Wide Angle Lens For The Drone

Bought a wide-angle lens for the drone. I held of the ND filters for now, not sure I will need them, $55 CAD. I tend to like to shoot my film cameras in wide angle, so I hope I use this little item.

Spent More Money! Jackery 1000 Solar Power Generator

Just when I said I would start saving money and not spend anymore. I MADE A BIG PURCHASE. Last year I had several instances where I ran out of power in the darkroom trailer. This year I have been trying to eliminate that issue. 

1) I added a second lead added battery to the trailer. I run this battery in parallel with the old one. Which means I have twice as much (or so) battery power storage and power.

2) I got the 2-dewalt style battery 200-watt power inverter units with 6 aftermarket cheaper batteries.

Tonight, I got a third power source. I bought a Jackery 1000, Solar Power Generator with a 100-watt solar panel kit for the worrying cost of $1899 CAD plus taxes.

These Jackery units are the king of outdoor camping power. I have watched and read glowing reviews on these units. Hopefully I can use it for several years as backup to the darkroom trailer, in the washing/drying tent and for general boondock camping.

Note* This Jackery bundle comes with 2-100 watt-solar panels. If you buy the Solar Power Station with 1 solar panel ($1699 CAD), then add a second panel later ($389 CAD), you will pay $189 CAD more. So, in a roundabout way, this is a bit cheaper. With 2 panels I should be able to charge the unit twice as fast in the Solar mode.

Note** I think I may be able to use these 2-100watt solar panels to charge my lead acid batteries in the darkroom trailer, replacing the single 100watt panel I now use. The only down side is the Jackery solar panels are not water proof.

Bundle, Jackery 1000 Solar Power Station with 2-100watt solar panels

Jackery 1000 Solar Power Generator

Photo Session Booked

Going to have my picture taken withe the HF2024 for the St.Albert Magazine “Neighbour's of Botanic Park” on May 29th.

I will be posing with my 20x24 inch HF camera. The picture will be used on the magazine's cover.

I am hoping the photo story will help promote both the AMBROTOS KANATA and THE FAMILIES OF THE DUMP stories as well as encouraging the readers to reach out and help those around them.

Batteries For My Water Pump Tent System

Buying some batteries this week to power the small 200-watt inverters. I will use them in my washing tent for the 20x24 and 35x35 inch ambrotype plates. The idea is to have 2 or 3 wash stations in the tent set up on tables. Instead of running power cords from the trailer batteries I am hoping I can power the tent agitation pumps independently. 

I came with the idea of using off-market inverters made for Dewalt tools and batteries. This plan will also give me extra battery power which I am sure I will need in the years ahead. I added a second lead acid battery to my power set up in the trailer (running in parallel with the earlier battery) but I do not think that will be enough. Several times last year I drained the single trailer water pump-power battery. I will need solutions like these little portable Dewalt units when I am working in far off Canadian locations. When you're in Northern Yukon making pics at this extreme level, you will need many portable power sources for your gear.

200watt inverter, battery to 110v

The problem I am facing is getting the batteries and the chargers I need to run the inverters. The batteries will need to run the agitation pumps for long periods of time. I usually wash plates for several hours with multiple water changes. Real Dewalt lithium battery's cost a fortune, around $100-$200 CAD each. I am experimenting with after brand copycat batteries. Those are much cheaper, but of course quality might be an issue. I bought my first two copy batteries for $79.99 and my second two for $72.99. I just bought 2 more after brand batteries from a different company that included a battery charger for $89.99. 

Copy cat Dewalt batteries and 2nd charger

For the washing tent I now have 6 batteries, 2 inverters, 2 pumps and 2 chargers. The pumps work off the inverter/battery set up; I tested it today. I am not sure for how long the battery will run the pumps for, 1 hour? 2 hours? Also, how long will these batteries recharge and keep their load? I am hoping at least 3 years but that might be asking too much. 

Agitation water pump, have 4 now, 2 for the tent, 2 in the trailer.

I HOPE THIS IDEA WORKS!!!

Note* I also have two agitation pumps in the trailer. I can do a 20x24 wash tray with one plate in there as well. 35x35 plates will be too big for the trailer. All the washing of the super large 35x35 inch plates will have to take place in the tent, or tents.

Note** Having a second battery charger is important, as it halves the time, I will need to recharge the batteries when they are all drained. I will buy another battery-charger combo if the first one works well for me. Three chargers and 8 batteries should be enough for now! 

