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I have some silicone finger tips (squishy heat-resistant thimbles) intended for hot glue. I will have to try those with paracord. I saw someone, somewhere, use heat shrink tubing for a similar purpose. It would be easier to thread the cord through, and I’m just guessing/hoping it takes less heat to shrink the tube than to melt the cord. I love the tidy appearance of your solution.

Here’s mention of a solar system from 2007. https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-power-wheelchair

I too am planning to add solar power to my electric wheelchair. I’m trying to work out the math, starting from zero knowledge. I picked a geek’s brain for where to start and am now facing the change of getting better power specs on my out-of-production Merits P102 Travel-eaze folding power wheelchair. It runs on two U1 12V batteries and does not go far enough on a single charge for my purposes. Here is a chair created by some university students for a CP organization’s assistance project competition.https://newatlas.com/solar-wheelchair/27822/ There are some specs mentioned in the video but I’ve yet to have a pencil ready to jot them down. The best part is that at 1mph the chair can go indefinitely. At the 4mph max they added a lot of time as compared to the unboosted power. There are o...

I too am planning to add solar power to my electric wheelchair. I’m trying to work out the math, starting from zero knowledge. I picked a geek’s brain for where to start and am now facing the change of getting better power specs on my out-of-production Merits P102 Travel-eaze folding power wheelchair. It runs on two U1 12V batteries and does not go far enough on a single charge for my purposes. Here is a chair created by some university students for a CP organization’s assistance project competition.https://newatlas.com/solar-wheelchair/27822/ There are some specs mentioned in the video but I’ve yet to have a pencil ready to jot them down. The best part is that at 1mph the chair can go indefinitely. At the 4mph max they added a lot of time as compared to the unboosted power. There are other references online regarding this specific project. I’m guessing that since this was made solar panel technology has improved. A curved panel might be a convenient addition, considering how hazardous I am to others with just my umbrella. I’m concerned about maming people with the corners of the panel frame. Using the panel(s) as a shade canopy would impair the ability to tilt the panel(s) toward the sun, but might be a worthwhile trade-off. We want the chair to get the sun, not the person. Their panels are raised and lowered with motors rather than manually. I personally would be able to skip that feature. The three panels extend a bit like an armadillo. I’d like to have a single panel that can be lowered to behind the seat back for indoor-use and crowded spaces. I’m thinking I might pad the corners with pool noodle bits for the first try. I don’t yet understand why a 12V system is all I can find. The chairs I’ve seen use 24V. (2 12V batteries) As I mentioned though, I’m at the beginning stages of the technology planning process. I came a across a company that offers a solar kit for their specific chair, but I am on a very tight budget. My wise friend took a wild guess, without all of the specs on hand, that I could build a system for around $300. That’s still well beyond my means, but the chair will be so much more usable with the extended range. I hope to see your results. Cheers!

Wow! Thanks for testing that for all of us. I’m sorry it was not only unsuccessful but also a waste of a grinder. Kudos for thinking of the negative effects on the water system. You are a good steward of this pretty blue orb. x

Oopshttp://www.wntx.org/images/Miscpagephotos_doc/Preparing%20and%20Using%20Ground%20Pony%20Beads.pdf

Here’s a pdf about grinding the beads in a coffee grinder. Interesting idea.

Very cool! Thanks. I’m a sucker for GitD stuff!!

I am really impressed at how great these look. Clever use of inexpensive, readily available materials too.I have grand plans to make custom silicone molds (clear 100% silicone caulk and cornstarch, which I’ve heard stinks to high heaven so it is best done outside)I’ve not dabbled with pony beads. Would there be any advantage to smashing them up before melting them? I’m wondering if that would reduce the bubbles. I’m curious if the translucent and glittery beads, together or separate from the opaque beads, are any different to work with (regarding bubbles and drilling).Thanks for this clever project.

“You can make a whole bunch of them, connect them into a chain and feel yourself ureasonably happy“Excellent advice! :D