As all of you know, our engineering team is hard at work on an inverter. One of those inverters has been dubbed "Little Willy" and there are some of us here at Midnite who feel that we can come up with a much cooler name than "Little Willy". After much conversation, Robin has agreed to let us put it out to everyone on the forum- can ANYONE think of a better name than Little Willy?
Per Robin I am told that it is expected to do 2800 watts at 120V for the 12V and 4000 watts at 120/240V for the 24V and 48V versions. He has also agreed that if anyone can come up with a better name that he likes, not only will we give the inverter the new name, the person who came up with the name will get a brand NEW Inverter.
Please help us to think up a new name. Post your thoughts in this thread and Robin will add them to the list that he is keeping. I am also posting a pic of Little Willy for inspiration. Thanks! -Raechel
Raechel, how about some dimensions and weight... tks
Ok, first post. I don't have a system yet, so no equipment list, but I have been doing a lot of research. I have to build my power shed before I can put anything in it.
The system I envisage is still a dream, but from research it will definitely include a classic 150. I was also thinking of an Outback vfxr, but knowing you were working on an inverter I was hoping it would be ready before I am.
The only name I can come up with quickly is the "TNT" Inverter. I'm sure it will be dynamite and blow everything else out of the water. TNT is also "The Next Top" inverter or "The New Truth" inverter..
It seemed a lot better when I was thinking about it before I put it in print.
Can't wait to get some more details.
I will be asking the forum for a lot of help when I put my system design together, before I buy anything.
Since I like the name Little Willy for this New Inverter......
I'm officially starting the "Free Midnite's Little Willy Campaign" :)
He really should be free to travel and explore the world at will, without being restricted, restrained or confined in any way.
Midnite's Little Willy Just Wants To Come Out And Play!
If you too like Midnite's Little Willy, speak up! Don't be shy! Powerful forces are at work to keep the Little Willy in the dark. Please help shine the Midnite Sun on Little Willy!
Hmmmmm...OK, If the Little Willy falters.....
Then....."The Midnite Sun" or "The Midnite Son" is my second choice. :)
I suggest Midnite Indra (the all powerful Hindu thunder god).
if the 12V version can't start 90% of the average fridges, I have little interest in it.
Big Stick ?
Mike, what is an average fridge ? ~18 cu. ft.?
https://www.energystar.gov/productfinder/product/certified-residential-refrigerators/results?scrollTo=3400&search_text=&capacity_total_volume_ft3_filter=18+-+23&height_in_isopen=&width_in_isopen=&brand_name_isopen=&markets_filter=Canada&zip_code_filter=&product_types=Select+a+Product+Category&sort_by=annual_energy_use_kwh_yr&sort_direction=asc&page_number=9&lastpage=0
For Canada, shows for all 385, 18 to 23 Cu ft with top, bottom and side by side freezer units a low of 362 Kwh/yr to a hi of 553 Kwh/yr.
A like search of 93, 15 to 17.9 Cuft, all 3 styles of freezer, ran from 344Kwh/yr to 561 Kwh/yr...
A lot of the new avg. fridges will run off 1500W without a hiccup, due to improvements like soft start... my 3 year old 18 cu ft GE /c top freezer runs merrily on well under 1000W, observed ~ 500W to 700W and it tapers while running for 1/2 hr...
As I can see, most of the bigger fancier fridges available are almost all High Efficiency units, mandated by the Gov..
I am betting that the surge capacity of the FREE WILLY will be substantial.
The lyrics for the song by Sweet "Little Willy" are perfect for a solar powered inverter!
Read them over... I agree that "Little Willy" is the name that should stick!
QuoteNorth side, east side
Little Willy, Willy wears the crown, he's the king around town
Way past one and feeling alright
'Cause with little Willy 'round they can last all night
But you can't push Willy 'round
Willy won't go, try tellin' everybody but, oh no
Little Willy, Willy won't
Willy won't, Willy won't
Little Willy, Willy won't
Willy won't, Willy won't
Little Willy, Willy won't
Willy won't, Willy won't
Little Willy, Willy won't
Willy won't, Willy won't BE RENAMED!
