So this is why we have a shakedown cruise lol went a bit far from that before I lost power 240V when plugged into caravan park power.
Have waited a few days for an electrician but it hasn't been hard as the park is next to a lovely tidal beach. He came today and pulled "stuff" apart and found a relay inside the inverter had blown, very black it looked! Also looks like the fan had broken. Its a public holiday here for the cup, so will spend the afternoon there as he can't get parts til tomorrow.
Thank goodness for gas powering the fridge :)
Jo
Happywanderer said
02:52 PM Aug 1, 2011
Thats a bit nasty justjo, at least you have a beautiful spot to rest over while waiting. I'm trying to work out the connection between your c/p power and your inverter. Mine are two entirely separate areas with no connection at all.
justjo said
04:33 PM Aug 1, 2011
Hi HW. I have a very complicated schematic which shows power in is fed thru inverter and then out to 240v outlets.
I bought the van from a Chinese engineer who had converted it himself from a NSW police commuter. Was passed in NSW as campervan and again when changed to WA plates. Mostly the power is 12v ie TV. Winegard aerial LED lights for van. Water pump.
The only reason I really need 240v is the fridge as I only have a 4kg gas bottle.
Cheers Jo
Vic said
06:03 PM Aug 1, 2011
If the 4kg bottle is near full Jo you should get about 7 -10 days out of it running the fridge 24/7 and the occasional bit of gas cooking.
If you see a Steve and Vicky staying in the park say hello for me.....
justjo said
06:22 PM Aug 1, 2011
Thanks for that info Vic. I've been do worried about running out that I keep paying for a fill when I'm not empty "just in case".
What r Steve and Vicky traveling on? Park is full most nights. I have a hiace commuter with a huge Aussie map on the side.
Jo
Happywanderer said
06:25 PM Aug 1, 2011
I only have a 4kg gas bottle too justjo so know what you mean.
justjo said
07:46 PM Aug 1, 2011
Yes HW! continually fretting about it!
Vic said
11:04 PM Aug 1, 2011
Hi Just Jo, Steve and Vicky have a Coromal 535 poptop towed by a Ford Futura......very friendly nice couple and will talk to everyone.......
One method at home for checking your van or bbq bottle, a 4kg bottle will weigh 8kg when filled, so stick a board across your home bathroom scales and weight it (allow for the board). (Same for any other size bottle, double the weight when full).
So if a 4kg bottle weighs 4.5kgs you are nearly out and need to refill soon.
Nice van Just Jo, is it a SWLB (Super Long Wheel Base?)
Happywanderer said
11:09 PM Aug 1, 2011
Another way is to run boiling water down the outside. One part will feel really cold the other part will feel really hot. Where the line is will be where you gas is filled up to.
justjo said
09:12 AM Aug 2, 2011
Thanks Vic and HW for your tips, definitely will be used!
It's a commuter ex 14 seat bus about 17 ft long, the only thing is that it doesn't have a pop top so it's only good for very short people (me)!
Waiting for the electrician to arrive with the relay, another beautiful morning.
Jo
jules47 said
09:15 AM Aug 2, 2011
Must be a few of us "shorty's" on here - years ago used to drive a courier delivery van - they used to call me the pygmy because I could stand upright in the back - I can also stand up no problem in my pop top with out popping the top - very handy for quick stops to make a cuppa or whatever.
Hope it all goes well Jo - and happy travels from now on in.
HeadnHome said
11:14 AM Aug 2, 2011
Hi Justjo, hope all gets sorted for you, love the map of aussie on your van looks great..
Vic said
12:33 PM Aug 2, 2011
Van looks good Justjo, I did look at Commuters too, but needed a low roof and shorter length to get under my carport at home, as it was I had to raise my roller door a bit.
justjo said
03:15 PM Aug 2, 2011
Thanks Jules and Honi for your good wishes, hehe I don't really feel short at 5'2" it's just everyone else who is very tall!
Yes Vic, I will have problems storing her when I get home. The electrician phoned, no relay in Hedland so they've ordered one from Perth. Maybe Thursday... itchy feet! Going for a walk around the park when it cools off and look for your friends. Jo
Vic said
04:25 PM Aug 2, 2011
Thanks Justjo,
We are heading up to Dongara on Saturday, may get as far as Geraldton, then inland and turning south again, I believe some of the wildflowers including orchards are out already, hoping to call in to Mukinbudin and see GN C/Park managers Tezza & Co on the way back.
