Great job there Dan, especially fitting the socket so everything is hidden inside the radio housing. Good idea that using the drill to twist the wires together. Stay safe Dan and family and look forward to next video. Rob
Hi Dan we have our caravan on the drive just last weekend brought it home from the seasonal pitch today I fitted two hidden usb sockets plus a Alde discrete heating sensor and tomorrow I be following your fridge fan insulation I purchased all the parts had them waiting for the season to end to fit setup the parts just got to assemble thanks Dave🤣😊
Hi Dan, Good to see you back, the problem with the hole saw could have been rectified by drill the hole from both sides of the panel (that's of course if you can fit the drill in). This also makes for a cleaner hole on both sides.
Don’t throw it most hole cutters only come a certain depth as you have a pilot hole all the way through you can come from the other side. If this is not possible then when it bottoms out remove the hole cutter remove the drill bit from the centre then slide the hole cutter back into the grooves already made then tweak it to one side and the insert will break off. If not then use a small flat point screwdriver and do the same, once the excess has been removed you can put back in with the drill bit and cutter to keep it central and continue to cut. I use this method in cutting holes in trucks and van bodies when installing fridge units. Top tip take your time and it’s neat and tidy.
Do you have a solar panel? We have a tracker and a mouse repellent on all the time and battery stays topped up in storage all through the winter. So if you go off grid your ‘live’ USB’s won’t be a problem. I put a 20amp socket and usb on the bed panel and wired them onto battery using a mini fuse board you have in the car. We have a Bailey Brindisi where battery is under bed. I put the socket in for when we try going off grid so my good lady can use a 12 volt hairdryer which needs 15amp minimum.
I did exactly the same job a few months ago for our Netgear wifi, you pinching my ideas again Dan 😂😂 I also fitted a Poynting Puck 2 external antenna which has made a big difference to the internet signal. Hope you are all well down south, Stay safe matey, cheers Martin
Ha, you know me zero orginal content... will look at the external antenna, i want to choke the TV antenna to reduce interferance (upcoming video) and want to get the MiFi antennas away from the TV, (might even install another USB at back of caravan.
Great video, I am considering buying the Nighthawk M1 for when we can get out again, I think I might just do this in my caravan so it is a permanent installation. Thank you
Great Video, thanks very much, this inspired me to do the same, for our M1, I took power direct from TV amp feed and also added an inline switch to the USB power feed, like you all nice and tidy and the M1 has its own power feed Anne can be kept out the way. Thanks again.
apart from changing all the lights to LEDs, this was my main priority task, USB charging, and i used the USB sockets that display the battery discharge volts as well so i can see the state of my caravan battery, its the smallest things that make caravaning soo accomodating
5:19 You may find that if you remove the battery that you start having connectivity problems - in devices like this, the battery is often designed not only to make the device portable, but also to provide power to cover any spikes in demand that the USB supply can't meet.
Hi Nicholas, so far my experiment works, its been running for 3 weeks under low/moderate and high traffic and its working well without the battery installed.
Hole saws can be handy if you have veneers and access both sides. You can cut to the center from both and prevent breakout. The radio could do with a surround to hide the mounting cage could it not?
Hi Dan great video and always impressed with what a neat job you do. Slightly off topic question but do you find the Intial outlay for the nighthawk and everything you ve done regarding it is cost effective and have you ever been anywhere where it cannot find an internet signal. Cheers
Hi Dan another great vid thank you. Just wondering if you could charge it from the stereo USB port. Have not tried it but it does charge iPods etc. Just a thought. Den
I had a (different model of) Netgear 4G router with an internal battery that I left plugged in to USB all the time; it’s just failed and I was alarmed to see the battery is bulging out of its casing in an “about to explode” kind of fashion. So I would recommend removing the battery if leaving the device plugged in permanently!
Hello Dan, great video thank you - I actually have one question that got me curious...at almost the end of video you switch off the mains in your caravan and say that the mobile phone notifies you about that: how does that work?!?
Hi Thats the iNet the is moaning that no 12volts are getting to the boiler, Its a quirk of the system that the iNet stays live even when the caravan is switched off. The iNet commuicates with me when ever there is a fault, like the boiler is faulty, there is no gas or the caravan is freezing cold. Its a great system.
Hi can you please explain how your MIFI works or do you have a video on here.... many thanks really enjoy your vids, wife and I went on our first van holiday 2 weeks ago after watching a lot of your cracking vids.
Hi Richard, search my videos for "Caravan wifi" i have a few videos that show how I use the Mifi and how they work. Imagine a MiFi as a mobile phone that cannot make phone calls. you would buy a SIM that has lots of Data (Depending on your useage) and install it into the Mifi. The Mifi will create a WiFi network that you can join your laptop, smart TV, iPad etc etc onto and use the Data on the SIM.
