MAX Burner
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Posts
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Posts posted by MAX Burner
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Welcome to the Oliver family, @Heather and Eric! Congrats on your "new-to-you" Ollie, we just recently adopted our's as well.
Y'all live in a beautiful region and we hope to take Casa Blanca (Hull #226) up there soon! We look forward to hearing about your new OTT adventures... See y'all down the road.
Cheers,
A & D (Magnus and Oscar, too - WOOF!)
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@JWalmsley: Hey, Jason - We're think'n it might be time for another "Oliver Hat"... HO, Ho, ho!
Cheers, Brother!
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16 minutes ago, Brian and Brandelyne said:
Not a bad place to hang out for a few months.
...oh, please! Hurt me! HA! Enjoy!
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Totally get y'all's concerns.
The key requirement for us was to get the Dishy off the ground and still be able to use it without the OTT. The EZ Pole and mount is robust - 4 nested aluminum tubes. High wind conditions would require striking the colors, lowering the dish to the 6.5-foot position and thus keeping it off the ground. FYI, in snowy conditions, the user can select the snow melt mode (more energy) via the SL app to keep accumulation at check and maintain high signal strength.
There are flat mounts available for SL that we've studied - but once its flat-mounted on the roof, you're committed to that application - we wanted flexibility to use SL if we were tent camping, for example.
As noted, we're also interested in a 12vDC conversion and shortening the proprietary CAT6 SL cable to save a bit of energy - but that's down the line. We want to log some more trips in the current mode first so we're better able to make an informed decision on what best meets our needs.
Guys.... Beware, there are some scary rabbit holes one could fall into when researching the RV-applicable mods for SL kits... Many hours spent crawling through these tunnels. HA!
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14 hours ago, SeaDawg said:
I do have serious envy of those clear deep blue skies in your photos. So beautiful!
Thank you. Wall-to-Wall sunshine yesterday in the low 50's after a day of snowing on Saturday... Cheers!
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1 hour ago, Geronimo John said:
Art:
Great effort. Down the road June likely will need the same set-up. Some questions:
- How do you raise the mast?
- What kind of speed does the system generally provide in "city" and while "remote"?
- Any wag on the equipment and accessories cost (not counting your time which is priceless of course?).
- About what does the monthly cost run?
Thanks
GJ
Hey, GJ! Thanks, brother... It's a work in progress for sure. Regarding your questions:
1. The E-Z Pole mast is designed with 4 nested aluminum sections with "twist-to-lock" fittings in each. To unlock, it takes about a 1/4 turn clockwise. Push the top section up first, lock, then 2nd, and 3rd. The pix show the mast at about 2/3 max height, FYI. The mast configuration gives us more use options - for example, we can use the quad-stand at the house should we lose our Xfinity/Comcast service.
2. I measured the speeds today in on the apron at 225mbs download; 28mbs upload. Basically faster than our Xfinity service. However, we've learned through some of the previously mentioned rabbit holes, that speeds vary depending on location. In some highly dense populated areas speeds can be slower, as Starlink "chokes down" speeds - same goes with remote locations. A subscriber can pay extra for guaranteed higher speeds. We've decided to try the basic plan for the time being.
3. The basic Starlink Mobile kit is $600. The Husky tote was $28 at Walmart. The custom fit packaging pieces were $50 from Etsy. The Esty pole adapter cost $15. We're planning to modify the kit (router) from AC to 12vDC. Switching to 12vDC drops power consumption by approximately 18%, FYI. I've already purchased the component parts to make the DC conversion for about $125. Parts needed are a PoI injector, 12-48vDC converter, and a standalone router. Easy peasy.
4. The Starlink Mobile monthly service is $150 - but, service is set up as "pay by the drink". If you're not planning to travel during a particular month, or your rig is in storage mode, you can access you account online and deactivate service. Only the "Mobile" option allows this feature, the "Residential" plan does not.
Hope all is well on your side - best regards to June... Cheers!
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So, since D works from home and spends quite a bit of time on Zoom, Teams, etc., we decided to get into a Starlink-Mobile kit. The kit will allow her to work from Casa Blanca with Starlink's scorching fast internet connectivity and allow us to travel more often. Today we played around with a proof of concept for using Starlink in our Oliver - there are literally dozens of YouTube vids and deep rabbit holes for ideas of how to integrate Starlink with RVs.
