[BlindHandyMan] telephone headset
This is what I think you are talking about: I use it at home and at my Job at AAA Emergency Road Service: Work Head set for Jaws or any screen reader: the information for the headset is: Plantronics model number:SMH-1783-11 You have to call to order this headset because it is a speciality item. I do not have an area representative at this time, it is a question if they are still produced, but you can call Plantronics Tech Support and they can give you an area representative. That number is 800-544-4660 ext. 5538. The cost is anywhere from $395 to $695. I think the price has been coming down. It is also very easy to order replacement parts. Two people I work with have had problems with the cord that goes to the amplifier box to the telephone. I was able to order just this cord for $12.95. Geno
[BlindHandyMan] hot water problem
When was the last time you drained the tank? The pit valve on the bottom of the hot water tank... Geno
[BlindHandyMan] best carpet cleaners?
My good man. I have a commercial Electrolux vacuum, that does an excellent job with dog hair. This was highly recommended to me by a guy that cleans carpets for a living. I happen to love how it works with my collecting dog hair from a German Shepherd that sheds all the time. As for commercial carpet cleaning. I have found none. I hire a guy to come to my home in the Spring to do all the carpets in my home. This guy has a Steam cleaning Carpet cleaner and with his long hose from the large van, He goes through the entire house, being we are all carpeted except for the kitchen and bathroom. Within 5 hours of steam cleaning the carpet and putting down a citrus spray afterwards, the carpets are totally dry. (Finished product? Look almost brand new.) Geno
[BlindHandyMan] Vacuum Cleaner
Hearing you talk about vacuum cleaners. I have never had Rainbow cleaner. But have owned in my time Kirby and back then nice and multi versatile in getting the complete package. Then after that died I went with two machines: A: Aerus-Lux Commercial. B: A simple sears vacuum body rolls on the floor and long hose and flat heat had a small bristle on it. The first I use for the main house as all carpeted. The kitchen, bathroom and basement I use the second one for the floors. The reason for the commercial? Heavier duty and can handle the dog hairs with a wiz and believe me German Shepherd can shed! The other comes with a larger cord and can do many rooms with only plugging into one area. Just thought give you another brand. Geno, Portland, ME.
[BlindHandyMan] Master Lee, work?
Well it seems in working on some sort of project he has called to say to tell the group that he will be back in 2 or 3 days. So don't worry after falling in the pool, deck being stripped and the well he will be back and he said, Don't worry all is good! Just a minor problem with the computer. Geno on behalf of Lee
[BlindHandyMan] Projects: Eyes/blind?
This is interesting listening to you all talk about different projects as a couple. Since installing a new boiler/furnace forced hot water Natural Gas unit with the piping, wiring, fire box, ballast tank (or what ever they call it and the hot water tank, this past late winter. I have decided to re-insulate the basement, the cement blocks. As, it was just a thin layer there. Let's say first this house is 157 years old and when put back together from a fire years ago. The kept the original foundation of rock and cement. This must be pretty wide as the cement blocks are on the outer edge of it and there is a shelf all the way around that is 14 inches. We started the project yesterday and I wanted a way to come up without using two by 4's for a frame work and I came up with an idea with a friend of mine. First a thin layer of plastic and then foam insulation and what ever one wanted for a thickness for insulation value. A thing called pinning into place. So, my son Norman and I started yesterday and took the hardest area behind the boiler units and all there. First off my son has several disabilities, Serious Dyslectic on the high end, Memory issues and being able to process for multi tasking. Then of course myself a totally blind person. So, with taking measurements and Dad explaining... It was clear concise but some where along the line things were translated wrong and that too the sighted person thought it would be easer by cutting a few corners and. After one section of 8 feet long and working to put into place Well lets say we started at 10 AM and that one panel never got done till 4 PM and a few patch jobs from finally saying Blind or not, Dad, I guess you know what you are talking about, Sorry. To which in putting up two more sections it was a walk in the park. In learning some his fault and some my fault. So, now in going back at it again today. We've learned clear concise information in communicating what what we are going to do is what is needed. In the age of a 23 year old and a Dad at 59 years of age. It was not screaming or hollering, though a rough joking, and taking a break to lower the level of stress.. Coffee and a smoke... (oh yes, for those that don't smoke, I understand. We smoke pipes) Then a hug and go back at it. Again. This way we can say yes a little stressful but we made it. I am hoping that by the end of the week we'll have this finished. What is done has made a big difference just in that area. Geno son Norman
[BlindHandyMan] Batteries: Car's/Van's
Yes, Don, Over the six years working there we do here many interesting stories. The one that sticks in the brain the most is those that take their sport car and put it away for the winter, in someone's garage. It sits for two to three months and some times for 4 months. Then, call AAA, mad because the car won't start because the battery, (they say) I think is dead. Along with I don't understand I am going to need air for the tires they are semi flat. We had to stop giving out advice because people would then turn around for a lawsuit. So, we no longer give advice on this. Nor, can we give advice for the same reason for those that are driving down the highway. I have steam or white smoke coming from under the hood. Do you think we should stop? Geno
[BlindHandyMan] Batteries: Car's/Van's
