[p]Now with the weather warming up and our ability to get the trailer off the street into the back yard it was mod week. No holds barred.[/p][p]
[/p][p]1) Installed SeeLevel 709 tank gauges.[/p][p]2) Installed Progressive EMS-HW30C electrical management system.[/p][p]3) Installed Victron BMV-602 battery monitor.[/p][p]4) Installed Camco Quickie Flush black tank flush kit.[/p][p]5) Modified and installed sink in shower stall with plumbing.[/p][p]6) Replaced battery with Group 30 AGM. [/p][p]7) Bought 15' Rhino Flex sewer hose kit.[/p][p]8) Installed Super Slider Tube for sewer hose kit.[/p][p]9) Wired shed for 20A to power TT.[/p][p]10) Chopped-up our jack knife sofa into pieces, welded the frames to allow booth type seating.[/p][p]11) Relocated LP monitor. Relocated Water pump. Relocate wiring to make foot room in sofa pedestal for dinette.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Still to be done:[/p][p]
[/p][p]1) Waiting on Hog Ring pliers and rings to reapply upholstery to dinette booth seats.[/p][p]2) Modify sofa pedestal for dinette seating.[/p][p]3) Build dinette table.[/p][p]4) Mount model 1200 Create A Breeze fan[/p][p]5) Install combo deadbolt[/p][p]6) Relocate Television to bed area with audio wiring to stereo.[/p][p]7) Install USB charging station with matching device rack and shelf in bed area.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Whew! Can't wait to be able to go camping again. Forgot I added a second LP tank, rack and cover. Added LED lighting throughout too... it's all just a blur.[/p]
I get tired just reading this list! Wow!
It is getting smaller. Almost done! Looking forward to having the dinette the most. Being able to look out the window is gonna be great and the extra table space will be premium real estate.
Well, now I feel like a slacker. Gee, there's still an hour of light left this evening; I better get out there and do at least one thing! My favorite on your list is #10. It sounds so satisfying, given the sofa-bed problems we have. When you get done with the booth seating mod, pics or it didn't happen.
Pictures when you are done please!!! Wow I thought I modded my trailer a lot... you set the bar high!
When you coming to GA to work on my list of mods?
[quote source="/post/8885/thread" author="@sandroad" timestamp="1428278652"]Well, now I feel like a slacker. Gee, there's still an hour of light left this evening; I better get out there and do at least one thing! My favorite on your list is #10. It sounds so satisfying, given the sofa-bed problems we have. When you get done with the booth seating mod, pics or it didn't happen. [/quote][p]It's that time of year again. I'm favoring the trailer versus the mile long to do list on the house. That one starts off yearly as a reoccurring nightmare...[/p][p]
[/p][p]There is room to squeeze a 32"x17" foot box into that sofa pedestal. Plus another 9" on top of the 17" depth if you don't mind putting a foot up on the wheel well. You can increase the width another couple inches if you relocate all the plumbing and fill the protrusion where it comes through the floor. I'm not that motivated to do so.
[/p]
[quote source="/post/8886/thread" timestamp="1428278909" author="@tlbones"]Pictures when you are done please!!! Wow I thought I modded my trailer a lot... you set the bar high![/quote]Definitely will snap some pics when done. Only from the best angles though... ;)
[quote source="/post/8888/thread" timestamp="1428279592" author="@shovelhead"]When you coming to GA to work on my list of mods?[/quote][p]I'll be glad to work on your list of mods![/p][p]
[/p][p]We can do that from here. Just scan it and post it. I will edit it for free!... (rofl)
[/p]
[quote timestamp="1428269774" author="@whoofit" source="/post/8872/thread"][p]Now with the weather warming up and our ability to get the trailer off the street into the back yard it was mod week. No holds barred.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Whew! Can't wait to be able to go camping again. Forgot I added a second LP tank, rack and cover. Added LED lighting throughout too... it's all just a blur.[/p][/quote][font size="3"]Damn! I wonder what you could have done given two weeks. You're still not up to my post delivery mod list, but I certainly didn't attempt it in a few weeks. Here's my current post delivery list. Some others were requested from, and performed by, the factory. This list may help you kill another week :) . The only thing I've got left is an upgrade of the kitchen sink.
