Roofing on the way!

Roof on this wonderful RV of mine looks to be the original rubber roof, and it definitely shows it's age.  Seems like every time I climb up there see another sign of shrinkage and other things which need patching.

So, I have JUST ordered (yesterday) my new roofing material, from Grizzly Grip.  Will be receiving it late next week.  Saw the idea for this type of roofing, though different material/manufacturer, from this post on RV.net forums.  Seems like it's a fairly simple thing to do and not all that complex.  They put it on in one heavy coat and have developed a couple leaks, due to some thin spots here and there.  I plan on following instructions (ssshhh, I normally don't) and do it in two coats.

Will be posting pictures of the whole process.  Saturday will most likely start cleaning and what not, and actual application will be later.

Other happenings

Nevada DMV

It's been a while since have jotted down my travels.  I was in Palm Springs when received e-mail from mail forwarder stating I had a certified letter arrive from the DMV.  It was a very quizzical moment as knew had to get the VIN inspected though was under impression (after calling them) that it wasn't all that big of a deal.

Turns out they are little sticklers for having insurance on vehicles, and they use the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to match up electronic feed from insurance company to registration.  I knew, after receiving a letter from them, that the VIN they read didn't match up to the VIN on the original title I received from the seller.  This was very troublesome in that had to make special trip.

Left Palm Springs (actually Eagles club in Coachella, CA) and drove to Pahrump, NV, before they suspended the registration.  It was a REQUIREMENT that it be read at a Nevada DMV office.  One thing that hurt me, though I totally expected it (avoided filling up in CA), is that I put in 77 gallons of diesel into the tank upon arrival..  That hurt seeing the numbers keep going up n up n up.

Got to the DMV office, and after waiting two hours was called up.  It was funny in a way, just the mentality, in that the lady who helped me started blaming me, then the insurance company, for having an incorrect VIN.  I simply stated, as tactful and respectful as possible, that it was an incorrect reading by the prior DMV employee, and she just had to accept that.  This prompted her to get the VIN read, and by golly, I was correct.

So, after another hour I was able to leave, though it wasn't truly "fixed" in the computer.  The manager, Deb, actually had to do some weird funky stuff, like creating a new "record" (registration I assume), and then the IT folks would merge it the next day.  Either way I walked out with a fixed registration.

After spending 3 hours there, I left soon as they told me to.  Turns out I also left my license (they had it in paperwork and I forgot they had it), so had to go back the next day.  Then, a day later Deb, the manager, called me back stating that everything was good'ish.  YAY, but still 3 hours out of my life I would've not liked to spend there, not to mention drive up there and back.

Pahrump, NV

While in Pahrump, stayed at the Escapee's park, Pair-A-Dice, and it was a fairly good park with a very reasonable weekly rate ($90).  Was quite happy and will be back here if have to come back.  Great people, great comraderie, and just a wonderful feeling.

Acton, CA

I stayed in Acton for 3 days, and then I had to "rage leave", in that cell service there was very iffy, as place was in a canyon, and internet that day was very very spotty.  The campground was fairly nice, except for lack of cell and reliable internet service.  If don't need those two would come back here.

The town was a very nice, quaint town.  Was very happy as went to local pizza place, local grocery store, etc., and really like the area due to it's "small town" feel.

Los Angeles, CA

When decided to leave Acton, truly had no idea where I would be going.  Planned on going to the 3D Printer World Expo in the area so closer to there was my goal.  My first destination was an Eagles Club in Downtown LA, somewhat close to the docks.  On phone they said I could "try and come", though there was very limited parking available.  As between rock and a hard place set destination there first.  Got there and it wasn't pretty.  Not exactly easy to drive RV through the streets and am sure people were thinking who that crazy person was.  Found quiet spot to pull over and called another eagles club, in Riverside.  They have RV parking but referred me to one in San Bernardino as they have full hookups.

Long story short, got to San Bernardino around 9 PM, spent night in parking lot, and then got a nice site the next day.  There's actually real trees and real grass!! Price is right, $12 a day.  They have a dump station but not "full hookups" as have to drive to dump the yukky stuff.  Still a very nice area and very nice people here.  Would do again, but drive straight from Acton and save 3+ hours of driving.