@@debramay5403 it would work fine, but look at my video on Wifi in the caravan, and i explain why i use a MiFi and not a phone. ua-cam.com/video/G9o0Lds0Gg4/v-deo.html
Another good tutorial Dan! - Other than easy access to existing 12V, thinking about cross mod between the 2 devices, would another location not have been a better choice? I imagine there to be some 12 V cables running around the vans cupboards . All in all a good easy to do upgrade. Many thanks for all your uploads Kind Regards Howard
Hi Howard, yep - not a great place for RFi, but it will lead me onto another video of interference and how to cure it on the Status Amps and TVs. i have a few chokes here results thus far are encouraging.
I use white 'BlueTac' instead of velcro to mount small ancilliary bits and pieces. My solar panel controller and my wifi router are both mounted this way. Easy to install and remove, with no gluing.
Hey Dan, your pioneer radio looks like it's got a usb socket on the front of it. I believe all usb sockets generally give out a 5v feed, although I'm not sure what amperage it'll kick out. Although not a dedicated feed, could you have just plugged the Netgear nighthawk into that? Also a top tip, if you find yourself without a charger on holiday or in a hotel, the back of the Tv will charge your phone if you have a lead. I love my nighthawk, they really do work well.
Hi Garry, I did try the radio to begin with, but sadly the socket is only powered up when the radio is switched on. So, in standby mode the USB is off. Thanks for the suggestion though D
![Isotherm Fridge - Step by Step Installation | ⛵ Sailing Britaly ⛵ [Boat Work]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/qKpr1nMTt6A/mqdefault.jpg)
You can buy hole saws with a spring that prevents things being stuck inside. Nice video
Great job there Dan, especially fitting the socket so everything is hidden inside the radio housing. Good idea that using the drill to twist the wires together. Stay safe Dan and family and look forward to next video. Rob
I’ve just installed a 12v socket in the caravan locker to run the compressor to do drain downs pump up tyres and air toys. Love these mods
Nice job Dan. I’ve just done this mod in our Olympus after watching this video.
Hi Dan we have our caravan on the drive just last weekend brought it home from the seasonal pitch today I fitted two hidden usb sockets plus a Alde discrete heating sensor and tomorrow I be following your fridge fan insulation I purchased all the parts had them waiting for the season to end to fit setup the parts just got to assemble thanks Dave🤣😊
Hi Dan, Good to see you back, the problem with the hole saw could have been rectified by drill the hole from both sides of the panel (that's of course
if you can fit the drill in). This also makes for a cleaner hole on both sides.
Don’t throw it most hole cutters only come a certain depth as you have a pilot hole all the way through you can come from the other side. If this is not possible then when it bottoms out remove the hole cutter remove the drill bit from the centre then slide the hole cutter back into the grooves already made then tweak it to one side and the insert will break off. If not then use a small flat point screwdriver and do the same, once the excess has been removed you can put back in with the drill bit and cutter to keep it central and continue to cut. I use this method in cutting holes in trucks and van bodies when installing fridge units. Top tip take your time and it’s neat and tidy.
Great idea! Now I have a project while the caravan is at storage
Do you have a solar panel? We have a tracker and a mouse repellent on all the time and battery stays topped up in storage all through the winter. So if you go off grid your ‘live’ USB’s won’t be a problem. I put a 20amp socket and usb on the bed panel and wired them onto battery using a mini fuse board you have in the car. We have a Bailey Brindisi where battery is under bed. I put the socket in for when we try going off grid so my good lady can use a 12 volt hairdryer which needs 15amp minimum.
I did exactly the same job a few months ago for our Netgear wifi, you pinching my ideas again Dan 😂😂 I also fitted a Poynting Puck 2 external antenna which has made a big difference to the internet signal. Hope you are all well down south, Stay safe matey, cheers Martin
Ha, you know me zero orginal content... will look at the external antenna, i want to choke the TV antenna to reduce interferance (upcoming video) and want to get the MiFi antennas away from the TV, (might even install another USB at back of caravan.
Great video, I am considering buying the Nighthawk M1 for when we can get out again, I think I might just do this in my caravan so it is a permanent installation. Thank you
I’m installing the M2 permanently after Xmas semi considering roof antenna as well however ive not really needed one yet
Great Video, thanks very much, this inspired me to do the same, for our M1, I took power direct from TV amp feed and also added an inline switch to the USB power feed, like you all nice and tidy and the M1 has its own power feed Anne can be kept out the way. Thanks again.
Nice video, noticed white and green cables? what's live and whats neutral ? How would you know whats what? 🤔
Just got our first van been watching your videos amazing can't wait to
Get out next year 😁
apart from changing all the lights to LEDs, this was my main priority task, USB charging, and i used the USB sockets that display the battery discharge volts as well so i can see the state of my caravan battery, its the smallest things that make caravaning soo accomodating
5:19 You may find that if you remove the battery that you start having connectivity problems - in devices like this, the battery is often designed not only to make the device portable, but also to provide power to cover any spikes in demand that the USB supply can't meet.
