RE: No Color from the DVD player
Okay DH is totally frustrated now. Tried it on another TV and no color. Of course this was after unhooking and removing the TV at the front of the MH and checking all the connections. B&W on the other TV. Decided to give up for now and put it all back. No DVD connection at all. We'll save this for another day. :(
Panasonic did suggest cleaning the DVD player but I can't see that helping. This DVD player has maybe played 10 movies, if that. But, hey at this point we will try anything.
Thanks for your suggestions.
No Color from the DVD player
For some reason our DVD is only playing movies in B&W. It is a Panasonic Home Theatre attached to a Panasonic LCD. We have had color so it did work, but not now. We did call Panasonic but they weren't much help. They said to check if there was a wire loose, but from the ones we can check they are okay. The TV is built in above the front window within a wooden frame. Not sure how to be able check the wiring on the TV as there are no visible screws to remove the framework. Possibly it is an adjustment on the controller, but if so we don't know what to check. :?
Any ideas?
Thanks
RE: What I have, what I want, what do I need?
tom_kat
I am not sure this will work for me as I already have 3 printers and the one I use in the MH is a pretty good one. I don't really want to replace it. It is supposed to be blue tooth capable but I have no idea what that means for this application (diddly-squat? :?)
You mentioned you would plug the computer into the printer, but that is what I am trying to get away from. The printer is in the back of the coach and the computers at the front, or maybe I am misunderstanding and the router is located where the computer is??
See, I am still confused. :B
RE: What I have, what I want, what do I need?
No the OP (that would be me :))is not techno savvy, so a lot of this has gone over my head :) :)
But what I am surmising is the best route to go to print wireless would be to get a print server. I assume there is not a way to use a router to bring the signal into it and distribute to both computers??
I am confused why using the RadioLab antenna would be overkill on the onboard computer? I have the software installed on both the laptop and onboard computer and just plug the USB into which ever one I want to use. The onboard computer doesn't have a built in wifi card so I would need a wifi card at any rate. What would you suggest for that if the RadioLab is not the best option? My biggest issue was being able to print without running cables. I can live with switch the antenna back and forth if need be.
The printer I use there is an HP 8050.
Thanks again for your help.
RE: Musty Smell
We did find the source of the odor, and even though the coach was just a year old there was a water leak around the dome in the shower. We had a water restoration company check it out and they suggested blowing air into the ceiling thru the vents and that seemed to do the trick. It dried it out and no more smell. The coach manufacturer provided a new dome and we replaced it and made sure it was very well sealed. DH could check out the space when he replaced the shroud and all is well.
Thanks for your suggestions.
RE: What I have, what I want, what do I need?
DavidJ54 - thanks for your reply. I will try and clarify for you. (I am not surprised you are confused :? as I probably didn't explain it well enough.)
What I have is a high gain antenna, that is also a wifi card. I can plug it into my usb port on the laptop and use that rather than the built in one to get a stronger signal. The onboard computer doesn't have a built in wifi card (it does have a dial up modem only), but when I use it for the onboard computer it acts as the wifi card. (I have installed the software to use the antenna on both computers) Here is link to the antenna, hopefully that helps. Radio Labs Wifi Antenna
The laptop is a Compaq, with built-in wifi card, the onboard is ??? - it is built in to the motorhome (Tiffen) and is used for Co-Pilot GPS, back-up and turn signal cameras but is also a fully operational computer with Windows XP.
I am not using a cellular card. I connect to the campground via my high gain antenna, or the built in wifi on the laptop.
You are right in that it is a wireless network that I am aiming for - I just don't know what I need to get there.
I hope I have given you the info that you need, if not let me know.
Thanks for your help,
Pat
What I have, what I want, what do I need?
I am not sure what I need to do to make what I have do what I want? Can anyone help me out?
What I have - laptop, onboard computer, high gain antenna, printer(blue tooth capable)
What I want - I want to be able to use either the lap top or the onboard computer with the high gain antenna - right now I unplug it from one, and use it on the other. Is there a way to tie it into both?
I want to be able to print from either computer - wireless to the printer that will be at the rear of the coach, and the computers are at the front of the coach.