Here's how we'll be lugging is around:
We're using a 12-gallon plastic Husky tote with custom-fit travel pieces from Etsy to keep components from bouncing around when towing. Its a neat and tidy mobile kit.
Next, we didn't want to use the Starlink-supplied "quad stand" so we modified the top of our E-Z Flag Pole to accommodate the "Dishy" mount that would normally be inserted into the stand.
We inserted an adapter (a 3D print from Etsy) into the top of the E-Z pole so the Dishy just snaps inside. By drilling-out the upper mostIMG_0441.HEIC flag connector with a step-bit, we're still able to fly the colors.
We used the exterior curbside AC outlet for the Starlink router power connection. With the inverter energized, it took about 10 minutes for Starlink to connect to its satellite. Energy consumption varies between 60 and 80 watts according to our Victron Smart Shunt via the Cerbo GX.
The solar modules are generating about 180watts at today's low sun angle, which more than makes up for the inverter/Starlink consumption.
We'll likely put a through-hull connection using a modified waterproof Furrion capped connection (same one OTT uses for the satellite coax connection). The standard supplied cable is 75' and needs to be shortened anyway - so we'll do that when we install the modified Furrion.
More later...
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Happy Huskies: Magnus and Oscar are absolutely beside themselves with the light dusting and our first winter wonderland this
morning....
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12 hours ago, Ollie-Haus said:
Love mine, takes minutes to level up the camper when setting up.
Same here... We mounted the sending unit on the FWD bulkhead just below the closet door to the right of the main hatch... Works great!
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Happy Turkey Day "Week", Oliver owners!
D and I will be staying home this year, too. We'll be deep frying a 12# free range Non-GMO bird on Thursday afternoon and smoking a heavily marinated 18# brisket in the BGE on Friday. Should have plenty of leftovers - so if y'all're in the AO; swing by! Gobble - gobble! HA!
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@Steve and MA: Very cool idea! Looks great... Thanks for sharing!
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On 11/18/2023 at 7:56 AM, topgun2 said:
I moved mine from under that bed to inside the pantry - it is high up on the rear wall of the pantry. All I do is open the pantry door and I can see the readout from the entrance door, yet, it is not in the way of storage inside the pantry and, when the door is shut that flashing red display can't be reflecting off the interior of the cabin.
Great move, Bill! Seem to remember reading about this mod. in previous posts - we'll definitely mount it high up inside the pantry... Another item for the "To Do" list; thanks!
Cheers!
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We're using the 200W Renogy "suitcase" style portable solar modules - it's rigged with a 10ft 10AWG cable and we've got a 20ft extension cable, if need be. Granted, it would be more efficient to mount the Renogy solar charge controller inside the battery compartment to reduce the DC line loss especially when using the 20ft extension - this is on the "to do" list, for sure. But in the meantime, it's still a healthy supplement of DC energy into the BB bank - we'll take whatever we can get!
The portable kit carries well even in the small Tundra truck bed - the downside is the weight of the unit, its not light at about 36#, but still 12# lighter than our Honda 2000!
We installed an SAE connector to the battery bank hatch which is wired to the Victron smart shunt (neg) and main battery bus (pos).
FYI: We've not brought along the Honda GENSET during our trips this summer/fall - seems that the 340W roof modules and the Renogy portable kit does the trick in topping off the batteries by mid-morning, at least in the SW USA. 😜
Cheers!
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Definitely like the flexibility of front and rear mounts to avoid obstacles around the trailer... We'll likely add a mount to the bumper like you've shown - very clean. Thanks for posting...
Cheers!
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4 hours ago, Steve Morris said:
I used to camp in my sailboat on trips around the country.
OK, I'm sorry - but, this is a brilliant idea!!! HA!
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@Frank C: So sorry to see you "Moving-on..." But new life chapters are always exciting times - you will be sorely missed. Your posts have been very informative and useful for us as new OTT owners! Enjoy those new overseas and cruising adventures... Stay safe and keep us posted when able.
