My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on March 5, 2015

This months bill should be a interesting test for our Ting cellphone service. I will eventually add billing information to this post (below). With two iPhones on our account and a little more travel this past 4 week invoice, we used a few more minutes and megabytes than usual on our phones, but no matter, as it will still be lower than Sprint, Verizon and AT&T.

The Ting service is the most economical IF you can stay within their predetermined monthly “chunks” for lack of a better term in order stay in the lower priced tiers. Each jump makes a big impact on a monthly invoice. Originally though, when I mention my disappointment with a significant increase in a monthly bill based on our account being a few minutes (or megabytes) over … the customer rep told me not to be worried with slight overages as Ting often monitors their customers and keeps them in the lower tier.  If this is the case, it is smart PR.

We’ll see how February’s bill is handled considering I “think” we were a few phone minutes over and I know we were a few megabytes over the lower billing tiers? (this will be a good test and I’ll include the info below when it is available!)

UPDATE: The Ting bill arrived and is about as fair as they could be with the minutes used (was over by 1 minute but billed me for lower level). I used both the Freedompop Voice and Text app and Google Hangout app to make free outbound calls over WiFi which keeps minutes off my Ting bill and probably saved me the L to XL bump of $17+tax — a nice savings each month. Compare your “necessary” use and consider looking into Ting as it definitely saves money without sacrificing in quality (in fact, Ting customer service is way above average).

Category: Cellphone | No Comments »
Tags: billing, phone, public relations, service, sprint, ting

Posted By RichC on March 4, 2015

Elegant, but simple solution to fitting and securing one of the new Mantus anchors or other modern anchor on the bow roller. Eventually I’d like to upsize our Bruce claw anchor (photo below) and will be looking at the Mantus or Rocna.

Category: Sailing, Video | No Comments »
Tags: anchor, encore, mantus, rocna, sailboat, youtube

Posted By RichC on March 3, 2015

“Nothing that's worthwhile is ever easy” wrote Nicholas Sparks; that must be true since getting Encore's Volvo diesel back in shape is testing my patience and finances (but then we're talking about a boat, so that second part is a given). Thankfully I have a very experience diesel mechanic who keeps one boat here in Florida and another up on Lake Champlain. I'll let you guess where he spends the winter?

The list of repairs has grown since taking components off one by one to get to the original problem has found other things that need to be addressed. Some of the inexpensive (relatively) items that I intended to fix like a new anti-siphon valve required new hoses and hose clamps. Then the removal of the alternator in order to get to the heat exchanger was a blessing in disguise since the bearings were gravelly and while in the alternator shop they replaced the rectifier (converts the AC power to DC). In the case of our sailboat's alternator, it is high outputs so having it rebuilt for $185 makes more sense than replacing.

Originally I really just wanted Tim to look at a “leaky” injector (which he pulled out and cleaned) as it was not getting a full burn due to poor compression. I'm hoping that there aren't any deeper issues with the engine and that reseating this injector will correct the problem.

While primarily focused was on the diesel problems, I also worked on the pressure water system and had to smile after seeing just how nice the new galley faucet worked. Unfortunately after I fixed one leak in the “plastic” waterlines, I've found another in a less than accessible place. Oh well, something for the next trip.

New faucet in galley

One of the last things we found when putting the engine back together was a “stuck” digital multi-state voltage regulator. This is the device which controls or “regulates” the charge rate coming from the alternator to the battery back. These smart devices need to be programmed so as not to overheat the alternator or batteries but assist in rapidly charging. So, I've order a new updated Balmar model from PKYS Inc in order to save a few dollars and with free shipping.

