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Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: Permanently wired shore power line?
Many coaches have hard wired power cords.. Usually there is a hatch you pull the cord out (This is most common on 30 amp rigs by the way but no reason you can't wire a 50 that way)
If it bothers you put in a hatch (Any RV store, Camping world etc, will have them) and cut the power cord say 2-3 feet outside the rig, Install a plug on the cut end that is hooked to the RV and an outlet on the part you cut off (Making it into an extension cord) cut short enough it does not lie on the ground. But long enough that if you have to say in 5 or 10 years you can shorten it a foot.
Or you could install Marinco connectors, Like you are used to. However do remember to allow extra length on the motor home end, so you can re-do it years later if you have to.
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wa8yxm
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02/09/12 09:09am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Additional charge for electricity
I think you might need professional help on this one and that help might well cost more than 35 bucks, but "Noted in the confirmation E-Mail" to me, sounds what a friend once called "A little late in the day".. At this time you have already MADE the confirmation, It needs to be noted UP FRONT in most states.
I do not know CA law.
Oh, the friend,, Well he'd just bought some drugs from a dealer, And as the back up team closed in the dealer said "you a cop" his reply was "Bit late in teh day to ask that isn't it" (Of course he's a cop, and yes it was a bust).
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wa8yxm
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02/09/12 09:04am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Any free data base programs to recommend?
Open Office (www.openoffice.org) works with a wide range of Microsoft and non-microsoft format source files.. I do not know if it specifically works with the one you cited, (though I think the word processor (Write) does.
This is a full suite of productivity programs, Data Base, Spread Sheet, Writer, Power Point and more, all free (donation ware) and works great.
I used it some years ago when I worked on a political campaign entering data for use by others who used Microsoft products.. I was able to read their files, modify them and save them back, in a format they could read. No problems.
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wa8yxm
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02/09/12 08:59am |
Technology Corner
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RE: Harbor Freight 800W Generator?
Are you asking how to charge the battery on an electric start generator or how to charge your RV's battery using the generator?
To charge the battery on an electric start generator a SMALL smart charger or battery minder woudl be my suggestion (10 amps or less) or run the generator and let it do the job.
To charge the batteries in the RV, there are two answers depending on the converter in the RV.
If you have an old single stage converter.. UPGRADE IT.
If you have a modern 3-stage (or after upgrade) plug RV into generator and let the converter.... convert.
The 12 volt connections on the generator are ok for say a 12 volt trouble light, but not much good for anything else.
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wa8yxm
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02/09/12 08:54am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Generator on sale belching fire?
Nothing wrong with it a major overhaul won't cure.. But it may just need a carb clean and adjust.
I worked for a while in a small engine shop, The two most common issues with these small engines are dirty carbs, due to letting them sit with fuel in them for too long, and bad points, (Many modern engines do not have the old style points so this may or may not be an issue)
but a lot of times I cleaned & adjusted the carb, replaced the points, re-set the timing and it ran just fine.
Though a "Belchfire 8000" I never worked on.
And once it's fixed, as with any generator 1/2 hour under 1/2 load every month (Exercise) use clean fuel and stabilize it (Sta-Bil or Sea Foam)
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wa8yxm
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02/09/12 08:49am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Back to my smells
Due to plumbing issues, (A bad flush ball in my Sealand toilet forcing me to use the Macerator unit more) I tried leaving tank valves open.. Got the same smell.
Another source of "Rotten Egg" is the water heater. Seems there is a bacteria that likes to live in those things that can generate Sulfur Dioxide (Roteen egg smell) so you might try sanatizing your FRESH system, including the water heater.
But in my case when I closed the valves.. Smell vanished.
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wa8yxm
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02/09/12 08:46am |
Tech Issues
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RE: UV filteration in FW tank...
Most tanks are made of plastic and may be damaged by excessive UV light.
Still UV systems DO, in fact, exist. I do not have one however.
Second there is no such thing as a "UV Water filter" The UV light only kills bacteria etc, it does not filter the water.
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wa8yxm
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02/09/12 08:42am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Bath fans for RV
When last I was in Quartsite AZ. I picked up a box of 12, I think, 4" computer fans for 10 bucks.. When the bathroom fans quite.. I pulled the old fan out and put in some 4" fans.. Had to do a bit of woodwork to make 'em work quietly but they move more air, and run with less noise, each vent can hold up to 4 of the 4" fans no problem.
Easy job.
