UPS home tests to powering my workshop tools, I've put it through the ringer. Will it stand up to the challenge? Watch to find out the strengths and the quirks of this power-packed unit and whether it deserves a spot in your outdoor arsenal.

Get ready for a real-world test drive of the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus with me ! I'm digging deep into this 3000-watt pure sine wave inverter portable batte...

05/11/2023

Welcome back to part 4 of our epic 4WD journey
over a million-acre station on the fringes of the Simpson Desert.
This time, we're tackling everything from hidden gorges to cross-country exploration. https://youtu.be/wso4do8mXxA?si=Tg2W-TuASY3q2ouc

29/10/2023

Ever wondered what it's like to venture into the untouched corners of Australia?
Well, you're in for a treat! We've got exclusive access to a whopping 1.7 million-acre station right on the edge of the Simpson Desert.
This is the Australia you won't see on postcards—remote, rugged, and absolutely breathtaking.

🌵 Welcome to Part 3 of the Charles Winnecke Adventure! 🌵Ever wondered what it's like to venture into the untouched corners of Australia? Well, you're in fo...

26/10/2023

Clutch is soft as butter now knees feel much better thanks Garth Hannaford now can’t wait to start properly driving it.

20/10/2023

I asked aI to write me a poem about my recent experience.

In the depths of the wild, where the bush stands tall,
Two types of souls venture, heeding the call.
The first, serene and seeking nature's embrace,
Yearns for tranquility, away from the race.

They find solace in birdsong, a gentle refrain,
The whisper of leaves, untouched by life's strain.
With reverence, they tread, like shadows they blend,
No need for loud music, no need to offend.

Respecting the land, and their fellow sojourners,
They cherish the silence, like precious urns.
For them, the more remote, the better it seems,
A haven secluded, where they can dream.

But alas, there's another, a boisterous breed,
Arriving in groups with a different creed.
Their purpose, it seems, is to disrupt and annoy,
To shatter the peace, oh, what a ploy!

No effort they make to blend with the scene,
Instead, they bring speakers, obnoxious and mean.
Their conversations, oh, they must be loud,
So all in the campground can hear, they're proud.

With booze as their fuel, they party till late,
Ensuring the whole world knows of their fate.
Past midnight, they revel, their voices ablaze,
Unaware of the discord their presence displays.

Both groups, you see, have valid desires,
But side by side, they ignite raging fires.
In public camping areas, where peace should reside,
Their clash of intentions cannot be denied.

So let us ponder, with a touch of wry,
This clash of two worlds, under the sky.
Oh, Hesse would chuckle, with his pen in hand,
Observing this human folly, oh so grand.

For in his subtle prose, he'd weave the tale,
Of the bush's lovers, whose paths do impale.
He'd gently mock, with a twinkle in his eye,
The clash of the quiet and the boisterous sky.

And as the sun sets, painting the horizon's hue,
We'll seek harmony, between me and you.
Respecting the bush, and each other's space,
In this delicate dance, we'll find our place.

20/10/2023

can I survive a weekend with induction cooking from a Jackery AU Explore 2000 Plus also running a EcoFlow Glacier fridge as fridge and freezer plus a few ice making cycles. Charged by two, 100 W Jackery solar panels. the weather forecast is sunny. What do you reckon can I manage or not?

15/10/2023

In this episode, explore a 2 million acre property and we're also on the hunt for a campsite in the main Gorge, where a waterhole is said to be. But Mother Nature's got other plans—think 39°C heat and fire-prone Mitchell Grass. Good thing our old-school diesel 4WDs are up for the challenge. Navigate with us through hidden dry water courses and find out if we score that perfect camp spot.

Full Video https://youtu.be/omvP2DQqhhI?si=B1qSGQ8xiqMbm4I5

14/10/2023

I recently had two DCS Hybrid LiFePo4 130AH batteries installed in my Hilux.

These batteries had been sitting in my garage for over a year, originally intended for my 105 Landcruiser. I would not test or use any new DCS product!!!

