RE: Rebuilding a 83 Coachmen
Mpeters,
Been following your posts with interest.
Someone had beat me to post my rebuild but I am making it a clicky link HERE
If that isn't enough, I also have an additional document which I have been busy writing info I have learned along the way that may be useful.
MY RV HINTS AND TIPS
Both documents can be saved to your PC if you like!
As far as RV fridges, generally one would use propane while travelling or camping without power. When parked and have power, then use the electric mode. Try to level the trailer as best as possible, otherwise fridge will not run as efficient or if out of level too much will casue permenant damage to the cooling unit.
A general rebuild thread isn't a bad idea or perhaps Moderators could even create a new heading for rebuilds for folks seeking out such info.
RE: Bios Chip
chunme writes "My 3 year old Pavillion went haywire, definitely infected.
So I installed a new HD, which will not accept a system file.
Not the original BU discs, not new replacements, not a Vista upgrade nor a W7 upgrade..."
Installing a new HD if not the same size (larger or smaller) than the original HD you might need to enter the BIOS and redetect the HD. Sometimes Bios may not pickup the change and automatically detect the new HD.
Since you are not using the OEM restore disc, you may run into some problems. There are many flavors of Windows discs, there are OEM, OEM Embeded, Retail boxed. The OEM restore disc should do the trick for you but if you are using OEM Embeded it may not run as an upgrade if an existing installation of Windows is detected.
Using a different BRAND of OEM restore disc (IE using a Dell Restore disc in your HP) will result either the installation to terminate or FAILURE to install KEY boot files. You can not mix and match Restore discs. Although with HP and Compaq, they "share" the same "Restore" disc but may require an additional Utilities disc that the Restore disc will ask for. Install will fail without this disc.
Retail boxed, may or may not run as an upgrade if existing installation of Windows is detected but most definitely will not accept OEM 25 digit license keys. It will only accept RETAIL 25 digit license keys!
Using non OEM or Retail will result in the need to activate Windows since it will not recognize the special code written in the Bios by the manufacturer.
"I know the components are good, so I am assuming the Bios is damaged.
There are several folks offering to reflash your chip or supply a new/reconditioned chip with the appropriate bios.
Sounds great but, can a malicious code be installed on a bios chip. Could a new bios chip be a hackers highway?
Any suggestions?"
I am not aware of any viruses or other malware that will directly damage your BIOS, they generally only go after important Windows OS files (which are far more easy and much more fun for the programmers). But it is not outside the realm of possiblities that could occure but highly unlikely since many manufacturers have built in ways to prevent access to the BIOS unless the proper BIOS writer software is used. This varies a lot from manufacturer to manufacturer.
I would not suggest using any "after market" BIOS flash. Not because of malicious codes, but because it may totally damage the BIOS chip and present you with a very large paper weight.
If you feel the need to reload the BIOS, then DIRECTLY GO TO THE HP website and download the BIOS for your PC. This IS FREE, NO COST and directly from the manufacturer of your PC. No need for third party people to mark up something that is free.
Many things can and will cause issues when installing OS from scratch, make sure you disconnect any and all external HDs, thumb drives and even flash memory card readers. Disconnect printers or any other external non needed items, this ensures Windows will only install the needed files to get OS running.
LittleBill writes "and most bios chips are not replaceable"
Not always true, many manufacturers use socketed BIOS chips. While I do have access to HPs I have never actually taken the time to get a good look at the system board so I can't say for sure in this case.
One must be extremely careful when exchanging BIOS chips to not mix from different brand or even models of PCs. BIOS chips can vary in memory size and even writing voltage so exchange at your own risk!
Flashing BIOS also has some risks.. flashing a chip with an image from a larger chip may result in a paper weight! Power interruptions or turning off PC while flashing also results in a large paper weight! Flash at your own risk!
RE: Recording a streaming video?
I would recommend WM RECORDER
This will "record" any audio and video stream source.