Replacing the old motor and blades would also have been easy, Very straight foreward, You should be able to figure it out by inspection.
I suspect the "Whisper fans" will last longer though.
Pay attention to polarity. I am trained in electronics and to me RV 12 volt systems are wired.. Strange.
(If however I put on my electrician hat it makes sense)
Rather than explain the difference, I will just say PAY ATTENTION TO POLARITY.
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wa8yxm
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02/08/12 09:44am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: leveler problem fixed on my own
I am fond of saying "Many RVers have a few screws loose" Sounds like you have one less today than last week. Good job.. Of course I'm talking about METAL screws when I say that (The kind you tightened) Bolts count too.
When my coach was new I had some serious electrical issues.. Turned out to be some very very very loose screws.. Attacked with the proper screwdriver and .. problems vanished.. just like that.
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wa8yxm
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02/08/12 09:40am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Running Cable
In cars, trucks and motor homes they have PILLARS, these are channels that run from down below to the roof, They are identified by letters starting with "A". the A pillar is at the edge of the windshield, and since this is where we are going we won't worry about B et-al.
The A pillar has screws that hold a plastic cover on it, Remove.
now you run your coax (Run two strands you might consider 3 strands) down the A pillar (or up it) from/to the cabinet, This will get it down below the dash.
now find an existing hole to feed it through (Many times they use that expanding foam insualtion and you can just push through with a screwdriver)
On my coach I put a standard "Ground block" (dual) on the brake bracket under the hood. instant hook up.
Why 3 cables?
Well... If you go with a SAtellite DVR. it may have dual inputs and need two cables from the LNB (A dual or twin or triplet LNB depending on the service) to the receiver, So that takes care of 2.. The third is for your external TV, useful for aiming the dish.
The best signal strength meter for aiming the dish, Well the two best, are the software in the receiver, Use a battery operated portable COLOR tv at the antenna site to aim.. Dish is best, DirectV #2. in this, Direct is best in some other areas though, (And likewise DISH in still others)
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wa8yxm
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02/08/12 09:38am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Used side view cameras, ARE they NUTS????
I want to add side view cameras too, but I'm likely to do it my way.
I did add one 90 degree side view to my rig already.. (This is so I can line up on gas pumps (I drive a gasser) cost me like 30 bucks.
I am thinking of taking a standard rear view, cabling and wiring it up and mounting it under the mirrors, I may have to fabricate a wind shield for it. I will bring it into a switcher inside the coach and feed it (Along with my exisiting one) to the "B" input.
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wa8yxm
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02/08/12 09:31am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: K&N Air Filter
I have read a lot of studies and lab reports and personal reports on the K&N filters and remain..... Unconvinced, Now, you will notice I did not say which side I'm unconvinced on, (The reason is whichever side you are on.. I'm unconvinced of that side).
This I do know.. For many years I drove vehicles (Farm tractors) which operated in very high dust conditions, and which had oil bath filters. And which ran for years and years, often 10 hours a day, nearly 7 days a week. With no internal issues save when the oil pump (which has nothing to do with the air cleaner) failed and toasted it. I still see tractors that have not been made in 30 years or more in the fields.. Still running and very likely with the original piston rings on 'em.
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wa8yxm
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02/08/12 09:28am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Camping Too Much Trouble?.......How Sad
When it comes to "It's not worth it" many folks feel that way about many things.
Other folks.. Well, they get more enjoyment out of life.
Choices are good.. in fact they are mandatory.. For you can live only so long as TOTAL choices is greater then FATAL choices.
(Law of requisite choices)
We choose camping.. Some choose hotels.
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wa8yxm
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02/08/12 09:23am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: KOA Resort Fee
The nick name for KOA... KEEP ON ADDING.
Camping 40/night, Water 10.00, Electric 30 amp 15, 50 amp 25, Sewer 10 bucks, "Resort Fee" 5.00, Wi-Fi 10.00, Total 90/night. Unless you have other excuse for them to keep on adding.
That's how they do it.
Thousand Trails ZONE pass. Use any of 25 parks (or more) for up to 30 days in one year included, 30 amp, water and sewer, 500 50 amp 4.00/night more, over 30 days a few dollars a night more. PM if interested.
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wa8yxm
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02/08/12 09:21am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Motorhome Tax
The answer is both yes and not.... There are some states, Montanna for example, where there is little or no tax and registration fees are low.
