007 RED

1 hour ago, Crossy said:

Just for interest, our 6,500W of panels is generating 5,184W at the inverter output right now ???? 

 

EDIT Just peaked at 5,545W ???? 

OK, the initial project started as a Solar Carport on a budget, but now its become a Solar carport on a massive overdraft ????

10 minutes ago, Crossy said:

Although I've sorted an automagic system to stop the export our meter reader invariably comes at 6AM on the 19th, until the days he doesn't!!

 

So I'll happily throw away some energy by not exporting all day on the earliest through to the latest days he's ever been.

 

20m between the CT and the controller is nothing, our CTs are 30m from the inverter, limit according to the inverter manual is 200m. Also note that that little inverter talks to the limiter using RS-485 which should be good for 500m or so ???? 

 

 

 

Again, many thanks for that information.  You absolutely correct about the meter reader potentially coming on a different day than expected.  What's it called?  Murphy' Law!

You now have me really 'fired up' with the information regarding the distance between the GTI and the feed wires.  Definitely worth considering.

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

It'll never happen.

My 3x 340w have never produced more than 650W even in the strongest sun.

Today in bright mid-day(ish) sun I'm getting 500W, thinking of adding another 1 or 2 panels to the string.

 

Safe to assume (under perfect conditions) your panels will produce AT LEAST 30% less than the advertised Watts.

Many thanks for your assurance. 

I recall that I read in one of the 'Idiot's Guides to Solar Panel Systems' that power output of the solar panel given by the manufacturer is for the ideal situation and not the real world with clouds, dust, heat etc affecting the efficiency of the panel.  As you said, the real world factors will reduce the power output considerably.

So with your 3 x 340W panels your GTI copes OK and doesn't get overheated?

53 minutes ago, Crossy said:

What type of meter do you have, whizzy disc or electronic?

 

If it's the disc type it will happily go backwards if your production exceeds current useage, BUT it is imperative that your meter reader doesn't see it going backwards. PEA do seem to be clamping down more and more on "unofficial" net-metering.

 

Electronic meters don't go backwards, they may even bill you for the energy you export!

 

So it might be an idea to invest in GTIs that can do "no export" and then arrange to enable this facility on "meter reader" days.

 

Something like this https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001054628033.html?spm=a2g0s.8937460.0.0.5c562e0e9gsTMg

 

Thanks for your comments and suggested GTI. 

We have a 'whizzy' disc meter and I am mindful from your previous postings of the potential problems that can arise if the meter reader spots it going backwards.

I note from our past bills that the meter reader normally comes between 9 and 11am, on the 15th or 16th of every month, so like you, I could make sure that Mrs MoneyBaht has the washing machine and the oven at full blast when he comes (maybe triggered by facial recognition on our external CCTV looking down the road). 

Joking apart, the problem I would have is connecting the inhibitor supplied with the GTI that you suggested to the feed wires (from the pole in the road outside the house) to the house.  The GTI will be mounted under the roof of the carport and the distance from there to the feed wires is approximately 20 meters as the crow flies.  I think that the simplest solution initially will be to put a alarm reminder in our smart phone calendars and disconnect the AC output until he has gone.

I’m seeking some information/advice from our ‘resident’ experts please.

Background:  Have been monitoring this forum since @Crossy opened it with his “How about a solar carport on a budget” some 2 years ago.  It has been really interesting and educational particularly during these ‘strange times’ were currently living in.  Thanks, @Crossy and all the other contributors.

I have been toying for quite some time with the idea of installing a small grid tied system on my carport.  We (my good lady and I… plus 3 cats) don’t use a great deal of electricity.  Looking at our electricity bill printouts for the past 12 months, we use on average approximately 9 units/day.  OK, I know electricity is cheap, so why bother?  That’s a whole different argument for another day.

I am considering DIY project, something in the order of a 1KW system to produce about 3 units/day (a reduction of approx.. 1/3rd current usage) so as not to arouse suspicions in the local PEA office.

I’m looking at a similar system to that constructed by @BritManToo namely: a Suoer 1000W GTI plus 2 or 3 solar panels.

Admission:  Electrical expertise = NIL, but more than capable DIY and following good practice/rules etc. So please treat gently????

My questions:

Q # 1.  What is the difference (in lay person terms please) between Poly Full, Mono Full and Mono Half solar panels (apart from the cost), and which is the best?

Q # 2.  If I use a GTI rated at 1000W and use 3 x 340W normal poly panels (potential of 1020W), I’m aware that the panels could (under perfect conditions) produce 20W more than the GTI is capable of handling and ‘clipping’ will occur.  What affect will this have on the GTI?

