2015 TD

[Briansong]

Hello all, A note of introduction to say that I will be joining the 7 other aussies (at this stage ) heading to Banff for the GD.

Like everyone I have been preparing and training for a while, though had to wait until April to confirm that a start is a definite goer. So flights are booked., thanks all for the info. Looking forward to rolling out of Banff and heading down and exploring part of the Divide... 

Following on from the above thread - throw in a small can opener(folding blade) (about 25-30gms) in the kit - that way you have easy access to protein rich cans of beans and ready cooked meat meals, - open can , gulp food or pour into clip seal bags.

Hope everyones prep goes well over the next 9 weeks or so... take care, train, rest , stretch, eat......

cheers simon

Hi Simon,
I'm guessing the knee rehab went well. Solo this year?

I'll be watching your progress.

Best

Steve

[megand]

I've been feeling a little bit guilty about glorying over the miserable ski season, but it looks pretty promising for a low snowpack year.

[THE LONG RANGER]

Snowpack is pretty weak here in CO fer sure. Sometimes that means quite the hammering in April/May, so it's still wait and see. But, I wouldn't fear anything devastating. Except in NM - less water there is never seems to be a good omen.

[Snowbd2u]

Haha road to pie town smooth....... Lol. Don't know if it was all the pavement prior too, but that seemed the most wash boarded out of the whole 2700+ miles!! Didn't help I had a dump truck going 80mph down the road at me. Fun times for sure though. Good luck to everyone riding. An amazing journey!

[BobM]

Snowpack is pretty weak here in CO fer sure. Sometimes that means quite the hammering in April/May, so it's still wait and see. But, I wouldn't fear anything devastating. Except in NM - less water there is never seems to be a good omen.

So far as "less water" in NM is concerned - El Nino might take care of that:

http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/long_range/lead02/off02_prcp.gif

[Redpath]

Hi Everyone.
Wondering how many are planning a NB trip and what the start dates of people so inclined might be.
As for me I am still on the fence NB vs SB but would probably try for the same start date as the SB folks.

[bpeschka]

Hi Everyone.
Wondering how many are planning a NB trip and what the start dates of people so inclined might be.
As for me I am still on the fence NB vs SB but would probably try for the same start date as the SB folks.

The current 2015 TD Start List will show you all the declared riders, including NoBo's.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnV6xT65HkPRdEx5eUtMaTZmVWQ5TTVlUlNhaFg2RFE&usp=sharing#gid=32

[simon cross]

hi all
anyone using a etrex 20 and tested it on a cache battery?

I have tested the gps on both a ebay 4500 mah and plox 4500 mah cache battery fully charged -connected directly (not via a sinewave revolution or something simiiar)- both on "garmin mode and USB mass storage mode" and it keeps going to the power down screen (basically says device is going to switch off unless you ask it to remain on) (tested with and without batteries in the battery bay - though only with alkaline and NIMH rechargeable - have to go and buy some Lithuims E2 AA for a test (cannot see logically what difference this would make)

The gps works fine on the usb connection to the computer and also when the cache battery is connected to the ac power outlet.
not sure if it is firmware related which is version 2.8 ??/

any ideas thanks simon

note - it seems from the posts that the etrex 30 is working fine with this set up.

[Flinch]

Simon, G'day

Did you select "No" at go to Mass Storage? Had a similar problem years ago, but can't remember the tricks now.

This might/not help:  http://www.stromtrooper.com/techy-world-gps-electronics-etc/132641-garmin-etrex-20-external-power-source-few-pics.html

Glen

[simon cross]

Thanks alot for that Flinch

It is an excellent link and very clear.

and following this process leads to external storage and the gps is powering through the plox  cache battery -- though only when powered via the wall/ac power.

when the cache battery is not on mains power it just turns off. (even though the cache was charged fully and indicates as such (and is 4500 mah - which should be ample grunt)

could be a good heads up for others with an etrex 20 (purchased 2013 - maybe newer models work)

maybe when on the dynamo running through the sinewave revo  it will work - need to test this or try out a newer model etrex 20 or 30

simon

[Flinch]

Simon

Seems that according to https://www.syz.com/gps/power.html  the eTrex can only take up to 3.25 volts and the USB power packs put out 5 volts . May be shutting off due to too much juice?

I built a phone USB AA battery powered charger (5 volts out) and it wouldn't work until I shorted the two 'sensor' USB wires (Data In, Data Out), fooling the phone into taking the power. Not sure if Garmin does this kind of sneakery or not... The external 5volt pack sitting next to me charges my phone OK, but I don't have an eTrex anymore so can't test.