After delivery
1. Dual 6 volt GC2 batteries
2. 7/8 inch thick rubber floor covering
3. Fifteen foot RhinoFlex sewer hose and 60 inch carrier. Moved OEM carrier to curb side
4. Additional ten foot RhinoFlex extension and 42" carrier
5. Twelve volt LED night light in bath
6. Full length mirror on bathroom door. LED light bar above bath door to improve mirror illumination
7. Twelve volt outlets beside bed, under dinette window, on TV table
8. LED spotlights above bed. OEM lights moved to cabinets below sink
9. Wireless rear view camera on roof
10. Command strip hooks everywhere, paper towel holder
11. SeeLevel tank monitor
12. Larger dinette table secured to wall
13. Added 3.75 inches to dinette seat level
14. Oxygenics shower sprayer with Danco shutoff and swivel wall mount
15. Three vent fans replaced with Fantastic vents. UltraBreeze deflectors on kitchen and bedroom vents.
16. Atwood power tongue jack
17. Inverted spare tire to enable checking inflation without removal
18. Spacers added to ensure window latch engagement
19. Swivel aerator for kitchen sink
20. Custom marine grade HR50 dinette cushions
21. Wilson Sleek cell phone amplifier with external antenna
22. SiriusXM satellite radio with external antenna
23. Majestic 19 inch 12 volt LED TV
24. Swagman Traveler XC 2 RV two bike platform carrier
25. Refrigerator frame heater disable switch added in outside access compartment
26. Three 12V outlets added on slide near floor for dinette
27. Replaced tongue coupler with heavier unit and 2 5/16" ball
28. Trash can and two storage tubes mounted on slide
29. Upgraded bathroom sink faucet to single handle chrome model
30. Magnetic catches to hold above bed cabinets open
[/font]
Charliem, I so wanted to mount 2-GC2's up there. I have 8 of them on our 24V off-grid system that will need replacement in a couple years. Was considering doing this early to use two on the trailer. But I need to stay with a tongue weight of 350lbs max. Now, with the dual LP tanks, Group 30 battery, shunt box and shunt we are pushing it.
Was considering 2 AGMs and mount them on their sides under the trailer, closer to the axles but with a new more capable tow vehicle in our future I decided to settle for the Group 30 AGM for now. The upgrade on the TV and the solar battery bank will done simultaneous 2 years from now. Then I will have a least 2xGC2 goodness. Maybe Lithium.
Your mods are comprehensive. I can only imagine the time and money spent to refine such a fine trailer. It is now a thing of beauty and there is no other just like it...
Question, How to do achieve recommended charge rates/equalization with so much battery capacity? Surely an external ancillary solution?
Quote from: @whoofit" source="/post/8974/thread" timestamp="1428406641Question, How to do achieve recommended charge rates/equalization with so much battery capacity? Surely an external ancillary solution?
[font size="3"]No problems so far using the OEM converter. The two GC2s form a single series string so both batteries charge and discharge equally. Charging just takes a bit longer, but so does discharge. Happiness all around. :)
[/font]
[p] Another fruitful week on the 16DB(X). I now get to choose the model designation as it no longer is a 16DB... 8-)[/p][p]
[/p][p]First is the hobo armoire.[/p][p]
[/p][p]
(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t521/minuteman1965/DSC01367_zpsyyqgxqgq.jpg"%20style="max-width:100%;)
[img style="" style="max-width:100%;" src="http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t521/minuteman1965/DSC01370_zpsfdw8rgm4.jpg"][/p][p]
[/p][p]
(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t521/minuteman1965/DSC01371_zpsnxqoq1ri.jpg)
(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t521/minuteman1965/DSC01366_zpsted7zttz.jpg)
(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t521/minuteman1965/DSC01365_zps9ltckoth.jpg"%20style="max-width:100%;)
(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t521/minuteman1965/DSC01353_zpsa84iw7md.jpg)
(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t521/minuteman1965/DSC01357_zps71h1ff8t.jpg)
(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t521/minuteman1965/DSC01355_zpsnborptdl.jpg)
(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t521/minuteman1965/DSC01354_zpstfvi5ooc.jpg)
(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t521/minuteman1965/DSC01352_zpsgphw5wvx.jpg"%20style="max-width:100%;)
(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t521/minuteman1965/DSC01358_zps8wongfza.jpg)
[img style="" style="max-width:100%;" src="http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t521/minuteman1965/DSC01360_zpsmehd8iso.jpg"][/p][p]
[/p][p]
(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t521/minuteman1965/DSC01361_zpsy1nezkkc.jpg)
(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t521/minuteman1965/DSC01364_zpsnkrhuyzv.jpg)
(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t521/minuteman1965/DSC01362_zpsmgxrh9w1.jpg"%20style="max-width:100%;)
Whoofit you do great work! It truely looks factory. It looks like you must have had to move the water pump at least slightly? You need a seatback magazine pocket on the back of the bed end seat. That is the only improvement I can think of!