Raechel How about , ( little lightning ),or ( kid lighting ) as this would allow for further larger inverters names in the future , ( classic lightning), ( big lightning ), etc
Don
Prometheus (/prəˈmiËθiÉ™s/ prÉ™-MEE-thee-É™s; Greek: Î ÏομηθεÏÏ, [promÉ›ËtÊ°eús], meaning "forethought")[1] is a Titan in Greek mythology, best known as the deity in Greek mythology who was the creator of humanity and its greatest benefactor, who stole fire from Mount Olympus and gave it to humankind
You like?
George
Being that I am native Alaskan, the land of the "Midnight Sun" and that Midnite Solar is in the business of harvesting the sun to use when you need.".......... I propose "Midnite Sun"
David
Quote from: tecnodave on July 19, 2017, 07:28:22 PM
Being that I am native Alaskan, the land of the "Midnight Sun" and that Midnite Solar is in the business of harvesting the sun to use when you need.".......... I propose "Midnite Sun"
David
I like this one...I would change it to Son as Onanparts suggested, it would allow us to have the Son, Big Brother, Little Brother.... I 'm not sure if I get to vote on ideas though :)
How about "Ned"
Marvin's little brother.
Keep the names coming. Everyone gets to vote. I too like the name Little Willy, but there are quite a few perverts out there that think it is a bad name. Sadly, I will bow to pressure on this subject and have agreed to change the name.
Refrigerators are easy to start. I am hopeful to start a 5HP air compressor. That is the load we always went for at Trace and OutBack. The goal is to start the compressor and not have your TV or computer crash. That is really tough with a single 4000W inverter. We don't know about surge power ratings yet, but the transformer designs that Bob and Baxter are coming up with keep on getting better and better. We will definitely leave room for surge power.
well maybe Little Middy
Given the B17 moniker, how about either: "P-38 Lightning" or "P-51 Mustang"?
Cheers,
Kirk Bailey
Abundant Solar, LLC
Well "liberator" Or Mitchell" would be in the same vein as the B-17 and I would like to suggest "Mitchell." The B-25 was rugged, preformed many roles, and was one of the first to respond to "the empire." I suspect this new inverter will be used in a host of tasks and we know it will be built rugged. Besides, no one has ever call their little willy "Mitchell."
Quote from: Robin on July 25, 2017, 12:36:38 AM
Keep the names coming. Everyone gets to vote. I too like the name Little Willy, but there are quite a few perverts out there that think it is a bad name. Sadly, I will bow to pressure on this subject and have agreed to change the name.
My mind hadn't even gone there, but now that it has....
You could keep the "Little Willy" name and go with a Monty Python theme for other units. "Tiny Tadger" for a smaller one and "Biggus Dickus" for a larger one ;D
One other thought about the name, why not a girls name. "Rosie" comes to mind, and the hard working image for the name Rosie comes from the greatest generation. She would be right at home with a B-17 or Kids.
Quote from: Highflyer on September 06, 2017, 10:40:36 PM
One other thought about the name, why not a girls name. "Rosie" comes to mind, and the hard working image for the name Rosie comes from the greatest generation. She would be right at home with a B-17 or Kids.
Kind of like, Rosie the Riveter
How about
"PhaseMaker"
or "Aileron" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aileron
or "APU" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auxiliary_power_unit
;)
-Delfino
Quote from: boB on September 07, 2017, 12:13:00 AM
Quote from: Highflyer on September 06, 2017, 10:40:36 PM
One other thought about the name, why not a girls name. "Rosie" comes to mind, and the hard working image for the name Rosie comes from the greatest generation. She would be right at home with a B-17 or Kids.
Kind of like, Rosie the Riveter
Yep, that the one! When I was in college a long time ago, one of the ladies running the Physics department was a welder during the war. Her stories were inspiring. I miss Stella, she was the real deal.
The specifications of the Little Willy suggests that it will be a solid device that will be useful in off-grid, unimproved areas.
To go along with the B17 theme, how about something like along the lines of:
C46 Commando
C47 Skytrain or Dakota
Of these, I prefer C47.
There were also variations of the C47 for troop transport called the C-53 Skytrooper.
Skytrooper is a possibility as it invoked the idea of power from the sun in the sky.
So I suggest either C47 or Skytrooper.
Keith
Keith, make s me think of the Star Wars Imperial Storm Troopers etc. ( with music playing in my head...)
"thunderstorm"?
I like the Little Willy !!
Screw the perverts & wrong minds .
Some dayz I can get both feet stuck in my mouth & not know ,till my wife explains it to me !!
