BajaNomad - Poncho Needs a Solar Panel!

Poncho Needs a Solar Panel!

Enrique2012 - 3-15-2018 at 08:53 PM

Just recently visited with Poncho in Bahia San Rafael and he was in a semi-state of panic concerning a D.O.A solar panel. He asked if I could get the word out that if anyone has a panel they can donate, he would be eternally grateful.

Sorry, I don't have any specs on the panel that died. I know that it wasn't anything too sophisticated, most likely in the 40 watt realm. Anything matching 40w or greater would be muy fantastico.

Once again I was reminded what a kind soul this man is. Any help from the Nomads would be greatly appreciated by Pancho.

Gracias!

[Edited on 3-16-2018 by Enrique2012]

carlosg - 3-16-2018 at 10:38 AM

Hi Enrique,

Can you please share some info on what route you drove and what the road conditions are like? How about driving a 2WD? Did you visit "El Barril", is there anywhere where to buy any basic stuff: drinking water, beer (Poncho probably has beer for sale), sodas, etc... in El Barril or San Francisquito? Any pics...?

Thanks.

David K - 3-16-2018 at 01:37 PM

Carlos, you may find my 2017 trip reports of some interest
#1 covers L.A. Bay to Pta San Francisquito, via Pancho's.
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=85374
#5 covers El Arco to El Barril to Vizcaino, via Guillermo Prieto.
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=86781

AKgringo - 3-16-2018 at 02:08 PM

Enrique, I don't know the details of Pancho's set up, but if I remember correctly, the solar panels are to maintain a freezer. Do you know if Pancho has already lost all the food stored in it?

I am not in a position to help with the solar panel, but will be passing by there soon on my way north. I can bring some canned, or dried foods to him from Vizcaino if necessary.

Any suggestions?

[Edited on 3-16-2018 by AKgringo]

David K - 3-16-2018 at 02:23 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

Enrique, I don't know the details of Pancho's set up, but if I remember correctly, the solar panels are to maintain a freezer. Do you know if Pancho has already lost all the food stored in it?

I am not in a position to help with the solar panel, but will be passing by there soon on my way north. I can bring some canned, or dried foods to him from Vizcaino if necessary.

Any suggestions?

[Edited on 3-16-2018 by AKgringo]

I think it is primarily for food storage as his battery is shot (unless he got a new one?) to have lights or TV at night like he used to (he gets a Hermosillo TV station). Here are the photos I took in 2016 when I posted his request for a battery. When I visited him last year, he was ok with only having power in the daylight to keep his freezer cold overnight.

Sept 2016:

Jan. 2017 showing his panel array:

TMW - 3-16-2018 at 04:50 PM

Harbor Freight usually has the 40 watt panel on sale.
I just looked on line and they have the 100 watt panel kit for $189.
Amazon has the 100 watt panel for $109.95..

[Edited on 3-16-2018 by TMW]

rts551 - 3-16-2018 at 05:40 PM

panels were down to about 1 dollar per watt. Now with the new tariffs, they are going back up.

woody with a view - 3-17-2018 at 08:21 AM

SD craigslist has some deals.

pacificobob - 3-18-2018 at 07:51 AM

south baja craigslist almost always has used panels for sale. when people go in the grid they sell their gear.

Hook - 3-18-2018 at 08:20 AM

A 40 watt panel, assuming it is powering an inverter to run those appliances, doesn't seem like nearly enough. Are those two, 6-volt batteries and one group 31, 12v battery?

Going to Panchos

John M - 3-19-2018 at 07:42 PM

but not until mid May - if he still needs stuff we can take it then. Leaving the high desert around the first of May.

John M

AKgringo - 3-19-2018 at 09:20 PM

I will be passing by his place in three days or so on my way north. Even if there was a panel here in Bahia Asuncion, I would not have room to haul it, but I will try to get more precise info on what he needs.

I plan on taking some groceries to him, any known urgent needs he has would be appreciated information.

aguachico - 3-20-2018 at 08:20 AM

The harbor freight 100W is junk. they are 4x25w old HUGE panels.

Paco Facullo - 3-20-2018 at 08:39 AM

Ah let's see, what does Poncho need ? for starters

Case of beer
Bottle of Tequila
2 kilos carne asada
A fun Chica
Couple of Cuban cigars
Bottle of brandy
Couple of flans, That'll do it

Oh and a 100w solar panel...

If'n you can through in a Mariachi band that would be nice...

ehall - 3-20-2018 at 09:12 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Paco Facullo

Ah let's see, what does Poncho need ? for starters

Case of beer
Bottle of Tequila
2 kilos carne asada
A fun Chica
Couple of Cuban cigars
Bottle of brandy
Couple of flans, That'll do it

Oh and a 100w solar panel...

