The Greatest Gift

On By The Flying DutchmanIn FaithLeave a comment

This was the craziest year I’ve ever had to live through.  Our son turned violent seemingly out of nowhere.  I was told I was being laid off.  Wife and daughter battling various gut-related ailments.  Mother-in-law with health problems.  Adjusting to a new church.  The temptation to give up and grumble about all our problems was fierce.  Instead, my prayers changed.  I stopped asking God for anything.  I merely praised Him in my prayers.

I acknowledged Him as the maker of the universe, and all that is contained in it.  The stars are as works of His fingers.  In truth WE are the work of His fingers, the stars were spoken into existence.   He spoke all there is into existence except humans.  He scooped up the dirt with His own hands and formed us.  He breathed His own breath into us.  Wouldn’t the same God bear my family through these trials?  In fact, He did.

In fact I appreciate the green pastures to which He has led me far more now that He has born me through the desert.  I prayed to Him in faith and He responded to me in faithfulness.  What’s more, He provided a Savior to relieve me of the burden of my sins.  The season we now celebrate is the coming of that Savior.  I do not celebrate the arrival of sweet baby Jesus, I celebrate the coming of the Lord of Armies!  The arrival of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!  All glory and power and honor are His.  The same hands that formed us out of the dirt are the same hands that were pierced for our transgressions.  The same hands that bore me through my trials, the same hands that relieved me of my burdens and blessed me with the peace and joy I now have.  These hands brought my family and I the greatest gift we will ever receive.  A gift we get to receive every day for the rest of eternity!

May you and your families enjoy the peace brought by the Lord of Armies, the conquering King; Yeshua Hamashiach!

Love Is The Fuel

On By The Flying DutchmanIn OpinionLeave a comment

Shortly before Gene Roddenberry died, he had a vision for a new science fiction epic.  He never realized his new television show but his widow, Majel Roddenberry did.  The show was called Andromeda and ran for 3 or 4 years.  One of the hidden gems of this show were the quotes at the beginning of every episode. These quotes were from historical characters in Andromeda’s fictional universe.  This one is one of my favorites…

“If hope is the engine of the soul, then duty is the navigator… and love is the fuel.”

–Sani Nax Rifati, High Guard Supreme Commander
Persuasions and Exhortations
CY 4279

— From the TV series, Andromeda

The Great Gift Exchange

On By The Flying DutchmanIn FaithLeave a comment

Heard a great message from our pastor this weekend.  He was using gift exchanges as an illustration.  You give each other gifts at Christmas and then within a day or two, MANY people are at the store exchanging these gifts for something else.  Maybe something that’s a different color, a different size, or just something plain better!  He made the point that this is what God did for us.  We brought him our brokenness, our deceit, our pathetic worship, our shortcomings, our evil, our sins.  But He exchange all of them for His grace, mercy, and His Son.  We brought filth, He exchanged it for His holiness.  We brought disobedience, He exchanged it for His Son’s obedience.  All the debts that we owed were paid by His son, Jesus Christ.  Truly the greatest gift exchange in history.

2014 Ram 1500 ST Integrated Brake Controller Installation

On By The Flying DutchmanIn Ram Truck, Repair, RV LifeLeave a comment

I didn’t specifically buy this truck to do any towing.  It was literally going to be just a replacement vehicle for the minivan, which, was falling apart.  Especially after seeing the abysmally low tow ratings for the RAM 1500 ST.  Then I started researching light weight travel trailers and starting thinking “what if”?  Then I found the Lance model 1985 travel trailer.  It has a gross weight well under my truck’s max tow rating.  However, I would need to add a brake controller.

I actually already had a brake controller I could have used but it’s the type that hangs down below the dash and you end up knocking your knees on it getting in and out of the truck.  After doing some research I found it was possible to add the factory supplied brake controller.  I used THIS DOCUMENT as my guide to installing the Ram Integrated Brake Module (RIBM) and everything went (almost) well.

When you order the RIBM, it comes with two bezels, one charcoal grey and the other tan.  I used the grey bezel to match my panel obviously.  It installs into the below space in your panel.  Originally there was a small change holder here.  It removes easily with two screws and the RIBM slides right into place.  Ram supplies an extra screw to hold the RIBM in place.  These are Torx 20 screws.

 

To get at the wiring you have to remove the kneeguard panel just below the steering wheel.  This is super easy as well.  You remove two screws at the bottom of the panel and it snaps out.  Then just let it hang by it’s wiring.

img_20161210_093637

Here is unfortunately where I stopped taking pictures.  To complete the installation I had to tap into the pink wire in the upper right corner of the above photo.  I then had to run this wire over to the brake controller.  The reason I had to do this is because the RIBM comes with two connection ports.  I had the first connector in my truck.  This is the one that goes to the 7 way plug back at my tow hitch.  The second connector supplies power and connects back to the truck’s EVIC or Electronic Vehicle Information Center.  My truck didn’t come with an EVIC so they didn’t bother to put this second plug in.  So at the other end of the wire I ran I installed a small female pin that fit the male pins on the second RIBM connector. (These connectors are available on Amazon.)