[quote source="/post/9227/thread" timestamp="1428875345" author="@tlbones"]Whoofit you do great work! It truely looks factory. It looks like you must have had to move the water pump at least slightly? You need a seatback magazine pocket on the back of the bed end seat. That is the only improvement I can think of! [/quote][p]Thanks! Feels much bigger now. That's a 31" wide footbox ready for a 26"x26" table.[/p][p]
[/p][p]I did have to move the water pump and the CO2/LP detector. If you look close at the picture that is directly down at the floor you can see the holes in the floor that make the outline of the old pump mounting location. The LP detector is now on the right side of the furnace (the existing framework is perfectly spaced to firmly mount it). Had to move the LP line, the furnace wiring and the 110V outlet wiring too.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Trying to fit the EMS-HW30C in with the converter, harnesses, plumbing bundle and pump took a little fiddling but it went well and all is secure. Easily accessed too......sort of....if you know beforehand how it is assembled that is.[/p][p]
[/p][p]I'm with you on some sort of rack or shelf by the bed. That cloth/hog ring combo they use is not very flattering and it would be good to just cover that area with something like you describe. We will have it upholstered in some years from now but for now, hey, this mod is almost free and I like that.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Still formulating a plan for the table. There is nothing in the wall for easy and secure attachment to it. That's why I left the horizontal 1"x1". I have some ideas that include a flush mount Garelick fluted pedestal mount but that is the nuclear option at this point.[/p][p]
[/p][p]So glad you like!
[/p]
[font color="#e63319" face="trebuchet ms" size="6"]Whoo whoo WHOOFIT! [/font]
^^ Wow!^^
I finally made a billboard and it is not prefaced by "Wanted, Dead or Alive."!
[p]Been thinking on the table top dilemma . There is no internal structure to allow attachment of table hinges under the window. There is the bottom edge of the window frame but I would need to shim the roll-up shade out from the wall to utilize it. Besides this there is no cripple in the wall on the aft side of the window frame so torsional stability is not there.[/p][p]
[/p][p]I left the 1x1 horizontal strut in place between the booth seats. There is a 1x1 below the wheel well cover to attach to as well. Here's what I'm thinking. Red is heavy guage 1x1 Al with corner braces. Black is attachment fasteners and sliding marine shelf hinges. So we could have a foldout table.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Here is a mock-up.[/p][p]
[/p][p]
(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t521/minuteman1965/DSC01361mockup-1_zpsnlpxwbvy.jpg)
(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t521/minuteman1965/9175WSzrurL__SL1500__zpsfx3xhiqa.jpg)
[font size="3"]Whoofit,
Not sure if this can help, but I'll toss it in. I got so disgusted with the OEM pedestal table I finally replaced the whole thing. The OEM table was small, wobbly, and had to be removed to close the slid. I upgraded the pedestal to a good marine grade, but still unsatisfactory. Basicaly impossible to make a single post table sturdy. I doubt even a second post would suffice. So, use the wall! Here's a link: [a href="http://livinlite.proboards.com/thread/147/reworked-21rbs-dinette-1-2"]http://livinlite-owners.com/thread/147/reworked-21rbs-dinette-1-2[/a].
It will be easier for you without a slide. Of particular interest is the drawer slide used to secure to the wall, and the adjustable folding leg supporting the table. My table was wide enough to span two vertical AL studs in the wall, but I've since added a 1x0.125 Al flat strip to pick up one more stud on each side. Paint or not at your option. The beauty of the drawer slide is it provides a rock solid attachment to the wall, but the table is easily removable. Just lift up at an angle, fold to foot, and stow. I had to deal with sizing the table to retain the bed function and to make sure it would ride on the slide without requiring removal before closing the slide. You task looks easier. Let me know.
[/font]
The sink in the shower looks great; the lack of a dedicated bathroom sink has been a real negative in our opinion. That and the lack of drawers. (for a humorous discussion on the lack of drawers, check out the link on the LL site, under About Us, News, for a review of one of their pickup truck units. I love one of the headings in the article: O Spatula, Where Art Thou?, and this paragraph: " I'm honestly not sure where CampLite had in mind for knives, forks, and spoons - never mind pots, pans, and the all important spatula! Who goes camping without a spatula?" The article is a very thorough review.
I knew that correcting the lack of drawers would be relatively easy to do; installing a bathroom sink a more challenging task. Having a bathroom sink in only two of the largest CL's has seemed odd to me. The shower is huge; looks like there is plenty of room for the sink. It really looks nice; great job. That might end up being a dealer installed option.
Thanks Charlie.
I feared the single post pedestal for it's natural tendency to wobble/oscillate. Don't think I'll go there as your experience bears out.
I think you had it easier. You had studs in your wall to attach to. I have none. Any bracketing/bracing needs to be done above the wall, on top of the wallpaper. Those window frames are not even supported on both sides so I discovered.
Time to get another case for my welder buddy and have him build the Al yoke I guess. This too shall pass.....
[font size="3"]So even just below the window if you go left and right out past the seat backs there are no studs in that wall? I have studs in my wall every ~16 inches. I ran 1" flat stock along the wall on top of the wallpaper and picked up 3 or 4. I had the advantage that my 21RBS with the dinette has an exterior storage bin under that window so I could see the structure.
