ENGINEERABLE

Rivnuts (rivet nuts) are the most popular way to add threads to sheet metal, but in mobile applications like the sheet metal on a vehicle (aka van) are thin enough that rivnuts can pull out or get loose and spin. For stronger retention in thin sheet metal, Plusnuts are a lot better. Plusnuts are very popular for Sprinter, Transit and Promaster van to campervan conversions. I've used them all over the Sprinter van to attach things inside and out, and they have worked perfectly

The Flowtron bug zappers I've had always die after 1-2 years of use. The coil burns up and it stop zapping. I found a zapper replacement on Etsy that uses a higher quality circuit and should last longer than the original. One issue is that this only replaced the zapping grid circuit, but not the bulb circuit. You'll need to find another solution for that, the easiest being to use a UV LED strip, or UV LED bulb to replace the florescent bulb. Link to Zapper circuit on Etsy. Th

It's time to upgrade the solar power and house battery charging system. Technology has improved since I first installed it and the charge controller I was using was designed for lead acid batteries, with too few settings for LiFePO4 batteries that I use now. This article focuses on mobile solar power for RV, camper, van and trailer use. Most of the electrical system components that I'll be recommending below are VICTRON brand. Their products might be a little more expensive t

How To Repair Multiport Valve Diverter Tutorial on how to replace the rusted spring and rebuild a PENTAIR multiport valve diverter on a pool filter multiport valve. These springs only last a few years max, and then most people buy a whole new multiport valve diverter top assembly, which costs at least $150, and I've heard pool stores charge as much as $450 for. These springs can be purchased for less than $5, and easily replaced with basic hand tools. ▼ WHERE TO BUY MULTIPORT

DISCLAIMER: The following info is documentation for scientific research purposes only. Do not attempt to recreate any of the equipment described. We are not responsible for any damage caused by information documented here. Read at your own risk. DESIGNING A LITHIUM ION CHARGING CABINET Lithium Ion battery charging cabinets that can contain a fire and smoke from a battery catching fire are very expensive... for good reason. It's very difficult to contain and prevent the spread

MAINTENANCE Download the PDF Manual Variable Speed Belt Drive The variable speed belt replacement # is 1922V443 and can be purchased here on Amazon. The most difficult part of changing the belt is putting the new one on because the spring-loaded pulley attached to the motor needs to be kept open. MODS Table Lift Using a Chain Hoist VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) 110V Single Phase to 3 Phase Motor Driver There wasn't 3-phase power available where I wanted to use the drill pres

THE FRAME The proliferation of inexpensive laser cutter engravers has dropped the cost of simple CNC machines that can support the load of a torch head. Normally CNC plasma cutter frames are built strong, often as strong as a CNC router. For non-industrial use, the frame doesn't need to be nearly as strong, so these basic laser engravers will work. $150 - 350mm x 350mm - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_mP2J8hM DIY CNC Engraver Kits Wood Carving Engraving Cutting Machine Des

Usually the reminder to clean the gutters is when it's pouring down rain, and the gutters are overflowing, creating a waterfall in front of the house. This is never a good time to clean the gutters. Yes, cleaning the gutters several times a year will help prevent that, but in reality, unless you hire a service to come do it on a regular basis, it's not going to happen. ▼ WHERE TO BUY: ▶ RAPTOR Gutter Guard (Amazon) ▶ WATERLOCK Micromesh Gutter Guard with Drip Edge (Amazon) -

DISCLAIMER: The following info are my notes about modifying the power input on the NEST fire alarm. Do not attempt this at home. It could cause a malfunction of the fire alarm and injury or death if there is a fire. NEST Protect Fire Alarm uses expensive AA Lithium batteries that need to be changed every 1-2 years. It will not accept regular AA batteries, or rechargeable batteries. This is very annoying, not solely due to the cost of the batteries, but more so the maintenance

The APEC RO-90 reverse osmosis filter system has been working wonderfully for the past 2 years. This is a long-overdue pre-filter replacement, but since the sediment in our water is pretty low, the flow is still good enough for general use. The pressure had dropped enough that the storage tank would only hold about 2 gallons instead of 4-5 gallons. The TDS (total dissolved solids) was still very low, so the RO membrane filter is functioning well, so the pressure drop is likel