I crimped the pin onto the wire (make sure you use the proper crimpers for this or else use pliers and some solder.) I put some heat shrink over the end so the bare metal connector wouldn’t short against any of the other pins.  To make sure the cable stayed on I used some super strong duct tape to tape the wire to the bottom of the RIBM.

I plugged the red wire into the smaller connector and then installed the RIBM into the panel.  After it was secured I plugged the connector I found under my panel into the second larger connector on the RIBM.  When I turned the key and saw that it powered on I put all the dashboard panels back into place.

I know that CF means controller fault and that’s because there is no trailer connected.  What I don’t know yet is how long it flashes this message.  I didn’t leave it powered on that long because it was starting to rain.  I’ll do some more research today and see if I installed it correctly.

UPDATE:

The CF (Controller Fault) problem has been solved!  When I first read about this installation many of the people who did this before me said that I only needed to hook up the +12V line on the second jack in the controller.  This the the single wire I connected as discussed above.  This was simply not true.  I had to connect the CANBUS + and – lines as well.  Even though I don’t have an EVIC, these lines are needed by the controller.  Otherwise it thinks there is a problem.  After I connected these pins per the document I referred to above, the controller functioned correctly!  I have not connected a trailer to it yet so I don’t yet know completely if the RIBC is fully functional.

More Flying

On By The Flying DutchmanIn Aviation, Powered ParaglidingLeave a comment

There is something about Sunday afternoons that makes them just perfect for flying.  This past Sunday I finally got to hitch the trailer up to my new truck and see how it tows.  Not surprisingly I couldn’t even feel the trailer back there.  I drove out to New Jerusalem and set up my powered paraglider.  This was the second day in a row I drove out to the airport but unlike the day before, I would be able to fly this day.  The day before, there was a student doing pattern work (practicing take offs and landings) with his instructor.  I didn’t want to get involved with that so I elected not to fly.

The weather was near perfect.  Winds were light but the air was cold.  No matter, I wanted to fly!  I spent about 30 minutes patrolling the local farms and a short stretch of the Stanislaus River.  I was too cold to stay up much longer than that but it was a very enjoyable flight. Even the late Autumn haze was somewhat enjoyable. Great takeoff, no turbulence, and a picture perfect landing.  Here’s a quick video of the flight.

After I landed I just sat in my seat and listened to the sounds of the airport.  The birds, the wind, the traffic in the distance, and the “tinking” sounds of my engine cooling down.  This is something I used to do in my airplane too.  I just like to sit and reflect on the flight before I get out and pack up.  It’s one of life’s most peaceful moments.  Here is video so you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the airport as well.  Ignore my commentary. 🙂

Here are a few pictures of the amazing sunset and one of my “portable airport”.

 

Interim Dreaming

On By The Flying DutchmanIn RV Life, Travel3 Comments

Since I bought an interim truck to hold me over until I can buy the big truck, Cristy and I started thinking about buying an interim trailer to hold us over until we can buy the big trailer.  My Ram 1500 has a max trailer weight of 6050 lbs so I began looking for a lightweight travel trailer I could safely tow with my Ram.  After doing some research I came across Lance Travel Trailers.  Lance is well known for their truck campers but they also make some really nice, light travel trailers.

The largest model my truck can safely tow is the 1985.  It has a maximum weight of 5700 lbs.

The 1985 is small enough to fit into most state and national park campgrounds, easily towed, yet JUST big enough to be livable for more than overnight trips.  It’s literally the biggest little trailer I could find.

Fully loaded the trailer will be over 5000 lbs.  The Ram 1500 owner’s manual strongly recommends using a weight distribution hitch for trailers over 5000 lbs.  For that I’ll go with the Andersen 3344 no-sway hitch.  This type of hitch transfers some of the trailer’s weight to the front wheels of your towing vehicle.  What’s really nice is that no modifications need to be made to your vehicle, the weight distribution hitch clamps to the frame of the trailer’s hitch.

We’re not quite ready to buy the trailer but this is the new plan.  We will still move toward the bigger truck and trailer but for now this is what we will learn the ropes on.

 

Goodbye Sienna, Hello Ram

On By The Flying DutchmanIn Opinion, RV Life, WorkLeave a comment

img_20161119_143059After 18 years of reliable service we decided it was time to put our 1998 Toyota Sienna out to pasture.  I knew that I wanted a Ram 3500 to be our tow vehicle when we eventually start travelling full time.  I also knew that we won’t be able to live that lifestyle for another 7 to 10 years.  There would be no point in having a Ram 3500 as my daily driver for the next 7 years.  But I also knew the Sienna wasn’t going to last another 7 years.  After discussing it with my wife she suggested I get an interim truck.  After searching around a little I finally settled on a bare bones Ram 1500.  This particular truck has storage compartments on either side of the bed, and basic instrumentation.  I went basic so the truck wouldn’t be an attractive target for thieves.

img_20161120_164049

It’s good to finally have a vehicle that doesn’t sound like it’s about to fall apart, will pass smog, and can tow heavier loads than the minivan could.  I’m even starting to think about a small travel trailer so my wife and I can do some camping.

