docj

We're on the coast in Rockport.  At least the "real temp" rarely gets to 100.  Even a few miles inland the temperatures can be ~10 degrees hotter.  That's little real comfort but it makes me feel cooler just saying it!  😀

3 minutes ago, 2gypsies said:

It sure doesn't look like a luxury park and it's $100-$200/night! 

Luxury is in the eye of the beholder!  (and also in the mind of the ad copy writer!)  🤣

Dutch:  Hope your recovery progresses well.  This getting old stuff can be challenging!

One thing that is usually overlooked in articles about fusion is that it is not nearly as radioactively "clean" as people imagine it is.  No, it doesn't produce nuclear waste as a byproduct of the fusion process, but the energy produced by fusion comes in the form of 14.1 MeV neutrons which can "induce" radioactivity in many materials.  What this means is that a fusion power plant may become increasingly "hot" over time as it is used which may make it difficult to maintain it.  I don't think much effort is being put into this topic yet, but it will definitely be important when commercial power plants have been commissioned.  Back a few decades ago there was one proponent of fusion power using Tokamaks who proposed that the plants be built "cheaply" so they can be economically discarded when they malfunction, since they will be too radioactive to service safely.  This, no doubt, is a bit of an exaggeration, but it is a non-trivial commiseration.

For many of us smart phones have become vital elements of our daily lives.  As Dutch has already mentioned, my phone's Bluetooth is essential in order to adjust my hearing aids.  My wife relies on Bluetooth to monitor her blood glucose levels using her Dexcom 6.   Neither my Pixel 7 Pro nor my wife's iPhone need recharging during the day despite the fact that I use mine almost continuously.

9 hours ago, Chad Heiser said:

I also use one drive to send links to files that are too big to send normally.  It works well also.  There is a button in one drive that allows you to send the file or get a link to the file in one drive.  You can also change settings on the link to expire after a set time period.

I have all of our collected family photos stored on OneDrive so our children (and their children) can look at them.  They amount to many GB of data.  As the grandchildren grew up I know the photos have been viewed multiple times.

It appears that this new law will only affect voter registrations.  I don't see any provisions that would affect license and vehicle registrations.   I seriously doubt that not having my liberal vote will change the outcomes in any SD election. LOL

Our relatively small metro area (Corpus Christi) has seen a huge increase in the percentage of Amazon deliveries now being delivered by Amazon trucks.  In addition, quite a few of the items delivered by USPS are actually being delivered to the local post office by Amazon and then transferred to USPS (so-called "last mile service")

One interesting aspect of how Amazon is handling deliveries is that its trucks deliver on both Saturdays and Sundays.  

OTOH except for this weekend issue the switch to Amazon's own trucks hasn't increased speed of deliveries.  Corpus is served by an Amazon distribution center in Houston and almost all items are "two day" rather than "next day" delivery.

4 hours ago, Chalkie said:

Yes! And when people try to tell me how horrible the T-Mobile coverage is, I just smile and move along as there is no point in arguing about it. When T-Mobile claims they have the largest 5G network, they do, although some would argue that part of that is not true 5G. T-Mobile is using Band n71 (600 MHz) for what they call Extended Range 5G and as any who know about radio propagation the lower frequencies have greater range. Our phones rarely ever show 4G LTE service as any where we go it is 5G or 5GUC. The UC stands for ultra capacity.The plan we are one includes unlimited hot spotting data usage and it is more than adequate for streaming. 

The problem is that 5G isn't a single thing using a single frequency band.  It actually an encoding and transmission protocol that can use any of several bands each of which has its own performance characteristics.  What Chalkie is describing is called "DSS 5G" which stands for Distributed Shared Spectrum where 5G transmission shares some of a  4G/LTE frequency band. In those cases, most of the time, the download speed isn't significantly different from standard 4G speeds.