August Cover Pic "Neighbors of Botanic Park"

The AMBROTOS KANATA story and THE FAMILIES OF THE DUMP STORY will be featured in the August issue of local magazine (St. Albert) "Neighbors of Botanic Park". I am happy to spread the word. Talking about this new project and the family's series is important to me. Telling their stories is wonderful and a privilege.

Tonight, was arranging a photo shoot and had a nice talk with the magazine's photographer Donna H. They will put old me and my lovely 20x24 HF camera on the cover. Should be fun a time. 

This is the second promotion for the AMBROTOS KANATA project, the other being the winter talk for the St. Albert Photography club. I am refining my new PowerPoint presentation for that fun night.

Hopefully can do these type things country wide in the years ahead.

Bought A Drone, DJI Mini Pro 3

 Spent even more money today, feel kinda bad about it. I need to start saving again now.

I bought a good quality mini 4K drone. I have needed one for a few years now. With the coming wet plate season ahead, I want to develop a AMBROTOS KANATA YouTube channel for the project this year. A drone is basically essential for any decent channel dealing with landscape, travel and the arts. 

I was going to buy a cheaper model but then remembered what my father said about spending more to get something better, I ended up buying a "DJI Mini 3 Pro" which gets very good reviews, has 4K video, 48mb still photos and important features like obstacle avoidance sensors, focus/active tracking and a fast f 1.7 lens.

Note* I got a bundle package with a separate LCD screen and an extra battery, case and propellers. Hopefully this unit will work well for me for at least the next 7 or 8 years. Cost a very expensive $1508 CAD.

Note** The active tracking feature was a game changer for me. I will be lots of self-shooting. The motorhome and trailer traveling through spaces, the camera set up at a location, me walking and talking etc. I have never used it before, but I believe the focus/active tracking will allow me to operate the drone by myself and multitask at the same time (such as driving the RV through an area, or working the camera in the field). This feature should create much more interesting/strong/important video footage for the channel. A good channel will result in more support, more exhibitions, more everything.

DJI Mini Pro 3 Bundle

WIKE Bike Kit Cargo Trailer #2!

I ordered a second bike cargo kit from WIKE. My idea is to put 4 wheels on the previously built super large cart and then build a second much smaller cart with 2 wheels. I can use the same 4 wheels for both carts as I will not be using both carts at the same time. I think this idea should work. I will have one super big 4 wheeled cart and when needed can transfer 2 wheels and have 1 small easier to transport and maneuver bike cart! 

Note* Also ordered 2 extra axel connectors.

Note** I think the super large cart needs to remain the size it is now. The 35x35 holder and its frame holder only allows for about 6 extra inches of room. Meaning I will have about 3 inches on each side of the holder when it is placed flat in the trailer, not a lot! The trailer actually needs to be that big!

The smaller cart might look something like this, but a bit bigger.

Bike Cargo Trailer

The bike cargo trailer build us almost done. I still need to add a floor of some kind. The thing is huge!! Probably too big. The 1-inch square alimony tube lengths were 96 inches long, so I just cut those in half.

I can make the trailer narrower later if needed (probably will). I used the WIKE bike cargo trailer kit to build it. The trailer measure 51 inches by 48 inches and is rated to carry up to 125 lbs. I might also just order another kit and build a second smaller trailer. I can then use both trailers according to need.

The idea is to use this gizmo to haul my large heavy 35x35 plates to the camera from the darkroom trailer. I would also like to use it to haul my 20x24 camera and tripod to farther off shooting locations. I hope I do not over burden my electric bike.

It all sounds a bit lazy, but I am trying to figure ways to reduce the workload for the project as I age. I might be making 20 35x35 inch glass Ambrotype plates a day to get, 1 or 2 good ones. 20 plates works out to carrying the heavy, loaded, super holders 40 times. When I am 65 plus that might be a tall order!

Note* I think the super large cart needs to remain the size it is now. The 35x35 holder and its frame holder only allows for about 6 extra inches of room. Meaning I will have about 3 inches on each side of the holder when it is placed flat in the trailer, not a lot! The trailer actually needs to be that big!

Local Magazine Story

In the near future “Neighbours of Botanic Park” a local  magazine will do a story about the AMBROTOS KANATA project. THE FAMILIES OF THE DUMP might also be mentioned.