Another Pleasant Valley Sunday

On By The Flying DutchmanIn Aviation, Powered ParaglidingLeave a comment

What a beautiful Sunday today was.  It started with a wonderful church service, then grocery shopping with my wife.  After that we had lunch and took a nap.  After a quick check of the wind I packed up the powered paraglider and headed out to New Jerusalem Airport.

There was a gentle breeze just barely causing the windsock to move as I pulled up to the gate.  I pulled up and parked between the taxiway and the runway.  As I got out I enjoyed the warm autumn breeze and listened to the redwing blackbirds call to each other.   I retrieved my wing from it’s stuff sack and laid it out near the end of the runway.  A family pulled up on the other side of the fence and watched me setting up.  I walked back to the trailer and offloaded my trike.  I did an engine runup and then drove the trike over to my waiting wing.  Trike centered between the risers, clip on the risers, check to make sure the clips are locked shut.  Leg straps, shoulder harness, chest strap, anti-torque strap, radio clipped on and secure.  I called on 122.9 Mhz announcing “New Jerusalem traffic, powered paraglider departing runway 30.”

I gently squeeze the throttle and guide the wing up with my thumbs, as it starts to come overhead I pull on the brake lines to keep the wing behind me.  Wing looks stable so I squeeze in full throttle and my wing gently swings me into the air.  At 50 feet off the ground I begin a right 180 degree turn.  I fly over the family parked on the other side of the fence, I wave, they wave back.

I only climb to about 150 feet this evening.  The sun was just sinking behind the tops of the Diablo Range on the west side of the valley.  Over the Sierras I could see the super moon starting to rise.

I didn’t really want to fly anywhere in particular, just fly around, enjoy the feeling of being up in the air.  Sometimes I just want to be up, it’s my happy place.

I flew around the orchards for a while and then took a couple of turns around the airport.  Then it was time to land.  (I didn’t want to get home too late, after all, Sunday is Columbo night at our house.)

I slowly circled back to the other end of the airport where I took off.  The family was now out on the runway flying a model airplane.  Not a good idea guys, this is an active airport.  No matter, I decide to land between the taxi way and runway where I am parked.  When I am sure I will hit my landing spot I shut my engine off.  There is small child with them.  I don’t want my engine running anywhere near them.  They are about 100 feet from me when I set down.  As my trike rolls to a stop I pull my brake lines all the way down and my wing gently rustles to the ground behind me.  I sit and listen to the the evening for a moment.  The sounds of the family talking, the birds,  the buzzing of a late bee trying to make it back to the hive before it gets dark.  A wonderful end to a wonderful weekend.

Hurt

On By The Flying DutchmanIn FaithLeave a comment

No, I’m not hurt.  Hurt as in the song ‘Hurt’.  It was written by Trent Rezner and first performed by Nine Inch Nails.  It describes a hellish life of drug addiction and self-destructive behavior.  Then, shortly before he died, Johnny Cash did a cover of Hurt.  I’ve never been a hugh Johnny Cash fan but this song really speaks to me.  His version does not come across sounding like a man caught in drug addiction.  This version sounds more like a man looking back across the years of his life and lamenting the things he did to hurt others, especially those whom he loved the most.  It sounds like a man at the end of his days seeking redemption.

Providentially redemption is something we can all attain no matter what kind of lives we led.  Christ is always quick and ready to forgive.  He will take all your emotional burdens and regrets upon Himself for no reason other than He loves you.  His heart breaks to see you in pain and He can lift that pain.  It’s the best offer in history of which sadly very few will take advantage.  If you want to know how to find real, lasting peace.  Just ask me.

In the mean time I leave you with Johnny Cash’s cover of Hurt.

Airborne Checkin On HAM Radio Net

On By The Flying DutchmanIn Aviation, HAM, Powered ParaglidingLeave a comment

On my morning drive in to work I usually tune in and listen to the SARA (Stanaslaus Amateur Radio Association) Morning Traffic and Information Net on my HAM radio.  A net is when a group of HAMs get together on the radio and take turns speaking to each other.  This net is used to talk about the weather we can expect that day and any traffic information for the commuters.  Otherwise people just talk about what they are going to do for the day, their Aunt Edna, or whatever.  I check in every now and then but mostly just listen.

This week I decided to check in from my powered paraglider.  HAM radio operators get a thrill out of new or unusual contacts (contact with someone via radio).   So here is a short video of that flight.  I added my usual artistic flair by adding some music to make it less boring.  Enjoy!