[/font]
[quote source="/post/9260/thread" timestamp="1428939501" author="@farmboy"]The sink in the shower looks great; the lack of a dedicated bathroom sink has been a real negative in our opinion. That and the lack of drawers. (for a humorous discussion on the lack of drawers, check out the link on the LL site, under About Us, News, for a review of one of their pickup truck units. I love one of the headings in the article: O Spatula, Where Art Thou?, and this paragraph: " I'm honestly not sure where CampLite had in mind for knives, forks, and spoons - never mind pots, pans, and the all important spatula! Who goes camping without a spatula?" The article is a very thorough review.
I knew that correcting the lack of drawers would be relatively easy to do; installing a bathroom sink a more challenging task. Having a bathroom sink in only two of the largest CL's has seemed odd to me. The shower is huge; looks like there is plenty of room for the sink. It really looks nice; great job. That might end up being a dealer installed option.
[/quote][p]That sink Merlin conjured-up is [em]da bomb[/em]! I had to modify it a bit to allow a secure flush mount as shown but it was very little work. Plenty of room in the stall for it. We will need to shower alone though. Might have modded myself out of getting lucky....[/p][p]
[/p][p]The big bulky base of the drain plumbing fits snug, keeps the toothpaste spit out of the shower pan, and also allows proper draining of the shower on city pressure, hot and cold full-on, as well. My wife even painted it with epoxy paint to get rid of the lettering on the 1/2" PVC pipe.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Still need the liquid soap dispenser, for body soap, so as not to have to chase the bar soap around the bathroom... (rofl) Sink doubles as a nice shower shelf for holding stuff while you shower too. Yes, I took a shower in the back yard. I am loosing my mind here.[/p][p]
[/p][p]I'll have a looksee at the thread. Thanks![/p][p]
[/p][p]
[/p][p]
[/p][p]
[/p]
[quote source="/post/9281/thread" timestamp="1428964060" author="@charliem"][font size="3"]So even just below the window if you go left and right out past the seat backs there are no studs in that wall? I have studs in my wall every ~16 inches. I ran 1" flat stock along the wall on top of the wallpaper and picked up 3 or 4. I had the advantage that my 21RBS with the dinette has an exterior storage bin under that window so I could see the structure.
[/font][/quote]That is correct. No studs in this location on the 16DB. No aft wall stud at the window frame even. You definitely had an advantage. I seem to need a yoke. Look here for an as built: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10155104007775436&video_source=pages_finch_main_video
[font size="3"]I see what you mean. I guess no way to pick up that full height stud in the corner about a window's width[/font] [font size="3"]to the left of the the window? Maybe you do need a case of St. Pauli Girl.
[/font]
[p]That corner stud is so far away that I don't think it would add much to torsional stability. Thanks for offering your assistance, Charlie, it is appreciated. This is a tough one for me.
Maybe I'll remove the window, take a razor knife to the wall, carve out some channels, weld some studs and cross braces in there?[/p][p] [/p][p]Better yet, maybe I'll get that case of beer for myself, drink it and go mount one of these: [/p][p]
[/p][p]
(http://www.dansoutdoorfurniture.com/v/vspfiles/photos/M72PT-2.jpg)
[font size="3"]Whoofit,
Challenging problem you've got, for sure. I'm not sure what you mean by torsional stability. I was thinking you might be able to mount a piece of 3/4x1/2 or larger rectangular tubing along the wall, picking up at least two well spaced studs.
[a href="http://www.amazon.com/6063-T52-Aluminum-Rectangle-Tube-Wall/dp/B00BG0ZWJW/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1428972741&sr=8-9&keywords=aluminum+tube+3+4"]http://www.amazon.com/6063-T52-Aluminum-Rectangle-Tube-Wall/dp/B00BG0ZWJW/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1428972741&sr=8-9&keywords=aluminum+tube+3+4[/a]
Attach the table top to this. It would provide fore/aft and rotational stability to the table. Then add a leg to support the rest of the weight. The table top could still be easily removable. I don't think the wall mounted tube would interfere with much. Maybe your wife could work it into the interior decorating scheme. On the other hand, your pictured table wouldn't suffer from the wobbles.........
[/font]
[p] I tried my darndest but the long span of rectangle tubing was overruled The Boss Lady. So Quasimodo will slip back submissively into his chamber and will not be allowed to reappear until the yoke is firmly embedded into his shoulders..... >:D[/p][p]
[/p][p]She says 'Well you got that surge thingy and the gauges. I want it to tip down! I don't want to see any more Aluminum there!"[/p][p]
[/p][p]I thought "Well, hun, you picked the wrong brand then." But said "yes dear..."[/p]
[quote source="/post/9311/thread" timestamp="1428980317" author="@whoofit"][p] I tried my darndest but the long span of rectangle tubing was overruled The Boss Lady. So Quasimodo will slip back submissively into his chamber and will not be allowed to reappear until the yoke is firmly embedded into his shoulders..... >:D[/p][p]
[/p][p]She says 'Well you got that surge thingy and the gauges. I want it to tip down! I don't want to see any more Aluminum there!"[/p][p]
[/p][p]I thought "Well, hun, you picked the wrong brand then." But said "yes dear..."[/p][/quote][font size="3"]Been there, done that, got the T shirt. Good luck.
