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submitted 2 weeks ago by Powderhorn@beehaw.org to c/chat@beehaw.org

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I should have known better than to have something delivered just before Christmas. While a DC-DC charger from the alternator was delivered, it was not the right one and utterly useless in a chassis that cannot serve as ground.

In the past, this sort of error has been fixed by returning the errant item to the locker and having a replacement on its way. That's apparently no longer an option. I have to go through the replacement process, wait for the money to be refunded to my credit card, and then wait for the thrill of being allowed to order again. I sent the requested photographic proof, showing I'd received the box for a nonisolated version, and the rep said he was an electrician and immediately saw the problem on an aluminum chassis, but his hands were tied.

Earliest I can now attempt to receive the correct item is Dec. 30. Because it's cloudy often this time of year, this charger is the baseline needed for solar to consistently be reliable; last year at this time, I had two mains options to plug into.

It's beginning to look a lot like a shit Christmas. There's nowhere in town that sells what I need. On the plus side, at least I can't work without reliable internet, and it looks like T-Mobile just decided it doesn't like my 5G SIM card for that.

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[–] ErsatzCoalButter@beehaw.org 4 points 2 weeks ago

No clue where you're living but this sounds a lot like the reality of ordering online in rural Ohio these days. The best anti-capitalism propaganda out there is how bad the buying experience is these days. Especially if you are trying to specifically buy something slightly obscure or often copied? I find I have to try to buy something 3, 4 times before I get it right. At least it has ended shopping for fun in my life I guess.

[–] jarfil@beehaw.org 4 points 2 weeks ago

Not trying to scare you, but... if you can afford it, order the replacement before mailing in the one you got, or you risk getting back the same one.

[–] Radiant_sir_radiant@beehaw.org 1 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

If a mains connection would help bridge the gap, couldn't you get one of those Type-1 adaptors and plug in on an EV charging point every now and then?
I'm aware that that's not how you're supposed to use a charger, but under the hood it's simple enough and should get you access to a 120 resp. 240 volt socket pretty much anywhere.

[–] Powderhorn@beehaw.org 1 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

What I have is a 120V/15A standard connector, which is attached to a 24V/17A charger, so to fully charge 7.7kWh is an overnight affair.

[–] Radiant_sir_radiant@beehaw.org 1 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

I was thinking about something like this (link to evil employee-exploiting megacorp ahead - booo!): J1772 to NEMA 5-15 adapter in tandem with a 110-240V to 27.6V power supply with a bit of oomph (like this, provided we're talking about lead batteries) should give you access to several charge points in most towns. Assuming that I'm not missing a problem that's obvious to you.

Is there a way for us to exchange small pieces of information in private? No promises but I might be able to help you out with the hardware.