Soda Stream with Large Tank Adapter

My dad bought two sodastream machines at a garage sale for $1 because he knew I wanted to try making my own soda flavors. He didn't realize all the accessories that I would need to go with them. Each machine came with a standard soda stream tank, but no bottles. So first we needed to buy a set of soda stream bottles (Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/445Rx3m ). 

I knew I would eventually need more CO2. Refilling the sodastream brand tanks is cheaper than buying sparkling water, but still expensive. Purchasing new tanks is $30 and exchanging them for full tanks is $15. Each tank is supposed to make up to 60 liters. 

I saw online that many sodastream users have found a way to add an adapter to use non-sodastream brand tanks, including larger tanks. This seemed like a more economical way to buy CO2. In my research, I found that there's a difference between welding-grade CO2, food-grade CO2, and beverage-grade CO2, and that it is sold through different types of businesses including home brew suppliers, welding supply stores, and industrial gas companies. I purchased a 5 pound tank of food-grade CO2 from a local welding supply store. The cost of this new filled tank was more than I expected (about 8 times more than the small sodastream tank), but the cost per tank of the refills isn't much more than filling the small ones. I also purchased  an adapter hose (Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3qV1YYy ) to connect the taank to the machine.

The next thing I needed was flavorings. SodaStream sells some, including ones designed to taste like specific brand-name sodas. Other options are flavor extracts (root beer, vanilla, orange), juice concentrates, or powdered drink mixes. For the flavorings that don't have any sweeteners or sugars in them, I usually add or pre-mix with simple syrup because it dissolves more easily with less stirring so I don't lose as many bubbles. I tried root beer extract, but it was missing something. For the next batch, I added molasses and vanilla. I have been experimenting with making my own flavor extracts like lemon, lime, orange, and cinnamon. 

Solar Power System Part 7

For my solar power system, I replaced the charge controller because the old one stopped working. The charge controller prevents extra power from being sent to the storage battery once it is full. This extra power goes to waste unless I can find a use for it right away. I can charge things like phones, laptops, power banks, or tool batteries. Or I can use an inverter for small devices like a pencil sharpener. The inverter can't handle larger devices.

Next, I created a window pass-through cable. I used foil tap inside a vacuum sealed bag so the panel can be on outside on the roof to reach more sunlight and the window stays closed to keep the heat and noise out.