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Don'sDoItYourself “Don Smith”
Приєднався 25 лют 2014
I find UA-cam and the Internet in general to be a great place for information when you are trying to figure out how to do something or if you are thinking about buying or trying something. I wanted to not just be a taker... but a contributor. So with that in mind, I have made videos of things I have built, adventures I've taken and just things in I like in general. Cinematography is not good, but hopefully you will find the information worth the view.
DIY Heated 12VDC 280Ah LifePo4 Battery
In this Video I detail how I took a 12VDC 280Ah LiFePo4 Battery I built from scratch and contained it in a 25QT Igloo cooler that will control the temperature iside so this battery can beused in freezinf temperatures. To protect the battery, the BMS stops charging at 32F (0C) and ceases operation at 0F (-17C).
See Link Below for the 12VDC 280aH Battery Build:
ua-cam.com/video/RzfH5qx9zps/v-deo.htmlsi=83OYmYLu6D5zwNsX
See Link Below for the 12VDC 280aH Battery Build:
ua-cam.com/video/RzfH5qx9zps/v-deo.htmlsi=83OYmYLu6D5zwNsX
Переглядів: 559
Відео
Xiegu G90 Mobile Bluetooth Speaker Upgrade
Переглядів 2902 місяці тому
Thi very short video discussed a bluetooth option for the Xiegu G90 when using in a mobile setting and the base unit is remote mounted.
HDSDR 60HZ Hum - Xiegu G90 Panadapter Ground Loop Isolation Fix
Переглядів 2313 місяці тому
This brief video discusses the 60HZ hum on sound card created from USB Port ground loop and how to effectively eliminate the hum..
Xiegu G90 and DE19 setup for Digital Modes with WSJT-X
Переглядів 6063 місяці тому
This is another video of interest for Amatuer Radio Operators. In the video, I explain how I set up FLrig and WSJT-X software to run digital modes like FT8 using the Xiegu G90 SDR and the DE19 interface.
Yaesu ATAS 120A Antenna Tuning with Xiegu G90 SDR and MFJ-1925 ATAS Controller
Переглядів 5183 місяці тому
This video is probably only interesting for Amatuer Radio Operators (HAMs). This very short video shows how you can use the Yaesu ATAS-120A Antenna without a Yaesu radio by utlizing a simple aftermarket controller.
Xiegu G90 Panadapter with HDSDR Software
Переглядів 1,8 тис.3 місяці тому
This video shows how you can use the I/Q output on your Xiegu G90 HF SDR Transceiver to render a panoramic spectrum display with a bandwidth a little over 4 times wider than the display on the G90 itself which is rendered on a 1.5 inch display. Just put HDSDR up on your PC screen and it is as big as you want. Sound Card Link: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNVY89PF?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Xiegu G90 Mobile with Yaesu ATAS 120A Antenna
Переглядів 5273 місяці тому
This brief video details how I installed a Xiegu G90 HF Transceiver into my Ford F250 in conjunction with a tunable Yaesu ATAS-120A screwdriver antenna.
Thedford 365 PortaPotti - Portable Toilet Vent
Переглядів 1684 місяці тому
This video details how I vented my Thedford 365 PortaPotti Portable Toilet to decrease odors in trailer due to outgassing. It is a simple solutionthat you may find useful for any cassette type toilet that lacks a proper outside vent.
Kimlok Android 13 Tablet Review
Переглядів 4824 місяці тому
This is a short video to share my experience witha Kimlok 10.1 inch Android 13 tablet I bought to replace my very slow Amazon Fire tablet. I find this to be a very useful and cost effective tablet solution for my needs.
BougeRV Fridge - DC Compressor Refrigerator
Переглядів 1004 місяці тому
This is a brief product review of a BougeRV 23L DC Compressor Refridgerator I bought to use on the road. Thisis not a sponsored review... just my thoughts on a recent purchase. Enjoy! Following is a link aboutnthe Battery Box that is powering the refridgerator in the video.. ua-cam.com/video/7UyT-qkMb9M/v-deo.html
Battery Box - Solar Generator
Переглядів 1464 місяці тому
This video is about a DC Solar Generator I built out of a 30mm Ammo Box. It will detail capability and then the build process. Enjoy. Link to previous build: ua-cam.com/video/c43N54WHDLQ/v-deo.htmlsi=0Bh4B7zGH-A7Tlfu
7x18 Cargo Trailer Conversion - 6 Year Update
Переглядів 10 тис.Рік тому
Video is an update and current status after six years on my 7*18 Cargo Tailer Toy Hauler Conversion. See Playlist link below for complete reviews and build video. ua-cam.com/video/MUcMM86LA2g/v-deo.html
QRM Eliminator - MFJ 1026 Noise Canceller - HF Interference
Переглядів 854Рік тому
This video shows how the MFJ-1026 Noixse Cancelling Signal Enhancer can allow an Amatuer Radio Operator to get rid of unwanted noise such that the HF Radio is useable and enjoyable again. Ideally, the best solution would be to get rid of the noise source, but that may not be quick or even possible,
Cargo Trailer Camping - Big Scrub - Ocala NF
Переглядів 933Рік тому
This is a short video to share my recent camping trip to Big Scrub Campground in Ocala National Forest, Florida.