While the full blown program is not free, they do have a free download version that allows for 5 minutes at a time recording. This is enough to download 30 minutes worth of video at a time depending on the connection you have.
RE: hot water heater question
Island Creek writes "We are using electricity, which may be the problem. Should we have it on gas? We are learning"
Yes, running electric only is the problem. Use gas and if you want shower to last a little longer add in the electric element. Gas burner has more BTU of capacity than the electric element.
In addition, don't run water full blast, just use enough pressure to make the spray fan out on the shower head. The faster you run the water the faster that hot water runs out. Using less water will allow tank to supply 10-15 minutes of mighty fine hot shower.
RE: Ford recall on cruise control
mhawk4 writes "Are you guys talking about the CC switch that connects to the master cylinder??
or there is another recall i need to check on?
please keep me inform,"
Yes, this is the CC switch on the master cylinder.
No, this is not another recall but an EXTENSION of the original recall.
Ford keeps VERY good records on the model and serila number of the vehicles sold. They WILL contact you via a letter if your vehicle is included in the recall.
Others are correct, about 10 minutes for the mechanic to inspect the CC switch and install the fuse harness. For those who picked up the harness and installed yourself, you may wish to take a very close look at the CC switch (or take to dealer and have them inspect the switch). Part of the recall is to make sure the switch is not leaking. If switch is found to be leaking it will also be replaced under the recall.
DIY the harness only takes care of half of the recall.
The OP wait time to get in may be due to parts shortage of the fuse harness.
In the mean time all you need to do is DISCONNECT the wire harness from the CC switch until you get the recall performed and then you will not have any risk of fire.
And yes, I did get a recall notice via mail for my 2003 F250, and I did get the recall performed.
RE: Automatic backups
Imaging via Ghost or in my case Drive Image onto a spare HD is a much better method of backing up not only data files but entire OS, programs, settings and data.
Imaging allows you to create highly compressed image files which can be stored on a Fat32 partion, thumb drive or even burned to CD or DVD. Also allows Drive to drive copying so if you want to go to a larger HD it is easy to copy entire drive to new drive.
Imaging only works if you are using the same system board or if you replace a bad system board with the exact same model of system board.
Another way I backup is to use a piece of software called Aloha Bob's PC Relocator. This has been one of the best purchases ever! This software actually can move not only your data files from one PC to the next, it also can move most all software you have installed (excluding OS) and even your settings.
A powerful part of PC relocator is a function to create a "move" file, this file contains all software, settings and data files. Using the move file I can create backups that actually can be restored to a completely different PC and even a newer OS.
The down side is it looks like PC relocator may have been bought out by another software vendor and might not be available any more. But you can try to locate any new old stock.
RE: Idea for back up lights.
You might wish to consult your DMV or local state inspection mechanic BEFORE tampering with the TV backup lights by adding in a cutoff switch. Most states REQUIRE the TV backup lights to automatically operate anytime vehicle is put into reverse.
Draping towels could be heplful but ultimatley connecting some backup lights to the back of the trailer will do wonders.
gstanton, keep in mind we ARE talking abut RVs, most (if not) all vehicles built with 7 pin towing package have the center pin wired for reverse lights.
RE: Vent insulation idea
Not sure if that is a good idea to have exposed fiberglass insulation. Even in bags there will be lots of fiberglass fibers floating around in the air.
Foam rubber or other conformable materials might be better for your health.
RE: Dry ice?
Care also must be taken with dry ice and small enclosed spaces such as RVs and cars. Dry ice (CO2) displaces Oxygen, even a couple of pounds of dry ice can displace enough Oxygen in a confined space to suffocate you.
Dry Ice freezer at a grocery store? Amazing! Simply amazing! I had to drive 45minutes to a bottled gas supplier to get dry ice (they make it there) many years ago for a dry ice fog machine.