Hi Nicholas, so far my experiment works, its been running for 3 weeks under low/moderate and high traffic and its working well without the battery installed.
@@TheTrudgians That's good news. Excellent.
Thanks dan useful idea should be able to wire ours at the rear of our TV unit as there is a 12v outlet there.
nice one Dan, dont through it away just drill trough thinner panels :) :) a mode i will do when i get my 640 in MARCH
Hole saws can be handy if you have veneers and access both sides. You can cut to the center from both and prevent breakout. The radio could do with a surround to hide the mounting cage could it not?
Right choice of tool , just not deep enough. They do come in longer lengths .
You could have drilled from the other side using the same pilot hole ( assumes you could get into the space.)
Dan they need you to be the one designing the caravans on the first place
Well done Dan. Well explained and demonstrated.
Hi dan another brilliant video as always and hope you are all staying safe and well
So would this invalidate your warranty?
Hi Dan great video and always impressed with what a neat job you do. Slightly off topic question but do you find the Intial outlay for the nighthawk and everything you ve done regarding it is cost effective and have you ever been anywhere where it cannot find an internet signal. Cheers
Good to see ye big man.you and family go safe sir.good upload.👊🏼
Hi Dan another great vid thank you. Just wondering if you could charge it from the stereo USB port. Have not tried it but it does charge iPods etc. Just a thought. Den
I had a (different model of) Netgear 4G router with an internal battery that I left plugged in to USB all the time; it’s just failed and I was alarmed to see the battery is bulging out of its casing in an “about to explode” kind of fashion. So I would recommend removing the battery if leaving the device plugged in permanently!
First second ! Dan loves his usb chargers !
Oh I can do this to charge my phone when I'm off grid. Great idea. X
Hi Dan I have the same M1 and mine overheats when charging (warning on LCD) does yours do that? I have to turn it off to fully charge. ??
Very informative video, thanks Dan. 👍🏴🏴🏴🏴👍🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴👍
Hello Dan, great video thank you - I actually have one question that got me curious...at almost the end of video you switch off the mains in your caravan and say that the mobile phone notifies you about that: how does that work?!?
Hi Thats the iNet the is moaning that no 12volts are getting to the boiler, Its a quirk of the system that the iNet stays live even when the caravan is switched off.
The iNet commuicates with me when ever there is a fault, like the boiler is faulty, there is no gas or the caravan is freezing cold. Its a great system.
Hi can you please explain how your MIFI works or do you have a video on here.... many thanks really enjoy your vids, wife and I went on our first van holiday 2 weeks ago after watching a lot of your cracking vids.
Hi Richard, search my videos for "Caravan wifi" i have a few videos that show how I use the Mifi and how they work. Imagine a MiFi as a mobile phone that cannot make phone calls. you would buy a SIM that has lots of Data (Depending on your useage) and install it into the Mifi. The Mifi will create a WiFi network that you can join your laptop, smart TV, iPad etc etc onto and use the Data on the SIM.
@@TheTrudgians wouldn't an old mobile phone do the same thing on hotspot?
@@debramay5403 it would work fine, but look at my video on Wifi in the caravan, and i explain why i use a MiFi and not a phone. ua-cam.com/video/G9o0Lds0Gg4/v-deo.html
Another good tutorial Dan! -
Other than easy access to existing 12V, thinking about cross mod between the 2 devices, would another location not have been a better choice? I imagine there to be some 12 V cables running around the vans cupboards .
All in all a good easy to do upgrade.
Many thanks for all your uploads
Kind Regards
Howard
Hi Howard, yep - not a great place for RFi, but it will lead me onto another video of interference and how to cure it on the Status Amps and TVs. i have a few chokes here results thus far are encouraging.
Nice job 👍
I use white 'BlueTac' instead of velcro to mount small ancilliary bits and pieces.
My solar panel controller and my wifi router are both mounted this way.
Easy to install and remove, with no gluing.
Brill Dan as ever 👌🏻
Why not I stall acb radio as well you would enjoy it . Reg in Dublin ireland
Hi Reg, no CB for me - i'm a licenced ham, so I could sneak in the KX3 and morse key occasionally. ;-)
Most hole saws are deeper than yours
Check out carefree caravan for best tip on UA-cam drain down
First!
Hey Dan, your pioneer radio looks like it's got a usb socket on the front of it. I believe all usb sockets generally give out a 5v feed, although I'm not sure what amperage it'll kick out.
Although not a dedicated feed, could you have just plugged the Netgear nighthawk into that?
Also a top tip, if you find yourself without a charger on holiday or in a hotel, the back of the Tv will charge your phone if you have a lead.
I love my nighthawk, they really do work well.
Hi Garry, I did try the radio to begin with, but sadly the socket is only powered up when the radio is switched on. So, in standby mode the USB is off.
Thanks for the suggestion though
D