Welcome to my channel. I'll be documenting my progress at becoming less dependent on "the grid". Includes projects in solar power and heating, LED lighting, vampire load reduction, cable cutting and other DIY projects that come up. I also explore the local area and GeoCache by bicycle.
I've learned a lot about this over the years from other RU-vid videos and wanted to give back to the community. Many of these projects are "works in progress", so I may start out showing what I am doing at the present time, but as time allows, I'll try to document what I already have set up. If there's anything you want to see more details on, please leave a comment below the related video.
Hi, I need your help. I have the same lathe but the power switch packed it in as it fell apart. I have the replacement switch but need help to rewire it. Pictures would really help.
I've never dug into that part of my lathe yet (knock on wood), but the latest Grizzly manual seems to have some good wiring details: cdn0.grizzly.com/manuals/g4000_m.pdf
Here's a link to the 2023 No-Dab challenge on the upper portion of the Priest Rock trail: www.mtbr.com/threads/13th-annual-dog-meat-no-dab-challenge-los-gatos-ca-begins-brought-to-you-by-trail-head-cyclery-thc.1210982 I've not ridden that trail, but there are some extremely steep "walls" on some of the surrounding trails. I recall a few riding north towards the top of Limekiln trail along the ridge that I was almost sliding down on the bike. Not enough traction with 40mm tires! Here's the Mid-Peninsula Open Space e-bike policy plans: www.openspace.org/what-we-do/projects/e-bike-policy-evaluation
Very interesting and informative vid, thank you ! Question please....have three 100 watt Renogy solar panels (300 watts total) connected to an MT50 charge controller with a 200AH Renogy battery. In direct sunlight the most I ever see the three panels bring in on the MT50 indicator (left side) is about 63.1 volts and .6 amps. Is this in your opinion good for 300 watts of solar in excellent sun conditions?
Hard to say for sure. It all depends on the battery state of charge when you hit the peak sun time. If the battery is near to fully charged, the controller will ramp down the PV input power so as to not over charge the battery. One way to check is to put a heavy load on the battery, like an inverter with some high current device, and see if the input power rises.
After nearly 2 years of operation, the freezer is still going strong. I've left it on the slowest speed and energy consumption off my 24V solar battery bank runs between 300 and 500WH/day (winter - summer). It will use a bit more energy on the higher speeds, but it seems more than able to maintain the set temperature even on the hottest days. I have it set so that my freezer thermometer reads a low of -10°F and a high of +8°F, or average around 0°F (-18°C).
Thank you R Brown. You saved me a crap tonne of money. Your water flow video showed me where my problem was and this video showed me how to replace the solenoid. It was even easier for me because i did not need to replace the release hose and could use the quick connection to pull out the solenoid block. Cheers!
Hello teacher, I have a problem with the espresso machine (capsule). The steam comes out densely before the water, and then the water comes out. What is the problem?
I have not seen that issue before. Is that out of the hot water / steam valve? If so, the only thing I can think of is that the connections on the 2 micro switches on the valve have been swapped. One signals hot water position and the other signals steam position of the valve to tell the machine which way you have turned the valve.
Yes, saw that announcement, that's just the last of a series of end of "life" announcements in the last few years. That just means you can't use that site to make changes to your equipment. I'm still using the Obi202 with Google Voice and CallCentric and it still works fine at a staggering cost of $2.50/month. I imagine that there are other options out there to do this. If mine quits working someday, I'll look into a replacement.
First time I've been around the Lexington Reservoir. It's far from a flat ride, over 1600 ft. (490 m) of climbing from the beginning of the Los Gatos Creek Trail and around 28 miles (45 km) if you ride the LGCT and the loop.
My wheel keeps moving (towards coarse) while grinder is running?!? I have tried deep clean and still it’s moving. When working on empty (without coffee beans) it remains in place. I don’t know what’s going on there? Hmmm… any1 having the same issue??
I would look around the adjustment wheel. There is likely a spring loaded detent pin or something like that that gives it that clicking noise as you adjust it. Maybe that's become clogged with coffee grounds to where it no longer holds the dial in position.
I replaced the 3-way solenoid valve (the black one on the right in the video) a few weeks ago as it was tripping when I pressed the 1 or 2 cup button up front. It was okay for a while but now I have very little water coming from the group head (it doesn't make the normal sounds anymore) and hot water outlet / steam wand. Of course, there is no pressure on the meter as well. How do I fix this?