[/font]
[quote source="/post/9319/thread" timestamp="1429010296" author="@charliem"][quote source="/post/9311/thread" timestamp="1428980317" author="@whoofit"][/quote][font size="3"]Been there, done that, got the T shirt. Good luck.
[/font][/quote][p]Thanks for the group support, Charlie.[/p][p]
[/p][p]But that was yesterday. She drives a sliver under my nail for a purpose. Today is solution day. Off to the races....
[/p]
[p]Table up! Table down. Table up!
No pics until I ditch the plywood top though....heh heh heh[/p][p]
[/p][p]Fantastic fan in, charging shelf in, all mods complete minus the soap dispenser.[/p][p]
[/p][p]I'm done with my list. Maybe erect an antenna farm next? Mount the Icom IC-7000? That'll drain that battery nicely...[/p]
Quote from: @whoofit" source="/post/9416/thread" timestamp="1429184957[p]Table up! Table down. Table up!
No pics until I ditch the plywood top though....heh heh heh[/p][p]
[/p][p]Fantastic fan in, charging shelf in, all mods complete minus the soap dispenser.[/p][p]
[/p][p]I'm done with my list. Maybe erect an antenna farm next? Mount the Icom IC-7000? That'll drain that battery nicely...[/p]
[font size="3"]Hey Whoofit[/font],
[font size="3"]Looking forward to the pix to see how you solved the table issue. While thinking on the antenna farm, consider these:
If you plan satellite [/font][font size="3"]Serius/XM the antenna needs to be on the roof.
If you plan cell phones inside you might consider a booster with roof mounted antenna. It really helps.
Watch out for strong RF fields. On my last camper my 2M HT affected the converter. On the CL the same HT turns off the fridge. Warm beer and melted ice cream ??? Haven't tried an external V/UHF antenna. No clue on HF fields.
73,
[/font][font size="3"]
[/font]
[p]Charlie how's that Wilson Sleek working out for you. 20-25 db's? Less? Are you using the stock antenna?
Mounting a spare tire carrier on the bumper tomorrow. It'll give me some mast options.[/p][p]
[/p][p]In case anyone is wondering, removing the 13" spare from under the 16DB shaves 18lbs from the tongue and placing it on the bumper shaves another 12 for a total of 30. This using a 440lb rated precise bathroom scale.[/p]
[quote timestamp="1429224183" source="/post/9455/thread" author="@whoofit"][p]Charlie how's that Wilson Sleek working out for you. 20-25 db's? Less? Are you using the stock antenna?
[/p][/quote][font size="3"]Yes, I'm using the AT&T version of the Wilson Sleek with the stock ~4" quarter wave antenna mounted on the roof. It has a mag mount base so I glued a large galvanized washer to the roof and there she sits. Ran the cable in through the amber clearance light and down through a cabinet. Typically adds 1-2 bars (dots) to the iPhone, which yields a very noticeable increase in data speed. Unfortunately it won't invent signal where none is available. Can't say about 20-25 dB 'cause cellphone bars are like S-Units: totally uncalibrated.
[/font]
Truly daunting drift on this thread, but it's Whoofit's fault :)
If you're interested in an accurate appraisal of signal strength on your iPhone, dial
*3001#12345#*
That will get you the real time signal strength expressed in fractions of a milliwatt on a log scale where -50dBm is awesome and -100dBm is marginally useful.
[quote source="/post/9311/thread" timestamp="1428980317" author="@whoofit"][p] I tried my darndest but the long span of rectangle tubing was overruled The Boss Lady. So Quasimodo will slip back submissively into his chamber and will not be allowed to reappear until the yoke is firmly embedded into his shoulders..... >:D[/p][p]
[/p][p]She says 'Well you got that surge thingy and the gauges. I want it to tip down! I don't want to see any more Aluminum there!"[/p][p]
[/p][p]I thought "Well, hun, you picked the wrong brand then." But said "yes dear..."[/p][/quote]FUNNY mental picture that gave us a good laugh today. Thanks, Quasimo....uh, er, WHOOFIT!
[quote source="/post/9463/thread" author="@sandroad" timestamp="1429228126"]Truly daunting drift on this thread, but it's Whoofit's fault :)
If you're interested in an accurate appraisal of signal strength on your iPhone, dial
*3001#12345#*
That will get you the real time signal strength expressed in fractions of a milliwatt on a log scale where -50dBm is awesome and -100dBm is marginally useful.