I would suggest perhaps finding out why the fridge doesn't cool properly while moving or just make some regular ice blocks. I use quart plastic containers to make some large ice cubes. This size will stay 3-4 days in a ice chest.
RE: Super Cables
david_42 writes "Cables can make a difference, but very, very few people would notice. Maybe one out of a thousand people have the ears to appreciate the differences between hifi and midfi. I know three people that can.
It's a lot like wine. There is a difference between a $20/bottle cab and a $200 bottle, but most people would not be able to tell without looking at the price tag. But I know a wine taster than can identify several thousand grape sources."
Hmm... perhaps your taster needs to sample taste the copper contained in those super cables?
Trying to compare tasting food to how electrons flow is just silly!
99.9% of the time blind tests over the years have proved that many of the performance claims of these supposed super cables to be invalid.
The only validity that may occure is perhaps slightly better connectors on the ends of the cables but even that is a stretch since many times the "improvements" are gold cladding which does not conduct electricity as well as other metals. The gold is used to reduce corrosion from the air, nothing else.
I can sell you some common 18 gauge zip cord for $500 if you like (I will even lable it SUPER CABLE!).
A fool and their money is soon departed....
RE: No lights inside Fema Trailer
ExRVTech writes "If you found a battery box behing the LP tanks, this was put in aftermarket, not from the manufacture of the unit. I'm not seeing any forum posters who worked on these FEMA lines except myself, so take my advice, start at your converter."
Wrong! Any trailer that excedes 3,000 lbs is REQUIRED to have a emergency breakaway system. That means that the trailer MUST have been outfited with a on board battery to at least provide power for the breakaway system.
In the case of Fema trailers most likely a battery was installed until the unit arrived at the destination then would be removed.
Back to the OP's problem. You need to determine if the converter is working at all. The combo panel which houses the 120V breakers and 12V fuses should also be housing the actual converter in a compartment inside the panel.
There should be one 15A breaker to control the 120V power to the converter. The output of the converter goes to the 12V fuse panel.
The 12V fuse panel should have at least one large amperage fuse which is normally away from the others (amperage will depend on the size of the converter).
If you have a digital voltmeter you can check each side of each fuse to see if converter is providing at least 13V.
If no output from the converter then chances are converter may be bad.
RE: mono earphone....
wa8yxm writes "..Now.. That style which plugs the ear, I do not like, it can lead to serious ear infections... The kind I do like are the ones that hang over the ear..."
Impossible, ear infections are INTERNAL to the ear (in the inside area of the ear drum) not external or from the outside of the ear drum. Unless you have a perforated ear drum or a drain in your ear drum this type should not cause any such issues. But the inside the ear type can "push" the earwax towards the eardrum.
I myself as a kid many years ago used one of these earphones for many, many hrs of listening to my simple transistor radio. Never experienced any ear infections or even wax buildup.
I would highly doubt you will find these in a Radio Shack, most likely will need to mail order.
Best I could find is 6' for $2.29 +shipping
HERE
Mono over the ear (wa8xym style) $4.29 +shipping
HERE
RE: External DVD for USB and TV usage?
Something like THIS SONY VRD-MC3 might be about as close to your request as you will get.
Sony does have some newer models but I don't think they have a USB connection to a PC.
RE: decoder download
Reinstalling the sound drivers might help but you may need to remove the offending Codec first which is what started the problem in the first place.
Playing with the Codecs is a sure fire way to mess up a PC.
Once you get your sound card working again, I would recommend downloading and installing VLC Player instead of using Windows Media player for DVDs, CDs, flash videos and such. VLC installs its own Codecs which will not clash with built in Windows Codecs.
VLC is a free download!
DOWNLOAD VLC
RE: Flip UltraHD Camcorder
kirkj55 writes "That looks like a great camera for the money, I don't see anything that indicates it is HD."