OTOH yesterday I read that Verizon is claiming that ~200 million people in the US have access to "ultrawideband 5G" which it is defining to including both "mm wave" and "C-band" 5G and it is supposed to be a lot faster.

I guess Corpus Christi and its metro area don't count for much.  I've only encountered one small area where I could see a 5G signal but the 4G/LTE speed at my house was >75 Mbps when I checked it yesterday.

Here's another article explaining why concerns about long-range information theft from RFID cards is unfounded:  https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/markets/digital-identity-and-security/banking-payment/cards/contactless/how-it-works

5 hours ago, Anawilliam850 said:

Yes, there are devices called "dual-band routers" or "load balancing routers" that can combine multiple internet connections, including WiFi, to improve download and upload speeds. These routers work by distributing the traffic load across multiple internet connections, allowing users to take advantage of the combined bandwidth.

One popular example is the Peplink Balance One Dual-WAN Router, which can balance up to two wired or wireless connections. Another option is the ASUS RT-AC88U Wireless-AC3100 Dual-Band Router, which can load balance up to four internet connections, including two WAN and two LAN connections.

However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of these routers will depend on several factors, including the strength and quality of the individual internet connections, the number of devices connected to the router, and the amount of data being transferred. Additionally, some internet service providers (ISPs) may not allow users to combine multiple connections, so it's important to check with your ISPs before investing in a load balancing router.

Overall, if you're not familiar with setting up and configuring routers, it's recommended to consult with a professional or seek help from a knowledgeable friend to ensure that the router is set up properly and securely.

With all due respect, the term "dual band router" has nothing to do with its ability to perform load balancing.  The common usage of dual band is to refer to routers that can support both 2.4 and 5.8 GHz WiFi.

Furthermore, I fail to understand how an ISP can prevent someone from using multiple connections.  The load balance is performed on the output side of the modems and/or WiFi.  At that point the "signal" is nothing but data and the ISP has no say in how you use it.

As you are no doubt aware a perfect metal "box" would have absolutely no external signals inside it.  It would be what is called a "Faraday Cage."  Because your RV has windows, vent fans and other penetrations you are getting some signals inside but it is attentuated.

You have two rather different problems to deal with.  One is being able to connect to the park's WiFi; the other is improving your cellular signals inside the RV.

The WiFi issue can be  readily dealt with by having a router on the roof with a second one inside, connected to each other by Ethernet.  Essentially, the rooftop unit communicates with the outside world (WiFi access points and the like).  While the indoor router creates the network for you computers. TV's and similar stuff to connect to .

No doubt some people will say that all you need is an antenna on the roof with a cable extending down into the RV.  That probably would work, with the correct choice of antenna, but I am always concerned about having enough signal strength to "talk back" to the Access Point.  Having a rooftop router eliminates that issue.

As for the weak cellular signals, a cellular amplifier of the type marketed by WeBoost would work.  Essentially, it, too, is a 2 part solution with an antenna on the roof, one inside the RV and and amplifier to control the process.  

Of course, if you could trust the park's WiFi signal you might not worry about amplifying the cellular signal strength by simply allowing your phones to make WiFi calls.  Most phones can do that these days and most phone plans allow for it.   I've noticed that quite often my Pixel 7 Pro will make a WiFi call using my Starlink connection rather than using the Verizon network.

1 hour ago, oldjohnt said:

 

Thanks doc, a few I looked at appear to use LAN cable (for multiple sources) while my Hotspots ONLY produce Wireless WiFi (NO LAN terminals). I have to figure out if any of those multiple input Load Balance Routers can receive dual WiFi INPUT Signals and produce a new WiFi OUTPUT my phone or laptop can connect to ????   Have you any thoughts on that ???????????????