-- Edited by Vic on Tuesday 2nd of August 2011 04:25:52 PM
justjo said
07:19 PM Aug 2, 2011
Oh! I miss my Border Collie, you should go pat him for me! I believe the wild flowers are out, not sure about orchids. It will be a while before I see Geraldton again.
Jo
Vic said
08:45 PM Aug 2, 2011
justjo wrote:
Oh! I miss my Border Collie, you should go pat him for me! I believe the wild flowers are out, not sure about orchids. It will be a while before I see Geraldton again.
Jo
Has Tezza got a Border Collie? Will give him a pat for you. It was Tezza told me the orchids were out around his area, only a few days ago.....
Cruising Granny said
11:14 PM Aug 2, 2011
Getting stuck in Port Hedland is not the best place to get stuck. As long as you get fixed I suppose it will be worthwhile. It sounds as though you're parked in the town park, not South Hedland. It's the preferred option. The wildflowers will be flowering from the north toward the south as Winter turns to Spring. Enjoy the display of daisies on the ground and grevilleas in the air, as well as all the others. Some of the orchids are so tiny you have to be very careful or you'll miss them. Enjoy!
Vic said
04:00 PM Aug 3, 2011
Cruising Granny wrote:
The wildflowers will be flowering from the north toward the south as Winter turns to Spring. Enjoy the display of daisies on the ground and grevilleas in the air, as well as all the others. Some of the orchids are so tiny you have to be very careful or you'll miss them. Enjoy!
We saw some orchids last year near Wongan Hills, like you say you have to really keep your eyes out for them they are very small and difficult to see....Thanks
justjo said
09:48 PM Aug 3, 2011
I'm at Cooke Point Caravan park, just up from pretty pool CG so its really nice, but really expensive $45 a night. Went fishing today, didn't catch anything but was fun. I saw lots of sturt peas, I've always loved them. Hopefully part will be here tomorrow and I'll be back on the road again.
Hope you see your orchids Vic and no, my collie is at my house with a friend looking after him. I'm just missing him.
Jo
Vic said
12:17 AM Aug 4, 2011
I understand about the Collie Jo, but a lot easier to travel without it if possible.
I've stayed at the same c/park a few times, Sturt Peas are great aren't they?
Hope the fishing improves, will let you know if we see any orchids.....off on Saturday at this stage
Cruising Granny said
07:54 PM Aug 4, 2011
That's great Just Jo. Hedland is not one of my favourite destinations, but I've made some great friends through Netball. All the van parks up that way are extremely expensive. The mining population takes up all the space for peak rent, and the touritst lucky enough to score a spot pay for it. It's the pick of the parks. The Sturt Desert Peas I've seen over in the west don't have the black eye. They're all red. The ones in SA have a black eye. I even managed to grow one from seed in my garden in Ceduna. Very difficult to propogate, yet they grow in some of the worst soil in the driest parts of the country. That's Australia for you. Enjoy your stay and have fun going north. Where to next?
Vic said
09:11 PM Aug 4, 2011
There is also a white Sturt Pea, scroll down on this link to see pic's of the three mentioned;
-- Edited by Vic on Thursday 4th of August 2011 09:11:35 PM
Travel Bug said
09:34 PM Aug 4, 2011
Hey Vic
You are a regular hive of information!
Thanks so much for that. My Sister bought some seeds for me and I was a bit wary of how they might go.....but thanks to you, I'm ready to give them a try next month.
Cheers. Pam.
Vic said
11:30 PM Aug 4, 2011
Apologies to Jo for being OT, just another snippet for Pam. Here is another bit about growing them Pam from Wikipedia; .............................................................................................................................................................. Life cycle
Generally considered to be a short-lived annual, it has been known to persist as a perennial if conditions are favourable. If the roots are left undisturbed, flowering may resume in the next season.