Turns out Acton is closer to the Expo than San Bernardino, but at least have internet and cell phone!

Follow-up on 3D PrinterExpo

My last post focused heavily on the RigidBot printer, which I backed via KickStarter.  I mainly did that for all of my fellow backers which ponied up some cash for it.  However, there were quite a few other very nice printers there. It was geek heaven, at least for me.

There were many other manufacturers there, from other KickStarter projects and independant companies.  Also some design software, 3D printing services, etc etc.  Am jotting down what I found neat.  Here is their pdf version of their floor plan.

In no particular order:

3D Printer Corp

This booth didn't really invoke images of splendor or quality.  However, one look at their sample prints and couldn't see, or feel, any ridges commonly associated to 3d Printers.  They used the printers which require resin (SLP I think).  Looks like they had very high quality resins (which can only get if buy their printer). The sample parts they had were very detailed and looked like some of them came out of a milling machine, it was that smooth.

The printers start out at $10K and go upwards of $300K.  The person manning the booth was definitely full of himself, but he had some reason to be with the quality I saw.

Based on the prints I saw, I expect close to the same quality from another Kickstarter project I backed, The Peachy Printer.  Still a ways from fruition but the layer depth is highly customizable, hopefully laser accuracy is very precise.  This project is in no way related to this booth.

Matterhackers

Didn't look at this booth all that much, though did catch a glimpse of the software they displayed to control 3D printers from a desktop computer.  This looks to be primarily a 3D filament company, which is essential to 3D printers.

Primary feature of the software I saw was the ability to schedule jobs and have them run in that order. For that functionality looks like computer needed to be connected to printer, though it is possible to export the STL (or GCODE?) files to an SD card, which would then insert into most printers.  One of the few printers it doesn't support is the MakerBot's, which is fine by me.

Affinia

This was a very nifty, compact, and "cute" little printer.  It was featured in Make Magazine as the top printer from 2013.  Looks like can't read the article but they had the magazine at the booth, but here is an overview.  Also, sadly but not surprisingly, looks like they are, or were, being sued by Stratysis.  It seems like they're the equivalent of Monsanto, but a different industry.

The printer is priced at $1,599.00.  Not sure where their pricing numbers come from but for me it seems a little steep in comparison to what you're actually getting. Did like the printer, it was very quiet and looked very well designed.  Small print area though looked like it was truly load n print, in that there isn't much configuration to be done.

Formlabs

This company also had a successful KickStarter, which I didn't back.  Drama is never far from 3D printing as here is another one which was, or is, embroiled in a lawsuit over patent infringement.  Don't know the resolution, or anything else, about the case other than what's in the link.

This printer is a very nicely polished one, and very functional also.  Looks like the prints are high quality, no plastic extrusion, and it's a very nice job.  Didn't catch the price, but it's definitely not a cheap one, though it's a very nice package.

Airwolf3D

The printers on their webpage don't look familiar so might be mistaken on this one, but location jives from what I recall about this booth.

What struck me as odd about this printer is that it uses 3mm filament.  Most of the printers at the show used the thinner 1.75mm filament, so was quite surprised.  Questioned them on this and said one of their primary reasons for this is there's more material to grip so feeding the plastic into the extruder is more reliable.  Dunno, unsure, but sounds plausible.

OpenBeam

This company has had two KickStarter projects.  One for their Kossel Pro printer and the other for an OpenBeam construction kit.

Saw these people at the mini MakerFare in Seattle this part year and was very impressed.  While there, there was also a Google booth with a 3D printer, and the engineer who owns that printer was here also.  He has a very unique, and neat, self leveling system where, prior to print, it takes measurements of the bed height in many places and adjusts the raft, or bottom later, as needed to make printed object the proper size.

The Kossel Pro printer they had on display at this booth is the one from KickStarter.  While it's not truly for sale yet, it'll be listed on Amazon when it is.  The creator of printer was showing me some very neat, and nifty, things he did with the print head, such as adding 3 very small fans to blow air down around the print head and also through the print head so the heat doesn't go up the shaft and cause plastic to melt before it's time.  They had a very nice display and if space permits I will be considering buying one of these!