Flip UltraHD specs
Product Features
Easy-to-use, pocket-sized HD camcorder featuring one-touch recording and digital zoom
Simple user interface lets you start capturing video just seconds after powering on
Captures 120 minutes of HD video on 8 GB of built-in memory; no tapes or additional memory cards required
Convenient flip-out USB arm plugs directly into your PC or Mac to launch FlipShare software
Built-in FlipShare software lets you easily email videos, edit individual clips, make custom movies, capture still photos from video, and even upload video to sharing sites likeYouTube and MySpace
Technical Details
Sensor: 1/4.5" HD CMOS Sensor
Size: 1/4.5 inches
Movie Resolution: 1280 x 720
Recording Definition: High Definition
Memory Included: 8GB Internal
Storage Media Type: Flash Memory
Movie File Format: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
Digital Zoom: 2x Multi-step
Focusing Range: 1.5M - infinity
LCD Monitor: 2.0 inches
LCD Coverage: 100%
Maximum Aperture: f 2.4
White Balance Control: Auto
Movie Image Resolution: 1280 x 720
Computer Interface: USB
Computer Interface: HDMI
Height: 4.3 inches
Width: 2.2 inches
Price $199
JVC Specs
Compatible Media: The Everio GZ-MS120 records MPEG-2 video with 2ch Dolby Digital audio and JPEG still pictures to an inserted SD (256MB-2GB) or SDHC (4GB-32GB) memory card (sold separately).
Gigabrid Engine: Six digital noise reduction systems improve the S/N ratio by about 30% (3dB) over previous models, while the integrated MPEG-2 encoder helps reduce block noise and mosquito noise. It's assurance that all of those Gigabytes of video and photos you shoot will offer the best picture quality available for each recording mode.
Image Sensor: The JVC Everio camcorder features a 1/6" CCD with 800,000 pixels for video and still image recording for exceptional picture quality.
Konica Minolta Lens: Zoom: The JVC GZ-MS120 is equipped with a high-performance lens developed by camera specialist, KONICA MINOLTA. It captures clear and bright images. The lens offers a 35x optical zoom.
Digital Zoom: The JVC GZ-MS120 also offers an 40x Dynamic zoom and an 80x or 800x digital zoom. Dynamic Zoom combines optical and digital zoom technology to offer a higher zoom ratio than optical zoom without reducing the picture quality.
Video Features
Digital Image Stabilization (DIS): To compensate for unstable images caused by camcorder shake, particularly at high magnification, you can turn on the camcorder's Digital Image Stabilization. DIS is also helpful when shooting subjects with vertical or horizontal stripes, dark or dim images, subjects with excessive backlighting, scenes with movement in various directions, or low-contrast backgrounds. The DIS feature should be turned off when recording with the camcorder on a tripod.
Note: DIS does not function during Digital Still Camera operation.
Wide Mode: Use wide mode when the video will be played back on a wide screen TV (16:9). The image is recorded in 16:9 aspect ratio to fit the screen without distortion. You can also choose to record your video in a 4:3 aspect ratio.
Recording Modes: When shooting video, you can choose from the following recording modes (Approximate video recording times are listed).
Resolution Quality 2GB SD card 8GB SDHC
720 x 480
Ultra Fine 29 min. 1 Hr. 50 min.
Fine 43 min. 2 hr. 50 min.
Normal 1 hr. 3 hr. 45 min.
352 x 240
Economy 2hr. 30 min. 9 hr. 55 min.
Shutter Speed: The shutter speed can be set automatically or you can manually set the shutter speed between 1/2 and 1/4000 while recording video.
And the list of features goes on.
Price $249
Granted it doesn't do a 1280 x 720 that the Flip supposedly does but I can say that the video quality of the JVC (even at 720 x 480) due to far supperior optics (lenses), CCD (optical pickup size), processing would be far better than recording 1280 x 720 with a cheap fixed focus lense and no real zoom.