 NOTE I may be over reacting as far as I actually NEED this device......Its rare that either ATT or Verizon dont yield all the speed bandwidth and internet I need........Our current location is like the ONLY place the past months where service is a bit on the slow side ITS JUST I LIKE THINGS IN THE RV TO BE NEAR PERFECT LOL 90% isnt good enough lol

 

Thanks everyone

John T

I have no idea if the moderators will permit me to respond to your question because I am affiliated with WiFiRanger, a Winegard Company subsidiary, but I'm going to try.

WiFRanger routers can provide a load balance configuration using up to two WiFi sources (2 and 5 GHz), up to two Ethernet sources and up to three USB-tethered devices.  I have personally configured a load balance with five sources.

From what I have read, there are other routers that can provide similar capabilities.   This is not an attempt to market a product; it is an answer to oldjohnt's question.

58 minutes ago, rickeieio said:

Being totally ignorant to the ways of toll roads, could someone enlighten me as to how the transponder tells the "reader" what vehicle it's in?  Or do cameras make that decision?

Although the cameras do provide a "double check" I believe the primary verification is done by the transponder.  Essentially, the transponder has a serial number.  When it is "interrogated" by the toll system it responds by transmitting its number back.  It's really not that different from how a "tap to pay" credit card works.

In TX I know that the camera data must agree with the transponder data in order for the toll to be assessed.

Furthermore, some highways, such as the PA turnpike have weight sensors also so the correct toll is assessed for each vehicle.

7 hours ago, oldjohnt said:

QUESTION is there some sort of Software or a piece of Hardware/Router that will COMBINE the two WiFi signals and output the sum of both (like WiFi 3 etc) to increase up and download speed ????????????

There are quite a few routers that enable you to combine multiple internet connections in a "load balance" configuration.  This doesn't increase the speed of the connections, but by having more than one "pipe" you can effectively increase the throughput. Unlike Speedify, there is no cost for doing this other than the cost of the router.

In addition, having two or more connections allows them to "fill in for each other."  For example, I use a load balance which combines my Starlink with a Verizon hotspot.  The combination virtually eliminates the effects of period Starlink outages.

"The recall is voluntary, meaning that it was jointly agreed upon by Tesla and NHTSA. The “remedy” will be a free over-the-air software update for Tesla owners, who will be notified of its availability by April 15."  from Slate https://slate.com/technology/2023/02/tesla-recall-full-self-driving-nhtsa-musk-regulation.html

In the world of recalls, a "voluntary recall" doesn't mean that it is really voluntary.  It  simply means that NHTSA didn't have to force the manufacturer to make the recall.  Let's not make it seem as if this is an altruistic gesture on the part of a company interested in public safety.

From Forbes:  Tesla disagrees with the NHTSA’s findings but went forward with the recall “out of an abundance of caution."  That's a way of saying that if we didn't agree to the recall it would be forced upon us!  LOL

FWIW:
 

Car Manufacturers Who Have Recalled The Most Cars Since 2022–And How Tesla Fits In

1. Ford: 9,141,131 cars, 72 recalls
2. Tesla: 4,132,303 cars, 21 recalls
3. General Motors: 3,415,313 cars, 34 recalls
4. Fiat-Chrysler/Stellantis: 3,338,259 cars, 33 recalls
5. Nissan: 2,037,432 cars, 16 recalls
6. Kia: 1,490,939 cars, 26 recalls
7. Hyundai: 1,468,531 cars, 24 recalls
8. Mercedes-Benz: 1,417,652, 35 recalls
9. Volkswagen: 1,100,114 cars, 47 recalls
10. BMW: 1,038,420 cars, 26 recalls

Note:  Most Tesla recalls have been completed using "over the air' updates rather than visits back to the dealership.

If you do any traveling in Texas you will want an account with one of its toll systems (they are inter-linked, so which one doesn't matter.  If you don't have a transponder, travel around the major cities can be awkward and/or expensive.  Houston, for example, has numerous toll freeways with no payment booths.  If you don't have a toll pass you have to use "pay by mail" after they send you a bill.  It can get very expensive.

8 hours ago, RV_ said:

How is the new macro closeup lens?