[/quote][font size="3"]OK. I dialed and got a bunch of listings with no data. Tried looking at GSM since I'm on ATT, but no data. Guidance ? [/font]
[font size="3"]Update: Just noticed -87 in place of the signal strength dots. This must be -87dBm? That with 4 out of 5 dots (bars). Hmmm. Just got -82.
[/font]
Yup, those numbers are the data. It's expressed in fractions of a milliwatt, with 0dBm being 1. Your -82 to -87 is an ok signal for voice and data. It's real time so it varies even while you look at it. Just hit the home button to exit.
[font size="3"]Thanks, Merlin.
Being a EE RF Comm engineer I understand and love dBs and dBms. Lots better than 4 or 5 dots 8-| .
[/font]
[p]Charlie,[/p][p]
[/p][p]Do you still remember how to use a Smith Chart :)[/p]
Android users can access this data in Settings or using an app.
Am considering this 4G booster on sale for $280: http://www.radioshack.com/wilson-mobile-460108-4g-5-band-signal-booster/1710607.html#.VTDkOqN0y74 Not sure I will renew our 4 line Verizon contract next month. Don't want to lock in to their network with this purchase hence the 5 band.
Thread drifts are where the real meat is.... ;)
[font size="3"]James,
Maybe, to the extent I ever did. I could use it for transmission line problems, moving from load to source along the line, but I never really mastered the complex impedance matching capabilities. I may still have some old blank charts along with my orange or green K&E log-log and log-linear graph paper. I also still have several sliderules and my India ink mechanical drawing tools, and several triangular scales. Don't you just love today's computers? 8-)
Is this thread drifting??
[/font]
Whoofit, There's a lot to buying a cell booster now. I'd recommend spending some time drifting around the website of www.3gstore.com before you make a decision. Frequency bands, carriers, antennas, wiring, use, location, etc.-----Get some advice from the pros. I've lost a few dB of signal strength just within my brain trying to figure it all out.
[quote source="/post/9496/thread" timestamp="1429268829" author="@sandroad"]Whoofit, There's a lot to buying a cell booster now. I'd recommend spending some time drifting around the website of www.3gstore.com before you make a decision. Frequency bands, carriers, antennas, wiring, use, location, etc.-----Get some advice from the pros. I've lost a few dB of signal strength just within my brain trying to figure it all out. [/quote][p]Merlin, have you made a decision on one yet? [/p][p]
[/p][p]I was already planning to improve the antenna on this one. OK, it is really just another chance to tool around with another antenna build. The lossy cable would need to go too. [/p][p]
[/p][p]Are you leaning toward some device presently?
[/p]
[quote source="/post/9493/thread" author="@whoofit" timestamp="1429267791"]Android users can access this data in Settings or using an app.
Am considering this 4G booster on sale for $280: http://www.radioshack.com/wilson-mobile-460108-4g-5-band-signal-booster/1710607.html#.VTDkOqN0y74 Not sure I will renew our 4 line Verizon contract next month. Don't want to lock in to their network with this purchase hence the 5 band.
Thread drifts are where the real meat is.... ;)[/quote][font size="3"]Interesting that RS is cheaper than Amazon. Device looks interesting. It would eliminate having to put the phone in the Sleek cradle. That's not usually a problem for us since we mainly use the Sleek/iPhone as a WiFi hotspot for computers and iPads
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Quote from: @charliem" timestamp="1429270500" source="/post/9499/thread[quote timestamp="1429267791" author="@whoofit" source="/post/9493/thread"]
[font size="3"]Interesting that RS is cheaper than Amazon. Device looks interesting. It would eliminate having to put the phone in the Sleek cradle. That's not usually a problem for us since we mainly use the Sleek/iPhone as a WiFi hotspot for computers and iPads
[/font][/quote][p]We will do the same, serve a Hotspot. If the Sleek could charge our phone effectively it would be good. We have one samsung S4 that I know it will not charge correctly.[/p][p]
[/p][p]This one seems to be a hotspot and booster for up to 4 devices. I will take business calls too. The indoor antenna range of this one is only a couple feet at best so not much better than a cradle but still enough to eliminate speakerphone or headset.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Called a local RS last night. They have one in stock. They will not price match this internet only pricing....
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[quote source="/post/9495/thread" author="@charliem" timestamp="1429268486"][font size="3"]
Is this thread drifting??
[/font][/quote]No, you forgot to chock the wheels... (rofl)
[quote source="/post/9501/thread" timestamp="1429271007" author="@whoofit"][p]If the Sleek could charge our phone effectively it would be good.