It is well adapted to life as a desert plant. The small seeds have a long viability, and can germinate after many years. Seeds have a hard seed coat, which protects them from harsh arid environments until the next rainfall, but inhibits germination in normal domestic environments. Growers can overcome this dormancy either by nicking the seed coat away from the 'eye' of the seed, by rubbing the seed gently between pieces of sandpaper, or by placing the seed in hot (just off-boiling) water and leaving it to soak overnight.[2]
Once germinated, seedlings quickly establish a deep taproot, vital for desert survival. This means that if domestically grown, they should either be planted in their intended final location, transplanted as soon as possible after germination, or grafted as a seedling on to a different root such as the bladder senna, Colutea arborescens. They do not tolerate disturbance of their roots but, once established in well-drained soil, require little and infrequent watering, and can withstand extreme heat and sunshine, as well as light frosts.
Sturt's Desert Pea is not endangered, but it is illegal to collect specimens of the plant from Crown land without a permit. The plants must not be collected from private land without the written consent of the land owner. ................................................................................................................................................................. See it could be illegal to sell them in SA by nurseries and others as is may be classed as a drug !
-- Edited by Vic on Thursday 4th of August 2011 11:31:26 PM
Travel Bug said
07:00 PM Aug 5, 2011
Jo, hope your problems are closer to being solved and you can soon get back on the road. I also apologise for going off topic.... It's a bad habit that I truly am trying to break
Cheers. Pam.
Travel Bug said
07:02 PM Aug 5, 2011
Thanks once more vic....
much appreciated
justjo said
10:54 PM Aug 5, 2011
LOL you guys, I don't mind you going OT for such an interesting discussion. I've always loved the peas and CG's description of the difference in the red ones was fascinating, I hadn't noticed the black eye. Will look closely next time. and Vic.. a white one? that was a surprise!
Pam - hurray, hurray the part arrived tonight at last and have full power again. Getting underway early Monday morning heading north to Cape Keraudren to see if there has been much change over the past 30 years and then onto 80 mile.
A lot of the Variety Bash people are staying here tonight and leaving early - great fun seeing all the cars, the hippy one is my favorite! Will be interesting when they return from the party at the Yacht Club!
Jo
Travel Bug said
04:16 PM Aug 6, 2011
Hi Jo,
Great news about the part.
Enjoy your trip. Safe and happy travels. Pam.
bronnie said
05:44 PM Aug 6, 2011
Hi Jo, Good to hear they have the part. Happy travels.......Bronnie
So this is why we have a shakedown cruise lol went a bit far from that before I lost power 240V when plugged into caravan park power.
Have waited a few days for an electrician but it hasn't been hard as the park is next to a lovely tidal beach. He came today and pulled "stuff" apart and found a relay inside the inverter had blown, very black it looked! Also looks like the fan had broken. Its a public holiday here for the cup, so will spend the afternoon there as he can't get parts til tomorrow.
Thank goodness for gas powering the fridge :)
Jo
I'm trying to work out the connection between your c/p power and your inverter. Mine are two entirely separate areas with no connection at all.
I bought the van from a Chinese engineer who had converted it himself from a NSW police commuter. Was passed in NSW as campervan and again when changed to WA plates. Mostly the power is 12v ie TV. Winegard aerial LED lights for van. Water pump.
The only reason I really need 240v is the fridge as I only have a 4kg gas bottle.
Cheers
Jo
If you see a Steve and Vicky staying in the park say hello for me.....
What r Steve and Vicky traveling on? Park is full most nights. I have a hiace commuter with a huge Aussie map on the side.
Jo
One method at home for checking your van or bbq bottle, a 4kg bottle will weigh 8kg when filled, so stick a board across your home bathroom scales and weight it (allow for the board). (Same for any other size bottle, double the weight when full).
So if a 4kg bottle weighs 4.5kgs you are nearly out and need to refill soon.
Nice van Just Jo, is it a SWLB (Super Long Wheel Base?)
It's a commuter ex 14 seat bus about 17 ft long, the only thing is that it doesn't have a pop top so it's only good for very short people (me)!
Waiting for the electrician to arrive with the relay, another beautiful morning.
Jo
Hope it all goes well Jo - and happy travels from now on in.
Yes Vic, I will have problems storing her when I get home. The electrician phoned, no relay in Hedland so they've ordered one from Perth. Maybe Thursday... itchy feet!
Going for a walk around the park when it cools off and look for your friends.
Jo
Thanks Justjo,
We are heading up to Dongara on Saturday, may get as far as Geraldton, then inland and turning south again, I believe some of the wildflowers including orchards are out already, hoping to call in to Mukinbudin and see GN C/Park managers Tezza & Co on the way back.