My mind don't think that way .
VT
How bout SKOOKUM ;D
. From Wikipedia: Skookum is a Chinook Jargon word that has historical use in the Pacific Northwest. It has a range of meanings, commonly associated with an English translation of "strong" or "monstrous". The word can mean "strong",[1] "greatest", "powerful", "ultimate", or "brave". Something can be skookum, meaning "strong" or "monstrously significant". When used in reference to another person, e.g., "he's skookum", it conveys connotations of reliability or a monstrous nature, as well as strength, size or hard-working.
It is looking like High Flyer wins. Everyone so far really likes the name Rosie. I do think we can put together some great ads based on that name. So Raechel, what does he win for naming the Rosie?
By the way we are now actively looking for a board layout person to get Rosie off the ground fast. Everyone else available is already working on boards for the B17. I would like some beta units shipped by January. We have a lot to do!
WOW,
I am humbled and honored. I really love the stuff you guys make and the fact that the B-17 was named for the greatest generation was awesome. Then it came to me, "How about one for the Ladies." There is no doubt that women entered the workforce in large numbers back then and produced great things. It was only fitting to give them a shout out as well.
Gotta tell you I don't like the name Rosie at all, and not because I suggested something different. Just think of Rosie Odonnell immediately ...who I've never been fond of. Also, from the point of view of selling an inverter telling someone it's called Rosie I might just choke a little. But what the heck, I thought Brat and Kid were weird but customers don't seem to flinch when I tell them those names ???
Quote from: Highflyer on September 14, 2017, 02:34:57 PM
WOW,
"How about one for the Ladies." There is no doubt that women entered the workforce in large numbers back then and produced great things. It was only fitting to give them a shout out as well.
I agree .
Still Little Willy was fine also , but The Kid / The Brat / The classic /The B17 , The Rosie ,, Well it rings off .
I do like the admiration for the Woman / Ladies but it's off in my eyes.
Joke for the folks :
A young woman was preparing for her wedding.
She asked her mother to go out and buy a nice long black negligee and carefully place it in her suitcase so it would not wrinkle.
Well, Mom forgot until the last minute, so she dashed out and could only find a short pink nightie. She bought it and threw it into the suitcase.
After the wedding the bride and groom enter their hotel room. The groom was a little self-conscious so he asked his new bride to change in the bathroom and promise not to peek while he got ready for bed.
While she was in the bathroom, the bride opened her suitcase and saw the negligee her mother had thrown in there. She exclaimed, "Oh no! It's short, pink, and wrinkled!"
Then her groom cried out, "I told you not to peek!"VT
Not to shun Mr Brians "Rosie "
You still get a prize !!!
Just my thinking & feeling
(http://m9.i.pbase.com/g2/47/359047/2/149800779.t3gGv4S4.jpg)
Riverwind and VT,
No offense taken. It is a little quirky, but try to let it grow on you. "Rosie the inverter," she works hard, looks sexy, and she's not a loudmouth. I also look forward to the poster!
I'm trying to visualize the whole family of 'Rosies' like the 12, 24 and 48 volt inverters and how to name them, ''Rosie - 12'', ''Rosie - 24'' and '' Rosie -48''...??? Nah...
The SWMBO suggested these 'Rosie MAXI', 'Rosie MIDI' and 'Rosie MINI'...
"Rosie the Inverter" could be riveting.
Good one there Keith
VT
Thanks Highflyer for the fabulous name! I was delighted when Robin told me what he decided to name the inverter. As a side note, Norman Rockwell's iconic picture of Rosie the Riveter is one of my favorites and I for one am certainly looking forward to working on this marketing campaign.
Highflyer- You have won a FREE Rosie!
To everyone else- I have been told that if you contributed ideas, we will give you a very special discount for a Rosie of your own.
So that I know who all of you are, I am asking that everyone on this thread please send me an e-mail with your contact info and your forum user name so I don't miss anyone. Looking forward to hearing from all of you and we truly value your input! -Raechel
raechel@midnitesolar.com
Well Done Mr Brian !
Thanks Ms Raechel , nice prize !
Everything Midnite makes is quality. So adding a Rosie the inverter to the mix of stuff I have is only going to make my systems better. The real problem is going to be wiping the smile off my face. I am honored, humbled and happy all at the same time.
