Europe By Camper - Travelling Europe By Motorhome: Equiptment

Guide to Vodafone Data Traveller - Data Roaming in Europe

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*** UPDATE 16th July *** 
 
Vodafone Data Traveller now means TWO DIFFERENT things depending on your contract. PLEASE read this post which supersedes this one: 
 
<a href="http://www.europebycamper.com/2012/06/big-changes-to-eu-roaming-data-tariffs.html">http://www.europebycamper.com/2012/06/big-changes-to-eu-roaming-data-tariffs.html</a>
 
 
 
 
 
For me and many others having access to the internet while travelling in Europe is essential. While we have had a lot of success with <a href="http://www.europebycamper.com/2011/04/wi-fi-access-in-europe.html">Wifi Access in Europe</a> so far on our trip there is no substitute for being able to get instant access to your e-mails abroad, not to mention Google Maps, Wikitravel, Facebook and any other mobile application you have formed an addiction to! 
 
Update 25th December: We have used VDT in France, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece and Spain without issue. We consume 20mb a day every day and have had no issues at all. 
 
I have covered the following topics in this post: 
 
<ul>
<li>How do I access the service?</li>
<li>I'm not an existing customer, are there any deals out there?</li>
<li>What countries does the allowance work in?</li>
<li>How do I keep track of my usage?</li>
<li>Is there a Cap on my spending?</li>
<li>Can I tether this device to a Laptop?</li>
</ul>
 
Vodafone are the first English provider to provide a full European service, giving 25MB Per Day across 37 countries in the form of their Vodafone Data Traveler bolt on. This service was improved on the 1st June 2011 where countries previously limited to just 5MB/day was increased to 25MB/day. 
 
Q. How do I access the service? 
 
A. Pay Monthly: 
 
Free on Contacts £40+ a month with 900 Minutes 
If you already have a Vodafone contact costing £40 or more then this service is automatically applied to your account and no additional charge is made, although it may be worth checking you are opted in by dialling the Data Traveller line from your phone on 40062. In my case it actually wasn't enabled despite the automated service telling me so - so if in doubt contact customer services direct on 01635 676061. 
 
£10 a Month for contacts under £40 
If you sign up to the monthly package you pay £10/mth for the service has a 30 day cancellation period so again it may be worth you phoning an advisor to activate this for you - numbers above. This includes 30 day and sim only contracts, scroll down for more info. 
 
Ad-hoc Usage for £2 a day 
You can also opt in to the ad-hoc service, which has all the benefits of the £10/day service but costs just £2/day for 25MB rather than £10/mth. If you plan on using your phone for more than 5 days a month it might make sense to purchase a 12 month contact and use it as your phone also. 
 
Pay As You Go: 
 
£2/day for 25MB 
There is no fixed term option for PAYG customers so you have to pay the £2/day fee in order to gain access to the service. At a cost of £60/mth you will need to weigh this up against the cost of a monthly contact. 
 
 
Q. I'm not an existing customer, are there any deals out there? 
 
A. Yes, Quidco offers Cash back on Vodafone Contacts - currently upto £160 
 
If you already have a phone or wish to source one second hand, Vodafone 'Sim Only' contract with a length of between 30 days and 12 months. The cash back given varies according to your contract length and monthly cost, currently ranging from £15 to £120. 
 
If you are looking for a new handset, the cash back offered increases significantly. 
 
Q. What countries does the allowance work in? 
 
A. There is a 25MB per day allowance in each of the following 37 countries 
If you cross over a border in a day, you still only get 25MB total for a 24 hour period. That 24 hour period is based on a 24 hour time period from 00:00 to 23:59 GMT regardless of the time zone which you are visiting. 
<div class="grid_23" style="display: inline; float: left; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 8px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; width: 178px;">
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-left: 1em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 1em;">
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Albania</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Austria</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Belgium</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Bosnia and Herzegovina</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Bulgaria</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey)</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Croatia</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Cyprus</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Czech Republic</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Denmark (inc. Faroe Islands)</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Estonia</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Finland</li>
</ul>
</div>
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<ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-left: 1em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 1em;">
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">France</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">French West Indies</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Gibraltar</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Greece</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Hungary</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Iceland</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Ireland</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Isle of Man</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Italy (inc. San Marino and Vatican City)</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Latvia</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Liechtenstein</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Lithuania</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Luxembourg</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="grid_23" style="display: inline; float: left; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 8px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; width: 178px;">
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-left: 1em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 1em;">
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Malta</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Monaco</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Netherlands</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Norway</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Poland</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Portugal (inc. Madeira)</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Romania</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Slovakia</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Slovenia</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Spain (inc. Balearic Islands & Canary Islands)</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Sweden</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Switzerland</li>
</ul>
</div>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Q. How do I keep track of my usage? 
 
A. Vodafone send you a series of text messages to keep you informed. 
 
The first one reads: 
 
"From Vodafone: Just to let you know that you have a 25MB data allowance to use in this country today. We will let you know if you get close to using this allowance. Sent JUN 01 @ 9:02" 
 
The second, which arrives at 80% usage reads: 
 
"From Vodafone: Just to let you know you are approaching the end of your 25MB allowance and to remind you that there is a charge of £1 per MB including VAT once the allowance is used" 
 
You receive a further message once you exceed your allowance (I personally have never done so!). 
 