-- Edited by Vic on Tuesday 2nd of August 2011 04:25:52 PM
Jo
Has Tezza got a Border Collie? Will give him a pat for you. It was Tezza told me the orchids were out around his area, only a few days ago.....
It sounds as though you're parked in the town park, not South Hedland. It's the preferred option.
The wildflowers will be flowering from the north toward the south as Winter turns to Spring.
Enjoy the display of daisies on the ground and grevilleas in the air, as well as all the others. Some of the orchids are so tiny you have to be very careful or you'll miss them. Enjoy!
We saw some orchids last year near Wongan Hills, like you say you have to really keep your eyes out for them they are very small and difficult to see....Thanks
Hope you see your orchids Vic and no, my collie is at my house with a friend looking after him. I'm just missing him.
Jo
I understand about the Collie Jo, but a lot easier to travel without it if possible.
I've stayed at the same c/park a few times, Sturt Peas are great aren't they?
Hope the fishing improves, will let you know if we see any orchids.....off on Saturday at this stage
All the van parks up that way are extremely expensive. The mining population takes up all the space for peak rent, and the touritst lucky enough to score a spot pay for it. It's the pick of the parks.
The Sturt Desert Peas I've seen over in the west don't have the black eye. They're all red. The ones in SA have a black eye. I even managed to grow one from seed in my garden in Ceduna. Very difficult to propogate, yet they grow in some of the worst soil in the driest parts of the country. That's Australia for you.
Enjoy your stay and have fun going north. Where to next?
There is also a white Sturt Pea, scroll down on this link to see pic's of the three mentioned;
http://www.thegoanna.net/sturtpea.html
-- Edited by Vic on Thursday 4th of August 2011 09:11:35 PM
Hey Vic
You are a regular hive of information!
Thanks so much for that. My Sister bought some seeds for me and I was a bit wary of how they might go.....but thanks to you, I'm ready to give them a try next month.
Cheers. Pam.
Apologies to Jo for being OT, just another snippet for Pam. Here is another bit about growing them Pam from Wikipedia;
..............................................................................................................................................................
Life cycle
Generally considered to be a short-lived annual, it has been known to persist as a perennial if conditions are favourable. If the roots are left undisturbed, flowering may resume in the next season.
It is well adapted to life as a desert plant. The small seeds have a long viability, and can germinate after many years. Seeds have a hard seed coat, which protects them from harsh arid environments until the next rainfall, but inhibits germination in normal domestic environments. Growers can overcome this dormancy either by nicking the seed coat away from the 'eye' of the seed, by rubbing the seed gently between pieces of sandpaper, or by placing the seed in hot (just off-boiling) water and leaving it to soak overnight.[2]
Once germinated, seedlings quickly establish a deep taproot, vital for desert survival. This means that if domestically grown, they should either be planted in their intended final location, transplanted as soon as possible after germination, or grafted as a seedling on to a different root such as the bladder senna, Colutea arborescens. They do not tolerate disturbance of their roots but, once established in well-drained soil, require little and infrequent watering, and can withstand extreme heat and sunshine, as well as light frosts.
Sturt's Desert Pea is not endangered, but it is illegal to collect specimens of the plant from Crown land without a permit. The plants must not be collected from private land without the written consent of the land owner.
.................................................................................................................................................................
See it could be illegal to sell them in SA by nurseries and others as is may be classed as a drug !
http://www.news.com.au/national/law-proposal-claims-sturts-desert-pea-as-dangerous-as-marijuana/story-e6frfkvr-1226024703494
-- Edited by Vic on Thursday 4th of August 2011 11:31:26 PM
Jo, hope your problems are closer to being solved and you can soon get back on the road.
I also apologise for going off topic....
It's a bad habit that I truly am trying to break
Cheers. Pam.
Thanks once more vic....
much appreciated
Pam - hurray, hurray the part arrived tonight at last and have full power again. Getting underway early Monday morning heading north to Cape Keraudren to see if there has been much change over the past 30 years and then onto 80 mile.
A lot of the Variety Bash people are staying here tonight and leaving early - great fun seeing all the cars, the hippy one is my favorite! Will be interesting when they return from the party at the Yacht Club!
Jo
Hi Jo,
Great news about the part.
Enjoy your trip. Safe and happy travels. Pam.
Hi Jo,
Good to hear they have the part.
Happy travels.......Bronnie