[/p][p]
[/p][/quote][font size="3"]The Sleek has a extra connector for phone charging, but it's just a 5V feed-through. Just as easy to hook up a separate cable to the phone. I have a hook on the wall to hang the Sleek with the phone mounted. Two USB charge cables run to a two port 12V USB charger. Everything runs on 12V. One advantage of the cradle vs rebroadcast antenna might be antenna isolation. The repeater is sensitive to inside/outside isolation so the cradle antenna might be lower gain. Don't know. Poor isolation could cause receiver desensitization and/or TX power reduction. This is a case where the aluminum box may actually help.
Someday I might upgrade the roof antenna to a multiband gain antenna, but with 3G/4G and now LTE, what bands? Just lost another 20% organic processing speed thinking about it.
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I could write a small treatise on cell boosters, since we use one at our cabin, one in our car, and one here at home. All of them are not compliant with the new May 2014 FCC protocols. Although grandfathered in legally, technically they are "old" and I'm looking into buying at least one new one that is compliant and can be registered with the carriers. Right now I'm getting the best information from the 3gstore and from www.technomadia.com. That last site is testing mobile cell boosters and I'll probably take their advice. I'm leaning toward the new "Drive" models from Wilson (now WeBoost), with upgraded antennas. http://3gstore.com/product/5654_weboost_drive-4g-m_470108.html. Expensive, but if I can use it in all 4 locations where we need it (cabin, car, trailer, home), it will be worth the investment. Antennas are crucial to the whole boost thing, so pay particular attention to type and location when you're researching this.
And special note to Charliem.....antennas are where knowledge of dB's is golden. As a side note, my dad was a professor of electrical engineering, so I grew up with a basement full of silliscopes and power supplies that caused some fancy (and involuntary) dance moves if you weren't careful.
[p]Well, I went with this one: http://www.radioshack.com/wilson-dt4g-smartech-iii-amplifier-kit/1710327.html#q=signal%2Bbooster&start=10. It is also on sale for $280 right now probably because it is not one of the newer WeBoost labeled ones. I went to a store in NH where they price matched the online price plus I saved sales tax. Bought some other items as well.
I like that it has:
A directional antenna both indoors and out. Will probably add a switched external Omni for it.
Adjustable gain to combat sillation.... :)
Works untethered for the full length of the trailer.
External antenna has multiple mounting options including mast mount.[/p][p]Ability to use RG-6 wiring already present in the trailer if desired.[/p][p]Runs on 5V 2.5A already present in the trailer.[/p][p]Little blinky lights you can change between black, red, orange and....wait for it....GREEN![/p][p]
[/p][p]I am very impressed with it's performance. When I have placed the external antenna in less than optimal areas, optimized placement of the internal antenna and adjusted the gain I have observed -35dBm improvements consistently in 4G. Though 1x is always decent in the trailer in the back yard it still improved by -20dBm. That's two little Snickers bars if 'ya didn't already know it.[/p][p]
[/p][p]But the throughput in 4G went from 1-2 Mbps or worse to 6-7 Mbps or better using Ookla Speed Test. From -101dBm to -65dBm.[/p][p]
[/p][p]My wife will be pleased while streaming Pandora music. I will be pleased with AM talk radio on IHeart Radio. We couldn't do this before even in suburban campgrounds. Not even on WiFi though we were close to their WiFi antennas. Which brings up the next project. A WiFi antenna. Same mast for a mini farm.[/p][p]
[/p][p]By the way Charlie, they recommend a 20' separation between the indoor and outdoor antennas. I found this to be not required because of the aluminum cage we chose.
[/p]
Mounted a Stromberg Carlson TR-1 rigid spare tire carrier to the rear bumper yesterday. This in order to bring my tongue weight down to acceptable levels on our micro sized tow vehicle with a max tongue weight of 350lbs. It is a solid no flex option. There will be no issues with the rear bumper. Tip: pad the bumper out on both sides so as not to crush or dent the bumper.
Mounting a flag pole/antenna mast to it. Gotta fly those colors, folks.
[quote source="/post/9545/thread" timestamp="1429352422" author="@whoofit"][p]I like that it has:[/p][p]
A directional antenna both indoors and out. Will probably add a switched external Omni for it.
External antenna has multiple mounting options including mast mount.[/p][p][font color="e6193d" size="3"]Next up a 12V antenna rotor??
[/font][/p]
[p]That's two little Snickers bars if 'ya didn't already know it.[/p][p][font color="e6193d" size="3"]You must have some Android machine. The iPhone uses Oreos.
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[/p]Not even on WiFi though we were close to their WiFi antennas. Which brings up the next project. A WiFi antenna. Same mast for a mini farm.
[font color="e6193d" size="3"]Don't waste your time on CG WiFi. It's usually not the WiFi RF connection, but the thin pipe from CG to the Internet. I swear some CGs are using dial up.[/font]
[p]
[/p][p]By the way Charlie, they recommend a 20' separation between the indoor and outdoor antennas. I found this to be not required because of the aluminum cage we chose.[font color="e6193d" size="3"] Yep. The well known aluminum can effect, first documented by Mr. Faraday ;)
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[quote source="/post/9548/thread" author="@charliem" timestamp="1429355199"]
[quote source="/post/9545/thread" timestamp="1429352422" author="@whoofit"]
Not even on WiFi though we were close to their WiFi antennas. Which brings up the next project. A WiFi antenna. Same mast for a mini farm.