See the pinned comment for this video, lots of good troubleshooting information there. In short, figure out where the water is going, assuming the pump is running, likely to the drip tray. If the pump isn't running or not producing enough flow/pressure, see why. Is water getting to the pump,. is it going out the overpressure valve and to the drip tray? If it's going to the hot water side OK, then it's likely that solenoid that is either plugged and not opening fully (water will flow to the hot water valve as that's the path of least resistance). Or perhaps the solenoid isn't being turned on by the main circuit board; bad connection or faulty driver circuit.
@@The4Crawler Ok thanks. I believe the pump is turning on but sound suddenly changes midway (gets softer) even on power on. I'll check the pipes for leaks or clogs. At this point, I am assuming that there is some issue with water flow.
It could be the tubes inside are connected incorrectly. Refer to this video on how the tubes should connect and the water should flow. Or, perhaps the 3-port solenoid valve is either stuck open or is being energized all the time. One test is to unplug the machine, reach inside and pull one or both wires off the valve coil, be sure to wrap them in electrical tape. Then try running the machine and see if only the hot water / steam function works. If it does, then there may be an issue with the main circuit board. If it doesn't work, then the solenoid is stuck open. Try cleaning it internally or replace it. Videos on both those subjects in this playlist.
In case you're stumped by the names of the dam at Lexington Reservoir, scroll down for answer: . . . . . . . . . . The dam was constructed in 1952. Initially, the dam was referred to by different names, primarily "Windy Point Dam," because the location of the proposed dam was near an obscure spur known as Windy Point. At some point, water district directors decided to name the dam and reservoir for Lexington, a small nearby community that was sacrificed when the reservoir was built. In 1996, Lexington Dam was renamed for James J. Lenihan, the Santa Clara Valley Water District's longest-serving director with 37 years of service: www.valleywater.org/accordion/lexington-reservoir-and-lenihan-dam
Great video! That is a lot of ladybugs. I saw something similar at the summit of Magruder Mountain in Nevada last year. There were hundreds (if not thousands) of them right at the summit.
That's interesting, never seen them hanging out up high, I usually find them down in valley floors. I see these guys congregating in the same area later every fall.
This is a nice loop ride with a few miles of dirt road in the middle along with 10 miles of the Los Gatos Creek trail, mostly paved with a few miles of gravel. In the video, I mention Montevina Road, here's a thread on the MTBR forum talking about the access issues up there: www.mtbr.com/threads/new-status-of-mpos-dog-rules-and-private-property-easements-on-el-sereno-trails.1039021/?post_id=13058713#post-13058713 Back when I rode it in 2011/2012, you could ride through from Bohlman as well as other roads. But now, it seems that the Aquinas Trail is the only way to connect to Montevina Rd. That's the main reason I haven't been back, it's too crazy with the access and rules. There are paved roads up at the top of that mountain that are public most of the way to the top. Then, they change to private the last block or two and public access is prohibited.
In my case the machine turns on, but doesn't make the buzzing noise the pump usually makes on start up, AND the grinder does not work (I have thoroughly cleaned it). All the indicator lights turn on and the machine warms up, but no grinder, brewing, steam, or hot water. Because of the grinder also not working I'm not sure if it's worth trying to replace the pump?
Make sure the grinder burr and bean hopper is fully seated and that the interlock switch is closed. That can prevent the machine from working, although it usually results in a flashing light. If you have the ability to check voltages, you can test the connections on the pump and solenoid valves (see the video in this playlist where I add indicator lights) and see if they are getting power or not. If not, it might be some bad connections to the main circuit board or that board may need replacing: photos.app.goo.gl/bN1ugnLPYwvyDcr59
@@The4Crawler thanks for the lightning fast reply! I'm pretty sure I got the grinder reassembled correctly - the issue actually started before I took it apart to clean it out. I have just a cheapo multimeter but I'll take a look at the video you mentioned and the photo gallery and give trouble-shooting this thing another go!
@@SteveUrban Here's that video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9cC-m3a-oXY.htmlsi=_-nEMWQbSwF1a0ti Might also be worth re-seating all the connectors at the pump and solenoid valves, in case they've oxidized or loosened up over time.
@@The4Crawler I did remove and reseat all the connecters I could get to with just the rear panel removed (and you were right - reconnecting the gasket for the water tank was a major PITA 😅). From the video though, I'm not 100% sure which terminals to check whether or not the solenoids/pump are getting power...
Was able to diagnose and fix my breville thanks to this video and explanation of the water path. My 3 way solenoid valve orifice was clogged up with mineral deposits causing a lack of water to be dispensed.