This site: http://www.nomad.ee/micros/etrex.shtml is entitled 'Hacking Garmin eTrex', lots of good info. In it, is stated, " eTrex needs 3V DC (specified maximum is 3.15V) and is smart enough to detect that the external power is available.". I've got a bit of background in electrikery (ask me how many tube/valve powered amps I've built!), and my suspicion is the eTrex senses too much power and shuts it's input off. In fact, I would bet a gallon of Foster's Ale on it.

Sorry this doesn't help out actually getting it charged tho

Any others out there who got external battery packs to work?

Glen

[simon cross]

hi flinch and others
so i have now updated the firmware software on the etrex 20 to see if that would make a difference it doesnt...!

in reading your notes and the others on your links this makes total sense. that the power output gps vs cache battery are not compatible ie the cache is 5v and the gps is 3.125 v (note this is not confirmed by garmin only by the sites you linked up . i have sent an email to garmin asking what my device (using the serial number) is rated to, no where on the garmin website can you find this technical data.! lets see if they respond.

i will research if garmin have changed the voltage input maximums from 3 to 5 volt this would make a lot of sense given many external cache batteries are 5 v
( will go and test a new etrex 20 in store - when everyone has finished eating chocolate over easter

note - i have no clue about electronics! though it looks like the link you offered have a product which  may solve the power variation problems
cheers
simon

[Flinch]

Not sure if it will work but...

If you have a mate with a solder iron and a spare USB cable to cut up, you can order one of these dirt cheap DC-DC stepdown converters:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2p-USB-DC-5V-to-3-3V-DC-DC-Step-Down-Converter-Power-Supply-Module-AMS1117-3-3V-/181539069535?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a44925e5f

It drops 5 volts to 3.3 volts. The 'not sure' part is whether 3.3 volts is still too high.  But hey, for a couple bucks it is a cheap chance.

I've used several similar DC-DC step up modules with success, building USB chargers for my cell phones (they use 3 AA batteries, 4.5 volts total, bumps up to 5 volts regulated). Pic shows one I'm taking on the race as a backup when I have no mains electricity - Note small USB module on right. Total 1 ounce, less batteries. Chargers phone 1.5 times. Total cost: $4

Good luck

[simon cross]

hey flinch
thanks for that
- have placed a call with garmin to get the official word and will test some new etrex 20 and 30 units in store , have had unofficial word that the Etrex new units should support charge from external source. 5 v 1 a  i was able to test a etrex 10 today it doesnt take charge from an external usb source - though not suprising.
as it is the most basic model

the step down converter is a great idea and this led me to research someone in australia who will make them. Will chat with them after the monday holiday and will post result with link and outcome .

cheers simon

[ewoklake]

Mosquitos and other winged pests, How does everyone deal with them during the race? They seem to love me on the local trails since the temp has risen, I'm about to spray some OFF all over my helmet.

[BobM]

Mosquitos and other winged pests, How does everyone deal with them during the race? They seem to love me on the local trails since the temp has risen, I'm about to spray some OFF all over my helmet.

Collective wisdom says that they can't hang on over 10mph.  When stopped, a simple headnet weighs much less than an ounce and will help preserve your sanity.

[Marshal]

Mosquitos and other winged pests, How does everyone deal with them during the race? They seem to love me on the local trails since the temp has risen, I'm about to spray some OFF all over my helmet.

Short of a bug net, if you are serious about mosquitos get a small tube of repellent with a high concentration of deet (only truly proven repellent bty)  Apply a very very small amount to the visor of your helmet, a small dab on each ear, one on the forehead.  This combined with forward movement will all but eliminate most issues (while moving) 

The trick to using nasty deet is to start with a high concentration and then use very very little. 

Another trick is to pick up a windshield wash dispenser paper towel, tear it in half and apply a medium amount of oily deet.  Store this piece of towel where is convenient to reach while riding but not where it can contaminate food or water hoses.  As needed grab and lightly wipe/rub on ears, edge of face, helmet, arms etc etc—ie: near wherever the darn bugs are bugging.  A prepped deet towel will last for several ‘dry’ days and can also be conveniently used to apply a tiny amount of deet as needed when camped up

[ewoklake]

Thanks guys! Good tips on keeping the bugs away...

Changing gears to well, gear. I'm replacing all components listed below soon. Anything else I should consider switching out on my fully rigid Rohloff equipped El Mariachi before June?

• Bottom Bracket
• Chainring
• Chain
• Rohloff Sprocket
• Tires
• Handlebar grips
• Pedals

[sfuller]

You didn't say what you were using for brakes, but if they are mechanicals, I'd replace cable and housing.

[ewoklake]

You didn't say what you were using for brakes, but if they are mechanicals, I'd replace cable and housing.

Thanks sufuller, I'm running BB7's and just had the cables and housings replaced a week ago(but I'm happy to do it again). Maybe the Rohloff cables/housings should be replaced too... hmm.