VAL Digest V1 #235

VAL Digest             Sunday, May 2 2004             Volume 01 : Number 235




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Topics in Today's Digest:

Re: [VAL] Skyliner antenna
RE: [VAL] Battery Charging from Tow vehicle
[VAL] Re: Satellite and Antenna
[VAL] Armstrong AC Thermostat
Re: [VAL] Armstrong AC Thermostat
Re: [VAL] Satellite Service?
[VAL] Mobile DirecTV
Re: [VAL] Mobile DirecTV
Re: [VAL] Battery Charging from Tow vehicle
[VAL] Goofy looking curtain track
Re: [VAL] Mobile DirecTV
[VAL] Slabs protocol
RE: [VAL] Battery Charging isolator

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Date: Sat, 1 May 2004 03:43:33 -0400
From: "Tom" <tmeeker@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Skyliner antenna

Those rods you refer to are called "roll pins".  They are 'C' shaped and
compress when forced into an opening.  The roll pins are made of spring
steel I presume.

If you have any Kroil -- penetrating oil -- that works wonders for stuck
things.  Kano Labs of Tennessee makes Kroil.  I wouldn't be without it for
those "frozen" times.

Tom

| The rod is a round pin about 3 inches long. It goes in the back of the
| antenna base. I broke two of the bases installing my antenna. I guess I
didn't break
| two. I broke one. I then had a professional installer do the second
| installation. He broke the second base. The base breaks easy as it is cast
metal. Also
| when we got the antenna together it would not go up. There is a little pin
in
| the gear that was a fraction of an inch too long. Its a hard antenna to
work
| on. jauman

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Date: Sat, 1 May 2004 08:06:39 -0400
From: "Peter Ryner" <pryner@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: RE: [VAL] Battery Charging from Tow vehicle

Whatever size wiring you use, I would recommend using a battery isolator,
available at most auto supply houses.  It allows current to go to the
trailer battery from the charging circuit, but won't draw off of the car
battery.  I believe the installation instructions give recommended wire
sizes also.
Pete

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Date: Sat, 01 May 2004 10:17:53 -0400
From: "Patricia V. Raimondo" <praimond@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: [VAL] Re: Satellite and Antenna

I have the Bat Wing Antenna (Camping World-$107) on the roof of my 
Flying Cloud for quick TV reception and a portable Satellite Dish 
(Camping World-$129?) for hooking up to Direct TV. The portable dish 
works great. It has a large round base with a folding dish on top and 
sits right on the ground, held down by tent pegs. This configuration 
allows it to not be blown down or knocked around by the wind. It only 
weighs about 10lbs. and folds flat. For $8 I get both east and  west 
coast stations and to get that I had to send a copy of my trailer 
registration to Direct TV to prove I do have an RV and that I live in 
NY. I don't leave home without it!


Patti
Long Island, NY
1954 Flying Cloud
02 2500 Suburban
WBCCI # 3321
Washington DC Unit
Denver Unit Associate
VAC

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Date: Sat, 01 May 2004 06:53:44 -0700
From: "Marvin W. Murray" <mwm@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: [VAL] Armstrong AC Thermostat

The square Armstrong thermostat which controls the original air 
conditioner on my '76 Tradewind 25 is broken. (Little plastic gear teeth 
inside are stripped.) The AC works great but won't shut off under 
thermostatic control and I'm freezing. Does anyone know where an 
original thermostat can be located? Alternatively, what can I use as a 
replacement? Thanks.

Marvin Murray

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Date: Sat, 1 May 2004 10:04:29 -0500
From: Dean <dean@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Armstrong AC Thermostat

You can use most any thermostat you want as long as it has an
Air Cond.  or COOL setting on it.
If you shop at your local hardware store you can even find
a simple thermostat for cooling only.
All it must to do is Close on Temperature Rise.

See You On the Road
Dean & Kay
WBCCI   2486
IOWA


On May 1, 2004, at 8:53 AM, Marvin W. Murray wrote:

> The square Armstrong thermostat which controls the original air 
> conditioner on my '76 Tradewind 25 is broken.  Does anyone know where 
> an original thermostat can be located? Alternatively, what can I use 
> as a replacement? Thanks.
>
> Marvin Murray

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Date: Sat, 1 May 2004 08:54:08 -0700
From: "Roger Hightower" <rwhigh@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Satellite Service?