Other booths

There were several other noteworthy booths to mention, but running out of time. It was a great experience to be here.

The entrance fee was a little high, $35 for two days, or $35 for one day, didn't matter.  For the talks there were two prices, but not so for entry into the "floor" area.  Only complaint.

3D Printer World Expo - Burbank, CA

I came back to California for this primarily.  Have been without reliable internet for about a week, which is why haven't had time to post my musings.

Initially went to a campground around Acton, CA.  The campground was nice but the Wi-Fi was horrendous at times and cell phone signal (at Wi-Fi area) was nil to non-existant.  I somewhat need both for work.

The almost MAIN reason for actually wanting to come here is for the chance to get a free printer..  OK, silly reason, but they did give away 16 printers for FREE.  One of the printers they gave away is from a company who I backed on KickStarter.

The 3D Printer World Expo

Makerbot

Now, since this blog is all about me, and my thoughts, I want to mention, while not the reason I came here, did see MakerBot there.  I was a HUGE supporter of them and bought my first, and their first model, 3D printer, the Cupcake, #1670.  Went to their HQ in Brooklyn and everything.  I had nothing but problems with it and they offered no support at all in regards to it.  Someplace haveHere written down my logs, similar to this blog, about what had to do/change/etc to make it even work part way.  In short, completely replaced electronics, rewrote software, yada yada yada.  So, now I tell people to avoid their products at all costs.  The new ones today come with a 14 day warranty, 14 days from time of shipment.....  Whoop dee dooo!

They were innovative, but innovation left and inflated prices took over.  They were purchased by Stratysis, who are a little sue happy and sued them for something.  Long story short, they settled and bought MakerBot for umpteen million bucks (overpriced IMHO).

I truly believe in the technology, so enter the KickStarter project I backed!

RigidBot

"Normal" RigidBot Give-Away

The RigidBot printer is a KickStarter project which was created by a company called Inventapart, which is a rapid prototyping company.  I thought they were only giving away a printer, but to my surprise, they actually had a booth here!  YAY YAY.

Went and talked with the two people manning the booth.  One is doing an internship there from one of the local colleges (major is mechanical engineer), and not sure what the other one does.  Schmoozed them a little, well, not at all actually, and they gave me a T-shirt, after I mentioned backed them on KickStarter.

Give-Away? detail frame/bed

Prior to finding their booth saw the "give away" printer on the front table and it was an interesting sight.  Snapped most of the pictures shown here from the prototype.

Now, judging from my limited experience with a sub-standard printer (see MakerBot #1670 above) am very impressed with how this looks so far.  To say I am utterly disappointed in that MakerBot is an understatement.

Closeup of side rod and gear. Interesting

Upon talking with the intern, and some people won't like this, it turns out that he's the one doing at least a portion of the setup guide.  Have seen many people question that.  It sounds, and looks, like there is a lot of activity underway which we don't see through the KickStarter updates.  And, some more people might disagree, but I truly think that with said intern doing at least a portion of the documentation this helps the backers as he would generally think of things that the creator (Michael) might not think of.

Power supply and connecting cables

 One thing, upon looking at the give-away machine, that I am not particularly fond of, is the propietariesh (yes, made up word) parts.  Most everything seems like it has some sort of proprietary component to it.  Some things it's hard to avoid, like the heated bed and the frame.  I hope, and have faith, that Michael put in enough thought into the complete design of this printer.  Going in knew about the number of proprietary parts, but seeing them just made me go humm.  Still have a good feeling about this project, and am very happy to be a part of it.  Will just see how everything lines up when we get to that point!

One side of Exturder (print head)

 A lot of people backing the project have had specific questions about the extruder.  While I don't claim to know much about them, and people will claim to know infinitely more than I do, this looks to be a very compact, lightweight, and simple design.  There are some things I noticed about it that seem rather interesting.

First was that the hole in which the filament fed in seemed to be able to support up to 3mm filament.  This could work great for me as I have about 30 pounds (yes pounds, or ~15 kilo's, of 3mm ABS filament).  Unsure if this could cause any problems in the long run when using 1.7mm, or maybe it's extra room for a hose to enclose the filament, unsure.