Q # 3.  If I use a GTI rated at 1000W and use 2 x 460W mono half cell panels (potential of 920W), what affect will this reduced input have on the GTI?

In my humble opinion, from the x-ray image, the foreign object in the policeman's neck is an air gun pellet. 

The officer is extremely lucky that the pellet did not penetrate/rupture either of the major blood vessels which run up either side of his neck namely, the carotid arteries and the jugular veins.  Had the pellet penetrated/ruptured either one of those blood vessels he would have been in an immediate life threatening situation, as I suspect that first aid facilities on the 'ground' would have been fairly basic and unlikely to be able to control the massive internal bleed which would have resulted from such an injury.

OP...  A couple of weeks after getting my replacement PP (approximately 3 months ago) I went to the Land Transport Office and requested that my driving licence be updated with my new PP number.  The process was simple.  All I needed was a photo copy of my old and new PP's (data pages), new PP page showing transfer stamps and my original DL.  I had original and new PP with me but was not asked for them.  No additional forms to fill in.  Presented these to the receptionist who issued a queue number and had a short wait to be called for photo to be taken and issue of updated DL.  If I remember correctly there was a small fee for the replacement DL (receipt was issued).  I was in/out in about 30 minutes.

Obviously with the current Covid situation the process may change depending upon which LT office you use.

1 hour ago, Eff1n2ret said:

Sorry, I never took a copy of it, and it is retained by Immigration. From memory, there was an embassy embossing stamp on it, so unless you are skilled at counterfeiting such things, you might not get it past the IO.

The letter is a photocopy, including the VC's signature, done on very cheap paper.  The Embassy embossed stamp is so faint that it is hardly noticeable.

I scanned my letter into a pdf and then completed the required fields using Adobe.  I presented the copy which I made to the IO together with the required copies of my old passport photo page, original visa and all the previous stamps.  He didn't bat an eye lid and in less than 10 minutes I was walking out of the office with my new passport dually stamped over two pages.

Embassy Letter for Immigration.pdf

This topic was the feature of one of BBC's technology programmes last November.  It appears that the use of an EV's battery for home use is currently being tried/tested in the UK.  At present the cost of the installation is being heavily subsidised by the company who running the trial, and if you wanted to purchase the system, it would set you back around 6,000 GBP, if I recall correctly.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08zc55j

Upset hiso in BMW with an Uzi

1 hour ago, NanLaew said:

 

The CoE is acquired via the RTE of the country you are applying in. My experience with Seoul and Kuala Lumpur earlier this year was approval within 24-hours. They have the hot-line with the MFA. Last year's slow and tortuous two-step CoE application process with the local RTE and the MFA has gone.

 

So nobody will be arriving on 1st July. So what?

I'm aware that the Thai MoFA 'streamlined' their CoE procedure earlier this year for most types of visa entries and glad to hear that you got confirmation within 24 hours, but when you applied for your CoE you were not required to provide proof that you had been fully vaccinated with a vaccine which has been approved by the Thai MoH. 

Full vaccination, with a vaccine approved by the Thai MoH, is now a fundamental requirement of the Phuket Sandbox Scheme.  As a result potential visitors applying for a CoE (under the Phuket Sandbox Scheme) must now also submit the QR code on their certificate of vaccination to their local Embassy.  The QR code will will then be forwarded to the MoFA in Bangkok (together with the other required details).  The MoFA will then authenticate that the applicant has in fact been fully vaccinated.  Obviously this minor additional entry requirement will take time to verify with the original government body that issued the vaccine certificate bearing in mind time zones etc.

Hence given the fact that Embassies are unable to process CoE for the Phuket Sandbox Scheme until Monday 28th at the earliest, it is highly unlikely that anyone will get their CoE before the 1st July.

I would love to be a fly-on-the-wall at Phuket airport on the 1st July when the PM, the Governor and 'uncle tom cobbly and all' are their waiting for the non-arrivals.

9 hours ago, LukKrueng said:

Speaking about snake - anyone knows what snake this is? 

 

There are 2 possibilities, as their longitudinal body markings are very similar, namely: A Striped Keelback, or an Indo-Chinese Sand Snake. 

Both are fairly prolific throughout Thailand.  Both considered harmless to humans.  Both tend to be terrestrial, but are more than capable climbers.  Main source of food are frogs/toads and lizards.