I put the crank-up dish on my trailer, after removing the Skyliner.  It's
OK, but I sometimes can't get a signal if there are trees around the RV
site.  At those times I wish I had the ground-mounted antenna and a long
piece of coax.

I guess you can't have it all, eh?

Roger


- ----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Joy Hansen" <joytbrew@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
To: <valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Sent: Friday, April 30, 2004 10:14 AM
Subject: Re: [VAL] Satellite Service?


> Hi Roger,
>
> I've not yet taken advantage of using a reciever in my trailer, but intend
> to do so shortly.  It costs an extra $5 a month for an extra receiver -
> supposedly in my bedroom?  Anyway, I have three receivers and that
required
> a quad lnb at the dish.  Yes, it cost me, but I got to keep the original
> dual lnb dish (just between the installer and myself).  Still have room
for
> one more receiver.  Different family members choose their own programming.
> My Mom wants church, wife wants love, and I want westerns!
>
> I'm seldom able to get regular TV when I camp without subscribing to the
> nightly surcharge.  So, I'm thinking of replacing the Safari standard roof
> top antennae with one of the Camping World roof top models, think it would
> cost about $129 or something like that with a regular price of $229?  Do
you
> have any experience with the roof top dish?  Certainly not period
> restoration correct, but .  .  .
>
> Otherwise, I'll have to do the tripod pole mount that I see frequently.
The
> satellite companies are getting pretty good at very small regional
service.
> I think it's based on zip code, but if the receiver works away from the
home
> slot, why not go for it.
>
> Guess there's only two things left in life that are important to oldsters
> like me and that's TV, Internet (e-mail), and cowboy action shooting! :)
> Well, some like golf, but I don't favor toys without noise anymore.
>
>                          '69 Safari, Joy
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Roger Hightower" <rwhigh@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
> To: <valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
> Sent: Friday, April 30, 2004 11:53 AM
> Subject: Re: [VAL] Satellite Service?
>
>
> > I have satellite service through DirecTV.  All I do when traveling is
move
> a
> > receiver from the house to the trailer.
> >
> > The only difference is that I cannot receive local channels or Network
> news
> > (other than MSNBC or CNN, FOX), but that's no big deal.  I usually watch
> > History, Discovery and those channels anyway.
> >
> > Don't tell them...just do it.
> >
> > Roger
> >
> > Roger Hightower, WBCCI #4165, VAC
> > 1975 31' Sovereign
> > 2002 Ford F-250 PSD
> >
> > -----------------------------------------------------------------
> > When replying to a message. please delete all unnecessary original text
> >
> > To unsubscribe or change to a digest format, please go to
> > http://www.tompatterson.com/VAC/VAList/listoffice.html
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> When replying to a message. please delete all unnecessary original text
>
> To unsubscribe or change to a digest format, please go to
> http://www.tompatterson.com/VAC/VAList/listoffice.html

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 1 May 2004 09:03:19 -0700
From: "Roger Hightower" <rwhigh@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: [VAL] Mobile DirecTV

I went to the DirecTV website to get the form for network feed to my RV, and
found an interesting paragraph:

"However, if your permanent residence account lists more than one receiver and
one of these is located in your vehicle, you will no longer be able to
"mirror" the services on the additional receiver in your vehicle. We will need
to charge you the full monthly programming package price for this additional
receiver, instead of the $4.99 a month programming mirroring fee you may be
paying currently."

Since I have two receivers, and they are mirrored, I guess I can't do it
without paying a bunch more money.  I think it's time to check out Dish
Network.

Roger

Roger Hightower, WBCCI #4165, VAC
1975 31' Sovereign
2002 Ford F-250 PSD

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Date: Sat, 1 May 2004 12:20:01 -0500
From: Dean <dean@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Mobile DirecTV

Why are you messing with all that and paying extra money..
JUST pick up one of your receivers out of your house and
move it to your camper.   Don't forget the remote control.
All you have is 2 cables and a power cord.