I just thought , in not reading all the pieces to the battery issue. A few suggest hints might been order. A: After a battery starts getting in years. This depending on the type of battery. If the car or van or truck is not being used . Like sitting for a two to three week period and especially sitting a month or more. A: if there is instruments hooked up in the dash-board to the battery (older models) the battery is being used by these instruments. B: on the new modern cars, Vans and trucks, especially true with all the instruments hooked up. What is suggested is every three days run the unit for a half period to keep the battery in top working condition. During the winter time it is every other day run it for a half hour. If not using and don't want to bother with turning on the unit and running it for period of time, because, the price of gas. Especially if going to sit for a long period of time. This means a month or more. First off make sure that the gas tank is full and dropping as suggested or recommended dry gas to the full tank of gas. Then disconnect and remove the battery and place on a wooden block away from a cement wall and keep off a cement floor! Keeping it in a semi warm or warm room When ready can take it back out and install and of course some of the instruments will have to be reset. The two cables and the clamps that go on the positive and negative poles should be wrapped up with something that won't attract moisture, keeping them dry. Sometimes even suggesting Vaseline. If one doesn't know how to do this task, then, either find someone that does for removing or and installing the battery. If not leave well enough alone. Just know one will need to have a jump start. If there is white power around the positive and negative poles this means that they need to be cleaned and there might be other issues to look at. Again if a person knows what to do. Removing the clamps and cleaning them and the poles or some clamps to clamp and fasten too. A simple thing as baking soda and little water can clean the battery and the connecter clamps. Sometimes recommend a light course sand paper to clean. Just a thought. Geno
[BlindHandyMan] Furnace Question
Charlie, I not all that long ago of a month had a new boiler/furnace installed. Supply of fuel is Natural gas. I have forced hot water baseboard. If you are looking at the same type of unit I think I still have the information contract still on my hard drive. The old boiler/furnace was all in one unit and during it's time it worked fine. But when it came time to replace the coil or get work done on it, that part was a bit expensive for the old boiler. So, went with a 45 gallon hot water tank and the boiler and it did not take a lot of space. Gene/Geno To listen to the show archives go to link http://acbradio.org/handyman.html or ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday The Pod Cast address for the Cooking In The Dark Show is. http://www.gcast.com/u/cookingindark/main.xml Visit The Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From Various List Members At The Following address: http://www.jaws-users.com/handyman/ Visit the new archives page at the following address http://www.mail-archive.com/blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com/ For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man list just send a blank message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blindhandyman/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blindhandyman/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[BlindHandyMan] cars and towing
There has been some wonderful advice for towing trailers of any sort. Small to large. Those to live in and those to haul items. Along with what to look out for and have. Might I add in here from the perspective of working with AAA, Emergency Road Service. A: what ever you get make sure it fits what you are pulling and can successfully do the job. B: Always remember to do the general maintenance on the car, wagon or sedan or truck or van. The fluids clean and not old. Brakes, transmission and etc. Along with the proper hook up of the trailer and the other attachments. Along with making sure all lights work. C: Checking the condition of the tires! D: The weight of the unit you are hauling and not over what is recommended. E: If you are a AAA card holder the only thing that covers these sleeping unit is AAA Plus/RV or the Premier AAA. If the club offers the Premier and you are doing a long road trip. I'd highly recommend the last program from AAA. What ever your choices are make wise choice and have fun!! Geno 27, February Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ~-- Check out the new improvements in Yahoo! Groups email. http://us.click.yahoo.com/4It09A/fOaOAA/yQLSAA/86xolB/TM ~- To listen to the show archives go to link http://acbradio.org/handyman.html or ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday The Pod Cast address for the Cooking In The Dark Show is. http://www.gcast.com/u/cookingindark/main.xml Visit The Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From Various List Members At The Following address: http://www.jaws-users.com/handyman/ Visit the new archives page at the following address http://www.mail-archive.com/blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com/ For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man list just send a blank message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blindhandyman/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blindhandyman/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[BlindHandyMan] Boiler/Furnace
Dan said: The house I grew up in had this type of system. There was a coil of Copper tube that ran through the boiler that supplied hot water for heat. So, yes, combined units do exist. Thank-you Dan. I have a hard time visualizing and explaining this 15 to 16 year old system. That added in takes the warm air in the house and reheats it, in the way it is set up. The first sales person, was here from Pine State Plumbing and Heating. I told him the situation. The first thing he noted the first thing was in older homes, such as this 155 year old home. Those different heating units were in. I said yes, first a coal stove and showed him the spot. Then switched to monitor heating. Then removed and Electric was installed and then removed and Forced hot-water was put in. He continued with that is why you have what they call a circular plumbing system for the forced-hot-water heating system. The fastest way and most in expensive way of installing, then. So, then we went to the basement to take a look at the system. He noted that the boiler was in good to very good shape for the age of, he thought 14.5 years old. I said I've been here since