RE: Who knows about FCCC "MMDC" and its issues?
Thanks for posting the cure. I think you're like a bulldog when you've got a problem to solve. I enjoy reading your posts.
Fred
RE: Painting interior vinyl
Any good automotive type paint store can custom mix a paint made for vinyl upholstery in any color you want. I've used it to change colors on car seats, and it works very well.
Fred
RE: Carbon Moxide Detector & wiring for back-up camera
2) Installing a new back-up camera in a Country Coach. Trying to find the best way to run the wiring. The owners who own a Country Coach are the ones to know. There are no holes or space to run a new wire. Also, it has a slide. Maybe "Sully" or anyone else with a Country Coach would be able to tell me how to do it.
Thanks,
Happytracks
If you already have an inoperative backup camera system, consider reusing the original cable.
On my coach I ran new cable down inside of back cap, along frame rails under coach, and up into the dash area. Not too bad a job if you don't mind sliding around under the coach.
Fred
RE: 1997 Discovery seems bouncy
And keep the ride height valves set to factory specs (chassis manufacturer) or you will begin to have drive line problems.
Fred
RE: surge protector
A good surge protector will protect from a lot more than just a surge. The Progressive Industries models will check the power source for problems before allowing power into the rv. It also protects from over and under voltage conditions. Our's has provided protection for many years. It's wired in permanently downstream of the transfer switch to protect from bad voltage from the generator or shore power.
I agree that their customer service is great.
Fred
RE: Power gear levelers on Monaco dp
Power Gear has some info on their web site
power gear web site
Look under the troubleshooting section. You'll probably have to know your model number, which is probably on the control pad.
They will not answer your phone call...dealers only, but I've heard they do respond to email request.
Fred
RE: Bought the wrong motorhome!!!
We have a 2000 34' Coachman Catalina and love it. I think you are giving up too fast. Take another spin with it and you may fall in love.
I also think that possibly you are giving up too quickly. Those narrow roads won't look so bad with more experience. You're probably going to lose money to trade again.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
Fred
RE: ad blocker on PC
There is also a some malware that can get installed on your computer that takes everything you search for and tries to find sites with prices for you. It will really slow the system down. The one I encountered was "GetSavin". It was easy to eliminate using the instructions I found on Google.
I already had firefox with adblock, but my craigslist viewing was slow with a lot of pop ups...now it's back to normal.
Fred
RE: diagnostic reader
Just found out my Cummins DP is not an OBDII. What kind of reader do I need. Can you still use the Torque app?
I copied this from the ScanGuage D website:
Unlike gas powered vehicle, OBDII is not the standard for large diesel powered vehicles such as diesel pusher RVs and over-the-road long-haul trucks – these type of vehicle rely on the J1939 and J1708 protocols.
From my limited knowledge, the ScanGuage D is the cheapest option.
The VMSpc software can be downloaded for look/see for free. It does require an interface/cable to the windows based computer, and I don't know the current price for the interface/cable.
Info on VMSpc at this link:
VMSpc info
Fred
parts, free, for PowerVisor Remote
If you have a remote control PowerVisor system with bad relays, I may have a solution. I am not selling this item, I only want to be reimbursed for actual shipping costs.
I have removed from my motorhome a wireless remote control with associated 12 volt relay and wiring to control two PowerVisors. You can see the instructions and pictures of the battery powered remote at this link:
instructions PowerVisor Remote
The 12 volt relay works fine and is Carefree of Colorado part number 060580-001. The battery operated remote works sometimes, and the problem is dirty contacts inside the 4 micro switches in the remote.
I have now hard wired my powervisors with switches, and no longer need this unit. If another RV owner has a need for this as spare parts, for a working relay, etc, I'll be happy to send it to them for the cost of shipping. I hate to dispose of an item that maybe another owner needs.
If you want this item, send me a private message and I'll ship it to you. I'll update this post when the item is no longer available.
Fred
RE: Front Wheel Won't Spin
The coach has air brakes...it has sat for six weeks. I know the brakes stick sometimes so I did try to go in reverse first. The front right wheel just drags if I try to move the coach.
I also think it's just the shoes stuck to the drum. If the wheel just drags and you're on gravel or dirt, can you "drag" it to a paved surface then rock the coach using forward and reverse?
I've had mine stick and usually rocking once or twice will get them to release.
On my Freightliner, once you get the lug nuts removed, the tire removal is easy (but heavy), then the drum is exposed so that you could tap on it with a medium sized hammer to help loosen it.
If you do have to get to this point, once you break the drum free, slide it off and place a small amount of hi temp lube on the S Cam and Rollers. This is not what caused your current problem, but I'd surely lube it while you have it removed.
Good luck, and let us know the outcome.
Fred
RE: ideas needed-tablet + usb camera + screen capture?
For what it's worth, the cheap usb camera (I bought from ebay) work great with a laptop for looking into places you can't see, such as inside walls, part of the rv engine you can't see, etc.
http://i.imgur.com/qae6eOK.jpg width=320
Are you referring to a USB snake camera? This one is about 49 feet(15M) for about $37.
Yes, the picture looks like the camera I'm using with the laptop.
