Bus special projects PART 1 (updated and locked)

MikeWhitney · **Joined:** Wed Aug 20, 2003 9:15 pm **Posts:** 4724

SEE NEW POST "SPECIAL PROJECTS PART 2" FOR THE NEW LIST. THE STATUS OF THESE PROJECTS HAS BEEN GIVEN BELOW

If you want to help out people who are identified as owners, contact them directly.

1. Trailer brake controller and trailer wiring - DONE

2. Bus filing cabinet and storage cabinet - DONE.

3. Bus T&S tables- SOURCED. TO BE INSTALLED NEXT BUS DAY

Still kicking around options on installation - total depth, folding vs fixed, etc. Need some ideas for how to mount and possibly best way to hinge for folding.

4. PA system setup - PLANNED. TO BE INSTALLED NEXT BUS DAY

Going to use the big black amp that we used to use, then broke, but has been fixed. Tested out the PA speakers all back-to-back on top of the new bus and it reduced feedback significantly. Need to get creative with the harware install location and wiring. Going to skip integration with the bus radio, but it would be nice to wire the radio up to the external PA!

5. FM modulator improvements and antenna - Ron S.

I think Ron has a plan. The existing FM transmitter needs (1) an external antenna, and (2) a modification described online and in the manual to boost power.

6. Improved 12v outlets - IN PROGRESS

Waiting for new ones which are on order.

7. Battery isolator - IN PROGRESS? FOR NEXT BUS DAY

Still kicking around the best place to mount these. Electronics guru Gordon Taylor is working on an auto-sensing circuit to switch the relay OFF if the bus isn't running. Decided NOT to use the RV isolator, since it would require significant re-wiring of the alternator wiring. Still looking for the perfect sized box to mount 2 batteries on the floor.

8. Mounted 12v fans for T&S - Ryan H - ON HOLD

9. Hardwired Invertor and wiring Carl F - ON HOLD

Now I think we want two 2-outlet invertors mounted next to the power strips. It was quite frustrating to not have enough plug-ins yesterday.

Scott Johnson · **Posted:** Wed Jan 12, 2005 8:05 am

I'll coordinate the brake controller. I have a donor unit, and will take care of sourcing the wiring, etc.

Scott

Ron Spencer · **Posted:** Wed Jan 12, 2005 3:27 pm

Today I picked up two 7.5', a 6' and a 3' piece of table top (all wood with a faux wood laminate on top) for the bus tables. I'll bring the 3' piece to the meeting if anyone wants to see what the stuff is. It will need to be ripped to whatever width we want smaller then the 29.5" it is now.

Total cost, with tax, $69.55. Cheaper then the raw wood to build tables!

Ron

MikeWhitney · **Joined:** Wed Aug 20, 2003 9:15 pm **Posts:** 4724

9. Hardwired Invertor and wiring

Since we need outlets on both sides, I'm not sure if we want one central invertor with extension cords, or just 2 invertors wired up, one per side. Can someone take this one on?

John Hines · **Posted:** Thu Jan 13, 2005 10:07 pm

I have been involved with building several mobile video production units((TV stations in a truck)). I have dealt with all of these problems in many ways.

I can lend know how and labor...I have many of the connectors and tools....I can also source new and used equipment...I can even show you how top of the line pros do it....if we ever wanted to host nationals and integrate with on site video production.

I will gather some info and post again...

Scott Johnson · **Posted:** Fri Jan 14, 2005 5:21 pm

What: Trailer work day
Where: Chris Shimmel's place in Hillsborough.
When: Sunday January 16, late morning/early afternoon.

We need a couple of warm bodies that can come help work on the trailer this Sunday. Several people will be working on cutting and welding the metal shelves, however we're going to make a few things out of wood too.

If you are somewhat handy with woodworking tools, then please try to find some time to help out. If you can participate, please plan to bring some tools with you!