November of 1993 and it was there a year and half before. We got the age of the unit. He noted there is things they can do to improve the system for heating. As, I noted that when the Thermostat on the second floor is turned on it takes away from the performance of the first floor. Other words if the heat on the second floor is set at 68 and the one on the first floor is at 70, on the really cold days. The up-stairs is at 68 and the first floor drops to 67 to 65 degrees. The next thing was the coil and he looked at that. So, the bottom line was looking at rebuilding and up-dating the system. With a hot-water 45 gallon tank in which the coil would be removed and more reliable heat would be provided to having consisting hot water for personal use in the home. He noted that this would improve and that your system took the air from inside of the house and ran through the system again, like paying twice. The newer systems bring cold air from outside and heating at a faster level. So, then we talked about the new system. Which he agreed in both cases to send to myself in a word document of the work, name of the boiler and parts and all cost. As, I noted that it would make much easier for myself to read. He had no problem with doing that for myself. The bottom line was, taking into consideration of Portland, ME. Prices seem to be higher. Like our any taxes! A firm price will come in the attachment but felt comfortable in the attachment via E-mail. That being rebuilding the present unit somewhere in the ball park of $5,000.00 to no more than $6,000.00 and a brand new system Which I can't remember the name. He said $10,000.00 to $11,000.00 and with this brand new system it would be zoned for a hot-water 45 gallon tank, the boiler, two radiators for the basement to keep at 65 degrees or choice I wanted it, for the first floor and the second floor. That the piping going out side would be PVC? Going outside one for the intake and the other for the out or was all in one? Allot of information to remember. With a fine screen over so nothing would get in except bugs if they dared. As, he noted the unit would never be turned off because producing hot-water during the summer and heat and hot water for the winter. He did not this was from Europe as their cost of fuel and their development of a unit that is smaller and more efficient because of the cost of fuel there. Also noted the new unit is 93% more efficient. Compared to mine that is 80 to 85% efficient. I was surprised at the size he was talking about the new unit. So, I would like to share with someone on the list that has a lot of knowledge in Natural gas boilers if possible when it comes in, here. The second person is due here on Thursday. As, no matter this is a serious investment. Geno Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ~-- Check out the new improvements in Yahoo! Groups email. http://us.click.yahoo.com/4It09A/fOaOAA/yQLSAA/86xolB/TM ~- To listen to the show archives go to link http://acbradio.org/handyman.html or ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday The Pod Cast address for the Cooking In The Dark Show is. http://www.gcast.com/u/cookingindark/main.xml Visit The Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From Various List Members At The Following address: http://www.jaws-users.com/handyman/ Visit the new archives page at the following address http://www.mail-archive.com/blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com/ For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man list just send a blank message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to:
[BlindHandyMan] Boiler/Furnace
Dale, You noted: Although that sounds a little expensive to me it also sounds like you are getting a high quality system witch will probably not cost you anything further for a long time. Do we assume that he will be using the existing radiators and plumbing or is he intending to replace them with new? Dale, the only thing is going to be new, If, I go with the brand complete new system as noted for the price. It will be The existing baseboard forced hot-water system in place now on the first floor and the second floor. What is going to be new is in the basement. That being two radiators to heat the basement and the zone and thermostat to control them. A hot-water 45 gallon tank for personal use and it's own zone and control. The new boiler and all that involves. Referring to replumbing it all from what it is now and the venting. Along with the testing of filling the lines with water and making sure all the air bubbles are out of the baseboard lines and that the thermostat in the first floor and second floor are working correctly. He noted that this unit is much smaller and that it will take up a lot less space and something about a panel with clear distinct markers on controls for the unit. Unlike the one that is here now. Exhaust box that is on the outside, that I remove the cover and oil the motor once every six months. Which, is a simple thing with the bottle you by and it's narrow nose that slides out of the bottle and insert into the two different holes. Anyway, the new system only would have PCV piping for vent and new air coming in from the outside. Hope I said, It all right. Once I get the document. Dale I'll forward it to you and you can take a look. I just got off the phone with my brother-in-law, that does plumbing and heating in the south. He knew what I was talking about, but, had no knowledge of this new European heating system. Though, knew they have been around for the last 6 years in the US, and, have heard good things about them. He too thought a lot of money and wondered if union and labor for the price, too. Geno 27, February at: 8:46 PM Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ~-- Yahoo! Groups gets a make over. See the new email design. http://us.click.yahoo.com/hOt0.A/lOaOAA/yQLSAA/86xolB/TM ~- To listen to the show archives go to link http://acbradio.org/handyman.html or ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday The Pod Cast address for the Cooking In The Dark Show is. http://www.gcast.com/u/cookingindark/main.xml Visit The Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From Various List Members At The Following address: http://www.jaws-users.com/handyman/ Visit the new archives page at the following address http://www.mail-archive.com/blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com/ For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man list just send a blank message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blindhandyman/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blindhandyman/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[BlindHandyMan] Boiler/Furnace