Order from PKYS Inc 3/2/2015

Posted with Blogsy on an iPad

Category: Sailing | No Comments »
Tags: diesel, encore, engine, pkys, regulator, repair, sailboat, volvo

Posted By RichC on March 2, 2015

Just as it was in the French Revolution, I’m back and forth telling A Tale of Two Cities and “it was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” so to speak. I spent the weekend taking care of a condo rental issue in Delray Beach, Florida and of course was staying on the sailboat finalizing the diesel repair, or so I hope??? The first issue was solved, the second has become a bigger deal than I initially thought … but SO VERY glad to find a few things before being on the water and having an emergency. The “best of times” part is that I escaped the cold and snow of Cincinnati, the “worst of times” is that it rained constantly (but was 70° F). Three of the four overhead Lewmar hatches leaked (I knew about) and so kept my plastic and buckets catching the drips … and was prevented from sleeping in the aft berth. I did take the opportuinity to mark all the leaky spots that someone has time and time again attempted to sloppily repair. The only real option is going to be removing and having them rebedded. $$$

I also replace the manual galley pump that I repaired; I had to make an epoxy plug (no wood glue) after “digging out” the old broken off rusted screw. Hey, it worked (above).

The final frustration was heading into the marina bathroom and noticing all the showers seemed to be in use … with the water running? Hmm … I looked under the curtains after a few minutes and realized there wasn’t anybody in them and yet the water was running in all three? Hm … so I shut them off and proceed to take my … yes you guessed it … cold shower. Grrr … hoodlums at the marina or a disgruntled sailor?  

Category: Sailing, Travel | No Comments »
Tags: condo, condo1718, delray beach, encore, florida, repairs, weather

Posted By RichC on March 2, 2015

Really, I’m just looking to make a test post and include a photo to see how a new app called Blogsy does from the iPad. The feature-rich app offer an excellent platform to post to a variety of blogs and has nearly every familiar feature from Microsoft’s dead or dying LiveWriter. Besides not having to haul along my notebook (hopefully), this could be one of the last pieces of this “road warriors” arsenal when I travel. We’ll see?

The photo is a innovative toothbrush that I would have loved to have had as a kid. What do you think?

Category: Blogs, Tablet | No Comments »
Tags: apps, blogsy, How-To, ipad

Posted By RichC on March 1, 2015

Welcome to Blogsy!

Let's get started.

1. Set up your blog by going to the Settings Menu → Service Settings. Then choose your blog platform and fill in your information.
2. Tap on the Post Info. button to get to all post information.
3. Tap on the Plus button to start a new post or open a local draft.
4. Tap on the Online button to open an online post in Blogsy to edit.

If you would like to Edit HTML or need to paste embed codes then just swipe with three fingers across the screen to flip to the HTML side.

Here's a quick overview pointing out where to go to do all the things you want to do.

How-To Videos and How-To Guide

To get more information about how to use Blogsy go to “Settings” → “How-To Videos” or “How-To Guide”.

Posted with Blogsy

Category: Blogs, How-To, Software, Tablet | No Comments »
Tags: apps, ipad

Posted By RichC on March 1, 2015

Really just love the above camera angle of the Elio … a new micro-car company making its public relation rounds and aggressively taking pre-orders. I’ve mentioned Elio previously and am anxious to see, drive and OWN the little commuter car. There are plenty of details to be concerned about since their targets are aggressive for any car manufacturer … let alone one that has not been built yet. Still, I’m “all in” and optimistic.

Today we are going to spice up the day with a topic that is important to us and our fans and seems to have a few people flummoxed as to the logic and communication behind it. That topic is our $6,800* retail selling price.

First, we have set four targets, called “must haves” that drive the entire Elio project: 84 MPG highway, $6,800, Safe, and made in America. These are the guiding principles for the Elio. Any time we talk about modifying a part or adding something to the Elio, the part has to fit in these four criteria. Does everything fit into these criteria, no, so those items go into a “bubble list” for future consideration or straight to the options list. The final decision always must come back to whether it meets these four criteria.

