2019 DSDP 4369 - The RedBaron73 Build

[Renipladlo]

RB73 - Silverleaf might deal directly with you if NM does not install it at factory. I have driven right up to their facility and had work done on mine, and bought parts directly from them as well. Their customers service is number 1 as far as I am concerned.

[CoreyinWP]

This upgrade deserves a new thread!

[redbaron73]

Originally Posted by CoreyinWP

This upgrade deserves a new thread!

Ok...I will post to one

[NealC]

I'll PM you the number to my mod therapist. We may need to stage an intervention.

[kpecks]

Originally Posted by redbaron73

Two weeks ago I was re-reading Charlie's post (http://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/wire...ml#post4764938) on the wireless wast tank valves. I was inspired to build an automation controller based on the Barker valves.

Instead of using a wireless relay, or connecting it to Alexa, I have decided to make this a dedicated system.

The beauty of this design, is it gives 100% of the look/feel of an integrated system, but retains 100% of all manual controls.

The hardware part is very simple, but to make it really shine, some custom software was required.

I spent the last week writing a front end that I am really happy with, and wanted to share it with you.

https://youtu.be/zb9BACIVsBY

The display is a 7" touch screen. It is a dedicated device in the wetbay, and shows the tank readouts and allows for valve controls.

Slave units can easily be added, either as dedicated devices, or by using a tablet/phone.

For the geeks out there, this is a PHP/Javascript implementation using a kiosk mode of chromium browser.

The hardware is a Raspberry Pi 3 B+, the raspberry screen, and a few relays.

For the tank sensor, this is a custom design that I built. Very easy to install and calibrate. Since our tanks are an odd shape, I decided to calibrate it on 5 gallon intervals. This gives a very high-accuracy readout.

To calibrate, you need to have a water meter on your shore line. I used this one: https://amzn.to/2Elk3ns

During the calibration steps, you must begin with an empty tank, and input the max capacity of the tank. Then you begin filling. Once you reach 5 gallons, you stop the fill, let it rest, and push next on the screen. Keep repeating for all 3 tanks.

Filling the black tank is best done via the tank rinse.

I will be posting more details in the near future.

So sick!!!!

[CaptainGizmo]

Ok. So. I’ve got an idea. When you’re done, and bummed out, let’s trade rigs so that you can keep going.

Deal?

I’m thinking your 4369 might be the only one that’s appreciate in value! And it shall be listed:

Dutch Star 4369 RB Edition

[redbaron73]

I finally finished one of the projects that I started long ago, the DI rinse water system.

My original design was a 2 stage system with
.25cu ft of cation and .25 cu ft of anion resins. I wanted valves that allowed for bypass, and thought I had correctly plumbed the system. Turns out I was plumbed for upflow, and did not have the proper filter baskets. So I ended up with a mixed bed.

I decided to properly mix the resins, and use that as my first stage and then have 2 fresh resin batches for the 2 stage. This should really extend the life of my di system and there was plenty of space.


Here is a quick video of the system:
https://youtu.be/M_gOpQiGOxE

[gkonney]

Could you please PM me some information on where to buy the DI parts and what brand of Pressure Washer you have?
I am a Newbie and did not think 105 gallons of water on the road went that far!
Nice Work!

[Semituff810]

It was a slow news day, so I decided to read what amounted to 33 pages of posts on your 4369 build. What an incredibly detailed and informative series of posts! I made a bunch of notes, and can't thank you enough for taking the time to share this with us. Greatly appreciated. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[redbaron73]

I had a few PM's recently regarding the DI rinse tank system I have installed. There are multiple ways to do this, but the design I prefer is utilizing 6x18 tanks. These will fit nicely in the bays of the RV as I have pictured, and have plenty of room to install different heads.

My original system utilized the pegboard bay and the On-the-Go DI dual tank system.

The O2G is a complete kit ready to use and cost $405.00 shipped with the resin. It is available from amazon here: https://amzn.to/2KWqD8f

What I did not like about this system is there was no way to easily bypass the filter, and the link between the tanks was prone to leaking.

I went about designing my own system from scratch, and found Pure Water Products.
pwp@purewaterproducts.com
(940) 382-3814
Water Filtration Products Catalog – Pure Water Products, LLC


Here is a cut/paste of my order:
2 ta501 Polyglass Mineral Tank; 6" x 18"(Almond)
2 bw524 Fleck Fine Mesh Bottom Basket Riser, 1.05" X 54"
2 wh900 Clack; In/Out Head, Vent Tap
2 bw650 Clack Bypass Valve, 1" male NPT
2 bw651 Clack Elbow Adapter, 1"
2 bw520 Fleck Top Basket, 1.05"


Total per set -- $189 ($378 for pair)

The clack heads with the bypass are very expensive @ $88 per tank, but they allow me to bypass the resin and deliver water at a higher pressure without wasting DI for the rinse process.

After buying the tanks, I then had to buy the resin.

By far, the best option so far is On-The-Go from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2IPr3us
$120.00 for both tanks, bringing total cost of my build to $498, or $95 more than buying the kit, and giving me a far better head that does not leak.

The Input/Output of the tank is a 1" NPT thread, so you will need reducers if you are going to use garden hose as I have done.

Amazon has these in 2-packs for $9.99 - https://amzn.to/2Xkahgf


You will need a total of 4 adapters.

For the mounting bracket, I created these using a 3D printer, and then used 36" straps to secure the tanks. https://amzn.to/2WKr4Vf


As I mentioned in the video, I made a mistake with my first batch, and didn't install the upflow baskets. This resulted in all of the resin from tank 1 moving to tank2, and then proceeding to flow thru the rest of my pipes into the pressure washer. This was a huge mess, and one that you don't want to make.

Since I had a lot of fresh resin that was mixed, I purchased a 3rd tank, and made it a mix resin system.

As a result, I have a system that will take my terrible 500+ppm water to less than 3ppm, and should do so for a very long time.

["007"]

INFO on soft start of AC's on your coach and a scam possibly.

[redbaron73]

I sold my coach today. Watched it drive out of the garage for the last time.


Many of the mods I listed in this thread will be redone in my new upcoming thread "2022 LADP 4551 - The RedBaron73 Build".


I can now safely put into print that this coach was absolutley the most reliable coach I have ever owned. It never left me stranded, the service network was amazing, and I never had a DEF head failure.


I am weary of getting a Spartan chassis, but at this time, that is the only choice I have. If I had a choice, I would have ordered a Freightliner.

My New Thread is here

[CaptainGizmo]

And so the close of this book and onto the next.

The travels of the Red Baron will soon continue!

[dmp1991]

Congrats Redbaron! Hope you enjoy the new coach!