Dad's Toy

[dadstoy]

I just got back from another 10 days at the MH. I was hoping to get up there and enjoy some nice Autumn weather, but I was a week too late. We went from 100+ temps to one week in the 80s and now the 60s. Still nice weather but had to turn the heat on as soon as the sun dropped behind the mountains. Got some rain for a day and a half. I sort of wanted it to rain like hell at least for a little bit to see if my windshield still leaked but it really doesn't rain much anymore in Calif. There were a couple of good downpours and no leak so maybe I got it sealed up.


I let the U Joints go too long on the driveshaft, so I got them changed out. Oh I'm sorry, I guess I didn't say the U Joints on my Polaris RZR. These would be just a bit TOO small for the MH. About the only thing I did maintenance wise on the MH was to check the battery water.


I did sit in the RZR one evening watching, on my iphone via WiFi, the launch of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft while drinking a bottle of Chardonnay. I was thinking it was such a juxtaposition surrounded by a 38 year old Airstream, a 25 year old F150, an 11 year old UTV and watching in high def in real time this launch of the Dragon spacecraft. The technology today is like watching a futuristic Sci-Fi movie and shaking my head because it is real. It certainly isn't like sitting in front of the big black and white console TV watching Apollo 11 when I was 11 years old.


PS: I threw in the pict of my wine glass for Brad!

[cmadmaxman]

You got the tech stuff right, my Grandson 5 years old can work these devices better than this old man!

And I made my first computer, Heath Kit, and had all of 4k memory!

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by dadstoy

PS: I threw in the pict of my wine glass for Brad!

Hmm.....drinkin and drivin?

[dadstoy]

I need some suggestions on LED bulbs.

I need new LED bulbs for the 4 down lights in the salon and the 2 map lights in the cockpit.

As many know the original bulbs are 1139lf bulbs that can light a cigarette after they have been on a few minutes. I had previously bought LED lights for the 4 down lights, but they are burning out sooner then expected. They were a bit too dim as well. I just want them for accent lighting. The 2 map lights need to be much brighter then the down lights.

I don't know where I bought the LED lights and I have no idea what color balance or lumens they are.

What have you replaced yours with and where did you purchase them?

Thanks
Dean

[cmadmaxman]

This is what I use, but don't think they make em anymore! Ck supper bright leds, they might have something you like!?

[Magnet18]

Had these in the living room lights for a couple years, no complaints, a nice natural color, i would use them for map as well without hesitation

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F6B6638...ing=UTF8&psc=1

[dadstoy]

Thanks Chris and Rob. I will check those out!

Dean

[Kvsterling]

I tried a couple and will be using these in the down lights.

Found a couple others that are brighter for the map lights

[dadstoy]

Thanks! I'm going to give those a try.

[dadstoy]

Rain? What is that? Well we are now getting some. I so enjoy sitting in the MH listening to the rain fall on the roof. I got my UTV back together and got out riding in the back between storms.

I installed a new radio. There was only one thing wrong with the old one...it didn't have Bluetooth! No more looking for cables! Now I just can't decide what to use as a media player.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by dadstoy

Rain? What is that? Well we are now getting some. I so enjoy sitting in the MH listening to the rain fall on the roof. I got my UTV back together and got out riding in the back between storms.

I installed a new radio. There was only one thing wrong with the old one...it didn't have Bluetooth! No more looking for cables! Now I just can't decide what to use as a media player.

You're certainly listening to some nice tunes there

[dadstoy]

I finally added the last two shutoff valves that I wanted and a few other little items to finish up the plumbing in the bath closet. I also put the shelving back in place. A little cleaning and I will be done with that project. I had to redo the plumbing because 4 years ago I didn't winterize the MH. Well thought I would get back up to MH way before winter. Now I drain all lines every time I leave the MH even if it is in the middle of summer since one never knows what may happen in life! Every pipe in the rear froze and broke along with the shower valve, toilet valve, and the cartridges in both the bathroom and kitchen fixture.

[dadstoy]

I have the Progressive Industries EMS and I want to change the location of the remote display. The oem phone/data cable is only 14'. PI states that the cable is not a phone cable but is a data cable. It sure looks like a phone cable with RJ11 connectors. I don't think the oem cable has RG45 connectors. I'm not at the MH right now to look at the cable.

Anyone know what this cable really is and what type of cable I need to use for a longer cable?

Also, I see that PI states that the EMS should or could be installed before the generator transfer switch as to protect the transfer switch from power surges (on the shore power leg only). I suppose that would have saved my transfer switch from damage due to an electrical storm a few years back.

However, since the Onan is 30-40 year old technology, it uses the rpm of the generator to determine Hz and voltage. I prefer to have the EMS after the generator as well. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks
Dean

[bkahler]

Dean, I don't have the answer to your question but that sure looks like a standard off the shelf phone cord.

[dadstoy]

I emailed Progressive Industries today and got the answer on what cable is used for the remote display.


"You would need a RJ12 Data cable, it looks like a phone line, but you need both ends to have the same colors in the same positions as indicated in the attached picture. A normal phone line would have ends that mirror each other and that will not work with the EMS display. Progressive Industries warns not to plug the display in while the system is powered up."

[bobmiller1]

Funny.....that is exactly the same way Dometic wires the communication cable between the front and rear AC units on the newer trailer and motor homes. They do not provide the cable and their customer service sucks to say the least. We found that out at my buddies Verizon outlet by chance. It allowed me to make the final connection on the 370LE and when I installed the new units in the Snap-On truck it made it a lot easier. Regards, Bob

[dadstoy]

Yup. I figured it was either straight through or crossed over wiring (whatever was different from phone line). Ordered 50' data cable from Amazon, figured 25' might be too short after going down the wall, around the back, up to the galley and up the wall again. Now I can once again add to the rats nest of wires in the MH.


PI customer service was great, they got back to me via email within 2 hrs. I do like the PI unit. I believe, a couple yrs ago, it saved my life or at least saved me from a nasty shock (maybe/maybe not). There was a time when I had extra $ to throw away that I paid for the electricity to be left on while I wasn't at the ranch. I got up there one day and the unit was switching off and on the power. Come to find out after much troubleshooting that the wire between the left side salon and right side salon receptacles was shorted against the MH in the ceiling I'm guessing. I don't know if it was a direct short or just electrifying the skin.

[dadstoy]

Are the sewer fittings ABS or PVC? I’m changing over to Valterra. My can of ABS is good, can of PVC is toast.

[bkahler]

From memory all I recall ever seeing is abs fittings.

Of course now that I've said that you'll probably find PVC on your coach!

[cmadmaxman]

Second ABS, I use the multi purpose glue that covers both!