If'n you can through in a Mariachi band that would be nice...

I could use all of that too. Except the solar panel. Wish I could help.

TMW - 3-20-2018 at 12:09 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

I will be passing by his place in three days or so on my way north. Even if there was a panel here in Bahia Asuncion, I would not have room to haul it, but I will try to get more precise info on what he needs.

I plan on taking some groceries to him, any known urgent needs he has would be appreciated information.

A bag of rice and beans is always good.

Yes please find out exactly what it is that he needs as far as the solar panel goes. Is it just the panel or other parts he needs too.

AKgringo - 3-22-2018 at 07:41 PM

I have taken Pancho durable, easy to transport goods before, but it occurs to me that fresh products would probably please him even more.

Does anyone know if he has egg laying chickens? I don't recall seeing them, but a person here in B.A told me he did.

TMW - 3-22-2018 at 07:44 PM

I don't recall ever seeing any chickens either or any animals other than his dog. I think fresh veggies are always good.

Late with an update!

AKgringo - 4-4-2018 at 10:55 AM

I stopped by Pancho's camp a little over a week ago, and can add a little info. Pancho understands the system far better than I do, but our language difficulties prevent a highly accurate dialogue.

The panel that failed was rated at 46 watts, and the voltage controller is shot as well. What surprised me is that according to Pancho, it is 22 years old!

He has two other sets of panels on his system, one of them performing as designed, and one that is very weak. I do not know what the total output is, but he has enough power for his refrigeration, but not enough to use much more than that over night.

On another note, he did have chickens for a brief period, but due to the problems with coyotes, foxes, and birds of prey, he says never again!

He very much enjoyed the fresh eggs, tomatoes, avocados and other fragile and perishable items I brought him. I also left him all my plastic storage containers and some AA, and AAA batteries.

David K - 4-4-2018 at 11:19 AM

Good job AK!!! :bounce:

John Harper - 4-4-2018 at 11:35 AM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

I stopped by Pancho's camp a little over a week ago, and can add a little info. Pancho understands the system far better than I do, but our language difficulties prevent a highly accurate dialogue.

The panel that failed was rated at 46 watts, and the voltage controller is shot as well. What surprised me is that according to Pancho, it is 22 years old!

He has two other sets of panels on his system, one of them performing as designed, and one that is very weak. I do not know what the total output is, but he has enough power for his refrigeration, but not enough to use much more than that over night.

On another note, he did have chickens for a brief period, but due to the problems with coyotes, foxes, and birds of prey, he says never again!

He very much enjoyed the fresh eggs, tomatoes, avocados and other fragile and perishable items I brought him. I also left him all my plastic storage containers and some AA, and AAA batteries.

Hopefully you gave him that Patriots shirt as well. Shop rags are always useful.

John

[Edited on 4-4-2018 by John Harper]

willardguy - 4-4-2018 at 11:36 AM

:lol:

AKgringo - 4-4-2018 at 12:13 PM

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy

Lest I be mistaken for a fan, I should explain that the shirt wound up in the laundry at my CA home. An assortment of vistors passed through here when I had a summer house sitter/roomate, but no one would admit to owning it!

Since money had been wasted on it by someone, I decided that I should wear it out on in remote areas while it is on the way to the rag bag!

Then I absent mindedly stepped in front of Blanca's camera! :spingrin:

bobrehfuss - 4-4-2018 at 08:12 PM

Ok Nomads,

I have a friend that is going to BoLA on Friday night after work. He will be going to San Francisquito within a week or so after that. He has been there before and met Pancho who he calls “Corre Camino” but I’m assuming it’s the same person as there seemed to only be one jefe there. Is this correct Pancho is “Corre Camino”?

We live in Big Bear and can’t get solar panels here. He is going straight to Mex after work so he won’t be able to pick one up.

I am however going to the city tomorrow to get an MRI for a back injury that ironically interrupted my Baja camping trip last November when I met Pancho for the first time.

I don’t know anything about solar panels or controls but I’m happy to purchase the stuff and he will deliver it.

If anyone out there knows about solar and could help direct me to right stuff it would sure help. I’m thinking Harbor Freight.

You can post here but it would even better if you could call or text me tonight or tomorrow. 909-633-8124

Thanks
Bob

David K - 4-5-2018 at 02:47 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bobrehfuss

Ok Nomads,

I have a friend that is going to BoLA on Friday night after work. He will be going to San Francisquito within a week or so after that. He has been there before and met Pancho who he calls “Corre Camino” but I’m assuming it’s the same person as there seemed to only be one jefe there. Is this correct Pancho is “Corre Camino”?

We live in Big Bear and can’t get solar panels here. He is going straight to Mex after work so he won’t be able to pick one up.