Fred
RE: ideas needed-tablet + usb camera + screen capture?
Thanks for the good suggestions. I looked at the Go Pro, and the physical size is a problem, as is a cell phone. Many of our meter boxes have the meter against the end wall of the meter box, so there's not a lot of room to position a camera the size of a cell phone.
I experimented with my $30.00 usb camera with led's on a long cable plugged into my laptop, and that works fine for getting an image onto the laptop screen but the laptop is too heavy with not enough battery life. A cable usb camera to a cellphone might make a good solution, but I'm not sure how to make that work.
For what it's worth, the cheap usb camera (I bought from ebay) work great with a laptop for looking into places you can't see, such as inside walls, part of the rv engine you can't see, etc.
Fred
RE: ideas needed-tablet + usb camera + screen capture?
Why don't you take an approach many municipal water systems use? That is, a new meter will be installed and the old one tested. If the old one was defective, then the bill will be adjusted accordingly. If the old one was not defective, then the customer is responsible for the costs associated with replacing and testing the meter. Also, an instruction in meter reading to the customer, or even reading the meter while the customer is present would be easier than taking a picture of everyone's meter. I suspect that since customer's are now responsible for their water use and are not familiar with how much water thay are actually using, all of this will go away given enough time.
We have actually done all of your suggestions, but still would like the picture for positive proof of reading. I do hope all of this will go away given enough time. Thanks for your suggestions.
Fred
RE: ideas needed-tablet + usb camera + screen capture?
Here's a link to software called CaptureFlux: CaptureFlux Page
The software is freeware for personal use. Check the web page for instructions on getting license for company use. You would need a notebook or tablet running Windows to use this.
Tom: Thanks for the link. This does look promising, and I had not found this with my search.
If anyone knows how to use an external USB camera with an android tablet to capture still images, I'd also like some info on that also, so keep the ideas coming.
Thank you all for your comments. When I posted this, I knew it was not RV related, but it is technology related. There's a lot of sharp minds on this forum and I appreciate the ideas.
Fred
ideas needed-tablet + usb camera + screen capture?
I need to cobble together some equipment to solve a meter reading documentation problem.
The Background: Our community has been forced to install water meters on our community water system due to water conservation rules imposed by the state government. None of the meters have any method for electronically reading them. We have residents that do not believe we have recorded meter readings correctly. I want to find some type of equipment to take a picture of the meter dial, with enough quality to visually use the picture for getting the reading into an excel file.
I realize most any digital camera can accomplish this, but the environment of a water meter with a glass cover over the dial located in a dark hole below the ground makes multiple pictures required before a readable one is produced (position of camera and glare from flash is a major problem).
My best idea (that I don't know how to implement) is some sort of small tablet with a usb camera with screen capture software. I have a usb camera with built in led lights with long cable, and I have a laptop (windows vista and too heavy to carry on a 7 hour walking route) but would need something to easily capture a good picture off the screen display (I'm familiar with snip, but requires too many keystrokes). The usb camera can be mounted on a short pole, so the operator does not have to hold equipment below ground level. Hopefully, the usb camera/light can be moved until a good image appears on the screen, followed by capturing the screen image to a file. The screen capture would need to create a separate jpeg file with time/date stamp on it, or the time/date on the new file would be adequate.
Can this be done with an android tablet?
If anyone has ideas for equipment, screen capture with time/date, or other ideas for solving my problem, please post your ideas. All suggestions appreciated.
If you know of other forums that may have this type info, please let me know.
Thanks.
RE: mid coach side marker
I probably don't understand enough to explain properly, and maybe someone else with better knowledge will post. I think this will be a two wire marker light. To function as both turn signal and marker light, it seeks its ground by backfeed through other circuits bulb filaments. Look at the link below and scroll down until you find "Crossfeed Method". Here you will find wiring diagrams that explain how it works.
marker light diagram
I believe you have lost the ground circuit through the running light filaments. For another explanation of how it works, look at the link below and scroll down until you find "As originally written by FireTech, here's what happens:"
explanation of backfeed method
How to fix, I don't really know. I would start by removing and cleaning the existing marker light fixture, or simply replacing it.....but I'm not at all sure this will fix the problem. I don't know how it can work one way but not the other way.
After saying all this, I'm not sure I've helped but at least you have some info on how it works. Let us know what finally fixes it.
Fred
RE: is used tires are an option
I replaced my xrv 255x80x22.5 with Sumitomo 275/70R22.5 size. Tire is slightly wider, but the revs/mile are almost the same (549 for 255x80 and 541 for 275/70). You will have to check rim size (width)and dual spacing if you consider this. You may find more options and brands in the 275/70 size.
RE: Just a windshield story
I share your pain.
Last week we had almost the same incident. Following trucks in both lanes, when there was an impact sound. I scanned the entire windshield and began to think I had escaped without damage. About two miles down the road, a single crack began to creep upward from the base of the windshield, soon followed by several others. Luckily we did not have any intrusion into the coach. Duncan Systems has one being shipped to us. My $1000 deductible insurance will hurt the budget a little, but this is my first windshield problem in 10 years so I can't complain too much.
Here's wishing you good luck with your trip and the patched windshield.
Fred
