Welcome to the home page of Zappysblog.com. It is intended to develop the site into a multi disciplined help site where assistance in the form of tutorials and articles can be viewed on a range of subjects together with some hopefully interesting blogs on motorhoming.
Cleaning Water Tanks and Containers
Water hygiene is a very important for good health. Keeping inboard water tanks and containers clean is in my view essential. As I have many years experience in this subject, I have added an article on disinfecting water tanks and containers with Sodium Hypochlorite Tablets, the Water Industry Standard, and evidence shows that this is still the best method of achieving bio film penetration and disinfection. You can see the full article in; Cleaning of Tanks and Containers in Motorhomes, (RV's) Caravans and Boats. This has proved quite popular so I have added a supply service for disinfection tablets.
If you need tablets click here. I endeavor to achieve a fast service and testimonials to the service and product can be viewed in Testimonials. The tablets can 
also be used for cleaning grey water tanks too.
Tank cleaning, how often? I have received a number of enquiries regarding the frequency of cleaning water tanks in motor homes so I have added a post on the subject with some guidelines.
A number of intrepid explorers asked about the treatment of water from dubious sources when abroad etc. So a further article has been added on precautionary or emergency treatment of water using the disinfection tablets.
The Zappyjet
Water Jets
Cleaning the Tank Filler Pipe
Many water tanks on motorhome's have an overflow as standard this makes it impossible to fill the tank including the filler pipe. This has lead to complaints of 'smelly' water and odd tastes because bio film (slime and algae) build up in the filler pipe provides an environment for it to grow and is a potential breeding ground for bacteria. So I have developed the Zappyjet a very simple and low cost device which can be connected to a 12v pump if desired to jet the filler pipe with solution and/or a mains water hose pipe to clean the pipe under pressure se the article Cleaning The Drinking Water Filler Pipe in Motorhomes
Disinfection of Water Cisterns, Tanks and Plumbing Systems
Since my first article on this subject for leisure applications many have asked if the tablets are suitable for applications such as plumbing systems and the prevention of legionnaires disease and other coliform bacteria. The simple answer is yes but for systems up to approximately 5000 litres. For larger systems it will tend to be more economical for them treated with gas or liquid chlorine and/or biocides which are not covered here. I have made available a simple test kit which enables the user to determine the chlorine residual of a water sample by comparing it to a colour chart and so ensure that the right strength has been achieved and disinfection successful. The test kit is useful (see Simple Wide Range Water Test Kit) other ways too. For example it can be used for testing unknown water supplies when abroad, and whether they are safe to use. The presence of a small chlorine residual in the water normally indicates that the water has been properly disinfected invaluable for the intrepid traveler abroad at a cost of around 50p per test.
Satellite Navigation with the Garmin Nuvi 465 (Truck)
My Article on the Garmin Nuvi (465T) Satellite Navigation system which has proved to be very popular and includes the following tutorials:
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File management, how to move and copy files to directory's
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Installing Poi's to an SD card.
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How to remove files from the units memory.
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How to add Aires de Services to your SD card.
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How to update maps for the Nuvi.
Although the tutorials are based on the Nuvi 465T they should be the same for most Nuvi models.
Choosing and Installing a Mobile TV Satellite Antennae
A satellite dish is becoming the most poplar choice of watching TV when out and about in the motor home or caravan. This year during the World Cup football event I could not get to see the England game against Algeria (I know I didn't miss much!). I had a portable satellite system that would not play ball so I decided to investigate fitting a permanent system. I ended up fitting a Glomex Discovery self seeking antenna. So I have added an article on Choosing a Mobile Satellite System which looks at how I chose the system by price and features. It includes a further step by step guide on the Installation of a Glomex Discovery Satellite Dome system showing how I installed the system to fit my situation.
Photographic Subjects
A lot of people struggle with the simple things on the computer or internet so I have included a number of articles and tutorials on the subject:
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Emailing images with Google Picasa
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Resizing single images for emailing and publishing on forums with PIXresiser (a free and excellent resizing software)
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Resizing multiple files with PIXResizer.
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Uploading images from a hosting site to a forum.
Computer Subjects
For those who are new to Windows 7 I have included an Introduction to Windows 7 which is to be followed by a more advanced series later. Tutorials are in PDF format so that they can be printed off to have in front of you when completing them. They so far include:
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The Desktop
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The Start Menu
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Managing Windows
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Managing Personal Folders
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Organizing Files and Folders (with exercise files if required)
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Apple iPhone 4s
I have recently purchased an iPhone 4s when my existing phone became too old. I use Microsoft Outlook for all my email, calendar and contacts etc. In the contacts I have groups of contacts according to their importance or subject and I wanted to repeat this on the iPhone. Although all the advertising blurb says it can be done apparently it is not technically possible because Microsoft and Apple treat Groups and Folders differently. I did manage to do it and so produced a tutorial for anyone else who may have the same problem.
(50p Max) |