Best regards,
A & D
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Welcome to the forums; @Snackchaser don't be a stranger!
How timely, your post! We just rec'd our Starlink Mobile kit a couple days ago. Diane works remotely and we need reliable high-speed internet access when traveling during her working schedule. The kit is ready for install, and we've been mulling over YouTubes and determining which way we want to go for a permanent install. Yours is brilliant and we'll be following your procedure.
A random thought regarding Dishy Mounting:
We're liking the flag pole mount idea, but the flat roof mount is also appealing; but this requires cutting the dishy case and mounting it on some unused real estate on the roof (hard to come by on our's). The flag pole option gets Dishy off the ground and allows for home use options when not on the road. The flat roof mount is clean, virtually out of sight, best of all - it allows full internet access while driving; but may lead to questionable service due to obstructions when boondocked.
What are your thoughts on Dishy placement? Just curious.
Thanks for posting! Cheers!
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@Brian and Brandelyne: You'll both have a trip of a lifetime - before you know it, y'all be "pinch'n tails and suck'n heads"!
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@Brian and Brandelyne: Enjoy the Keys! We spent a month there in '18 - scuba diving, standup paddle boarding, and generally having a blast. Grassy Key was one of our favs - many manatee sightings there. Suggest taking the time to visit Fort Jefferson on Dry Tortuga - very impressive and a nice boat ride from Key West. Ah! Capt. Tony's....
Keep us posted with pix of your Oliver adventure.
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We were at a commercial campsite years ago - as we were driving around looking for our site, we drove by a couple that were tent/car-camping who survived a "widow maker." A huge Ponderosa pine tree branch broke off at some point and landed on their SUV rooftop - demolishing the vehicle. A few more feet in the other direction and it could have taken them out inside their tent. Serious "dodging of the bullet..." Sh*t Happens.
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Hey, Dusty!
Welcome aboard and congrats on acquiring #089. We bought Mighty Hull #226 last March and we've logged just north of 10k miles since - so, strap on and enjoy the ride, its a fun one, especially as a new family member on the forums!
We're definitely planning to visit Maine and the eastern seaboard in Casa Blanca, you live in a wonderful area for outdoors enthusiasts...
Keep us posted on your purchase.
Cheers!
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On 10/30/2023 at 12:17 PM, topgun2 said:
Great! Now - mine is on my shop floor, can you come over and finish it for me?😃
Bill
Someone with an artistic ability should design an "Oliver Window Shade Re-Stringer Club" patch for our flight jackets.... You get to wear one after successfully re-stringing your first window shade 🤪
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On 10/29/2023 at 9:17 PM, Geronimo John said:
You likely have aerator screens on your faucets and shower. Removing and cleaning them, and then flushing with removed may improve your water pressure and flow rates.
@Vector - Lanham: You also may wish to consider disconnecting the toilet water supply line to ensure its a clean/clear and unobstructed run from the supply valve into the toilet - this area can also accumulate the "crud" you experienced in your shower pan and bathroom sink. Clearing out this debris allows for the desired flow when flushing the toilet.
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4 hours ago, Ronbrink said:
Good plan! It didn’t take me long to do the same after realizing the need when bringing the OTT to the house from storage for travel prep or maintenance.
Same here! 30A all WX outlet installed outside the Man Cave for travel prep, maintenance, and the occasional visitor (eh, @Geronimo John?)
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Batteries
in General Discussion
Posted
@Rivernerd's suggestion is spot-on. Renogy products are top-notch, IMO. Making the 4/0 (pronounced, "FOUR-Ought") and 6AWG (American Wire Gauge) cables for your new 12vDC battery bank is not difficult, if you've got the tools for it and your engineer grandson is experienced in such matters. Cable cutters, a crimper tool, terminals, cable material, and proper heat shrink material are available from Amazon (no surprise there).
Custom-fit cables are efficient in terms of the space they'll occupy in the tight quarters of the battery box - plus, they make the array appear neat and tidy.
Being the Christmas Season, these tools would be nice stocking stuffers (get a big sock) for your engineer grandson if he doesn't already have them! HO, Ho, ho!
Cheers!