2020 Ford F-250 XL 8 Inch Instrument Cluster Upgrade
Переглядів 3,8 тис.Рік тому
This video details how I upgraded the instrument cluster in my 2020 Ford F250 XL to a high end 8" Screen cluster that would be found in a Lariet (or high end) trim package. I got the cluster from Dave @ Clusters by Livnitup. Following is his website. www.clustersbylivnitup.com/
RV Security - Portable Camera and Light Bar
Переглядів 1,7 тис.Рік тому
RV Security - Portable Camera and Light Bar
Cheap RV Alarm System - DIY Cargo Trailer Camper Security
Переглядів 2 тис.Рік тому
Cheap RV Alarm System - DIY Cargo Trailer Camper Security
Wireless Android Auto - Wireless Adapter
Переглядів 203Рік тому
Wireless Android Auto - Wireless Adapter
DIY LiFePo4 Solar Generator Updated with Solar Charger and 110VAC Charger
Переглядів 3,5 тис.Рік тому
DIY LiFePo4 Solar Generator Updated with Solar Charger and 110VAC Charger
6x12 Cargo Trailer Conversion - Updates and Mods
Переглядів 37 тис.2 роки тому
6x12 Cargo Trailer Conversion - Updates and Mods
Yaesu FTM-200D MARS CAP Mod - Extended Transmit - Open Transmit
Переглядів 10 тис.2 роки тому
Yaesu FTM-200D MARS CAP Mod - Extended Transmit - Open Transmit
Trans America trail (TAT) Overview - 2022
Переглядів 2,1 тис.2 роки тому
Trans America trail (TAT) Overview - 2022
Trans America Trail (TAT) - E1 Introduction to Ride Series
Переглядів 8132 роки тому
Trans America Trail (TAT) - E1 Introduction to Ride Series
Amazing set up! Well done!
Link?
Nice! I didn't know they lost function in the extreme cold.
Yes, lithium batteries are sensitive to cold temperatures. Good to hear from you. Hope all is well with you.
@@donsdoityourself2547 Good to hear from you, too. We are still doing pretty good all things considered. I hope you and Mrs. Smith are still fighting the good fight and are living a blessed life. You are good folks and deserve the best.
That's pretty sweet! I definitely want to build up a battery like that.
Thanks! It was fun to build.
Excellent. Thank you.
You are welcome!
I've tried using HDSDR but my waterfall looks incorrect. It looks like all ssb is am mirroring information across the tuned frequency. Any ideas/suggestions?
Not sure what you are saying.. but is the mode changing to LSB or USB on both the radio and the HDSDR app?
@donsdoityourself2547 I have CAT control working fine. My waterfall appears to be mirrored at my tuned point. So if I see someone talking at day 30 khz to the left, I see the mirror of that 30 khz to the right instead of the signal correctly displayed where it should be.
Did I miss what you were using for heat? If so what are the details on it.
Hi.. Not a lot of need for heat in Florida and I use it three seasons. So far, because it is well insulated, I have used electric heat and sometimes a propane Mr. Buddy. If I needed more than that, I'd install a Diesel furnace like I did in my 6*12 cargo trailer I use more in cold areas.
This is the Exact same tablet as the Antemper model D115, the MEIZE model D115 and at least 1 other Chinese branded tablet. Just download AIDA64 and under system it will show the manufacturer as KAIDA and model is D115. So to buy a nice case for this tablet any of them that fit those models will fit this tablet also.
How can you obtain 160KHz bandwidth using a soundcard with 192KHz sample rate? What's the magic involved her?🤔 I thought that you would need an expensive +320KHz card for that.
The sound card has a 192kHZ bandwidth and I observed 160khz of bandwidth displayed on the computer screen as rendered by SDR software. It may actually be closer to the 192khz , but just going by the visual.