Unfortunately, they didn't fit without some major modifications. DCS at the time agreed to let me test them in my Hilux, which took a bit longer to build than expected. But now, let's dive into the details.

Before putting these batteries to work, I decided to run a capacity test on both of them.

The results were a bit underwhelming. One battery tested at 129ah capacity, which isn't too far off, but the second one only measured 121ah. That's not what you'd hope to see for new batteries with just a few testing cycles under their belt.

The batteries were charged via a Victron 220v charger with the LiFePo4 profile selected until they reached a full charge of 14.2v. For testing, I used a MakerHawk Electronic Load Tester with a low power voltage cut-off set to 10.5v, relying on the DCS BMS to handle the shut-off, which it did.

This is the load tester I used https://amzn.to/3FfvTyv

Considering these batteries were stored at 70% in my garage and weren't used, I wasn't expecting significant capacity loss. The 121Ah reading on one battery raises concerns, possibly indicating that two cells have failed. These batteries are mounted in the tray, so they're not exposed to engine heat, but they will power everything, including the winch in my Hilux, and they're alternator-charged.

Now, some context here: I had previously used DCS batteries under the bonnet, and the first set lost 30% capacity in 12 months. The second set fared even worse, losing 53% and 33% after 16 months. This prompted me to remove the DCS batteries from under the bonnet and switch back to an LFB under-bonnet setup, along with a Redarc Alpha 150 unit now installed in the rear of my Landcruiser.

It's essential to note that saying, "my under the bonnet, lithium batteries work brilliantly" means little unless you've conducted a capacity test. My DCS under bonnet batteries still worked, but with the significant capacity losses I experienced, I couldn't be sure how long they'd last.

Generally, a 20% capacity loss for LiFePo4 batteries is considered end-of-life. So, if you want to truly assess whether your under-the-bonnet LiFePo4 setup is performing as it should, a proper capacity test is a must.

This is the video of why I removed my under-bonnet DCS https://youtu.be/vRcSPuBob-I?si=7KLPWgSaP1Th_Ond

13/10/2023

New addition to my medical kit thanks Dave Hawes for the tip.

09/10/2023

Haha, you wouldn't believe the kind of product review requests I get! 😂 First off, shoutout to the one who said I'd look good in anything. Flattery will get you everywhere, my friend. 🕺
But hold onto your hats, because the second one takes the cake—a car peeing device! Yeah, you heard that right. I guess it's for those times when you just can't hold it in? 🤔 I mean, what could possibly go wrong?
Imagine cruising down the outback and realising your bladder's got more juice than your water bottle can handle. Been there, done that! Once tried to make do with a 500ml Gatorade bottle while camping. Let's just say it was a close call and leave it at that. 😅
So, who's up for a review on this car peeing contraption? Just kidding... or am I? 🤣

08/10/2023

Part one of our Desert Fringes trip is out where we get access to a 2 million acre property and explore some little seen country.

G'day everyone! Welcome to our new Australian Desert series. This time around, I'm teaming up with the Long Range Desert Group, and together, we're loosely t...

01/10/2023

Getting used to this induction cooking 🍳 thing, especially with kids and camper trailer. EcoFlow Delta 2 is now LiFePO4 and a bit smaller but still no issues powering Induction Cooker

29/09/2023

I had my 150Ah DCS LiFePo4 battery in my camper trailer for 3 years now. I've recently decided to perform a capacity test on it to assess its performance after this time.

I placed the battery on my 220 V charger for the entire night. The following day, I used my food dehydrator, which operates at an average of 40 amps to observe the remaining energy level in the battery. I set the Victron cut-off voltage to 11.5 volts but the battery BT app showed 10.8v. I completely forgot how bad the Bluetooth app of the DCS is as it took often well over a minute to connect to the battery standing right in front of it.

I carried out this experiment twice and on both occasions, I was able to extract 136 amp-hours from the 150 amp-hour battery. This equates to a 9.3% capacity loss over the span of three years and after only 69 cycles.