In the US, Rosie the riveter was a watershed moment. This was an unstoppable change to how the US works. Yes it is a tall order, but Rosie the inverter has the same potential to change this game. And with Midnite's customer support, this should be an easy out of the park home run. I can't wait to put mine into action, it is going to be a very nice upgrade on the farm.
Ok Highflyer it's growing on me...but just a little.
By the way here's a fascinating article about Rosie The Riveter, she originated with Westinghouse who created in-house posters to generate worker enthusiasm and cooperation:
"One of the major functions of corporate war committees was to manage labor and discourage any type of labor disputes that might disrupt production. From this perspective, images of happy workers expressing support for the war effort and/or workers’ abilities served as propaganda that encouraged workers to identify with one another and management as a team; “patriotism could be invoked to circumvent strikes and characterize workers’ unrest as un-Americanâ€"
https://thesocietypages.org/socimages/2011/01/04/myth-making-and-the-we-can-do-it-poster/
Can we know if it will be a load sharing inverter?
- Jeff
Quote from: unyalli on September 27, 2017, 07:18:03 PM
Can we know if it will be a load sharing inverter?
- Jeff
Jeff, do you maybe mean "Peak Shaving" inverter ?
boB
AKA hybrid like the magnum msh4024m.
Quote from: unyalli on September 27, 2017, 09:49:34 PM
AKA hybrid like the magnum msh4024m.
Yes. It should be able to charge batteries while powering the AC output load.
The amount of charging power will, as always, depend on how much the load
is requiring due to the finite input current capacity allowed by the wire and
AC input breaker size.
When battery charging AND powering an AC output pass-through load and
the AC input current tries to rise above maximum rating, the charger circuit
will "back off" so the output current can continue to be powered at the
expense of the battery not charging as much during that time.
It should also be able to use the inverter & battery to supplement power to
the AC load temporarily. This is very similar to how a grid-tie inverter works
except it is "selling back" battery power to the inverter's AC output rather
than to the inverter's AC input (the grid)
Any decent inverter/charger used for off-grid or marine/mobile applications
"should" be able to do these functions of course :)
I probably said more than you wanted to hear but maybe others wanted to know
a wee bit about this.
boB
Quote from: boB on September 27, 2017, 10:55:02 PM
Quote from: unyalli on September 27, 2017, 09:49:34 PM
AKA hybrid like the magnum msh4024m.
I probably said more than you wanted to hear but maybe others wanted to know
a wee bit about this.
boB
Wee bits are always good! :)
boB,
Exactly the feature that I wanted. Outback and Magnum are marketing "hybrid" inverters now so I had assumed that lil willie would have that capability.
David
Rosie will too!
Quote from: Highflyer on September 28, 2017, 11:36:30 PM
Rosie will too!
Right ! It's hard for me to just "undo" the name, Willy or Little Willy
boB
Are there any pictures or specs for Rosie yet? Can we please get a progress report.
Thank you.
Quote from: Highflyer on September 29, 2017, 09:58:52 AM
Are there any pictures or specs for Rosie yet? Can we please get a progress report.
Thank you.
See post #1. Picture and initial specs. :)
Quote from: onanparts on September 29, 2017, 11:50:18 PM
Quote from: Highflyer on September 29, 2017, 09:58:52 AM
Are there any pictures or specs for Rosie yet? Can we please get a progress report.
Thank you.
See post #1. Picture and initial specs. :)
Onanparts,
Yeah, I remember those stats, but I was hoping for an update (more/and new features) . Seeing how boB was talking about the hybrid features, I was hoping for any news. I have to believe the feature set is pretty solid by now, so hears hoping for more information.
I grew up around WWII aircraft and have noticed the engineering team's affinity with war plane type gauges and what not.
How about the "Spitfire" Small Fast Versatile.
Offthegridintn
Quote from: offthegridintn on October 08, 2017, 04:56:17 PM
I grew up around WWII aircraft and have noticed the engineering team's affinity with war plane type gauges and what not.
How about the "Spitfire" Small Fast Versatile.