@@donsdoityourself2547 So the soundcard must be capable of 384K sampling. 🤔That's amazing for a 30,- USD card. 👌
With MFJ out of the picture now and supplies mostly non-existent, what other controllers are available that will accomplish the same electronic control?
There are schematics out there on a DIY antenna controller on this case. However, I think folks are hoping MFJ will license manufacturing or sell rights to some of these products.
everytime I try using flrig with my G90 (using the CE-19) it just freezes up. I'm ordering this DE-19 to see if I can resolve that issue (especially when using it with JS8 call). Thanks for posting this. I also have the XBA125B amp too.
The DE-19 has its own built in sound card, so that will be better. The locking up may be due to RF on USB ports. Use very high quality USB cables and and some clamp on ferrite cores. That may resolve the computer freeze issues in any case. Good luck.
@@donsdoityourself2547 that's solid advise, thanks for replying.
I am a little confused about what you said regarding re-installing the channels. It the programming is already on the SD card, why can't one just "Write to radio" (or whatever it says) from the existing SD card files? (SD card to radio)
You should be able to if you have already backed up. I mentioned that to make sure you backup memory before you do the mod and then reset. After that, it is too late. You have to reprogram it all as if the radio was new. Best wishes.
I might hive this a try. I've been using the Quantumsdr with my G90. But, I'm thinking about setting it up with my FT-891. Thanks for the concise explanation.
@@kc8wvg you are welcome. Good luck.
Thanks for your video Did you say you run a 15,000 BTU window unit?
YW. No, it is a 5,000 BTU window unit.. not 15,000.
Thanks for the video. Do you know how to unlock the Japanese version of the FTM500D?
@@josedisco My understanding is that the Japanese versions are locked down in software and cannot be "opened up" for extended frequencies at all. Just the US and European version are capable. I only have first hand experience with the US models in any case.
What was the output wattage on high power on 70cm on amateur bands and GMRS? My radio is outputting 45 watts on amateur and only 20 watts on GMRS.
My kimloc tablet won't let the other person on messenger hear me I can hear them
Is the microphone on and adjusted properly?
you don't realize how small it is until you turn the knob. I plug mine into the AUX I get whole car audio
@@Bob-s4j7x I don't have an AUX input at this time, so Bluetooth was the only way for me to get the audio to me truck's audio system. I'll need to pull my dash apart to figure out why the Aux is not working. It may have come disconnected.
That's way cooler than me installing a double din stereo in my Suburban.
How much does it weigh before and after. What do you pull it with? Thanks
It weighed 2900lbs before mod and approximately 4200 lbs after. Fully loaded with water, motorcycle and etc. is 6400 lbs. Pulled with an F150, but now have and F250.
@@donsdoityourself2547 Thank you very much.
The background music is distracting
@@JJ-el8li yes, sorry. Somehow the Volume increased during rendering. It sounds louder on UA-cam than it does in the Video Editor.
how many watts are you putting out on the radio?
I typically use 10-15 watts given the high duty cycle. I don't run the full 20w except for some DX opportunities. I just have to be aware the finals can get hot, so I limit that activity. Once I get a cooling fan (ordered a small muffin fan) on the shelf with the radio, it will be less of an issue.
Could you share your setting on your computer & wsjt-x? Especially the Audio & Microphone?
Hi I have HDSDR So you use a desk mic into PC for transmission? Looks like I can do this with items I got to complete FT8 connections with the standard CE-19 and usb sound card. 7/87 as so far I like it as well. DE M7SEY 73
@@BrianRamseysg01 I haven't used this for transmission yet. Don't really see the need for that. But, make sure you "Mute RX audio on TX".
@@donsdoityourself2547 Yeah I get all that no worries lots other things to do I do have quanshengs controled via pc different thing altogether. Thanks for reply
@@donsdoityourself2547what type of Computer are you using? I just bought a g90 Thanks and 73.
We were just wondering if the g90 could work with the 120a antenna. How well does it work?
@@gregpearson7013 I works great. The SWR sweep makes it really easy. I am going to do a 2 minute video on how to use the MFJ-1925 with the G90 and ATAS-120A.
That's pretty sweet setup! I have no idea how it works but I'm sure it's awesome!😂
Pretty much, it's just what Don does.
Thanks. It is cool. I can talk all over North and South America and as far as Eastern Europe with 20 watts from my truck given good conditions. A nice to have when I am off grid in the CTC.