See You On the Road
Dean & Kay
WBCCI   2486
IOWA


On May 1, 2004, at 11:03 AM, Roger Hightower wrote:

>
> Since I have two receivers, and they are mirrored, I guess I can't do 
> it
> without paying a bunch more money.  I think it's time to check out Dish
> Network.
>
> Roger
>
> Roger Hightower, WBCCI #4165, VAC
> 1975 31' Sovereign
> 2002 Ford F-250 PSD

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Date: Sat, 1 May 2004 13:27:53 -0400
From: "Joy Hansen" <joytbrew@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Battery Charging from Tow vehicle

Hi Jim,

I pondered the charge thing for some time and even bought the isolation
unit.  Never installed it as my truck has a special relay, I think that
prevents the trailer drawing on the truck battery, yet does provide some
charge to the trailer battery.  The #10 wire is most likely adequate for the
vehicle wiring and components.

On the other hand, with so many large cables running from tow vehicle, that
umbilical has got to be a heavy/stiff mother!

Think I'd rather have the EU 3000 Honda if it will power my AC when I need
it? :)

Ain't restoration/boondocking great! :)

                        '69 Safari, Joy

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Date: Sat, 01 May 2004 12:01:24 -0700
From: Glyn Judson <glynjudson@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: [VAL] Goofy looking curtain track

    All,

    I know I might be beating a dead horse here but I'm fielding this
request to all of you again.  I'm in great need of the 3" wide, odd shaped
aluminum extruded curtain track that goes over the entire galley and then
some in my 1969 Caravel.

    I presently have two 2 foot lengths of the track and need a total of six
feet of it.  If this were a perfect world, I'd love to install a single six
foot length but would be ecstatic if I could locate another 24 inches of the
stuff that I could then add to mine.  I have an isometric drawing of the
track that I could send to anyone interested.

    By the way, I've tried all the traditional sources like Inland and an
older gentleman in the South who was recommended to me by Airstream, who I
also checked with too.

    Any help would be greatly appreciated.

    Glyn 
    1969 Caravel #508
    Santa Monica CA

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Date: Sat, 1 May 2004 13:05:25 -0700
From: "Roger Hightower" <rwhigh@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Mobile DirecTV

- ----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dean" <dean@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
To: <valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Sent: Saturday, May 01, 2004 10:20 AM
Subject: Re: [VAL] Mobile DirecTV


> Why are you messing with all that and paying extra money..
> JUST pick up one of your receivers out of your house and
> move it to your camper.   Don't forget the remote control.
> All you have is 2 cables and a power cord.
>
> See You On the Road
> Dean & Kay
> WBCCI   2486
> IOWA
>

That's what I do now, but I can't get Network programs.  In order to do
that, you have to have Distant Network Services, which cost more bucks.

Roger

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 30 Apr 2004 18:35:35 -0400
From: Terry Tyler <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: [VAL] Slabs protocol

On Tuesday, April 27, 2004, at 02:00 AM, VAL Digest wrote:

> Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 15:15:34 -0500
> From: Jim Clark <jec1938@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
> Subject: Re: [VAL] Re: "The Slabs"
>
> How about the protocol of the "Slabs".???   Is it run like a 
> campground, or
> like an abandoned air base..???
>
> How do you get in and how long can you stay???
>
> I seem to recall an article about the "Slabs" some time ago that 
> pointed
> out no water, no power,no facilities except for a group that sponsored 
> a
> dinner periodically...
> Jim
>
>

Hi Jim,

Good question. Every time we've gone there, we just pull in and find a 
level spot. No one has ever rattled our cage about doing that.  
Definitely, it's not run like a campground. It's not run like anything. 
In our experiences, it's been - everyone decides for themselves where 
they'll park. Some friends park in a wagon wheel arrangement.

Many have staked out "their" slab and it's obvious they are the only 
ones who will be using that space. Slab residents get there early in 
the season and stay until the heat is unbearable.

Before we roll into the slabs, we stock up on everything we think we'll 
need for the duration. Leaving the slabs to go to the store is a good a 
drive. There is one last turn before the slabs where limited provisions 
can be purchased. We've never needed to stop there.

As for how long you can stay, that depends on you and your 
inclinations. No one will boot you out. When it gets too hot, most 
folks are long gone.

You are correct, there is no water and no electricity. We have not 
stayed longer than our black water tank's capacity, although there is a 
honey wagon if we did. We treat our grey water with a green no-see-um 
that comes out at night and provides underground bathes for gophers.

