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creeky
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# Posted: 11 Jan 2019 12:10 - Edited by: creeky
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Hi guys, I put together a far too long (7 minutes ack) overview of my Grey Owl solar systemSolar system overview.
The video is not totally done, but if I could get some feedback I would appreciate it.
Btw. This is the same system as quite a few folks (including some here) are using. It has proven very robust.
thx to Sean F for his fine video recording skills!
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Mike 870
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# Posted: 11 Jan 2019 15:03
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Hi, just watched, the video is good, it's really difficult to make videos on solar, highly technical stuff and they don't always lend themselves to storytelling. I think you've done a fine job and the more videos you make and watch the better you will get at it.
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rockies
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# Posted: 11 Jan 2019 20:42
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Very nice video. I would perhaps add an still image showing the entire assembled system and a complete parts list so people can see everything at once and how it all connects together.
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Jebediah
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# Posted: 12 Jan 2019 08:23
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Looking at it from my point of view, knowing nothing about solar....Maybe show and explain all the parts of the system first and then do a layout. wire sizes, breaker sizes etc...I like the fact that you didn't zoom in and follow the wires from one component to the other as many utubers do, its better to see the whole layout in an overview shot and point to the system parts....Thanks for the vid...
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Wilbour
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# Posted: 12 Jan 2019 08:27 - Edited by: Wilbour
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Great video Creeky!
I did notice that your battery disconnect was between your charge controller and the bus bar. As you outline in your schematic.
My system has the disconnect between the battery and the bus bar.
Does putting the battery disconnect between the CC and BB offer advantages?
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NorthRick
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# Posted: 12 Jan 2019 12:23 - Edited by: NorthRick
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Quoting: creeky Hi guys, I put together a far too long (7 minutes ack) overview of my Grey Owl solar systemSolar system overview. The video is not totally done, but if I could get some feedback I would appreciate it.
Creeky, this is meant to be constructive criticism.
Technical issues:
A technical issue that I'm sure you noticed is wind noise. The built in mics on camcorders are bad about that. Many have an external mic jack so you can use a better mic. That or pick a calm day to shoot.
Volume. As the camera person moved in and out your voice was louder or softer. Not too bad but noticeable.
Layout:
It would be easier to watch and easier on you if the components were on a table. That would also help with the sound as you can more easily speak to the camera when you are not hunched over.
Presentation:
You kind of just jump in the middle of a solar set up. If your target audience is intended to be people new to solar, they would likely be lost from the get-go. I'd suggest taking some time to explain each component and what it is for before you go on to showing how it connects together.
Also, I agree with Rockies in that it would be helpful to show the system once it is actually installed.
The moving title at the beginning is fine. However, be careful not to over use those special effects in videos.
Good videos do take time to get right. If they are meant to promote your business it is worth the time to make them good.
Rick
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Atlincabin
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# Posted: 14 Jan 2019 10:22
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Creeky,
Your video is a good length and covers all of the right bits. Here are my comments on potentially making it better.
I agree with NorthRick's comments. In addition, I think it would be easier for a person new to solar to see you actually connect things (you can edit out some of the extra time it takes to screw in screws and such), rather than just saying "this goes here, that goes there." Then at the end the overview of the entire system showing the layout of the wires and connections, like an aerial view.
It also might be useful to intersperse a diagram or two, kind of larger versions of the electrical diagrams you send out. That would let the viewer stop the video and study the diagram if desired.
I think doing a good video takes a lot of time. I've never done it, but have tried to watch some really bad ones online, so can appreciate the effort it must take to go through all the editing process.
Cheers,
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creeky
Member
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# Posted: 14 Jan 2019 11:10
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Thanks for all the comments so far. Really appreciated.
I am going to do a book. It will cost money as there is a lot of time involved in this. It will cover all the assembly details as well as some of the options.
For the vid. I will add an "overview" or complete assembly shot at the end. And I find intro graphics annoying myself. So I will shorten the intro.
I actually did this video with a fellow buying a Grey Owl. He took the bits and bobs and assembled it at his cabin. He is very happy!
And I am happy I could do the whole run through like that in one take! On a cell phone as the camera. Great video work SF!
Those grey owls are turning out to be very nice systems. Which doesn't surprise me. They are the result of 8 years of testing. Smile.
All the sunniest days for the new year.
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redside
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# Posted: 17 Jan 2019 16:18 - Edited by: redside
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Great Video.
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bronco_ed
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# Posted: 13 Feb 2019 11:23 - Edited by: bronco_ed
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Nice video! Thanks for posting Creeky... I'll line up for the book.
For multiple batteries do you always run separately to bus bar(s) rather than tying together?
*I see the answer to this question in another thread...
Thanks for all of your posts ;)
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creeky
Member
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# Posted: 14 Feb 2019 10:23
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Hey bronco_ed, great to hear from you.
As you know, I try to help. And actually it goes both ways. If it wasn't for all the questions I've got here I don't think I would have done nearly as much research. Or learned as much from all our shared experiences.
The book is going well. It should be ready start of April. The "photo" shoots are done. Its down to transcribing and layout.
Boy it takes a lot of time. The dear gf expressed great relief when the lights came down and the kitchen table reemerged. 
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bronco_ed
Member
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# Posted: 15 Feb 2019 11:39
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Do you include a section on BMS.... I have not seen any of your posts mentioning of an economical solution for us budget minded folks.
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offgrididaho
Member
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# Posted: 15 Feb 2019 23:38
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Do something about the flies at the beginning? Oh wait, that's what the wind was for
I think this is great personally... so many off grid videos go through all the details of the cabin build and then end with "and then we hooked up the solar" it's nice to see something cleanly laid out like this.
You've got some good advice above that I won't repeat, your content's on the right track just work on the little things. Don't feel like you have to do it all in one take either... you can say things like "positive gets hooked to here, negative to here" and then cut to next clip where those wires are now hooked up, it will make the visual a little cleaner without the leads lying around.
One thing you might just touch on would be wiring sizing, reminding folks of voltage drop and sizing for loads etc.
Keep at it!
-- Bass
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