I am however going to the city tomorrow to get an MRI for a back injury that ironically interrupted my Baja camping trip last November when I met Pancho for the first time.

I don’t know anything about solar panels or controls but I’m happy to purchase the stuff and he will deliver it.

If anyone out there knows about solar and could help direct me to right stuff it would sure help. I’m thinking Harbor Freight.

You can post here but it would even better if you could call or text me tonight or tomorrow. 909-633-8124

Thanks
Bob

Coco (of Coco's Corner) has a road-runner for a logo.
Pancho (of Bahía San Rafael) is far less known or visited.

bobrehfuss - 4-5-2018 at 03:30 PM

I know Coco. Visit a couple times a year for years. My buddy as well.

My friend has been going to San Rafeal south from BoLA for a few years. Last year was my first time there. He always refers to El Viejo de San Rafael as Corre Camino. When I said that he introduced himself as Pancho to me he said he has always referred to himself as Corre Camino. Just assumed he is one and the same but wanted to confirm.

On my way to Harbor Freight soon to pick up a 100 Watt Solar Panel kit si he can deliver it next week to Francisco, Poncho...CC

TMW - 4-5-2018 at 04:34 PM

Your friend can refer to Pancho or his location any way he wants but Pancho is the only person living at his location other than his guest.

There is a rancho on the west side of the road north of the turnoff to Pancho's place where a young couple use to live, I'm not sure they are still there.

Corre Camino translated to English is run road so I don't understand how that connects to Pancho. Anyway I am sure Pancho will be happy to get the solar panel.

Thank you for helping.

willardguy - 4-5-2018 at 04:59 PM

Quote: Originally posted by TMW

Your friend can refer to Pancho or his location any way he wants but Pancho is the only person living at his location other than his guest.

There is a rancho on the west side of the road north of the turnoff to Pancho's place where a young couple use to live, I'm not sure they are still there.

Corre Camino translated to English is run road so I don't understand how that connects to Pancho. Anyway I am sure Pancho will be happy to get the solar panel.

Thank you for helping.

Pancho has been known for years as correcamino, you never notice how this little nutbag runs around in double time? hence the nickname

bobrehfuss - 4-5-2018 at 05:09 PM

Well yes I did notice he was a zippy little road runner. Ok, all good in Harbor Freight pitching up the stuff now. It will be heading Panchos way on Friday.

Run road = Roadrunner

AKgringo - 4-5-2018 at 05:13 PM

By the way, there were other temporary residents there last week. Several fishermen have set up shop there for a while, I think Pancho said they were after pulpo.

Pancho has a new guard Chihuahua since the last time I was there. My dog outweighs Paloma by at least 75 pounds, but the little girl let Bailey know that the camp (including my lap) was hers!

TMW - 4-5-2018 at 05:23 PM

I've never heard anyone refer to Pancho by any name other than Pancho. But I only see him a few times a year at most. He's had a few dogs over the years and sometimes is vague about where they disappeared to. I just assumed when things get tough they get ate.

willardguy - 4-5-2018 at 05:28 PM

Quote: Originally posted by TMW

I've never heard anyone refer to Pancho by any name other than Pancho. But I only see him a few times a year at most. He's had a few dogs over the years and sometimes is vague about where they disappeared to. I just assumed when things get tough they get ate.

well Tom maybe next time you can bring him a big screen.

TMW - 4-5-2018 at 05:45 PM

I usually take him food. A year or so ago I took him a control module for his generator and I made a special run to GN for a battery once. I got a 54 inch TV in my living room I might take him. I just don't like the sound from it. I've had two different external sound systems connected to it and to me it has too much bass. Hard for me to understand people talking. Maybe for Xmas.

bobrehfuss - 4-5-2018 at 09:26 PM

Sent the pic to my friend and confirmed Francisco-Pancho-Corre Camino-El Jefe de Francisquito-El Papa de Paloma are all one and the same. All good, new panels and accessories purchased and on their way south tomorrow, done deal!

ehall - 4-6-2018 at 04:46 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bobrehfuss

Sent the pic to my friend and confirmed Francisco-Pancho-Corre Camino-El Jefe de Francisquito-El Papa de Paloma are all one and the same. All good, new panels and accessories purchased and on their way south tomorrow, done deal!

Good on you. Very nice thing to do.

Enrique2012 - 4-6-2018 at 11:28 AM

Thanks Bob! It's really great to see this thread come alive and deliver something to Pancho that will help improve his comfort and welfare.

It's really a great thing to watch this community respond.

Thanks again Bob.

woody with a view - 4-7-2018 at 02:10 AM

Truth

willardguy - 4-7-2018 at 08:34 AM

enough to make correcamino dance!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xll3uyYLW3E