What do I need? - I am assuming I need some type of router for the printer and maybe for the wifi to both computers. The onboard computer does not have a built in wifi (just a dial up modem). It needs the high gain antenna to be able to access the internet. I would like to be able to run them independently, meaning I don't want to have to have both computers on at the same time.
I hope someone is more savvy than me and can help me figure out how to do this. :B
Thanks!
RE: Musty Smell
Thanks so much for the ideas. We will keep trying the different things until the smell is gone. For sure it is not the carpets or furniture as there isn't a lot of carpet (mostly ceramic tile) and leather furniture, also we have shampooed the carpet.
Fisher60 - thanks for the thought on the check valve as DH hadn't thought to check them. Right now we have the Fantastic fan running and air purifier going full blast, and ther is no smell. It will be interesting to see how it is in the morning after it is closed up for the night.
Musty Smell
We purchased a motorhome about 3 weeks ago. It is just a year old but there is a musty smell that we can't seem to get rid of. When we first picked it up it was very strong from the shower. We figured they maybe hadn't cleaned out the grey tank well before they put it in storage, so no big deal. We have tried many things and the smell still lingers although not as bad. We have checked everywhere and there is nothing damp - wood, floor, carpet etc. so we are pretty sure it is still the holding tank. We have filled the tank a couple of times. put in copious amount of toilet chemical. let it sit, drained it and still it lingers. We are at a loss what to do. You really smell it when you enter the MH (when your nose is practically at floor level), then it doesn't seem too bad until you get to the shower. We have purchased a narrow brush and cleaned the drain hole in case there was a built up of 'gunk' that was causing the odor but that doesn't seem to be it. What is also weird is that you don't get an odor from either of the bathroom sinks which would have to be hooked to the same holding tank.
Hope someone can shed some light or offer some suggestions. I think we are going to dump a half gallon of Pine Sol in the tank and fill it up again, but not sure that is going to help.
RE: Air Brake Endorsement
PrivatePilot,
I haven't had time to pursue the school for the endorsement before we p/u the MH but will definitely check out other avenues than the one that gave us the wrong info.
Unlike some Provinces Alberta does not require a special license for MH's regardless of weight. DH had a Class 2, but let it go as he no longer needed since he is retired, and it required a medical every 2nd year at his expense. He has a Class 3 now which more than qualifies him. He also retains his air brake endorsement.
This is how Alberta's classifications are broken down:
Class 1 (Professional - Any vehicle)
Class 2 (Professional - Bus)
Class 3 (3-axle plus)
Class 4 (Professional - Taxi, Ambulance)
Class 5 (2-axle - Cars, Light Trucks, Motorhomes or Mopeds)
Class 6 (Motorcycle & Moped)
Class 7 (Learners - 2-axel & Motorcycle & Moped)
I have asked our insurance co to confirm if I can drive without the endorsement but am still awaiting their answer. I think I know the answer ;) but if they say it is okay I will ask for it in writing.
They are making me nervous as I have been waiting for a week for them to confirm that they are insuring the MH. We are running out of time. I don't know what their problem is since we have been with them for over 30 yrs and have a clean record. They said the issue is because it is being imported and it is 'high value'. I hope they soon get their act together real soon.
RE: Air Brake Endorsement
John & Angela,
Thanks for the encouragement. I think I would be more worried if I wasn't scared driving a 40' rig for the first time. I would worry about someone being that confident that it wasn't an issue for them. At least I have DH beside me who drove a city bus for 34 yrs (and is patient - or at least was when he taught me to drive over 40 yrs ago :)) I will take the course and get my endorsement, but don't have the time before we go.
I have to arrange the insurance for the trip home with the MH today, so will ask about the endorsement. Obviously I am concerned or I would not have posted my questions - I would have just gone ahead and driven without it.
Thanks to all who posted info.
RE: Air Brake Endorsement
Wow, that is interesting. Thank you for the information. I guess that means I have no good excuse not to help with driving. :B other than the thought of driving a 40' coach scares the heck out of me.
RE: Air Brake Endorsement
Bukhrn,
That is interesting. We were under that understanding that an air brake endorsement was required everywhere.