Rear of Extruder

Second was how small and dinky it looked.  Though it's been awhile, I'm used to the big and bulky Makerbot initial extruders, with the long cylinder and gads of insulation and who knows what else.  Here it looked like the thermistor(?) was fairly tiny and the melt area was also very tiny.  Hopefully that tininess is a result of great engineering!

While there, also had a talk with one of their engineers(?), the other person manning the booth.  Because of all the 3mm filament I have, inquired about a some options for me, such as other extruders, etc.  He pulled out a small bag with some filament parts and said that if I had the tools, i.e. drill press, it might be possible to drill out the inside so it can take the larger filament.  I'd then have to tune things to control the melting, maybe adjust flow rate through the software and other things like that.  Will see what happens.  He did mention I could order a bag of those extruder parts from the website to fiddle around with if wanted to.  If the mood strikes will do.

"BIG" build plate extended

From my meager software engineering mind, everything did look surprisingly well built and very sturdy.  The aluminum plate securing the extruder to the platform was very solid.  All of the rods and connection points (to the frame) had very tight tolerances.  The 3D printed connector parts (they were the prototypes after all) seemed very solid as well with tight tolerances.  The whole construction seemed very solid, from top to bottom.

One thing did notice, and it will make me rethink where this goes in the RV, is the build plate extends past the frame.  When ordered this printer had no inkling that would be in an RV now, otherwise things might've changed.  This, at least in my humble mind, is a design flaw.  Am unsure if it's due to these being the prototype machines, unsure if they have remedied this in the final version, I didn't say anything and they never said anything.  Take what you will from that, but this is the only thing which causes me concern.  Was going to enclose everything to keep the heat in, this puts a wrinkle in that.  One of my concerns is that things don't always go bump in the night, they go bump in the day too, and afraid that this could bump into other things.

The machine was humming along smoothly, and very quiet, though it was hard to hear much machine noise in a crowded hall.  The prints were small little keychains but still didn't see any hiccups at all.  On the control panel, in front of the machine at the booth, saw the USB plugin, which is where assume we can attach a thumb drive of sorts to load jobs.  The prints were controlled from a laptop that was right there and didn't notice any communication glitches.  There were some limit switches, saw one for lowering the extruder rig, and think there was at least one more, but didn't see that.
 As said before, am still happy I backed this project.  There are very few printers, if any, in this price range, that doesn't have any "flaws".  What I perceive as a flaw others might not, and vice versa.

Quartzsite, AZ

Took a ride out here on Saturday, 1/18/2014.  Stayed at the Eagles club #2594 in Coachella Valley.  It's out on the far edge of the valley, a good 30 minutes to Palm Springs itself.  There are a couple of truck stops just down the road, TA and Love's.  This Eagles had full hookups, electric water and the smelly stuff.  The smelly stuff was a little too far away to hook up hose to, so had to backup, empty, then pull forward again.  In a way this was OK as supposed to leave tanks in the closed position at all times, according to the guy I listened to at the FMCA Rally.

I should've taken a picture when in Quartzsite, AZ, but it was a MADHOUSE.  Wall to wall people, very little room to move around, traffic lights took forever, and then some.

Came here for a couple reasons, one to see what all the hub-bub was about, the other was to pick up a propane heater.  Accomplished both missions.

Picked up an Olympian Wave 6 Propane Catalytic Heater.  New they're over $300.  "Refurbished", at the show, they were $135.  A substantial savings if someone was to ask me.  That night I went to a local hardware store and picked up all the parts, including a flaring tool and a small pipe cutter.  These two tools, which will only use one time, added about $30 onto the bill, and the bill for all the parts, fittings, hoses, etc (tools too) came to an additional $100.  However, at the current place am at in Pahrump, there is a little workshop with tools, so maybe I can return the ones I bought when go back to Palm Springs.