Here's a photo taken at  a distance of ~2 inches. (The dime is sitting on a butcher block table)

5 hours ago, RV_ said:

Keep us posted. I can also receive PM messages here or rv at rvroadie dot com. What a deal!

I picked up the phone around noon and it's all setup and updated.  Having done this before, I decided not to bother with USB transfer from the old phone.  I made sure that the Pixel 6 Pro had sync'd itself with the cloud this morning so I elected to transfer everything to the new phone directly from the cloud.

It's now 5pm and the everything is complete; all the apps have been downloaded and updated.

The one thing you immediately notice about the phone is the speed of the new Tensor 2 processor.  It does routine tasks like updating an app noticeably faster than I've ever seen before.  I realize that's trying to quantify the difference between fast and faster, but you can tell the difference.

My trade-in kit was mailed today so I should have it by Monday.  I'll send the 6 Pro into its pouch and send it on its way.

55 minutes ago, RV_ said:

Great minds think alike! Congrats!

Let me know how fast it came in. 

Mine is on a truck due to be delivered today.  I'll spend the weekend playing with it! 

1 hour ago, RV_ said:

Joel call The Google store. Go through the help screens and click other then have them call screens and then have them call you, less than a minute. Then ask about the trade in offer today

I've already done all that.  I have a Pixel 7 Pro with 512 GB storage on order directly from Google.  The trade-in estimate was $440 for my Pixel 6 Pro (with 512 GB).  Mine has been in an Otterbox with a screen protector for its entire live so I know is it in perfect condition.

I shipped the DSLR to B&H photo; they've estimated $450 as the trade-in value and they were pretty honest when I sold my previous SLR to them.

With both of these, the net cost of the 7 Pro will be ~$250.

14 hours ago, RV_ said:

Rod when you buy a new phone and activate on Verizon they don't change your plan do they? Activating any phone should be the same I would think but it has been years since I bought on payments.

I am calling Google and finding out how that works manana!

You really don't even need to involve Verizon in the process.  When I bought the Pixel 6 Pro I simply moved the SIM from my older phone to the new one and --Voila! the new phone had acquired the old one's number, etc.

5 hours ago, RV_ said:

Yep I am about to sell the Olympus.

Today, I decided to sell my Canon Rebel T5i with an 18-400 mm Tamron zoom!   Combining the $$ from that and the trade-in on my Pixel 6 Pro, it's almost a swap for a Pixel 7 Pro with 512 GB of storage.  The 7 Pro has a camera with 5x optical zoom (up to 30X combined optical and electronic).   IMHO it was time; I have hardly used the Canon in the past couple of years.  Thanks for getting me thinking!

17 hours ago, RV_ said:

I decided to sell my Olympus digital camera as this phone puts it to shame.

I have a Canon T5i with an 18-400 mm Tamron zoom which I think I've used once since I got the Pixel 6 Pro.  When photographing objects or birds at large distances I do like having a real viewfinder to look through and the "mass" of the camera/lens assembly seems to make it easier to point at the distance object.  But other than for that situation, I no longer have a need for it.  I guess it is time to get a price quote from the used camera  marketplace!  😥

On 8/20/2020 at 7:18 PM, dogyard said:

1. New processors such as Qualcomm's Snapdragon 865 can make everything faster and more pleasant to use.  

2. Many phones now use 2x2 or 4x4 mimo internal antennas that allow better connectivity in remote places. My Oneplus 8 has a reliable connection long after my wife's old iPhone reports "no service" even though they're side-by-side. 

In addition, newer, high-end phones have more advanced modems and can access new frequency bands such as C-band (also known as sub-6 GHz).  Advanced modems can utilize tower capabilities such as carrier aggregation.  At he time I purchased my Pixel 6 Pro a year ago it was one of only a few Verizon phones with C-band capability.  Sure, there isn't a lot of C-band available yet, but there will be soon enough.