Video: Dumping Waste Water And Getting Fresh Water!

The larger  sewage tank I have now in the darkroom trailer is far too heavy to roll out and dump. The tank when loaded down with water is upwards  of 200lbs. To ease the work load I have set up a pump system. This is the first time I have used it.  I can now dump the waste water safely and efficiently in the proper environmental dump stations around the country.

I plan to also use the pump to refresh my working water tanks in the field as necessary. I can draw water out of streams etc in remote locations around Canada, allowing me to continue the wet plate picture making.   

Canadian Tire, WET PLATE COLLODION SUPPLY STORE!!

Who knew you could buy wet plate photography supplies at Canadian Tire.

- Pump is for transferring the Silver Nitrate bath from bottles to tanks and back again.

- Sawhorse (2) for supporting my 150lb HF3535 view camera.

- Alcohol for my laboratory Bunsen burner.

- White Vinegar (4) for my wet plate developer mix.

- Water bottle for my glass cleaner.

Canadian Tire! Your wet plate supply depot!!!

Making Crazy Camera Plans

So, it being a quiet Saturday night here in the guard shack, I am having wacky thoughts. 

When I shoot the huge and heavy (150lb) HF3535 (35x35 inch view camera) in the field for the AMBROTOS KANATA project its is going to very physically demanding. I have not shot the camera yet but in my head, I keep going over scenarios, trying to figure stuff out. How can I make this work?

Because the camera is so massive, and because I will need to do all the physical work myself. I need to figure out working systems that will allow me to do that. Systems that will allow me to continue to photograph into my early 70s.

I think to use the camera effectively.

1) I need to find the perfect shooting situations. A place where I will have a great photo, lots of space, and plenty of set up, shooting and take down time.

2) I need to be able to shoot from that set up for at least 4-5 days, a week or longer would be better. Only with time can I do the work that needs to be done and make the Ambrotypes that can be made with this wonderful tool. 

3) I will need to have the camera out in the elements for a week at a time or longer. How to do that? A tent structure of some kind needs to be set up around the camera. The tent will protect the camera from wind, rain, dust and other damage. It will also protect me while I am working. Especially in situations where I might be photographing in Canada's vast landscape, potentially places near major Oceans, Mountains or up in the Canadian far North.

4) I will need to support the camera inside the tent. Something strong and if possible adjustable to a degree. The only thing I have come up with so far is sawhorses of various heights. Thou this will require lifting the camera on top of them by myself. I will also need to transport the camera to locations, to and from the darkroom trailer.

To figure out this wacky plan, tonight, at work, I am looking at tent structures and sawhorses!

Note* This project, this crazy, wacky AMBROTOS KANATA project, is a first in Canadian history. Trying to do stuff here that has never been done before (at least mammoth plates, on a national level). I need to think outside the box a bit. Lots more crazy ideas, plans, failures and successes ahead!

Fanny the RV and Freddy the darkroom trailer in action, last year.

Foldable sawhorses $25 a piece, can hold 300lbs

HF3535 camera

One option, a inflatable tent like device 13x13x13 feet, cost $1400 USD plus shipping from China

Another inflatable tent option, 13x10x7 feet, $1300 USD plus shipping form China

Bought Me A Trailer Hitch Cupler Lock

A few years back my father's 1/2-ton truck with canopy was stolen from the driveway of our house here in Edmonton. Eventually the truck was recovered minus the canopy and with quite a bit of damage. I needed the truck so had it repaired at a substantial cost. 

Ever since that time I have been worried about things being stolen from the driveway. Fast forward to today and I have my darkroom trailer (cost $8700 plus improvements and gear) parked on that same driveway. I have implemented a bunch of security measures, but I still constantly worry the trailer will be stolen. Every time I drive home I kind of hold my breath hoping the trailer is still in the driveway. I worry about it being stolen all the time.

I have so many dreams connected with the trailer and what I can create in that darkroom. Losing it would be devastating. All those possible Ambrotypes would be lost forever. It would be heartbreaking.

Today I finally decided to go ahead and buy a top end "Hitch Cupler Lock"(I currently have a cheaper one installed). This new unit will provide max protection against theft. It is very expensive, but maybe it will allow me some peace of mind, maybe it will allow me to make my ambrotypes! I need to stop worrying about the trailer being stolen.

