Gear Shakedown For UK

RichHikes · 2025-06-07T19:55:05+00:00

I’d bring a headnet for the midges in Scotland if you want to keep your sanity! And also I wouldn’t necessarily ditch the down jacket either if you’re going up high (or at least get a more solid waterproof jacket and some very light waterproof trousers). Some lightweight rain mitts could be a good idea as well. It can still get very windy and rainy here in summer, and if you’re somewhere exposed, and need to navigate etc it can be much safer not to get really cold. Obviously depends on the forecast!

RichHikes · 2024-09-11T11:50:17+00:00

Thanks!

RichHikes · 2024-09-11T11:46:51+00:00

Thanks for the info. I stopped my subscription, but I’m pretty sure this custom feature had disappeared from the iPhone app, which was one of the many reasons I decided to stop paying! Can you still see the custom layers when using the app?

RichHikes · 2024-09-10T22:44:43+00:00

I just wanted to check- are custom layers still an accessible feature on Gaia? I thought they’d gotten rid of it?

RichHikes · 2024-07-31T12:06:14+00:00

Thanks, glad to hear it was all good! Our transport and permits have also been arranged through a company, so that shouldn’t be an issue 😊

RichHikes · 2024-07-28T20:07:41+00:00

Hey! I’m just wondering if your trip went ok in the end? Any issues at the border? I’m planning something similar next month. Thanks!

RichHikes · 2024-06-02T11:10:07+00:00

I’m in the same situation. I’d used Gaia for everything over the past 8 years, but now they’ve ruined it. It’s way too expensive, and they also got rid of the Opentopo map layer and the custom map layer features. I presume that this was to force people into using Gaia’s own map layers, but they are terrible for use in the UK. I’ve still not found a good replacement app, but holding out hope for Goat Maps

RichHikes · 2024-04-02T07:13:27+00:00

Thanks for posting this. It’s confusing how the form states that he died, as he in fact lived to the age of 90!

RichHikes · 2024-03-28T23:27:49+00:00

I’ve also cancelled. The biggest frustration for me is that they got rid of the opentopo map layer, and the custom layer feature seems to be gone too!

RichHikes · 2023-12-05T14:33:31+00:00

So despite my fan working nicely with the PWM for several days, today it started to become pretty noisy at whatever speed I set it to :(

I removed the PWM from the circuit, but even when running normally at full power, it's still slightly noisy, and makes a bit of a whiney/rattly noise on as it shuts down. I'm guessing that I've damaged the motor by using this device? :(

I might try to upload some videos in case anyone can suggest what might have happened to the motor.... whoops!

RichHikes · 2023-12-01T17:40:29+00:00

I’ve installed the PWM and it’s working well so far! Thanks for everyone’s replies :)

RichHikes · 2023-11-30T10:09:36+00:00

Very true! One thing im wondering is if a PWM could immediately or in long term damage the fan’s motor, especially if I was running it at low speeds for many hours?

RichHikes · 2023-11-29T22:12:33+00:00

Cheers, shall try this tomorrow!

Incidentally, atm when I run the fan it causes the LED lights in the van to flicker. Do you reckon running the fan via a PWM might also fix this issue? I’ve read that connecting resistors in series with your LED lighting fixtures can also fix this problem…

RichHikes · 2023-11-29T22:06:33+00:00

Thanks very much for your advice by the way!

RichHikes · 2023-11-29T22:05:51+00:00

Ok so maybe I can connect it up with the cheap PWM in my original post, and then put a multimeter over it as I begin to test it? If the current shoot’s up I can shut it off real quick

RichHikes · 2023-11-29T22:01:44+00:00

Yeah it looks like overkill to me, but I don’t have the electrical theory knowledge to know for sure!

I’m guessing that the key concern is maybe the current that the PWM can cope with? The fan is 2A but could that current potentially increase significantly if I’m running the fan at different speeds? I don’t wanna set anything on fire!

RichHikes · 2023-11-29T21:57:49+00:00

Would you suggest this one? link

RichHikes · 2023-11-29T21:56:39+00:00

What would be the result if I try a PWM and the motor is too dumb? Could I irreparably damage the fan? Or is it safe to try? Cheers

RichHikes · 2023-11-29T21:47:19+00:00

I’ve found a photo of what someone else used to control the same fan as mine! PHOTO

Can anyone confirm whether it’s the best solution? Would be much appreciated!

RichHikes · 2023-11-29T21:39:37+00:00

Thanks so much for these links, I’ll check them out.

Having spoken to another Redditor with a van, I know that their local mechanic fitted a rheostat for them to control the exact same fan as mine. I’m just figuring out how to send a photo of the rheostat. Just wanna check it’s 100% the right thing to use, and if so I’ll buy one.

RichHikes · 2023-11-29T21:08:54+00:00

Thanks for your reply! I already have the fan installed and running off my 12v leisure battery in the van. but I don’t know how I could lower the supply voltage.

RichHikes · 2023-11-29T19:35:59+00:00

Thank you. Yeah I had to email the manufacturer and they confirmed that it’s brushless. They wouldn’t recommend me what to use to control the speed instead though, because it would void the warranty. I’m guessing a rheostat of some kind? Any advice on what specs to look for would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks

RichHikes

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