Building a bigger backup

Building a bigger backup

If you have critical systems that need to stay powered in a blackout, you need some sort of battery backup. Lance Turner describes his DIY system for supplying water without mains electricity.

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Simple and cheap composting loo

Simple and cheap composting loo

A composting loo lets you save huge amounts of water each year from toilet flushing, and can extend the life of an old septic by removing most of the solid waste load. Spud Murphy describes a popular design used for decades.

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Deleting the genset

Deleting the genset

If you have the need for the occasional use of a generator, then why not replace it with a much cleaner battery backup system instead? Lance Turner explains how.

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The bike doctors

The bike doctors

After starting small at a local school, Dr Cranky’s is spreading its bike-fixing, community-building initiative around Australia. Peter Foot finds out what’s needed to get kids riding.

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Making space for DIY

Making space for DIY

DIY projects are often a solitary pursuit, but that’s where a makerspace can come in, providing a place to share tools, ideas and expertise. Ralph Johnstone visits one in Melbourne.

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DIY: Insulating raked ceilings

DIY: Insulating raked ceilings

Raked ceilings with exposed beams may look nice, but they are near-impossible to insulate. James Stapledon explains how he insulated the ceilings in his home to greatly improve thermal performance.

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