He obviously had not made the standard contribution to the local 'cop shop tea fund'.

Yesterday mid-afternoon I walked along Sukhumvit Road from Asok to Nana (on the right hand side).  I lost count of the number of ‘table shops’ that where setup on the pavement openly selling sex toys and ED meds etc.  I would estimate there was one ‘table shop’ about every 50 meters.

If I recall correctly there is some local regulation which prohibits traders from ‘setting up’ their stalls on this side of Sukhumvit Road until after 6pm, apart from the fact that selling sex toys is apparently illegal in Thailand.  Obviously, the local authority street officers and the local cops are ‘turning a blind eye’ to this blatant trade.

Crazy!

OP... As has been already mentioned, there is no desperate rush to have your 'stamps' transferred to your new passport.  You just need to keep both your old and new passports together.  That said, it is best to get the transfer done as soon as convenient.

VSF will give you a proforma letter which you will need to fill in the details and give it to the IO when you go to your local office to request the 'stamp' transfer.  Note:  Some immigration offices will also require you to complete their own 'stamp' request form as well.  The transfer should be done free of charge.

Below is a copy of the letter I got when I recently (April) collected my new passport from VFS.

Below are the collection of 'stamps' which the IO put into my new passport.  As you will see they cover 2 pages.  The top left stamp is the 'transfer stamp' which shows my old passport number (redacted) plus my original visa (Non-o) and arrival date.  The smaller 'stamps' below indicate where and when I arrived on the original visa and the last date I arrived on a re-entry permit.  The large 'stamp' on the right shows the status of my current permission to stay plus the normal reminder 'stamp' to notify every 90 days.

FYI..... As well as notifying immigration of your new passport number don't forget that there are a number of other organisations that you may also need to notify.  For example:  Your bank (most accounts are linked to your passport number);  Your hospital(s)/doctor who no doubt have you logged by your passport number; etc.

Good luck

OP.... As you have discovered, the Rolex authorised dealers here in Bangkok only sell new watches and they do not carry any spares or undertake any service work.  They send all service work to the main service centre located on Wireless Road.

For some strange reason the main service centre only advertises their phone numbers, even on their receipts.  When I had my Air King serviced by them a few years back they sent me an email quote and subsequently a confirmation that the watch was ready for collection.  I just looked up the email address and it appears to be the name of the receptionist @rolex.com   I'm not sure given the passing of time that the person may or may not still be working there.  If you want the full email address to try PM me and I will let you have it.

FYI.... Their phone number is 02 650 9118.... the people there speak very good English so you may get some assistance with a phone call.

As an alternative I would recommend Watch-Expert who have several shops mainly based in the malls in Bangkok.  I have used the one located in Central World and have to say they were very helpful and gave excellent service.  Their website is 

https://www.expert-watch.com   Again, for some strange unknown reason they don't have an email address (Line address and phone numbers only).  Again, my dealings with them by phone in English were helpful and positive.

FYI.... Both the Rolex main service centre on Wireless Road and Expert-Watch shop in Central World can easily be reached by BTS.

Hope this helps.

12 hours ago, Genix said:

 

Perhaps it's not about what others think but rather for your own pleasure.

 

Update regarding the situation... Rolex ADs are not allowed to verify if a Rolex is original and you have to go to the service center and say you want it serviced (if you ask to verify, they won't).

 

Seller did not want to do that, which was suspicious. Suddenly replies got slower, excuses due to "covid" risk  and store standards, despite wanting to do it a week ago for another watch. Told me to buy it and go to the center right away after to verify, comes with a moneyback guarantee.... SURE LOL, more like a "runaway" guarantee where seller runs with your money.

 

Went to the AD and bought a new authentic one. 

 

As I indicated in my earlier post, if the seller is unwilling to go with you to Watch-Expert or other reliable servicing facility, at your expense, to have the watch authenticated then the alarm bells should start to ring.  The total walk away indicator was his/her suggestion that you should buy the watch and then have it authenticated.  If the watch is fake the chances of you getting your money back would be extremely slim.

You made the right decision to walk away and buy a new one from an AD.  You won't regret it.

I purchased my Rolex Air King 53 years ago in the UK for the princely sum of £47 (equivalent to 1,974 THB at todays Xrate).  Its been on my wrist almost continuously ever since and been serviced about 4 times.  Apart from a few minor scratches through normal wear and tear, its functioning perfectly and only gaining a few seconds per week. 