Nice set-up. Where did you get the ground bonding (braid) from?
Amazon SUNNAREPOON Tinned Copper Wire... www.amazon.com/dp/B0CP7Q7LHF?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Always good stuff Don! How can I get in touch w/you? Do you have IG or email? I have some questions to run by you on rebuilding my trailer. Thanks, Keith
Keith, message me on TNTTT and I'll give you my email address.
Sick. Buying a front hub kit cuz i dont have the self confidence to do mid i wanna die nice video 👍
Thanks. Good luck with yours.
I just bought the same unit FTM 200D , I have similar problem , the radio come up with TX PROHIBITED for most frequencies VHF and UHF, will this mod work and open up both UHF AND VHF FREQUENCY RANGE ?
It will open both VHF and UHF assuming you have the US version. If you have the Japanese version, it will not work. Note, you will void warranty and just because you can transmit outside HAM bands, doesn't mean you should or that the radio will have output optimized on those frequencies. I did mine mainly to have access to GRMS (UHF) frequencies in case of emergency.
Very nice compact little build. Greetings from Jamaica.
@@lawrencedavidson6195 thank you.
Use an empty laundry detergent bottle for #1 . K.I.S.S.
😂😂
I am curious if the electrical system generates any, or significant, RFI on the HF frequencies.
@@stevejolley5651 Hi.. good question. Actually, it does. Both the inverter and solar charger are noisy as well as the LED lighting. If I want it RFI quiet, I shut all that off. The inverter is the worst, so I usually just turn if off when I am on the HF. The solar charger is quiet at night and the LEDs are not really that bad, but easy to turn off.
Both OH8STN, QRP, and K8MRD have briefly touched on the subject, but not explored it in depth. I have a theory that the 120v ac to 12v converter creates RFI. If all 12v, no problem. Genasun, allegedly, makes some quiet controllers. I am Considering a 24v 300Ah system to start. Thank you for your time. Great job on your build!
OK Don, I'm starting to get nervous... I was just looking for a mini laptop and this thing might do the trick. I know everything is listening to me or watching my views but now you.😂 Thanks for sharing.
😂... Thanks. It's the Matrix. 😉
I guess the real question is, does it come with it's own Dongle? I love that word and use it any chance I get. I can't tell you how good it was to hear your voice my friend. You sound Great! So I hope everything is well for you and your lovely bride. Video production just keeps getting better and better. It's amazing how good you are at this for a boomer engineer. But you've come a long way in short time. Leaving for Sturgis thurs, a.m. Load up your Bouge and meet me down there, don't forget your Dongle. McDave
Thanks McDave! Enjoy Sturgis. I won't be able to make it. My wife had some major surgery for her cancer two weeks ago and we are still nursing her back to health. Next year hopefully I can make it . Life just got in the way the last two years. In any case, no dongle on the BougeRV.. but my new tablet has one! 😂 Stay safe. Always good to hear from you.
Given the materials used by the manufacturer, what size of reinforcement bar/tube stock would be needed to make a section of the sidewall fold down on hinges to make a impromptu stage area?
The walls are 1 inch thick, so 1x1 or 1x2 inch Square steel tubing welded would do it. You can decide on hinges and spacing of "studs" depending on the weight you expect to carry and may need to strengthen wall beneath with a good header.
Really good addition! You'll have to let me/us know how well it performs long term. I'm thinking about getting one as an additional freezer in the trailer. Thanks for sharing. Can't wait to see what's next.
Will do! Many thanks. This unit can be a freezer too. Cools down really fast.
I want to know if these things will power a 1500 watt heater on high overnight
Absolutely not. 1500w at 13.3v would draw 112 amps. First issue is that it only has a 30A BMS, second, it does not put out 110VAC, just 13.3v. Lastly, even if it could supply the 112A and the inverter had no losses, it would only run for a little over 3.5 hours before the battery would be flat. If you need a 1500w heater for off grid, I'd recommend a cheap diesel furnace. Very effective and efficient. Using electricity to generate heat is never efficient.