Kind of depends on the type of HD you are looking for, 720, 1080i, 1080p? If you are looking for the last two and wanting perfect images on say a 42" LCD or plasma then you may be disappointed with most flash memory recorders since they record in MPEG-4 compressed formats which on larger screens may result in blocking or pixelating. For 1080 you would want to look at camcorders that don't use MPEG-4 compression formats which will put you into more expensive camcorders that record in AVCHD format which has max resolution of 1920 x 1080.
Samsung $449
HERE
If you are really wanting basic HD that will look good on smaller screens there are many other real camcorders that will fit the bill, Sony has a "webbie" which would be a good choice at $199.
I have always liked Sony camcorders but I am not a fan of the Memory stick thing they have going (too many versions that not all card readers will accept).
SONY WEBBIE
Storage and Formats:
records high-def MPEG-4 video to Memory Stick® PRO Duo™ cards (not included)
optional 16GB Memory Stick PRO Duo holds approximately 5 to 16 hours of footage, depending on video settings
maximum video resolution: 1440 x 1080
Features:
5.04-megapixel CMOS image sensor (2.07MP effective in 16:9 mode; 690k effective in 4:3 mode)
digital photo mode takes 5-megapixel (effective) photos
16:9 widescreen mode for video only
Dolby® Digital 2-channel audio from built-in microphone
2-1/2" flip-out LCD swivels 270°
5X optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 20X)
simultaneous video recording and photo capture
built-in LED video light
SteadyShot™ image stabilization
5 Program AE (Auto Exposure) settings, including Sports, Landscape, Low Light, and Backlight
Connections and Dimensions:
high-speed USB interface
analog audio/video output
1-3/4"W x 2-7/16"H x 4-3/16"D
weight: 7 oz.
Many years ago when digital still cameras first came out I bought a 1MP camera with a fixed lense (no zoom and no focus) because I was being cheap. It took OK pictures but I really missed not having zoom and focus that my higher quality 35mm SLR had.
The "flip" styles are a BASIC "point and shoot" video camera, it will do OK up close (2-10ft) but it isn't going to give top results once you try to take distant video. Recording 1280x720 will be wasting HD space since the poor lenses and smaller CCD will reduce the sharpness and overall quality of the recording.
Spend the money on better quality equipment and you will like the results.
RE: Flip UltraHD Camcorder
I would suggest skipping the kids toys, the Flip types normally have fixed lense and maybe at best 2x-4x digital zoom.
For just a little more than those flip toys you can buy a REAL HD camcorder that records directly to SD flash memory. HERE is just one example that has 36X OPTICAL zoom and has TWO SD card slots to boot!
RE: Dexter self adjusting brakes
Many years ago I had a car with drums on all 4 wheels, trust me even with automatic adjusters you STILL need to periodically adjust them.
Every once and a while the front brakes of my car would get out of adjustment and literally take the steering wheel out of your hands. Even worse is when the adjusters decide to "freeze" and would develop a flat spot on the star wheel.
They sometimes will not adjust evenly so don't be suprised someday to find the trailer launching across the road!
RE: Electric brake intermediate issue that I can't figure out
b_salgado writes "This is a 2007 trailer. The OP lives in NC. Chafing inside the axle tubes is very unlikely at the present time due to the age of the unit. We don't have the corrosive environment here that most have to deal with. I also went directly to the axle tubes to look for issues. I actually had plastic coated wire with anti short bushings on each end of my trailer axles."
Doesn't matter the age of unit or even if there is a "corrosive enviroment". The fact that the wires are placed inside a oversize tube (axle) which is not smooth on the inside like real conduit, leads to the insulation chaffing as the wires move back and forth inside the tube.
The axle tube is not the proper way to run any wiring since the inside surface will be rough when comparing to electrical conduit which must meet a specific smoothness.
Wether you wish to believe it or not, this is a common issue when ever the wires are run inside the axle tube.
