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Subject |
Author |
Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: Lithium batteries
The best YouTube source is Will Prowse. He tears apart lots of batteries. Some of the cheaper LiFePo4 batteries have no low temp sensor. He checks this by dipping the sensor in ice water.
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Tom_M
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12/02/22 08:04am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Connect multiple portable solar panels?
It's best to have the controller close to the batteries. If possible remove the controller from the panel and install it close to the batteries. Do not place the controller in the same compartment as the batteries if they are flooded lead acid.
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Tom_M
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11/22/22 03:14am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Alternative to bumper sewer hose carrier
I use 5 inch vinyl fence post and a section of vinyl gutter which acts as a tray:
https://i.imgur.com/vvkEQAl.jpg?1 width=320
https://i.imgur.com/fUx9aIw.jpg width=320
https://i.imgur.com/cD7SZbo.jpg?1 width=320
https://i.imgur.com/HJBXKbm.jpg?1 width=320
https://i.imgur.com/LbItexQ.jpg?1 width=320
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Tom_M
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11/20/22 02:37am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: How does this work? TV antenna
Since your antenna is almost 30 years old, I would suggest replacing the whole assembly. Your present antenna is probably a Winegard Sensar II. The latest is a Sensar IV. The Sensar IV has an added UHF element that sticks out the front. If you decide to upgrade, check your present antenna and make sure there is room for the new antenna when it is stowed. The Sensar IV is considered the best RV antenna. Also make sure that your coax cable and connectors are in good condition.
Here's a link to a Sensar IV assembly on Amazon:
Winegard Sensar IV on Amazon.
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Tom_M
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11/06/22 06:09am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Visible Phone Hotspot
I have two phones which were purchased from Visible. One is a ZTE Blade 11 Prime and the other is a Motorola one 5G UW ace. I just checked and both allow more than one connection. I don't recall if I ever checked but am pleasantly surprised. I have a wireless router and have been using it for a while. Perhaps I no longer need it.
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Tom_M
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10/29/22 04:21am |
Technology Corner
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RE: Refill small propane cylinder
I removed the regulator from my Buddy heater then using a hose plumbed it to a tee in the line that feeds my cooktop.
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Tom_M
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10/28/22 06:26am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Visible Phone Hotspot
Most phones sold by Visible only allow one device to connect to the phone's hotspot. Connecting the phone to a wireless router allows multiple devices to be connected.
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Tom_M
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10/27/22 07:40am |
Technology Corner
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RE: Visible Phone Hotspot
Hopefully this will enlighten some folks.
Most of Visible's smart phones allow only one connection to the phone's hotspot. It appears that iPhones are an exception.
You can connect to a wireless router either by a USB cable or with a WiFi connection. The router will allow you to connect to multiple devices. The SIM remains in the phone. The router is the only device connected to the phone's hotspot.
Visible limits the hotspot data speed to 5 Mb/s. There is a hack that you can apply to the router that disables the limit. This might violate Visible's terms of service.
Here's a link to a lengthy thread on iRV2 forum:
https://www.irv2.com/forums/f53/25-month-unlimited-internet-interested-442091.html
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Tom_M
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10/26/22 03:56pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: Visible Phone Hotspot
I have had Visible since May of 2019 and it has served me well. Here's a link to a document posted by gsgriffin on the iRV2 forum describing how to set up a Visible phone and using a GL.iNet router:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jKLcBfdChCghgdHYS7ieGGhlUBfj7qFtSwHvZKb913Q/edit
Towards the end of the document he describes how to circumvent the 5Mb/s data rate limit.
I am using the GL.iNet GL-MT1300 Beryl router and it works great.
https://www.amazon.com/GL-iNet-GL-MT1300-Wireless-Pocket-Sized-Repeater/dp/B08MKZXGBY/ref=sr_1_9?crid=VBDE3UI2HEO8&keywords=GL.iNet&qid=1666785807&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI0LjM1IiwicXNhIjoiMy42OCIsInFzcCI6IjMuNTIifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=gl.inet%2Caps%2C274&sr=8-9&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840
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Tom_M
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10/26/22 06:19am |
Technology Corner
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RE: Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado
I had a bag of Cheetos explode.
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Tom_M
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10/01/22 11:11am |
Roads and Routes
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RE: EEZ reading wrong
Swap sensors. If reading 49 51 before swap and 51 49 after, then problem is with sensors. If the same, problem is with monitor.
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Tom_M
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09/26/22 03:04am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Cheap Win 10 laptop
So far this notebook has been working great for me. It activated fine and did an update with no issues. I installed Microsoft Word and Excel 2007. Also Microsoft Streets & Trips and VLC media player. It plays videos just fine. I was lucky enough to get the last LTE version. This version comes with a cell phone modem installed which would allow you to insert a SIM card and connect directly to the internet. You can remove the modem and plug in a M.2 SATA SSD. You can purchase a 256GB drive for about $20.
I have a 10" tablet running Win 10 home 32bit with 2GB of memory and 32GB of storage. I have this mounted in a cup holder on my console. It's my navigation and media player device. I run Streets & Trips for navigation and play my music and audio books on it. I've had it for several years. It had Windows 8 when purchased and upgraded to Win 10 with no problems.