MORE

Category: Automotive, Marketing | 1 Comment »
Tags: car, commuter, concept, elio

Posted By RichC on February 28, 2015

The Overdrive app on my iPad is one of my favorite reading and “listening” apps on any of my devices (previously commented). It is super for those who would love to spend more time going to the public libraries but have trouble finding the time to go. Have a “FREE” way to borrow from libraries on an e-reading device (iPad in my case) makes downloading books and audiobooks very convenient – but the fairly long waits and 14 day loaning period is a challenge.

I’ve been waiting a couple months for either the text or audio version of “13 Hours in Benghazi” and just “checked it out.” Looking forward to the audiobook AND not forgetting what “we” (U.S. State Department and Whitehouse) allowed to happen to our ambassador and staff in Libya. Shameful!

Category: Audio, Books, Software, Tablet | No Comments »
Tags: app, audio, Books, ereader, ipad, library

Posted By RichC on February 27, 2015

A debate over controlling free and open access to the “pipes of the Internet” is not as simple (or probably as inexpensive) as it sounds. While the Federal Communications Commission considered views for and against regulating the Internet on Thursday, called “net neutrality,” the commission voted in favor by 3-2. In comments, FCC chairman Tom Wheeler said that this policy will ensure “that no one – whether government or corporate – should control free open access to the Internet.” 

Initially I hear “neutrality” and “open access” and it seemed like a no-brainer. As a consumer, I want high speed for everybody and a level playing field … but the argument is a bit more “nuanced” said Max Levchin, PayPal co-founder commented on CNBC Thursday morning. Those in favor are looking to keep “the pipes” open to all and prevents providers from throttling or pricing heavy data users if they require more bandwidth. Think NetFlix or YouTube as heavy users; the public wants the low cost content, but this requires ISPs opening their “pipes” to these content provider selling their services and using their routers, switches, airwaves and wires. Most consumers just want to be able to receive what they want when they want it without overpaying.

Now the cynic in me wants the open pipes and equal access to all … even if some companies use more bandwidth than others. I understand that the “pure content providers” feel disadvantaged if providers of both content and bandwidth control access and speeds … but don’t have much faith that the government regulates things all that well and that ultimately we’ll suffer due to more regulations, higher overhead costs and even more complaints (think regulated phone companies, airlines, post office, utilities, etc).

Speaking of estimating the cost to taxpayers … the numbers vary, just as they did with Obamacare (are you keeping your existing plan, access to doctors or saving $2500 per year yet?)

"I’m still unsure exactly how much" net neutrality will end up costing taxpayers” says Michelle Ye Hee Lee, who writes the Washington Post‘s "Fact-Checker" column. "The pro-net neutrality camp says it’ll cost $0, the anti-net neutrality camp pegs it at $15 billion … it will be somewhere between there.” It looks like Americans want some additional regulation besides laws focused on monopolistic behaviors by companies, but we’ll have to implement it before we know … haven’t we heard that before, Nancy? Unfortunately the track record when assuming government can manage efficiently does not have me confident. I’ll be surprise if the taxpayer cost  hits the “close to $4 billion" calculated by Matt Wood, the policy director at Free Press.

It passed and will no doubt be challenged … but for now “net neutrality” supporters can be happy.

Category: Innovation, Politics, Technology | No Comments »
Tags: debate, govenment, internet, net neutrality, regulation

Posted By RichC on February 26, 2015

Ever since getting my Keurig Coffeemaker back in 2009, I’ve used it nearly everyday … and multiple times a day at that. It makes making single cups of coffee easier and keeps my coffee drink habit to cups rather than pots! I purchase a variety of specialty coffees or cans of coffee (usually Chock Full o’’ Nuts) and have been thinking about a second smaller unit for the boat since making a single cup would be easier than getting out the percolator or boiling water to pour through a drip basket?

The smaller Hamilton Beach Flexbrew was mentioned by a fellow sailor as small and without the reserve water tank … something they liked. It does run on 110v but could operator for the short brew cycle on the inverter? There are other brands so probably should continue to look around?

Category: Archive, Sailing, Shopping | 1 Comment »
Tags: coffee, flexbrew, keurig