Offthegridintn
I would be concerned about an inverter that spits fire, just saying:)
[/quote]
I would be concerned about an inverter that spits fire, just saying:)
[/quote]
Plus it's NOT made in usa
"Little Willy" sounds realy like THE little willy for some who name him so :D
But it is in the mind of the one who reads the name and associates it ;)
"Little Bang" would sound also interesting (I am German, I don't know how this sounds for English speaking people)
then you can build a massive huge inverter and call it "Big Bang" ... is "banger" a to critical word? :D
just playing in my mind, big bang, the big bang (when our universe was born)... nature powers, using nature power (sun, wind, water,...)
but searching in google
https://www.google.de/search?q=little+bang&oq=little+bang
a brewery has this name ... and some buddhists ...
so, next please. :D
Ok, made in USA, dominator, warhawk, kittyhawk, dauntless, electra junior, mustang or hurricane?
I ruled out thunderbolt, black widow, shooting star, lightning, arsons ( ;D ), goose, skyrocket and goose.
If any or all are not made in states I stand corrected. :'( :D
The Substation,
The Powerplant,
Lil Vert,
Midnite AC box,
I know, pretty cheezy but I want a chance at the new inverter.
littleharbor2
Like !!
The post , not the entry's.
We Need a like button , But in a web forum of 1980 , NGH
VT
But love this forum
Reddy (kilowatt) would be interesting, but copyright?
The Kid's big brother is always Reddy.
The Midnite Moonlite Series of Inverters, Available Soon to Lite up your Dark Side of the Moon. :)
The Midnite Eclipse, The Midnite Mistress and the Midnite Mystery will all be ready to Lite up your day and Briten your Nite!
Full moon and the half moon units.
Moon Unit is already Frank Zappa's daughter's name.
boB
Full Moon on Left, in series with a Half Moon on the Right. These are of course the liquid Cooled Inverter Prototypes. Production models should be considerably more compact.
boB, should we be calling it a Moon and a half? or a Full moon and a half? ;) :o
Sort of like the Full Moon and a half...
How much coolant is used for X cubic inches of inverter or Y kWh of output ?
That appears to be an inverter and control unit from an electric car of some sort
About how much will Rosie the Inverter weigh?
The solar projects I've worked on have been in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The question always is can we get the needed parts there or do we need to carry them in in checked luggage?
So what I'm really asking is, If I pack a 48 volt Rosie in a suit case, will I have to pay an overweight luggage fee because its over 50 pounds?
Keith
what is the liquid, for cooling? water? mineral oil?
Quote from: mike90045 on November 05, 2017, 01:30:45 PM
what is the liquid, for cooling? water? mineral oil?
I think it's a waterless coolant, no silicates or phosphates.
I propose the following name:
The Boss.
Quote from: keithwhare on November 05, 2017, 09:42:37 AM
About how much will Rosie the Inverter weigh?
The solar projects I've worked on have been in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The question always is can we get the needed parts there or do we need to carry them in in checked luggage?
So what I'm really asking is, If I pack a 48 volt Rosie in a suit case, will I have to pay an overweight luggage fee because its over 50 pounds?
Keith
I don't know that a true answer is available for this just yet but having seen the basic size, I think it is quite possible it will come in under the 50lb restriction.
Quote from: Sunshine on November 13, 2017, 04:34:02 PM
Quote from: keithwhare on November 05, 2017, 09:42:37 AM
About how much will Rosie the Inverter weigh?
The solar projects I've worked on have been in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The question always is can we get the needed parts there or do we need to carry them in in checked luggage?
So what I'm really asking is, If I pack a 48 volt Rosie in a suit case, will I have to pay an overweight luggage fee because its over 50 pounds?
Keith
I don't know that a true answer is available for this just yet but having seen the basic size, I think it is quite possible it will come in under the 50lb restriction.
Airport Scales are off for them !!
Measure them & they are 5-8 pounds off as I have seen !!
When I travel to areas that are NOT like here (China , Russia etc) I travel with an encarta (my luggage / boxes have been weighed & marked in pounds & kilos ) plus whats inside them . This is to make customs a walk thru normally .
They always try to get me to pay more , but once they see the real GOVERNMENT DOC'S , were let on & they have no comment.
Have you tried a helium suitcase ;)
VT
Any update on Rosie? Is she ready to for the red carpet yet?
Quote from: Highflyer on January 01, 2018, 10:54:15 AM
Any update on Rosie? Is she ready to for the red carpet yet?
I second the motion. Chomping at the bit.
Also the combox so I can see my Kid on my local network.
"Sine"
As in "Midnight Sine"
ot "Pure"
as in "Midnight Pure" the purest sine wave inverter in the known universe...