The only down side of owning this wonderful time piece is the cost of the servicing.  The last service I had done was at the Rolex Service Centre on Wireless Road 3 years ago and that cost 34,000 THB.  Unfortunately it stopped working after a few months and then after a warranty repair started gaining time.  Despite going back several times the problem progressively became worse and I was then informed that it was out of warranty and would have to pay to have any further work done on it.  I ended up taking it to Watch-Expert (Central World) who identified/rectified the problem very quickly and only charged a minimal fee.  As I said earlier, its now keeping perfect time for an old watch.

I would recommend Expert-Watch (https://www.expert-watch.com) as they offer a watch authentication service (cost 1,000 THB).  They have a number of small shops based in many major malls  within Bangkok where you can get the watch checked/serviced. 

Not sure how the process works.  I assume that the vendor is not going to hand the watch over to you for you to have it checked before you pay for it in full, which could be a bit late if its a fake.  I would presume that you and the vendor will have to arrange to met at one of the shops.  Obviously if the vendor declines, that will be a fair indication that the watch may not be all its made out to be.

FYI - I had my Rolex serviced by the main Rolex service facility located in Wireless Road (Bangkok) a few years ago.  Cost me 34,000 THB.  A few weeks after service it started gaining time (1 minute/day) and after 6 months it just stopped.  Took it back under warranty but afterwards it still kept gaining time.  To cut a long story short, after several return trips to the Rolex service centre it was gaining 3 minute/day and the 2 year warranty had expired so they wanted to charge me for any additional work.  I took the watch to the Expert-Watch shop based in the basement of Central World last year and they fixed it for a reasonable charge.  It is now running like a dream gaining only a few seconds a week.

19 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

It is very easy to have your stamps transferred from you old passport to a new one.

I would endourse ubonjoe's comment. 

I got my stamps transferred last Friday at Nakhonpathom Immigration office.  Arrived at 1pm and out the door with 4 stamps in my new passport in about 10 minutes.

No request form to complete but l had letter from Embassy plus prepaired copies of old & new passport pages.

Stamps = A transfer stamp detailing old passport number; A stamp indicating original visa type & date; A stamp indicating last entry; A stamp indicating current permission to stay.

Best of all NO FEE and nice smile when the IO handed my passports back.

The hard work now starts notifying all the other government bodies & organisations who have my old passport number as ID.... e.g. banks; driving licence; doctor/hospital; mobile phone provider; BTS & MRT card; local Amphur (yellow book & pink card) etc.  etc.

5 hours ago, jayboy said:

 

I'm in the same position, also rather impressed by the speed between application and delivery.Could you very kindly let me know which days and between what times the new passport can be collected.Is an appointment needed?

 

I've looked on line and there's some conflicting information.My present understanding is Mondays or Wednesdays, between 1 pm and 3 pm no appointment needed.Is that right?

As Safarimike11 above said, you can collect your new passport on either Monday or Wednesday and no appointment is needed.... but note the collection time is between 1:00pm and 2:00pm only.

Please be advised that VFS is closed this coming Wednesday (14th) because of Songkran holiday. 

2 hours ago, LivingNThailand said:

This is excellent advise.  

Does anyone know if you can just get a replacement driving license with same expiration date?  Or have to go and apply for a new one with all the paperwork.  That brake test really stresses me out! haha!

No tests required... you will just need to provide copies of your photo pages from your original and new passport.... they will then update their system and issue you with a new driving licence.

Note:  The replacement driving licence with your new passport number will still have the original licence expiry date. 

20 minutes ago, siftasam said:

Thank you for all the excellent  information and advice. I am very nearly 75 so please excuse any confusion.

 

My 90 day renewal is on April 21st.

My Retirement Extension renewal date is June 25th.

My UK Passport expires on June 21st next year.

So, when ideally should I apply for a new Passport in this Covid world? Any advice please?

Will I have to obtain a visa for the gap of 4 days next year? Is this a problem?

 

 

 

No problem.... Do your extension as normal this year.

Because your passport expires on the 21st June 2022, lmmigration will only extend your permission to stay until the 21st June 2022.  Effectively you just lose a few days extension, but that's not the end of the earth.

Once you have got your extension (until 21 June 2022) you can then apply for a new passport.... do not leave it until the last minute... l would suggest applying 6 months before your passport expires e.g. January or February because of unknown delays resulting from the new Covid world.

When you eventually get your new passport go to lmmigration and get them to transfer your extension stamp over to the new passport (21 June 2022).

So from 2022 you will need to do your extension on, or prior, to the 21st June as oposed to the 25th.

Hope that helps solve your confusion.