HOWEVER. If you live in say California (Where they are high) and you decide to buy out of state to avoid the tax.. And they find out about it.. Then they decide how much tax you skipped on,,, and they tend to be very generous when figuring how much you owe, Assign interest, penality, and so on, toss in some more just for fun, AND SOAK YOU BIG TIME.
To pay the tax required in your home state.. cheaper in the long run.
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wa8yxm
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02/08/12 09:16am |
Beginning RVing
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RE: Ten examples of what not to do from others...
How does that song (Drum Music by Juanita Coulson) go Some folks are congenitally bloody. (I have had the pleasure of carrying her books for her).
Enough on the hostility)
Some other things I've learned thankfully from others. And the first I've put in practice.
There is indeed a time and place to argue with a cop.. .. IN COURT, polietly. (I won too, Every time so far)
DO Tell the judge to ... Well the initials are FU.... (A friend of mine, who is a cop, told me that one, Seems his subject told the magistrage "$100.00 F.U. The magistrate sent him to The judge who ask him how he plead on the charge of Contempt of Court, The subject said "NOT GUILTY AN.. Repeated the offence, The judge told him he had something to learn and a year in prison to learn it, tha'ts on a 100 dollar traffic ticket).
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wa8yxm
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02/08/12 09:14am |
Beginning RVing
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RE: Start genset?
IF it stops soon as you release the switch: Generator issues. not making power
If it stops soon as you release the switch: Low oil
If it runs for a while and then stops, Clogged filter (Fuel or air) or Low oil
There are possible other issues too but those are the prime suspects.
NOTE: Most Generators run no-load for like 30 seconds to a minute when first started.. THEN the big switch closes. (Transfer switch) so a suggestion might be to trip all your circuit breakrs to OFF, then bring them up one at a time starting 1 minute after the generator starts. It might be a overload killing it and this will identify the circuit.
Also, if that is it, it is a Generator (Engine most likely but not 100%) problem.
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wa8yxm
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02/08/12 09:08am |
Beginning RVing
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RE: Digital TV
There are 3 (Actually about 5) TV standards in the US today, all are in use and modern TV's do all of them, some auto-adjust to the standard.
1: ATSC (American Television Standards Comittee) Digital over the air
2-3-4-?: QAM. Quadature Amplute Modulation: Digital cable, several verisons. mostly have to do with channel distribution, not modulation, so all use the same decoder.
Last: Analog, NTSC (National Television Standards Comittee) the old way to do it.
Cable companies use all but ATSC, so all tv's made today have to do ... Analog. or their cable customers would be cuss-some-mores.
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wa8yxm
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02/08/12 09:04am |
Technology Corner
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RE: OTA (Over the air) recording
Nothing wrong with MODERN Ti-VO.. I do not use them though I use Replay TV with digital converters. The RE-play (once properly hacked) can and does control the digital converters. Both work well here. Plus the replays chat with each other so what is recorded on machine 1 can be watched on Machine 2, or downloaded to my laptop and watched.... elsewhere. (Or burned to DVD)
You can get many different makes and models of DVR/DVD recorders now days, they are the VCR or the 2000's and other than the sharing of files, they work the same way.. Though with computer software and a big enough computer I can download a program guide and serve it up to the replays so they work in full "TiVo" mode, (Record off the EPG).. I do not do that (Not enough computer) Some day I'll upgrade my "Main" and th en I will re-do that.
This is not possible with the DVR/DVD units far as I know.. Also Replay is no longer made. Direc owns the rights. but.....
There is a Win-TV with Replay TV option from hauppauge. Use your computer like a DVR, works great. NOT compatable with my system.
These days your best option might be that kind of a system, A fairly low cost computer, with 1,2,3,4 Hauppauge cards or a "multi record" card, and software. A good size hard drive, you could easily store a million hours of High Def Video for later viewing, All with full Electronic Program Guide and so on, and the ability to burn shows you really like to DVD for long term storage.
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wa8yxm
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02/08/12 08:58am |
Technology Corner
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RE: Copying Program files to new computer?
Though I have copied from an old computer to an IDENTICAL new computer. Most commercial software can not be copied easily.. It can (if you still have the original install files) be re-installed from the original install discs.
And that is how you should do it.
I won't argue the legalities since I think the 'Install it on only one computer" license is a rip off, should be "one computer at a time" and "you may re=install if you upgrade your box" in my not very humble opinion. but then my works are all easily copied public domain.
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wa8yxm
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02/08/12 08:54am |
Technology Corner
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