Don't have any pictures yet of this purchase, or this project, but will be accomplishing it this week and posting what went through for the install process.  It looks to be fairly simple.  One thing which I have tried to avoid is working with gas, such as natural gas or propane.  In this case I actually have to work on it as, well, it's only me, and Mia.  Can't farm out the work with this one.

Already have a spot picked to hook it up, under the stove.  There's a nice copper line will be cutting into and it promises to be an easy thing, albeit several hours.

At Quartzsite, they have one main tent, think like a BIG circus tent.  Inside, and outside, they have all the vendors and it's a typical RV show thing.  Some good deals to be had, as well as some not so good deals. There were some Jug-O-Juice companies, some chintzy magnetic bands things, even saw a chintzy insole.  Most things like that I saw was not quality, and none of them seemed to only want to make a buck, and not care about why customer was looking.

While here saw some familiar faces from the FMCA rally, as well as other people I have come across in my travels.  They had an Escapee booth (and I'm a lifetime member).  Had to stop in to thank them.  I also ran into some other Escapee's I met in Yuma.  It was funny seeing them up here, fun was had all around.  I even helped someone drag her husband away from some booth.

There were booths there for all sorts of things, from Workampers (such as temporary help at Amazon or camp hosts at campgrounds), to Jug-O-Juice-O-Matic's, to Honda Generators and the like, and cooking pans too.  A large range of activities.

Next year I plan on staying in town for a week, hopefully dry camping out on BLM land.  If not there were quite a few cheap RV parks in town (very squishy squishy) if worse came to worse.  Also very cheap.

Epilogue

Some people always forget this.  Some people have never experienced this.  Timing is everything and figured would share this quote from something I saw on Google+

"The best things in life aren't material "things".  They are moments, feelings, lessons, faith, emotions, discoveries, and truths"

This quote highlights one of the things I will be achieving from this journey, as I identified when wrote The Meaning.  This post is also in regards to the passing of Pia.  As mentioned, have received her remains, and one of the steps which I need to do, for myself, and to honor Pia, is to write this post, much of which is outside my comfort zone by quite a bit.

One of the things which I need to experience, and have experienced some of now, is loss.  While loss is in everyone's life, some people insulate themselves more so than others.  And some people experience it at different times in life, under different circumstances.

Front paw print

This is a first for me.  Have experienced loss of pets before, but when I was knee high to a grasshopper and didn't really know much.  Nothing, EVER, has impacted me this much.

Paw print and pin

Unsure why, but have never been able to show true emotions before.  Still not fully sure of all the emotions out there which await me.  Not sure I want to know sometimes, but know I must.  However, they will all come in due time, at the right time, at the time which is most important, and impactful, for me to learn. Some things we cannot rush, and the things we cannot rush are the most important in life (in my view).

Closeup of pin

This is the first time, since I was knee high to a grass hopper, which I shed genuine tears and cried like a baby.  Not just once, but several times.  Truly never knew I really had that in me.  I would attempt to call these manly tears, but I have hard time calling myself that.  Not that I'm not one, but in order to get that I feel have to experience the meaning of this journey.  Am one step closer, the emotions, the grieving process, all things have not experienced before.

Pin and card

After she passed in my arms, and after the "talk" with the doctor who saw her last breath, I had to go to the RV to retrieve my card (to pay for the cremation).  It was all I could do to stop whimpering like a school girl as opened door to walk across the parking lot.  The emotions just welled up and it was extremely difficult controlling them during walk to RV.  It was almost like the walk of shame after leaving a place of ill repute, but vastly different.

Nicely wrapped up

Most guys don't really talk about things like this, it seems like it's a taboo topic among men really.  This is another part of what I must do on this journey of mine.  I must open myself up, hard as it might be, as it's part of the meaning. This is all encompassing for most of what I do, and what I post.  When I truly realize what wrote there, once have figured it out, will spread the word.

Cedar box containing remains

After the talk, after the walk, soon as got to the RV, and before looking for the card, immediately went to the rear, where the bed is, and flopped right down, teary eyes and all, hoping to just take a breather.

Enclosed thing

However, soon as body touched the bed, the flood gates opened and there was nothing I could do to stop flow of emotions.  I just laid there, for a minute or two, simply sobbing uncontrollably.  Nothing I could do to stop what was happening.  This is something which had to happen, for me, for my growth, and for Pia.