So, after crunching some numbers, I've already seen a 9.3% capacity loss after just 69 cycles, leaving me with about 90.7% of the original capacity. Now, DCS claims this battery should last 2500 cycles and still have 80% capacity. But if it keeps going like it has, I doubt that's gonna happen.

Here's the math: I'm losing about 0.1348% capacity per cycle. If this trend keeps up, I'll hit that 80% capacity mark in about 79 more cycles. Add that to the 69 cycles I've already done, and we're talking about hitting 80% capacity at around 148 cycles. That's a far cry from the 2500 cycles DCS is advertising.

So, based on my own real-world testing, it looks like I might need to start shopping for a new battery sooner than I thought. Knowledge is power, especially when you're miles away from the nearest power outlet.

28/09/2023

All electrical stuff done thanks to Joe from JS Auto Electrics now only axles missing.

21/09/2023

SanHima Jervis Pro RTT I finally gave in keen to see if I like it.

20/09/2023

I recently returned from an extensive desert tour with the Ecoflow Delta 2. This video dives deep into its performance in real Australian conditions: 40°C heat, rugged terrains, and remote locations. I've assessed its efficiency, durability, and practicality for both camping and 4wd use.

Recently returned from an extensive desert tour with the Ecoflow Delta 2. This video dives deep into its performance in real Australian conditions: 40°C heat...

15/09/2023

Storm Cell and Rainbow on the Simpson Desert Fringes

13/09/2023

Turns out, I might've jumped the gun on my last Lazer review. I thought I was done with roof light bars, but Lazer asked me to give it one more shot with the new Lazer Linear Elite. And guess what? They might've just changed my mind. Find out why in the video.

Think roof light bars are being overrated? I did too, until Lazer challenged me with their Linear 36' Elite. I'm Stephan Fischer from ALLOFFROAD, and in this...

10/09/2023

In the past I have spent several nights at Alroy station hoping my CelFiGo Booster (which I have since removed) would provide a usable reception boost. Despite occasional SMS functionality, I was unable to access the internet or use any data services. Eager to find a better solution, I recently acquired the Teltonika Rut11 and Poynting Mimo antenna and decided to test them in the exact same camp spot. I should mention that while I am aware of Starlink, I currently have no plans to use it.

I am delighted to report that I am now able to compose this post, complete with images, using the Rut11 and Mimo antenna. I have positioned myself approximately 10 meters away from the car, a significant improvement compared to the CelFiGo setup, which required me to sit in the driver's seat next to the antenna. This enhanced range has allowed me to enjoy greater freedom and flexibility in my campsite activities.

I would like to express my gratitude to RFShop Australia for providing this solution. In my experience, it offers a more cost-effective and superior alternative to the CelFiGo, particularly if you also require data connectivity.

10/09/2023

looks like someone liked my review

Stefan Fischer from AllOffroad has tried and tested the Lazer Sentinel Elite 9" LED driving lights. Watch his comprehensive review here.

10/09/2023

My favourite stop over on the way to the Desert. Artesian bath tonight and just came in time for a camp kitchen feed. Great to catch up again with the two most loveliest hosts Mac and Mary

10/09/2023

Simpson Desert Fringes on Station land with permission but was asked to not to disclose location.

10/09/2023

Simpson Desert Fringes on Station land with permission bus was asked to not give location.

08/09/2023

Induction cooking in the Desert worked a treat especially at the gale force wind we had. Not sure if I continue carrying EcoFlow Delta 2 but it works well and I got 4 dinners out of it before recharging via my 700w REDARC Electronics inverter.

02/09/2023

new 12v set up works as expected. REDARC Electronics Alpha 150 LiFePO4 in the back of Cruiser. Charged by Redarc BCDC1250D and M2K 150a alternator. Standing stationary for two days using a EcoFlow Delta 2 to work away from car and also power my Induction cooker. I recharge Delta Max usually while driving from 700w Redarc inverter. While stationary now my old Redarc solar blanket and fixed mounted roof solar panel keep me going. So very happy with set up and I can be quite sure the Alpha 150 will last long time. Good choice to remove DCS LiFePO4 from under the bonnet.

02/09/2023

Silo Art