Both of my TTs never had the wires inside the drums held in place by anything, they just are loose inside the drum. Never had any wire rub or worn insulation and that was TTs that were of 1981 and 1984 vintage. The 1984 even came from CA so I am sure it has LOTS of mileage. I am not saying that it couldn't happen (inside the drum) but I do know I have read lots of posts right here on RV.net that the official diagnosis was chaffed wire INSIDE the AXLE TUBE.
OP also mentioned that sitting still they could not recreate the problem.
Specifically "Now that is over here is my issue! I can tow the Cherokee trailer and my brake controller goes nuts throwing codes after about 10 - 20 minutes in tow, I get SH, PL, n.c., and even a . . (not connected) code on the display. It will work a little as well. I can hook the RV up at the campsite or at home and using the slide bar and brake petal not recreate what I see towing, it works great. I have shaked and pulled all the wires all the way back to the wheels while putting a full load on the brakes using the slide, never see any codes or issues. "
camping cowleys writes "It does not happen where the wire enters the tubes through the bushing, but in the length of the tube where the wire is free to bounce and rub the insulation off."
Correct, best way to handle this is to wire tie NEW wire to the OUTSIDE of the axle tube. This ensures that the chaffing will never happen again.
You can spend days trying to hunt out the problem but the fastest way is to simply REPLACE the wiring (of course feel free to check the magnet wires inside the drums). Even temporarly disconnect the old wiring and splice in some fresh wire as a test and then take it for a test drive to see if that fixes it.
RE: Need advice on Purchase: 1988 Automate TT 29ft
TylerOSU writes "Seriously, I just want on without any water dmg(mold/dry rot etc) and has functional water/electric/sewer. I don't care about anything else really, we can just plug in rice cooker, foreman grill, mini-fridge etc."
Rather difficult to avoid water damage, even brand spanking new units once and while will suffer the same fate sitting on dealer lots.
Not to chase you away from RVing but it is something that will be very difficult to avoid. The best way is to be prepared knowing that you may find some damage. It is up to you to decide how much is to much to be willing to deal with. In most cases damage will be a easy fix, some cases it will be a major rebuild (like mine). For these reasons I myself will not pay much for any older TTs and I am prepared to do some work.
My second rebuild was over the top for repairs but since I have no intention of selling it was worth the time and money to make it to suit my family.
RV fridges are another issue, often times you can pick up a bargain on the TT because many people shy away from RVs with broken fridge. Or worse yet, many people have a dislike for 120V home fridges because they think it will not work for boondocking. In both cases you might be able to leverage a better price for the RV if you don't mind adapting.
You should ask to have the appliances running if possible, because once the money has changed hands it is yours and too late to bargain the price down.
RE: Carbonite (back-up)
gemsworld writes "The $55/year price buys quite a bit of peace of mind. I, like some of you, do regular back ups to an external drive but was concerned about the loss of, both, the computer and external drive to fire or theft"
Two years of paying $55 per year equals $110 which will buy you a ONE TERRABYTE external USB drive. You can easily backup 20-30 gig of files in several minutes.
Using server storage that is completely outside your home/RV is actually much more risky than backing up on your own local portable HD.
You have much more risk of data loss, theft or your data. Using external remote storage that you have no idea where the server(s) are or who controls them is extremely risky especially when it comes to identity theft. You may as well post your SS# and a photo on the forums. No matter just how secure a site claims to be, if it can be encrypted someone WILL manage to break the code.
If you are that concerned about theft or loss in a fire, then do this, backup to a local USB HD, then burn the files to DVD. Place the DVDs in a fire proof safe. For theft you can also password the backup files to slow down the theives. This process would take only a very short amount of time and once backup is completed you disconnect the HD. It will be safer than putting it on a server which runs 24/7/365 which will suffer from a failure faster than a HD that isn't spinning 24/7/365.
Its your money, your personal data, you can do what you will but if you want full control of your info you can't beat an external HD. Once your data lands in cyberland it is no longer private personal info.