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Tom_M
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09/23/22 08:16am |
Technology Corner
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RE: Queston on towing Smart Car
The transmission in the Smart is actually a manual gearbox that is electrically shifted, therefore you don't have the issues of a typical automatic transmission. You must leave it in neutral when towing. I tow my 2013 Smart with all 4 wheels down. Since the Smart is rear wheel drive, towing on a dolly would have the same issues. First put the transmission in neutral and then turn the key as far counter clockwise as it goes. It will not turn fully counter clockwise with the transmission in neutral and can not be removed. Wait for the instrument panel to go dark then disconnect the battery.
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Tom_M
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09/21/22 01:42pm |
Dinghy Towing
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RE: Cheap Win 10 laptop
I would guess that it is not upgradeable to Win 11!You are correct. I tried Win 11 on my other laptop and didn't care for it, so I reverted back to Win 10.
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Tom_M
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09/18/22 09:45am |
Technology Corner
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Cheap Win 10 laptop
For anyone near a Microcenter store here is about the cheapest Windows laptop. $59.99:
Evolve III Maestro 11.6" Laptop Computer
It comes with Windows 10 Pro Education installed.
Quote from Microsoft:
"Windows 10 Pro Education builds on the commercial version of Windows 10 Pro and provides important management controls needed in schools. Windows 10 Pro Education is effectively a variant of Windows Pro that provides education-specific default settings, including the removal of Cortana*. These default settings disable tips, tricks and suggestions & Microsoft Store suggestions".
I've had one for three weeks and have had no issues.
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Tom_M
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09/18/22 04:17am |
Technology Corner
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RE: Solar panel system fires
So what. May be important news for first time RV solar panel users including DIY dudes. Over the years I have read several tragic stories of RV fires due to DIY electrical modifications. Some bright folks have to tinker with everything till they burn the house down. Cheers to those with common senseUnless I missed it, there was nothing said about what failed.
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Tom_M
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09/05/22 08:53am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Video Transfer.. Help
Handbrake is an excellent freeware program that will transcode about any video format. As mentioned, the output format is pretty much limited to Mpeg-4. Handbrake will not strip copy protection without adding a file called "libdvdcss.dll".
Handbrake download: https://handbrake.fr/rotation.php?file=HandBrake-1.5.1-x86_64-Win_GUI.exe
libdvdcss.dll download: https://github.com/allienx/libdvdcss-dll/raw/main/1.4.3/64-bit/libdvdcss-2.dll
Another freeware program for converting video is Vidcoder. It uses Handbrake components and simplifies the process a bit. It also needs the "libdvdcss-2.dll" file to strip copy protection.
Vidcoder download here: https://github.com/RandomEngy/VidCoder/releases/download/v7.15/VidCoder-7.15.exe
Once you get the DVD ripped you will need to copy the resulting file to your tablet.
I suggest installing VLC video player on your tablet which will play about any format of video. Go to Google Store to get VLC.
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Tom_M
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08/21/22 06:52am |
Technology Corner
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RE: 2022 towables 4 wheels down
Here's a link:
https://www.fmca.com/images/stories/pdf/2022Towables-Updated_FRV0122.pdf
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Tom_M
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07/10/22 05:11am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Using my phone hotspot for the tv.
Was discussing with a few friends that my TT does not have reception on the TV. I no longer have a satellite carrier and don't know much about the antenna on my 2012 work and Play trailer. One person commented he purchased a smart Tv with roku and uses his phone as a hotspot. So, what amount of data would it use. What are the downsides of this. Antenna upgrade? thanks in advance.The Winegard Sensar IV (aka Batwing) is considered about the best RV TV antenna available. It has the broad elements that are needed for receiving VHF channels well. Second choice would probably be the King Jack. It does not have the broad elements so it works poorly for the VHF channels but is on par with the Sensar IV for UHF channels. About 25% of TV stations are now broadcasting on VHF so for full coverage the Sensar IV would be the better choice.
A former forum member did an extensive test comparing the two antennas. Here's a link to his test: SCVJeff's test.
If you intend to go with the Sensar IV, make sure there is room for the antenna when it is stowed. I had to install mine so that it stowed to the side rather than to the rear. I have had this for many years and have had no problems.
Both antennas are directional and need to be aimed toward the TV transmitter. Antennas Direct is a good site to locate where the TV transmitters are.
I live in Minneapolis and all the network affiliates here stream their local news in real time. I suspect this is true for most TV markets.
For cellphone I use Visible. It is the only service I know of that has truly unlimited data including hotspot use. If you join a 'Party Pay' plan the monthly cost is $25/month total, no added fees. It has worked very well for me.
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Tom_M
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07/08/22 05:01am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Best cell phone provider?
I was thinking of changing to Visible but was told coverage was not available in my area, Eastern Iowa. My wife uses Verizon, I use Consumer Cellular, phone only. Very happy with bothVisible is owned by Verizon and uses Verizon towers so you should have no problem.
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Tom_M
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06/29/22 05:36am |
Technology Corner
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