Once had regained my composure, straightened things up and found my card, went inside to settle everything up.  On the way was trying to dry my eyes and control myself.  Once things were squared away everything was a little better.

Certificate, it's official.

I had requested a final viewing of her body, just me and her, prior to going to RV.  Soon as got back asked them to disregard as it didn't feel right, plus I was a sobbing mess to begin with, and viewing her one more time would've made it much, much worse.  I had already honored her presence, her life, and her passing, in the way which felt right at the time.

Small lock and tag with her name

At some point in this process, and just now while typing this out, I actually felt my throat constricting, making it little harder to breathe and little painful too.  Unsure if this means anything, maybe she's haunting me already.  Err, I mean, with me already.

Cedar box with lock and tag

After settling up, headed back to RV and, just for giggles, tried to turn the water heater on (to help clean and wash some things off), and to my surprise, it turned on first thing.  Some people, most people, would think that it would be a normal thing.  However, it typically takes at least a day after parking someplace before it works.  Even now, having been in this one spot for close to a week, it still takes several times to make it light, using gas.  Something I need to fix.  I think, and believe, that Pia had something to do with this.  Maybe I'm mistaken, maybe I'm not, it's difficult to tell what's true and what's not, especially when we don't, won't, and can't, understand everything which happens.

Open box with remains

While waiting for heater to heat up, cleaned up her last act in the RV, when her bladder let go. Opened up windows, turned on exhaust fan, and did what could to remove the unique odor.  After doing that just had to sit in the drivers seat, where she was last, hang my head on the steering wheel and take it all in.  Some emotions were gripping me, lots of lactoferrin was leaving me, lots of things which had never experienced were happening to me.

Lessons were being learned and foundations were being formed, as was truly in a surreal place.  Stayed like this for many minutes, soaking it all in.

When felt it was time, unsteadily got up and wandered to the shower.  It was strangely surreal.  While in the shower Pia would wander up and wait for me to come out.  As towel off, put towel on floor to step onto, then dry off the feet, typically she would always get in my way.  It was not the case this time.

Empty cedar box, remains removed

After the shower, up until four days prior, she would always hop into the shower after I finished, and start licking up the water.  Unsure why, but doesn't matter now.

Note inside the front cover

Dried up, put on clothes again (TMI for sure), and headed off to the rally.  It was very tough to say goodbye at this stage, to turn the key and start the engine, knowing that Pia wouldn't run scurrying for a "safe" place to be.
 

Pia, in all her glory

One of the hardest parts about this was went to bed for the night.  She was my sleeping buddy.  Would always, even when she got in trouble, attempt to crawl under the covers as if nothing happened.  No matter how upset I got it was almost like there was forgiveness, or forgetfulness.  This is one of the lessons which have learned. Love always as we don't miss them till they're gone.

Closeup

It was equally hard to wake up as she would always be resting on me in some form or another, either on my chest, between my legs, or laying next to me.  Always in some form of contact.

Back in place, with imitation rose, and real feelings

So, it is with a lightened heart, and uplifted spirits, that I celebrate Pia's life.  For it is her who has helped me realize quite a few things.  Everything happens for a reason, for both me and her!

Safely in place

With crystal to keep her vibrations

For those that have expressed I don't share enough, and for those who wish to analyze everything under the sun, and then some, it is for you why I went into such depth and detail.  May the wheels turn, conclusions form, for things which I don't yet know.


For it is a real man who, among other things, can share emotions in a respectful manner. This is my goal for what have done here.

Happenings of today

Don't have much to jot down today other than couple minor things, which will expand on a bit later.

Today received remains of Pia..  Wonderful Pia.  It looks like they did a really good job and am fairly confident that these are indeed her remains (i.e. ashes).  Will outline more soon.  Not even a sniffle.  I did great!

The last couple days it was close to, or over, 80 degrees.  Little toasty inside the RV but could be worse.  Had both exhaust fans going and the door open (screen in place) and was fairly nice, mid 80's at least.

