Trying to Work Out What The Panel Means

[Rollin]

I have a couple of little problems reading the control panel on my van (1995 Hymer B544), and am hoping someone here will know what's what.

The first one is the water tank reading. When I click the switch to test the fresh water or the grey water, nothing shows on the meter at all. This could be OK as there isn't a lot of water in either, however should the dial light up even when showing empty? (This dial does light up and read as expected when testing the cab battery)

There's no life shown on this dial when I press the switch to test the habitation battery - no light, nothing. This did work when I first got the van, but hasn't shown anything since I replaced the kaput leisure battery. (I've checked with a multimeter and the habitation battery is being charged and does have a healthy voltage on it as you'd expect from a new one, it's just the reading on the panel that doesn't work)

The last question is the third switch, 'Reserve' and 'Aus'. I know 'Aus' means Off, but what does this refer to? Is it for a reserve gas tank?

Thanks for anyone who can shine any light on this!

Cheers
Rich

 

[Rollin]

I've gale hung (a form of hovering in strong upper wind's) at 800ft , soared a hedge at 450 ft just short of final's , right above the student's head's , and landed on the wheel's when i'm too lazy to put my feet down . I've even dog fighted a couple of paraglider's , while flying the devon coast

Sounds amazing Mickey! Something I'd love to do for sure - money and practicalities (buying the thing, learning how to fly, storage in the van etc) mean it's unlikely to happen in the near future though. Paraglider is the one I was thinking of - relatively cheap to get started, everything can be packed in a large backpack, and yes looks dangerous as £&%$!

 

[airwave]

Paraglider is the one I was thinking of

Ah so we are talking about paraglider's here are we . Okay well just to make it clear before we start , i fly hang glider's . I can see the attraction of para -wing's , and though they fly under the same rule's , they are a totally different beast . Don't worry about when you start , paragliding is an up and coming sport , and i didn't start hanging until i was 44 . Para-wing's appear to be easier to fly , but difficult to learn , much of the training is on the ground , all to do with ground handling , put in a nut shell , flying the wing on the ground , a course is based on 5 day's , however it is down to the individual , as to how long it actually take's , ground handling is the key .
Folded they take up much less room than a hang glider , that's the reason i've gone for a large van , a bongo is more than big enough for just me , but with a glider on the roof , i cant get the headroom . A paraglider roll's ( it's a bit more technical than that) up to the size of a large rucksack , harness and all . Easier to carry when landing out after a cross country , and having to catch a bus or train back to take off , can you imagine doing that with a 10 an a half foot roll on your shoulder . Weight i'm pretty sure is less too . Okay now cost , well to be honest i don't know , i can put you on to a good guy for a wing , and though i'm sure he will be able to set you up with a cheap wing , it will be air worthy . I've dealt with him for year's , he take's trade in's , and should they prove to be beyond a useful life , he's not afraid to scrap them . I'm sure he would set you up with a wing for less than a grand , it won't be new , but it will be safe , so safe that simon would fly it himself , it's the training that's gonna cost you , and on that bit , i really can't help , i've got no idea . If it's any help my hang glider training cost just under a grand . The guy i help only teaches hangie's , but i know of a good school on the south coast , just happen's to have a campsite near by too .

Oh , and it ent called extreme sport's for nothing , mate . There is a power rating , but your initial training will be hill , to winch you would need to get rated , hmmm extra training , but only a couple of day's .

 

[Rollin]

Useful info, thanks for that. Once I've been in the van a couple of months, I'll know if my bank account is still healthy enough and whether I can spare the storage space. I'll definitely bother you for more advice if I decide to go for it!

 

[airwave]

I'll definitely bother you for more advice if I decide to go for it!

Yeah no sweat Rich . Another short cut , if you can't find me , just look me up on the member's on line list , top right of the page , click on airwave , should tell ya were i am or you can just pm me .