RandyA Posted April 13, 2019 Report Share Posted April 13, 2019 I’ve had some recent questions about the ECR Project Build of a 50 amp RV outlet tester that hopefully I can answer here. I have made some changes in the design and materials, all implemented to make the project more useful and easier to build. It is designed somewhat after the traditional 3-light 120-volt tester I believe we are all familiar with but is expanded to include the second 120-volt wire on the 50-50 amp RV outlet. THE TESTER WE WILL BE BUILDING LED’s will not be used. In their place are either green or red Neon lamps with the voltage dropping resistors in place – easier, fewer parts and more accurate. Revised tools needed list is: 7mm high temp glue gun Low wattage soldering iron solder Drill with #12 or 3/16” bit Small side cutters Needle nose pliers #2 Phillips screwdriver Pocket knife or Exacto Knife Glasses The tester will be built as a go or no go tester. In other words, if all six neon lights are not illuminated it is best to find another outlet that passes. It is not your place to open the PARK outlet box or tell the owner what is wrong. A licensed and qualified electrician needs to do this. While there is no voltage read-out the illumination of the neon lights is a good indicator of low or high voltage. Proper outlet wiring with the following is tested: Ground and neutral present and contiguous 120-volt power between E1 and Neutral 120-volt power between E2 and neutral 240-volt power across E1 to E2 If there are errors in the outlet wiring like reversed power and neutral, missing grounds or improper voltage from E1 to E2 certain lights will not illuminate. All materials other than the Camco Plug are provided – you will need to bring a plug to complete the project. BRING THIS PLUG - IT IS NOT PROVIDED It is available on Amazon and at most all RV supply stores for $12 to $15 dollars. I will have the above tools available but depending on how many participants we have they may have to be shared. If you have any you can bring it will be helpful. It is not too late to sign up. Letting me know you want to participate will be helpful to assure enough neon lamps and tools. If you do not sign up in advance you are still welcome. Just be sure to have your Camco or equivalent 50 amp plug so you may complete the project. Quote Randy, Nancy and Oscar "The Great White" - 2004 Volvo VNL670, D12, 10-speed, converted to single axle pulling a Keystone Cambridge 5th wheel, 40', 4 slides and about 19,000# with empty tanks. ARS - WB4BZX, Electrical Engineer, Master Electrician, D.Ed., Professor Emeritus - Happily Retired! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPL Posted April 17, 2019 Report Share Posted April 17, 2019 Randy I've got the plug and will see You at the Rally. Pat The Old Sailor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott & Kat Posted April 17, 2019 Report Share Posted April 17, 2019 Hi Randy, I plan to be there. I have the plug. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lockmup68 Posted April 18, 2019 Report Share Posted April 18, 2019 Since we cannot attend now, I can order the plug and send it to someone and send additional $$s to have someone make one for me and mail it to me? I can also help with additional parts or something if needed to help contribute. Thanks. Quote 2003 International Eagle 9200i, Cummins ISX, Freedomline 2007 Teton Scottsdale XT4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickeieio Posted April 18, 2019 Report Share Posted April 18, 2019 I already have two plugs, so I gotcha covered. I'll meet up with ya somewhere....... After ECR, we'rte going to Parkers Crossroads RV between Nashville and Memphis. We'll be there nearly a week, and exploring the Natchez Trace. Will you be on our path? After that, we'll head home (west side Cincinnati) for a while. Quote KW T-680, POPEMOBILE Newmar X-Aire, VATICAN Lots of old motorcycles, Moto Guzzi Griso and Spyder F3 currently in the front row Young enough to play in the dirt as a retired farmer. contact me at rickeieio1@comcast.net Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lockmup68 Posted April 18, 2019 Report Share Posted April 18, 2019 1 hour ago, rickeieio said: I already have two plugs, so I gotcha covered. I'll meet up with ya somewhere....... After ECR, we'rte going to Parkers Crossroads RV between Nashville and Memphis. We'll be there nearly a week, and exploring the Natchez Trace. Will you be on our path? After that, we'll head home (west side Cincinnati) for a while. Yes, we are just outside of Nashville. I'll PM you my number. Appreciate it. Quote 2003 International Eagle 9200i, Cummins ISX, Freedomline 