Can anyone elaborate the requirements in your state? We are especially interested in Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Montana as these are the states we will be traveling through on our route home. It would be nice to be able to relieve DH on the long, long road to home. :)
RE: Importing a MH into Canada- what about plates?
Well this has been interesting and very frustrating. I thought getting a transit permit would be the least of our problems. Not so!! The glitch in the works is that the toad is Kentucky registered and in KY they do not issue temporary transit permits. The plates stay with the vehicle. They told me the bill of sale would cover our transporting the vehicle. However, that is just in KY. He couldn't tell me what happens beyond their border. The MH is registered in FL, so I am not sure what their policies are however going to FL to get a in transit permit is not an option.
I have talked to everyone from RIV, Canada Customs, AB DMV, Transport Canada, KY DMV to name a few. We still do not have a great solution, but we were given some strange suggestions. (Put it on the back of a transport truck and have them drive it to the border??)
The seller has agreed to let us use his plates (reluctantly) as we cannot find another option. Traveling without any type of plate on either vehicle can almost guarantee being stopped by every state trooper that passes us.
As this is a private sale we are on our own. If you buy it thru a dealer they can issue a permit apparently.
Someone suggested getting a in transit permit from the next state, which will be Missouri. I will call them and see if that is an option.
Wish me luck as I only have a week to get all our ducks in a row.
RE: Air Brake Endorsement
Update... DH checked with the driving school that gives the courses and exams. They confirmed that yes, I could drive without an endorsement as long as he was there, but they weren't sure about once we left the province.
I contacted the Alberta DMV to confirm and the information he received from the truck driving school was incorrect... I CANNOT DRIVE UNDER HIS TICKET!
That says a lot for the school that gives the course and test!
Well, I am glad I found out now before I got stopped and received a ticket. :E
So wish me luck at school! (Did I ever mention I hate anything to do with cars and mechanical stuff??)
Air Brake Endorsement
We are importing a motorhome from the US to Canada and will be flying down to Kentucky and driving it back to Canada. In Alberta, where we live, you need an air brake endorsement to drive the vehicle, which DH does have. Here in Alberta even though I do not have the endorsement I am allowed to drive as long as he is with me.
My question - will I be allowed to drive in the US without the endorsement for the trip home? DH will be there, so don't know if our AB regulations will cover me in the US. I do plan on getting the endorsement, but would like to help him drive the trip back.
Do each of the states have their own requirements? We will be in Kentucky,(Iowa?), Nebraska, South Dakota & Montana
How can I find out? Would I have to contact each of the DMV in each state? It would only be an issue if we were stopped by police, or (heaven forbid) have an accident. I don't want to find out that way by getting a ticket or not having our insurance valid.
Importing a MH into Canada- what about plates?
We have purchased a motorhome and toad in the US and will be flying down to drive it back to Canada. I have checked with our insurance and that is not a problem as they will cover us while we are in transit.
How do you handle the licence plate issue until you get home? Do you get a temp permit from Alberta or what?
How can we find out in advance what modifications are required, or rather I should say how hard (or expensive) are the modifications to do for the vehicles we are purchasing? I do have the link for the RIV site, so know that we need the day running lights, etc. I know some vehicles don't take much to modify as they are all set up for it. Others I assume are more difficult and will be more expensive. We can still decline the toad if we find that is the case. It is a Chevrolet HHR. Since Cdn Tire seems to be the one that RIV trusts (!! :E ) with checking the vehicles out would they be the ones to contact or the manufacturer?
Updating maps with Garmin... not the registered owner
We got a Street PilotIII from my SIL that they weren't using anymore. It needs the maps updated and I wondered if there would be a problem because we are not the registered owners. I do have the unlock code from the original maps, but doubt that will help. Do we need to get a 'bill of sale' or something from them? I am wondering if they have any security type things in place to prevent someone from updating stolen GPS's that might give us grief.
When we updated our own we had to go to the Garmin dealer, pick up a CD, then go online and pay for the unlock code and then we could update the maps, but it seems to me we had to log on as the registered owner.
Anyone bought a used Garmin and dealt with this?
