Ken

Winters

Retired Software Engineer - Freelance Writer - Photographer - Hobbyist

I'm a retired Computer Software Engineer now enjoying The Easy Life working on several projects that have always held my interests but for which I've never had time before. Now I get to do the things I want to do the way I want to do them.

My most-recent project has been the design and construction of an aquaponics system for our backyard. Photographs are worth more than words so I'll save some time and encourage you to check out my photo gallery for a quick look at my system. Detailed plans are available if you find the pictures interesting and would like to copy my design.

Two other pet projects are Solar Power and Wind Power generation. As an electronics engineer I've watched the science and technology evolve over decades. Solar panels don't yet look like roofing shingles but some day they will. Meanwhile there are lots of interesting ways to get free electricity and I've managed to take advantage of a few. I'll be happy to show you photos of some of my solar and wind power generating systems and you're welcome to browse those in my gallery. I have included links for you to download some short documents that I guarantee will save you some time and money if you like what you see here.

Other personal interests are too numerous to mention but for those who are just curious about who I am I'll provide some background so you'll know that I know what I'm talking about. I don't have any sponsors and I'm not trying to sell you anything or promote any commercial interests. Just Facts, Fun and Fellowship follows...

AQUAPONICS

Here's my first aquaponics system near 95% complete. The 500-gallon "IBC" is the fish tank for the Mozambique Tilapia (plus a copule of hardy "test" goldfish named, Bonnie & Clyde). The 4 grow beds were made from 2 65-gallon plastic barrels and a 3rd barrel is the sump/swirl filter containing a 365-gph submersible pump which runs off a solar power system.

SOLAR POWER

After a lot of research and many years experimenting with DIY solar cells, arrays, panels, etc., I came to the conclusion that there are some good bargains to be found in ready-made "kits". If you shop around you can find just what you're looking for that won't cost a lot, is easy to assemble, operate and is very reliable.

WIND POWER

The sun sets every day and with it goes the power from your solar array. And although the wind does sometimes stop it does work in the dark. Depending on your location, you may be in a good position, literally, to supplement your solar power with power from the wind. And wind power systems can be very cost-effective ways to generate electricity.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography is one of the most enjoyable ways to capture time and to share special moments in your life with others. Nowadays it can be hard to tell reality from virtuality as computer graphics technology has evolved beyond anything ever dreamed of before. Still that perfect moment when everything seems to come together can only be accurately recorded in a photograph.

Close-up of main flow pipe from fish tank to grow beds. A 2" PVC pipe enters tank at the 4-foot level. There's a main valve to shut off or control volume.

Sump and Swirl Filter

Between the grow beds and the fish tank is a 65-gallon barrel with a clean-out drain at the bottom and an inlet pipe from the grow beds in the side. A 365-gallon/hour pump takes water from this barrel at the 3-foot level. The pump is suspended by a 1" PVC pipe from the top of this barrel that feeds water to the top of the fish tank through a 4-foot long section with tiny holes drilled in the bottom to direct multiple streams of water thus adding lots of air bubbles to add oxygen for the fish.

Bottom of Fish Tank

Water enters the small holes drilled in the 2" PVC at the bottom of the fish tank. As the water rises in this pipe it exits the tank at the 4-foot level and flows directly to the growing beds. I'm going to use a floating raft system for the plants.