Thinking Of Sally Mann

Am thinking a lot this week of some of Sally Mann”s wet plate imagery. Some of the photos from her DEEP SOUTH project keep rattling around in my mind. I mind them so mysterious, provocative and beautiful.

 

Photos by Sally Mann from her DEEP SOUTH project

A Fun Work Night

Sometimes it’s good to be a guard. Getting paid tonight yet on the side lots of chances to do personal work and self-improve.

Studying John Coffer’s wet plate book and Sally Mann’s “A Thousand Crossings”. Also working on my AMBROTOS KANATA project PowerPoint presentation.

A fun work night.

Note* Also watching a streaming NHL game, stretching, doing a treadmill walk and some pushups. Life is good!

Note** The last 3 days before work I did a 1-hour bike ride. Hope if I can keep this up it will help with my overall conditioning.

Got the John Coffer book last week as a freebie. Thanks Ann M!

Mr. Nadar an interesting fellow, as of course is Mr. Poe

PowerPoint seems to work better on the new/used Mac Air computer.

New Tent Toys!

 Am preparing to use the new washing/drying tent this year. The idea is that in the field I can use the tent to wash and then dry the mammoth 20x24 inch and 35x35 inch Ambrotypes I will be making. To that end I bought another agitation pump, my third, 2 are already mounted in the trailer. Also picked up a unique little inverter linked to Dewalt 20v batteries. 

If this works (for how long?). I can have a pump power supply in the tent without tripping on inconvenient cords running all over the place, less difficult, less of a falling on my ass hazard. I will give this a go this year, if it works, will buy more in the future. I will probably need the ability to wash multiple plates at a time on battery/inverter power. I will need enough battery power to run the pumps for many hours.

I also picked up a fan thingy, I was overheating in the trailer last season, trying to find good ways to cool things down a bit. I will need fans both in the tent and the trailer. 

The advantage of this system is that I can charge multiple batteries and reuse them as needed.

Buying all these gizmos and gadgets is expensive. If it leads to strong Ambros, then it is all worth it! The end pic is all that matters.

Note* It is time to push harder. I need to be making 20x24 Ambrotypes, complete in the field by seasons end! If I can do this, then next year I can try to make 35x35 inch Ambros.

Mellif DC Power Adapter for Dewalt 20V Max Battery, 20V to 110V Voltage Converter with Dual USB AC Output, 200W Inverter

YeaTek 110V Magnetic Beer Pump Food Grade Stainless Steel Head with 1/2'' Inch Thread

ohyes Cordless Jobsite Fan For DeWALT 18V 20V 

Ordered The Trailer Kit

Ordered the do-it-yourself bike cargo trailer kit from WIKE in Ontario. Cost was $199 plus $35 for shipping. I will need to buy aluminum tubing form Home Depot and build the cargo trailer by hand. This way I can get a flatbed trailer big enough to haull my HF3535 holders my HF2024 holders and my HF2024 camera plus tripod.

Hope the kit arrives soon the shooting season is upon me! I want o use it this year to haul the HF20x24 about, along with the heavy tripod and the 20x24 wet plate holder. I will use the my new DJ Fat Tire electric bike to haul the trailer.

Note* I will take off the wheels for easier storage in the darkroom trailer when not using the bike cargo trailer.

Pictures Next Week Off?

  Hoping to make Ambrotypes, next week!!!!!!!

Cargo Trailer Hauller

The Fat Tire DJ Bike should work for the wet plate project. I put it together and drove it about the last 2.days. I will need to custom build a bike cargo trailer for it. The trailer needs to be is big enough to haul the very heavy 35x35 inch plate holder flat, to help avoid dripping silver nitrate. 

You can accelerate the bike from a stop without peddling using the throttle and the 750w electric motor, which will be good for short distance old man plate holder hauls. 

Am trying to develop systems that will allow me to make complete ULF ambrotypes across Canada into my 70s.

Canadian Tire Bio Ethanol Try

My Eastern Canada source for Eco-Fuel alcohol (bio ethanol) raised their prices dramatically. I bought extra bottles earlier. I believe I have around 49-3.75 bottles in reserve. I anticipated a price hike so bought more than I needed. I want to use those bottles to make Gerry Collodion with. Collodion is the  most important thing the alcohol is used for.

To that end yesterday I bought a $45 CAD bottle of Canadian Tore bio ethanol to try out. I will use it for my plate washer and developer to start. If this works, I can save and use my stock of Eco-Fuel bio ethanol a bit longer.