[font color="#e6193d" size="3"]Don't waste your time on CG WiFi. It's usually not the WiFi RF connection, but the thin pipe from CG to the Internet. I swear some CGs are using dial up.[/font][font color="#0c0d0c" size="3"][em]I will see how this goes. In the winter we were the only ones in the CG, had decent speeds outside but terrible connectivity inside. Will look more intensely at this option.[/em][/font]
[/quote][/quote]
Finally got out camping again after a few weeks. The results of my labor and investment are extremely pleasing. It was so worth it. Sitting here at the dinette overlooking a full running brook instead of the reefer is priceless. Need to get the floor covered though. At 40F the dinette floor is icey.
The DT4G is great. Without boost we have 2 mbps down and .05 up. With boost we have 6 down and 3 up. Having said that I am presently on CG WiFi at 16 down and 10 up. This place has a good antenna network and connection.
[font size="3"]Sounds like overall success. Isn't it nice when a plan comes together? Re the WiFi, you must be alone at the CG again...........
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[quote source="/post/9562/thread" timestamp="1429445905" author="@charliem"][font size="3"]Sounds like overall success. Isn't it nice when a plan comes together? Re the WiFi, you must be alone at the CG again...........
[/font][/quote]It is a beautiful thing, charlie. Very satisfying. We are early on Sunday morning here and there are only sleepers so far. Lots of tenters. I'm sure it' ll slow down soon enough. But we'll be on mountain when that haapens.
Whoofit,
I hate my sofa, I wanted the dinette model, but the camper I bought had a ridiculous low price due to sitting on the lot so long. I have always had the thought of taking it somewhere and getting it changed. Now I see your post, and have been looking at some of these pictures, and the outstanding job you did, and thinking that I am going to have to do something this fall when I get home.
First off, how hard was that project? I am not a medal guy and I thought of disassembling as little as possible, and then reframe it/support it in wood. I also was not planning on using the sofa (although you tied that in well) I was planning on getting either boat seats or van seats, you know something you can really plant your butt in. :D
Secondly, did you have to relocate the water pump?
Quote from: @uscg" source="/post/23521/thread" timestamp="1469977653Whoofit,
I hate my sofa, I wanted the dinette model, but the camper I bought had a ridiculous low price due to sitting on the lot so long. I have always had the thought of taking it somewhere and getting it changed. Now I see your post, and have been looking at some of these pictures, and the outstanding job you did, and thinking that I am going to have to do something this fall when I get home.
First off, how hard was that project? I am not a medal guy and I thought of disassembling as little as possible, and then reframe it/support it in wood. I also was not planning on using the sofa (although you tied that in well) I was planning on getting either boat seats or van seats, you know something you can really plant your butt in. :D
Secondly, did you have to relocate the water pump?
It wasn't real hard to do. I had a friend weld the 1x's but you could get away with corner brackets screwed into place. That would simplify things a lot. Yes, I relocated the water pump further under the pedestal where the converter is. It looks tighter than it is really. I was also able to fit my progressive industries surge protector/contactor and the solar charge controller under there.
I have since revamped all this. The seating is no longer the old sofa. The new design is much simpler and far more comfortable. It allows seating on two planes instead of one. Much more stretch room. Much better padding. Olefin covers that zip off for cleansing and such.
What I like best of all is easy access to the converter compartment now. Tooless to the water pump and all.
Actually just re-read my op here and a ton has changed since then but still lovin the 16 db
The " ....seating is not the old sofa" ????
" ...two planes instead of one" ????
I am looking for some guidance regarding the seating for a dinette in lieu of the sofa. Sounds like you were successful with this. Could you be more precise in your explanation of what you did, and perhaps where you got the seating?? Pictures would be real helpful.
thanks for any help you might offer
[quote source="/post/23591/thread" author="@gleamb" timestamp="1470227033"]The " ....seating is not the old sofa" ????
" ...two planes instead of one" ????
I am looking for some guidance regarding the seating for a dinette in lieu of the sofa. Sounds like you were successful with this. Could you be more precise in your explanation of what you did, and perhaps where you got the seating?? Pictures would be real helpful.
thanks for any help you might offer [/quote]I recall reading about your type of trailer posing some additional challenges. They revolved around the slider. There was a post by Brenda if I recall correctly. I have no slider.
We are due back from this road trip on the weekend. If you think some pics will help (I don't believe they will) I'll snap some. Suggest you check with Charlie in the mean time? He has a sliding 21 iirc.
yes, you are right
they would be different
thanks