2007 Teton Scottsdale XT4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickeieio Posted April 18, 2019 Report Share Posted April 18, 2019 3 hours ago, lockmup68 said: Yes, we are just outside of Nashville. I'll PM you my number. Appreciate it. just email me. It's in my signature. Quote KW T-680, POPEMOBILE Newmar X-Aire, VATICAN Lots of old motorcycles, Moto Guzzi Griso and Spyder F3 currently in the front row Young enough to play in the dirt as a retired farmer. contact me at rickeieio1@comcast.net Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickeieio Posted May 2, 2019 Report Share Posted May 2, 2019 On April 18, 2019 at 11:28 AM, lockmup68 said: Yes, we are just outside of Nashville. I'll PM you my number. Appreciate it. Got your tester built. I'll be going through Nashville Monday. Quote KW T-680, POPEMOBILE Newmar X-Aire, VATICAN Lots of old motorcycles, Moto Guzzi Griso and Spyder F3 currently in the front row Young enough to play in the dirt as a retired farmer. contact me at rickeieio1@comcast.net Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuiteSuccess Posted May 2, 2019 Report Share Posted May 2, 2019 What a great and easy project day. Easy build, just be sure wires don’t touch where they shouldn’t or the smoke comes out😊. Thanks so much Randy. Quote 2006 Volvo 780 "Hoss" Volvo D12, 465hp, 1650 ft/lbs tq., ultrashift Bed Build by "JW Morgan's Custom Welding" 2017 DRV 39DBRS3 2013 Smart Passion Coupe "Itty Bitty" "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lockmup68 Posted May 7, 2019 Report Share Posted May 7, 2019 On 5/1/2019 at 10:18 PM, rickeieio said: Got your tester built. I'll be going through Nashville Monday. Big thanks to Rick and his wife for taking the time to stop amd meet with us. Good people right there. Sure do appreciate it. And good news, the panel I wired in on our home base property passed the test! thanks again. Quote 2003 International Eagle 9200i, Cummins ISX, Freedomline 2007 Teton Scottsdale XT4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickeieio Posted May 8, 2019 Report Share Posted May 8, 2019 Don't thank me, thank Randy Agee and his merry band of helpers. It was a fun simple project, and a pleasure meeting you and your family. Quote KW T-680, POPEMOBILE Newmar X-Aire, VATICAN Lots of old motorcycles, Moto Guzzi Griso and Spyder F3 currently in the front row Young enough to play in the dirt as a retired farmer. contact me at rickeieio1@comcast.net Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan0043 Posted May 10, 2019 Report Share Posted May 10, 2019 On 4/13/2019 at 6:36 PM, RandyA said: I’ve had some recent questions about the ECR Project Build of a 50 amp RV outlet tester that hopefully I can answer here. I have made some changes in the design and materials, all implemented to make the project more useful and easier to build. It is designed somewhat after the traditional 3-light 120-volt tester I believe we are all familiar with but is expanded to include the second 120-volt wire on the 50-50 amp RV outlet. THE TESTER WE WILL BE BUILDING LED’s will not be used. In their place are either green or red Neon lamps with the voltage dropping resistors in place – easier, fewer parts and more accurate. Revised tools needed list is: 7mm high temp glue gun Low wattage soldering iron solder Drill with #12 or 3/16” bit Small side cutters Needle nose pliers #2 Phillips screwdriver Pocket knife or Exacto Knife Glasses The tester will be built as a go or no go tester. In other words, if all six neon lights are not illuminated it is best to find another outlet that passes. It is not your place to open the PARK outlet box or tell the owner what is wrong. A licensed and qualified electrician needs to do this. While there is no voltage read-out the illumination of the neon lights is a good indicator of low or high voltage. Proper outlet wiring with the following is tested: Ground and neutral present and contiguous 120-volt power between E1 and Neutral 120-volt power between E2 and neutral 240-volt power across E1 to E2 If there are errors in the outlet wiring like reversed power and neutral, missing grounds or improper voltage from E1 to E2 certain lights will not illuminate. All materials other than the Camco Plug are provided – you will need to bring a plug to complete the project. BRING THIS PLUG - IT IS NOT PROVIDED It is available on Amazon and at most all RV supply stores for $12 to $15 dollars. I will have the above tools available but depending on how many participants we have they may have to be shared. If you have any you can bring it will be helpful. It is not too late to sign up. Letting me know you want to participate