UPDATE: I have since had one LED tube fail, I suspect it was the internal power supply. I haven't bothered to replace it yet, but the nice thing about having bypassed the ballast is that I can run 1 or 2 tubes in a fixture. Before, you needed to have both tubes installed or there was no light.
Thanks for the video. I wouldn't have tried to fix my machine without this video. My problem was that I was getting no water from the group head but there was water to the hot tap and steam wand. I replaced the 3-way valve and solenoid and now my problem is reversed, water at the group head but also steam as well and no steam or water at the hot tap and wand. I read a post on reddit that said they had fixed the same problem by reversing the valve. My valve has no flow symbol on it so I assumed it could be installed in either direction, but after reading his post I noticed that the valve has a number 1 on one end and the number 2 on the other end. If they are to do with flow then is the 1 upstream and the 2 downstream? Your thoughts would be appreciated
If that's the 3-port valve, one way to check is try to blow through the valve and see which way the air will pass. It should let air flow from one side and out the top port when not powered. The other side should not flow any air when the valve is off.
Hi. Thanks very much for the video. It's been a lifesaver. I replaced my 3-way solenoid because I was getting no water to the group head. Now I'm getting group head water but no water to the hot spout or the steam wand. I saw a comment on reddit where a guy said he'd installed the valve the wrong way round. When he turned the valve it solved the problem. I can't find a flow direction symbol on my valve but it does have the numbers 1 on one end and 2 on the other. Are these representative of the flow direction (1 to 2) ? I've installed my valve with the 1 upstream and the 2 downstream. Is it important ? Thanks in advance
I had forgotten how much "boardwalk" there is on this trail since the last time I rode it. Probably close to 1/3 mile (1/2 km) in all. After lowering my tires back to 30psi (2bar) in subsequent weeks, those portions of the trail were so much nicer to ride. If anyone has guesses for the prior names of Lenihan Dam at Lexington Reservoir, reply to this comment...
I've got to admit 30psi can be comfy. I've got a leak in my rear tire (Schwalbe marathon) that I'm too lazy to fix I guess but the Slime keeps it sealed as long as I keep it at 30psi.
@@alexcarter8807 I ran the Marathons on my Schwinn touring bike. Those had tubes and I kept the pressure up fairly high. When I put the Marathon Mondials on this new bike, I kept dropping the pressure from around 65 down to around 40. Then I converted them to tubeless and dropped to 30 and the ride was so much better, it's a totally different tire. I'm getting close to needing to replace the tires, the rear one is bald and the front one is getting a few sealant leaks.
I find lots of old pull tab beer cans but I've only found one Mylar balloon in this area. I think that's mainly because the predominant wind direction here come off the Pacific ocean and there are not many developed areas between the ocean and here.
Yes, it was pretty nice weather, mild temperatures and scattered clouds. Locally, there was a stretch of temperature inversions which left the higher elevations quite warm, so I decided to ride this trail which tops out about 650 feet.
Thank you sooo much, brother! You saved my day, respectively a lot of space from mobile... Sometimes OsmAnd is not easy to understand... That's what RU-vid (also) is for! Again, many thanks from Austria/Europe, Guenther/T7
I got a 6 inch lift on a toyota tacoma and fluid is starting to leak from drive shaft. Assuming it’s because there is no spacers but what would you recommend?
There are some tips on measuring for a spacer on the web page, link below: www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/DriveshaftSpacer.shtml#SpacerSize Ideally, one would have a before and after length measurement, but nobody seems to do that.
I'll be posting an updated video when I do show the Wet Okole seat covers. At the time I made this video, I already had the vinyl seat covers on and taking them off is very time consuming. In the new video, I filmed it while in the process of replacing the old vinyl covers that were worn out.
Probably was quite different back then. Even back in the '90s when I first ventured out onto some of the levee roads, it was basically a free for all. No maps, signs or GPS, just start riding and see where you ended up.
Still running the clothes washer on solar power some 10 years later. Note that this may only work with an older machine. If you have a newer machine that has an internal water heater or other high power load, you may exceed your inverter capacity. With my new 2400W hybrid inverter, it's no problem running the clothes washer, even on the high speed setting.
Still running the clothes washer on solar power some 10 years later. Note that this may only work with an older machine. If you have a newer machine that has an internal water heater or other high power load, you may exceed your inverter capacity. With my new 2400W hybrid inverter, it's no problem running the clothes washer, even on the high speed setting.