Am about to head back to Nevada to get a screwup fixed that was done by DMV.  It is actually their fault as the VIN number was misread by one of them.  I kinda think they're in kahoots with the oil companies so I burn more diesel, but anyways..  Only 1/2 joking.  However it will work out in the long run.  If don't go back and have it read at a Nevada DMV office they will suspend registration as the insurance VIN number doesn't match up to VIN number on registration.  Guess they like to play hardball with insurance.  What a wonderful learning experience.

Haven't decided fully yet, but might be heading back to the LA area as there's an expo thing I would like to check out, close to end of the month.  Will see what the mood strikes, but have to start heading East shortly.

FMCA Rally in Indio, CA

So, this is the real reason I came back to California.  Otherwise would be elsewhere.

In reality though, being here helped me immensely due to recent event(s), namely passing of Pia.  If it wasn't for being around people, arriving here on day of her passing, and just being "forced" to participate, not sure what would have done to help get back to reality.

More Black Stuff

While at this rally, went to a talk where they talked about Black stuff, i.e. the stuff no one wants to talk about and what I touched briefly on here.

Their talk was very informative and was very happy that I was doing most everything right.  Here are some highlights, in no particular order, which most people should be aware of.

• When parked at one spot, keep all drains closed
• Empty tank(s) when they are at least 2/3 full
• Water Water everywhere for black, be very generous when flushing
• "RV" toilet paper doesn't matter.  Costco (or equivalent) paper is fine
• Double ply is recommended.  Single ply causes fingers to poke through in wrong places
• Treat Black, and Grey, tanks with treatment, or they highly recommended this.
• Grey tank is generally much worse than Black, for most people
• Follow Black flush with Grey Flush (to clean out hose)
• Use the mascerator's sparingly, i.e. only when necessary
• After empty, fill black tank with ~10-15% clean water
• After empty, fill grey tank with ~5% clean water
• Avoid chemicals that only cover up odor, such as PineSol
• Avoid products that could leave "sludge" on the bottom

In my black tank, the level sensor doesn't operate correctly, at least when just emptied.  Once it's about 1/2 full, or so, then it seems to function more accurately.  Believe it might be coated with struvite's.  Apparently, the product that was briefly touched upon at end of presentation clears these struvites, plus any hardened build-up within the tank, through normal use.

When I emptied my tank just now, peered down the poop chute into the tank, and didn't see any sediment around (not that have a wide field of view).  Poked a stick down there and the bottom was solid, but grainy, and not plasticky.  Filled it with quite a bit of water, but no layer of water (rig at slight angle).  Could be the angle causing problem (not a large one) or maybe bottom is built up with a deposit (20 years old after all).

Will be getting some of the TankTechs product as seems like it really does work.  Japanese use something similar, and generally they have good stuff, with exception of Fukushima.

The recipe that I point to here actually calls to use PineSol.  I was able to find an organic'ish alternative, at a store in Moses Lake, WA.  It's from biokleen and called Super Concentrated All Purpose Cleaner.  It's made from Grapefruit Seed & Orange Peel extract, among other things.

Entertainment

Every night of the rally (three nights) there was live entertainment.

First night was group called 3 guys and thirty instruments.  They were really great!  Will look forward to seeing them again.

Second night was a comedian, which I missed.  Talked with some people next day and they were very pleased!

Third night was a group of four, with three guitars.  Can't remember name of the group.  Nice "oldies" music and all, just wasn't my thing.

RV's for sale

There were about 130 RV's for sale, and 25 of those were sold to attendees to the conference.  I wasn't one to buy, but two people who I met earlier on in my trip did buy one each.  It was somewhat funny to see just how everything worked out.

Final thoughts

I stayed on location as it was my first time attending.  While I had fun and such, next time, unless I have a booth, will almost definitely be staying off site.  This is because, while there are generator hours and people obey them, people still run generators, which are noisy.  Smell didn't really bother me, just the noise did.  If it wasn't for those would definitely stay onsite again.

This is a great rally, but as was here by myself, I would've been able to see everything in one day.  With the exception of the talks, such as on the Black tank mentioned above. Everything else would've been able to see, thoroughly, within an 6 hour day.