Many families become acquaintances over their years of staying here. We 
found everyone friendly and considerate. We're not spring chicken. 
Sandie uses an electric wheel chair that we can charge off our solar 
panels as needed. We've never felt vulnerable or at risk while staying 
at the slabs. Granted, some of the rigs look outlandish, but they got 
there on their own and they're enjoying life.

One thing I -- DO -- do is select my parking spot with specific 
criteria in mind. For example:

1- I like parking next to an uneven or rutted place on my driver's 
side. Why? No one in their right mind will choose to park too close to 
me after I've gone to bed. Yes, people come and go at all hours of the 
day an night. I want it to be a major inconvenience for anyone to park 
near me at 2 am.

2 - I like parking next to a group of shrubs or a tree on my curb side. 
Why? No one in their right mind will park on top of shrubs or try to 
squeeze in between the tree and our trailer while we're away on a day 
trip. In the morning, we like sitting outside in our pajamas enjoying 
our cup of coffee without our neighbor's being able to see if our 
coffee has cream in it or not.

3 - I like parking in such a way that I can drive forward when it's 
time to leave. Why? I don't like being blocked in by someone who has 
left for a day trip that unexpectedly ended up being two or three days. 
Some of the parking areas in the sand have common roadways and there's 
no mistake. Many of the parking areas do not.

Hope this helps you Jim. If your first time to visit the slabs is with 
one or two other friends, everyone will remember it the rest of their 
lives - no matter how many additional times you go there.

Terry
mailto:tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxx.com

------------------------------

Date: Sat,  1 May 2004 22:49:20 -0500
From: "Gerald Johnson" <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.isunet.net>
Subject: RE: [VAL] Battery Charging isolator

Many modern tow vehicle towing packages isolate the trailer battery with a relay 
energised only while the engine is supposed to be running. Tracing the wiring for 
my '98 F-150 it seems to be activated by the ignition key being in the run position. 
I'd like it better if it was controlled by the computer or by a pressure switch on 
the oil line that only connected the trailer battery charging line when there was 
oil pressure.

The charging current is definitely limited by the wiring resistance.

The diode isolator is hard to wire in the modern vehicle with the 140 amp alternator 
connected to a fuse panel with large wires. I was looking at doing that before I 
discovered my used truck already had the towing package. The diode isolater dissipates 
quite a bit of heat, with ordinary silicon diodes dropping more than a volt at high 
currents. If the regulator is wired properly it will compensate for that diode drop and 
still charge the batteries with proper voltage all the time. However the relay isolator 
is probably less expensive to install and is certainly more energy efficient.

A starter solenoid has adequate or better than adequate contacts but the coil is rated 
only for intermittant use. There is relay made by several relay manufactures that looks 
just like a starter solenoid (or relay) but has a coil designed for continuous use with 
a little lower contact rating because the coil power is lower and the contact pressure 
is also lower. A T and nipple at the oil pressure sensor location with a switch that 
closes on pressure rise (say at 5 psi) in the side of that T would reliably operate such 
an isolation relay only when the engine was really running and so prevent the trailer 
loads from discharging the starting battery. And one could easily wire all but the 
umbilical and its connectors with substantial wire to increase the charging rate. It would 
be prudent to include a fuse on each end of that charging wire, to protect the vehicle and 
the trailer from damage should that charging wire get grounded from rodent chewing, or road 
damage. It should be connected directly to either battery, a damage wire can consume the 
vehicle in a few minutes because the charged battery can supply short circuit currents 
greater than 1000 amps limited only by the resistance of the short and for any ordinary wire 
size, 1000 amps will cause it to melt its insulation off and then begin to overheat its 
surroundings, it might even get hot enough to glow.

A friend of mine ran a piece of #4 copper to run a mobile ham radio in his Saab. He didn't 
put fuses at the battery. When he came to my house to show it off, the driver's seat pinched 
the hot wire and grounded it. I noticed the smell of hot wire insulation and discovered that 
wire was heating up rapidly. Fortunately he had soldered the lugs on the wire at the battery 
and the wire heat was enough to melt the solder so I could pull the wire from the lug before 
it ignited the car. It wasn't good for my fingers though!

Those vehicle protection fuses are sure IMPORTANT.

Gerald J.

------------------------------

End of VAL Digest V1 #235
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