Very Kool 85 1st gen Love the new top. Back in the 90s I had a 1985 Toyota SR5 I installed a fiberglass top on the entire truck was customized. 8 years ago I purchased a 97 3rd gen 4Runner with the 2.7L she's got 378,000 Original miles no smoke doesn't use any oil between changes. These are Amazing Vehicles. Yours looks to be in Excellent condition 👍👍
Good to know, thanks for sharing. I guess I've never lubricated mine to find that out. I suspect that half-nut "jamming" design relies on friction to work.
Yes, I believe the county park trails are accessible to class 1 and 2 e-bikes: parks.sccgov.org/plan-your-visit/activities/biking The sign is located where the trail enters a popular area with lots of people walking around the lake, kids playing, etc. So it might also be a reminder to slow down. It's been 6-7 years since I last rode this trail and beck then, they only had the normal 15 MPH speed limit signs here and there.
Post a comment if you've observed a similar radar speed sign on your local trails. I've seen Mid-Peninsula Open Space District rangers with radar guns along some of the popular dirt trails I ride, but never a speed sign like this. I try to stay at or below the posted speed limits on multi-use trails. I would love to see GPS computers for bicycles include a user-programmable speed warning alarm that could be enabled for trails with posted speed limits. Often, I find on some steeper trails, it's very easy to exceed 15 MPH. But, on those trails, it's very difficult and dangerous to take your eyes off the trail to try and focus on your bike computer screen to see what speed you're going.
If you're talking about the hose to the hot water port, I haven't been able to remove mine either. Likely the end of the hose is stuck inside due to the same corrosion that I saw inside the hose barb I repaired. Maybe try injecting some descaling solution with a syringe and see if that helps to free it up.
The water line I can’t get out is the little one that connects to the group head. I got the side out that connects to the solenoid (replaced that) and still no water from group head. I did inject some vinegar and used a paper clip to pick at some blockage that was in there! But still no luck after i tried the single cup again :/
@@AnnaLien-i3j That's another line I've not had a reason to remove on my machine. There might be some tips on this web page: - siber-sonic.com/appliance/800Mech.html
I'm having similar issues with a "semi" portable band saw I purchased from Harbor Freight. After installing it on a mounting bracket, the blade tends to want to twist and it ends up sawing at an angle. I will look at the guides and see if there is an adjustment.
That's a good place to start. Make sure the guides are up snug against the blade. Also, looks at the pivot on your bracket as these saws can put a lot of twisting force on the bracket.
@The4Crawler Same machine here. Creating zero pressure to the group head. I've ran the tests with the dual wall basket and cleaning disc inserted for backflush, and still no pressure. When pulling a shot only the top of the espresso puck gets wet and no water comes through the bottom of the basket. Should I replace the Solenoid block first, or does this seem like a pump issue?
Check out this video and the pinned comment for troubleshooting ideas: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9lMw6ooiqPI.htmlsi=DTN6ieOZlvkHToPO If water is flowing to the hot water / steam and/or to the drip tray, pump is likely OK and the 3-port solenoid is either clogged (run multiple descaling cycles) or open it up to clean and test it (see video on this in this playlist) and/or replace it. Could also be electrical, the solenoid coil could be defective (see link to photo album with testing information in the pinned comment) or the drive circuit on the main circuit board is defective.
@The4Crawler Same machine here. Creating zero pressure to the group head. I've ran the tests with the dual wall basket and cleaning disc inserted for backflush, and still no pressure. When pulling a shot only the top of the espresso puck gets wet and no water comes through the bottom of the basket. Should I replace the Solenoid block first, or does this seem like a pump issue?
Check out this video and the pinned comment for troubleshooting ideas: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9lMw6ooiqPI.htmlsi=DTN6ieOZlvkHToPO If water is flowing to the hot water / steam and/or to the drip tray, pump is likely OK and the 3-port solenoid is either clogged (run multiple descaling cycles) or open it up to clean and test it (see video on this in this playlist) and/or replace it. Could also be electrical, the solenoid coil could be defective (see link to photo album with testing information in the pinned comment) or the drive circuit on the main circuit board is defective.
We've sold out of our stock of anchors, but have made the CAD files available, link in the pinned comment here, in case you want to have a go at making your own.
Hi great video, i followed and replaced both soleinoid. Water now coming out of brewhead but now my steamer is coming out of there too, any ideas on how to fix this?
Check out the pinned comment in this video for detailed troubleshooting ideas. To get water out of both the group head and steamer at the same time, it's likely that the 3-port solenoid valve is perhaps stuck partway open. It needs to open or close fully to seal off the other passage and stop water from flowing to the steamer while brewing or vice versa. Maybe there's some debris or hard water deposits in there. Try running a few descaling cycles back to back and see if that clears it up. Switch back and forth between hot water and coffee while descaling.