will be helpful to assure enough neon lamps and tools. If you do not sign up in advance you are still welcome. Just be sure to have your Camco or equivalent 50 amp plug so you may complete the project. Hi Randy, P/M sent. Al Quote 2012 Volvo VNL 630 w/ I-Shift; D13 engine; " Veeger " Redwood, model 3401R ; 5th Wheel Trailer, " Dead Wood " 2006 Smart Car " Killer Frog " Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan0043 Posted May 10, 2019 Report Share Posted May 10, 2019 On 5/2/2019 at 8:22 AM, SuiteSuccess said: What a great and easy project day. Easy build, just be sure wires don’t touch where they shouldn’t or the smoke comes out😊. Thanks so much Randy. Hi Carl, P/M sent. Al Quote 2012 Volvo VNL 630 w/ I-Shift; D13 engine; " Veeger " Redwood, model 3401R ; 5th Wheel Trailer, " Dead Wood " 2006 Smart Car " Killer Frog " Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickeieio Posted October 30, 2020 Report Share Posted October 30, 2020 Part II..... I've discovered that if you let the tester rattle around in the bay with your hoses, cords, and assorted water fittings, that the little bulbs can get broken. Duh. They're glass. So, I need to replace one of the little glow thingies, and then I'm going to split some clear vinyl tubing and hot glue it to the tester as a guard. So Randy, where can I source one of those magic little bulbs? And just what are they called? Quote KW T-680, POPEMOBILE Newmar X-Aire, VATICAN Lots of old motorcycles, Moto Guzzi Griso and Spyder F3 currently in the front row Young enough to play in the dirt as a retired farmer. contact me at rickeieio1@comcast.net Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bags Posted October 31, 2020 Report Share Posted October 31, 2020 I sure would like a link to amazon. All the ones I found were 50 bucks or so. Thanks JB Quote John and Michal Bagley 1999 Volvo 610 the 'Millennium Falcon', 400 hp ISM, Autoshift Gen 2, single axel w/steel bed, Pressure Pro, VMSPC, Trailer Saver Air Hitch, 3 bags, 38 foot Royals International, and our 3 dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darryl&Rita Posted October 31, 2020 Report Share Posted October 31, 2020 Not the Professor, Rickeieio, but Neon lamps can be found at Digikey Mouser, among others. Given the failure you've encountered, I'd be looking at panel mount style vs the naked lamps shown in the picture upthread. For bags, use the same links, but you're on your own to search the parts needed. Quote I have been wrong before, I'll probably be wrong again. 2000 Kenworth T 2000 w/N-14 and 10 speed Gen1 Autoshift, deck built by Star Fabrication 2006 smart fourtwo cdi cabriolet 2007 32.5' Fleetwood QuantumPlease e-mail us here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyA Posted November 3, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 3, 2020 On 10/29/2020 at 8:02 PM, rickeieio said: Part II..... I've discovered that if you let the tester rattle around in the bay with your hoses, cords, and assorted water fittings, that the little bulbs can get broken. Duh. They're glass. So, I need to replace one of the little glow thingies, and then I'm going to split some clear vinyl tubing and hot glue it to the tester as a guard. So Randy, where can I source one of those magic little bulbs? And just what are they called? You can get 50 of them with resistors on Amazon for under $10. I don't have the URL but search 50Pcs F5 5x13mm Super Bright Green Light Neon Light Bulb Indicator Lamp w 82K Resistor or if you want the red rather than green search (again on Amazon) for uxcell 100Pcs F5 5x13mm Bright Red Light Neon Light Bulb Indicator Lamp w 150K Resistor - with the latter you get 100 for around $12. I wish I had some spares but I have no idea what may have happened to them. They are nowhere to be found in my junque box. Sorry yours broke - but I tried to warn you! 😃 Quote Randy, Nancy and Oscar "The Great White" - 2004 Volvo VNL670, D12, 10-speed, converted to single axle pulling a Keystone Cambridge 5th wheel, 40', 4 slides and about 19,000# with empty tanks. ARS - WB4BZX, Electrical Engineer, Master Electrician, D.Ed., Professor Emeritus - Happily Retired! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickeieio Posted November 3, 2020 Report Share Posted November 3, 2020 Thanks Randy. You know it is trying to teach us young-uns........... Quote KW T-680, POPEMOBILE Newmar X-Aire, VATICAN Lots of old motorcycles, Moto Guzzi Griso and Spyder F3 currently in the front row Young enough to play in the dirt as a retired farmer. contact me at rickeieio1@comcast.net Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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