Well, I have a question for you guys up in this area. First off the Unit I call a boiler and some call a furnace. Is Natural Gas, forced hot baseboard water heat. Along with a quick reclaim (if said right) for hot water for the personal use. The unit is between 15 and 16 years old. I keep the maintenance up on it. The baseboard is working just fine. Yet, now four days ago the personal use hot water has fallen. I had a guy come out and take a look and said, you would be better off getting a new Boiler/furnace and just replace the entire unit. So, I've called a couple of people. Two different companies coming. One a larger plumbing and heating company and one that came highly recommended in the same field for Natural Gas units. Here is the question. Am I better of biting the dust and dishing out the bucks for an entire new unit or try to convince either or both parties to repair just the quick reclaim hot water for personal use, knowing the age of the present unit? Thanks for the wise advice. Geno in Portland, ME. Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ~-- Great things are happening at Yahoo! Groups. See the new email design. http://us.click.yahoo.com/lOt0.A/hOaOAA/yQLSAA/86xolB/TM ~- To listen to the show archives go to link http://acbradio.org/handyman.html or ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday The Pod Cast address for the Cooking In The Dark Show is. http://www.gcast.com/u/cookingindark/main.xml Visit The Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From Various List Members At The Following address: http://www.jaws-users.com/handyman/ Visit the new archives page at the following address http://www.mail-archive.com/blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com/ For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man list just send a blank message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blindhandyman/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blindhandyman/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[BlindHandyMan] Boiler/Furnace
Bill, I an all in one unit. Geno Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ~-- Check out the new improvements in Yahoo! Groups email. http://us.click.yahoo.com/4It09A/fOaOAA/yQLSAA/86xolB/TM ~- To listen to the show archives go to link http://acbradio.org/handyman.html or ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday The Pod Cast address for the Cooking In The Dark Show is. http://www.gcast.com/u/cookingindark/main.xml Visit The Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From Various List Members At The Following address: http://www.jaws-users.com/handyman/ Visit the new archives page at the following address http://www.mail-archive.com/blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com/ For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man list just send a blank message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blindhandyman/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blindhandyman/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[BlindHandyMan] raised garden bed
Monday, 05, February sent at: 8:45 PM Jim, I live here in the city of Portland, ME. Where gardening is far from anything to think about when the temperature (chill factor) is minus 5 As, the wind is clicking at 25 mph and gusting at 34 mph. Anyway, in purchasing this home the yard was a gravel parking lot and lots of gravel around the home. Over the years I've built four raised beds and have three in-ground. The in-ground is lined with landscaping timber with the round side facing up. Easy markers to find the beds. The raised beds are anything from 10 feet in length to 24 feet in length. I have a smaller one that is a V shape and capping front from either tip of the v. All the heights are three feet above the 14 inches of top soil I had brought in for covering the gravel. Anyway, in building one it is pretty easy for a blind person. I know several that have used cobble stone or rocks to build their raised beds. Just depending how much time you want to put in and the look you want on your property. S, for the filler I used here top-soil, coffee grounds, sea-weeds, much and sand. To stay away from bagged chemicals I buy 40 pound bags of cow or and horse manure. Each year working it into the soil. I love my raised beds and saves a lot on the back. All depends on what you are looking for looks and the areas that you have to work with. Weather up against the foundation of the house or out in the open. One thing you might want to know raised beds require more watering as they can dry out faster. Geno To listen to the show archives go to link http://acbradio.org/handyman.html or ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday The Pod Cast address for the Cooking In The Dark Show is. http://www.gcast.com/u/cookingindark/main.xml Visit The Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From Various List Members At The Following address: http://www.jaws-users.com/handyman/ Visit the new archives page at the following address http://www.mail-archive.com/blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com/ For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man list just send a blank message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blindhandyman/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blindhandyman/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[BlindHandyMan] test
Don't worry just testing To listen to the show archives go to link http://acbradio.org/handyman.html or ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday The Pod Cast address for the Cooking In The Dark Show is. http://www.gcast.com/u/cookingindark/main.xml Visit The Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From Various List Members At The Following address: http://www.jaws-users.com/handyman/ Visit the new archives page at the following address http://www.mail-archive.com/blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com/ For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man list just send a blank message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blindhandyman/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blindhandyman/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