One thing I've added, to a couple of these that I've built, is a switch with a small LED light, on the side. I find I use it often. I've been thinking about an easy way to put an LED lamp on the end of a telescoping antenna (use antenna for ground) with a POS wire twisted around to plug in the top of the box. So I can have a more distributed light. For playing cards, reading, etc., when the electric goes out. I'm not a HAM, so my use-need is different. But I find them handy for camping, at he picnic table, for light, phone/device charging, etc. - Those Bluetti things are kinda overkill, for what I use it for, anyway. I agree with you, I too find I seldom use the AC inverter. I keep that little Bestech red inverter in the top of the one I use most often. It only gets used when we camp with the Self inflating airbed, which is super handy. And about the only thing that we use thats AC, when camping. Clean build Don. So far, the one's I've built have been with prebuilt Lifepo4 batteries. I need to get over myself and order some cells a BMS, and just do it. It is an area I just don't know which cells and BMS's work well together. Is there a good primer on figuring what cells and BMS's work well together? I may just copy the parts you've used here, until I have a better understanding of how to pick compatible components. Thanks again Don, good to see another one of your projects! I'm busy finishing up my 8.5x20 CTC built. Installing cedar TnG this weekend. Cheers for Michigan!
I like the idea of the light. I use my phone's a lot. There are some good videos on building LiFeP04 batteries, but the BMS has to match the battery capacity and you need to choose based on number of cells (I usually build with 4) and max current you need from the battery. After that, then you need to consider if you want a basic BMS with no interface, or a Smart BMS where you can program and monitor. The BMS that I use (Daly) is a good brand and I like them..the have all the parameters programmable along with thermocouple for temperature monitoring. You can figure it out. Let me know if you have any questions.
@@donsdoityourself2547 thank you sir. I may take you up on that!
Missed you Don! Good to hear from you. Watching...
Thank you kindly. Good to hear from you. I hope all is well.
Is it still working properly today?
Yes it is. Used it for 4 weeks on a trip in June/July and all worked well.
Where does the water go when it is running? Depending on what level it is, will drain anywhere from bottom tray
Yes, it will drain from bottom tray and I have a vinyl tube that goes through the inside of the cabinet and then through the floor to drain on the ground. It works well.
I have one in my grooming trailer and Il be at a house use air, go to leave, and it runs out the sides, even with a tube I have attached.
@@reej2023 try shimming the front of the air conditioner so it slants back some when the trailer is level. Notice how they sit in a window. You are not draining completely. That is what I had to do with mine to drain properly.
What happens to the water condensation.Which might make a lot of problems for van and electoral ?
@@williammcgill1562 there is a vinyl hose connected to the drain that goes down the inside of the cabinet and through the floor. It drips on the ground.
Excellent, Picking up a tri-fold off market place, going to convert to cargo trailer roof rack, mounted on rubber feet.
Sounds cool!
Gracias por el aporte me fue muy útil. Gracias mil... Saludos desde Argentina...
You are welcome. So happy this was useful for you.
What was the total cost including the trailer?
Approximately $12k
@@donsdoityourself2547 ok thank you. My Wife and I just bought one that a guy converted last year and never used due to health reasons. Ours is a 12' single axle V nose Forest River with household fixtures and an on demand hot water heater with slide out a.c. tv and all other sorts of cool stuff. We bought it for $10,500 and just had it inspected by the fire Marshal and all is good. I still can't believe we got this deal. Thank you for your video. These are made so much better than a traditional store bought camper and this is our first. We're super freaking happy with it and I'll be camping in it tonight for the first time. Woo Hoo!!! 🙌
@@Spinnaker617 wow.. that sounds good. Hope you have a great trip. This is my 3rd build and they usually cost about 2 times what the basic empty cargo trailer costs. I added quite a few options with heavier axle and etc. and spent some extra money on the solar power and amenities, but at the end of the day, you end up with heavy duty build. Best wishes!
@@donsdoityourself2547 Thanks man!
Hi- love your videos- where did you get that single step for your trailer? Thank you - Greg
@@sadiegirlwolf Greg, I ordered it off Amazon. You should be able to find one there. Search for a Lippert Single RV step. You should see one there for about $77.00.
Thank you very much will do!
What is the upper TX limit on UHF after the mods, please?
I know it goes as far as the top of the GRMS channels (467 MHZ). Never tested it past that.
KILLER BUILD!!!
Thank you! Appreciate the feedback.
Did you need to extend the 690s fuel range on any of the sections? What did you use?
Out West I used a 1 Gallon Giant Loop Armadillo Bag. There are places where if you get turned around and backtrack, you might need it. Whenever I used it, I would dump it on as soon as I could and roll it back up. It was peace of mind to have it. A few times in Utah, we had to backtrack and find other ways due to downed trees. Came real close.
NOVBD here, nice job!
Thank you. Glad I had it this summer. Spent 3 weeks in 90 to 104 degree temps in Nebraska during Late June/July. It was a life saver! 73's.