Please RSVP to Mike Whitney, whitney@nogumracing.com

Thanks,

Scott

Matt Nicholson · **Posted:** Tue Jan 25, 2005 12:08 am

Is anyone going to post pictures of this thing so that those of us in the Western Chapter of THSCC can see it???

MikeWhitney · **Joined:** Wed Aug 20, 2003 9:15 pm **Posts:** 4724

Matt Nicholson wrote:

Is anyone going to post pictures of this thing so that those of us in the Western Chapter of THSCC can see it???

I'm quite the shutterbug normally, but honestly I've been to freaking busy to do it.

I do wish someone was chronicling the build

Come to the rallycross

MikeWhitney · **Joined:** Wed Aug 20, 2003 9:15 pm **Posts:** 4724

Matt Nicholson wrote:

Is anyone going to post pictures of this thing so that those of us in the Western Chapter of THSCC can see it???

Matt - I decided I'm going to use you for a scapegoat. You've been warned....

OK, so like EIGHT of the NINE things on this list don't have an owner and the ONLY response to this post in the last week has been SOMEONE CRITICIZING THAT THERE HAVEN'T BEEN ENOUGH PICTURES TAKEN? For god's sakes, people, we need HELP!!!!

Stop sitting around waiting for things to happen! Take something on this list and say, "Hmm, I'm a smart guy (gal), maybe I should make some phone calls and do a few web searches to see if I can figure this out."

6 months down the road, if something goes wrong - the bus won't start after an event, the PA feeds back and makes your dog deaf, we can't tell you your times on your radio, T&S says, "waaah, it's too hot". Well, guess who is to blame? YOU, that's right YOU, the person who won't take the time to say, "OK, Mike, I saw some 12v fans in the JC Whitney catalog, want me to order and install them?"

Get some ideas and CALL ME!

:!:

Scott Johnson · **Posted:** Tue Jan 25, 2005 8:30 am

What he said.

This club is full of able bodies people, and this is where we need them the most. We *can* find a task for everyone that wants to help, so please volunteer.

Scott

Ryan Holton · **Posted:** Tue Jan 25, 2005 8:51 am

MikeWhitney wrote:

6. Improved 12v outlets - 20-Jan=ASAP

The old 12v lighter plugs were dying on the old bus. Have some ideas about a nicer power strip and plug style to use? Or find a source for a higher quality lighter plug strip? Some catalog searching will probably yield some interesting possibilities.

7. Battery isolator - target March

This was discussed a few times in the past. Now with a diesel powertrain, we need lots of juice to start the rig. Can an isolator be used here? Do we need extra batteries? (There are 2) Need some research.

8. Mounted 12v fans for T&S - target March

Probably want to get 4-6 of these to mount on the walls and hardwire.

Thanks!

I will take 6, 7, and 8. I know where a pimp battery isolator can be had on the cheap. All I need to know is what you want to do about batteries. Is 2 enough? I will talk to an old buddy today who runs a auto electronics store about a nicer power strip as well.

Carl Fisher · **Posted:** Tue Jan 25, 2005 12:47 pm

I'll take #9.

MikeWhitney · **Joined:** Wed Aug 20, 2003 9:15 pm **Posts:** 4724

Carl Fisher wrote:

I'll take #9.

Great! Let's be sure to talk over your ideas before we order anything ... just regarding the different configuration options.

Or email your proposals and ideas!

Wes Eargle · **Joined:** Mon Oct 27, 2003 9:47 am **Posts:** 3683

I'll be there tomorrow night.

Matt Nicholson · **Posted:** Tue Jan 25, 2005 9:45 pm

I sure wish I was closer than 180 miles or I'd be on that like white on Karl. As I write this though, all my time/effort is going toward fixing ANOTHER transmission on the SE-R, fixing my own busted diesel tow vehicle, and making Karl jokes.

So, good luck with that....

See you at VIR, if my shizzle isn't fizzled....

Matt<---Prime Minister WNC chapter THSCC

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Bus special projects PART 1 (updated and locked)

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