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVKorkbC8SMuryLIPlzY1Zpa3nFYooNp-nS6fMrbmqpYJK_-BhJDu33fw9W85zXT2D5VGe11MfvEv2cRQVK_SUT8QLmvdHm7oX05027_EAToyiEBVM5l0HDi1nPX7xX47Zz88leQ7pQA/s1600/datamonitor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVKorkbC8SMuryLIPlzY1Zpa3nFYooNp-nS6fMrbmqpYJK_-BhJDu33fw9W85zXT2D5VGe11MfvEv2cRQVK_SUT8QLmvdHm7oX05027_EAToyiEBVM5l0HDi1nPX7xX47Zz88leQ7pQA/s1600/datamonitor.jpg" /></a>You can also monitor your usage by installing an application onto your phone - there is one available for most mobile platforms. 
 
Data Monitor for the Blackberry is very good and gives alerts to let you know how you have progressed through your data usage once you have told it how much you can use a day. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Q. Is there a Cap on my spending? 
 
A. Yes 
 
All EU mobile phones are subject to the EU roaming data cap of €50 which works out to £38+VAT. If you run up a bill in excess of this your roaming data will be disabled until you request that it is re-enabled. 
 
 
Q. Can I tether this device to a Laptop? 
 
A. Yes, but the Terms and Conditions state you will be charged for this usage.  
 
The terms and conditions state that tethered usage will be charged separately to that of mobile handset usage, with regards to tethered iPhone usage as far as I know this is certainly the case. 
 
With regards to other phones I have been told by many people that they have used it successfully tethered to a laptop without any additional charges appearing on your bill.  In reality, 25MB is not a great deal in laptop terms and you'll soon rattle through it and into 'extra time'. It is suitable for use as a quick fix / emergency but I wouldn't make a habit out of using it tethered. 
 
The reason for this is if everyone tethered their phones it would make 'Mobile Broadband' dongles redundant and while these are still popular both at home and abroad we will continue to see anti-tethering policys on mobile phone contracts. 
 
In theory, if you did use it tethered the most Vodafone would be able to charge you for a months usage would be the £38+VAT EU imposed on roaming data in Europe - but I'll let you test this rather than me! 
 
 
Making the most of your Megabytes 
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLlGVgIL1N9GG4PxbXL3woI7Tzju34v8aZabxkHEjN1hwz4mmuwiW6AzgqH4I8y8gt9tzuEGmyyvaEYbeOOVfqOVXxu1ScdmSy-gcV8vilZ0ZOhAztZDHLJjMYkbj0SurmEbtWGChtcw/s1600/phone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLlGVgIL1N9GG4PxbXL3woI7Tzju34v8aZabxkHEjN1hwz4mmuwiW6AzgqH4I8y8gt9tzuEGmyyvaEYbeOOVfqOVXxu1ScdmSy-gcV8vilZ0ZOhAztZDHLJjMYkbj0SurmEbtWGChtcw/s200/phone.jpg" width="200" /></a>We use a copy of Opera Mini on our phones which MASSIVELY compresses web pages and allows you to browse over 10x the amount of web pages that you would have been able to without it. It does this by blocking certain content and by only downloading a small percentage of the original image size, since you are browsing on a smaller screen you only need a smaller proportion of the data. Over the last six months I have downloaded 250mb (just 10 days allowance) when browsing the web on my phone, which without it would have required 3.1Gb (127 days allowance). <a href="http://www.opera.com/mobile/" target="_blank">Download Opera Mini </a> 
External Links: 
 
<a href="http://www.vodafone.co.uk/personal/price-plans/managing-my-costs/travelling-abroad/using-the-internet-abroad/index.htm">Vodafone Data Traveller - Official Site</a> 
<a href="http://www.quidco.com/user/21946/17265">Quidco (Search for Vodafone)</a> 
<a href="http://www.opera.com/mobile/" target="_blank">Download Opera Mini</a>
</div>

Guide to Vodafone Data Traveller - Data Roaming in Europe

*** UPDATE 16th July *** Vodafone Data Traveller now means TWO DIFFERENT things depending on your contract. PLEASE read this post which s...

Dashboard Mounted Laptop / GPS

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Our dashboard mounted laptop is one of the things that has really revolutionised how we navigate and plan our journeys. We have been using a laptop alongside our TomTom since our very first tour in 2008 and has in the past been balanced precariously on the dashboard or on the passengers knee and we wanted to find a better way of mounting it securely but also being able to quickly remove it without plugging in an endless array of cables. 
 
The solution presented itself in the form of a cheap laptop manufactured by Dell and aimed at the corporate market. As such it is available with a huge selection of accessories such as docking stations, extended batteries, 12v power packs and so forth. 
 
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7k_poPKfXCbZ4Vbk8zwTdZzBhCGHkhvr-tDqoq2ABpOwYfCSRVZDFHNkPAFQkbgSPGC_ciG-h-3Qze270cmTIVoQgzZx5zAkGc134594J0B-10UXNmzroFGsJ909R3JHsSEXNPiJ9AZE/s1600/IMG_1813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7k_poPKfXCbZ4Vbk8zwTdZzBhCGHkhvr-tDqoq2ABpOwYfCSRVZDFHNkPAFQkbgSPGC_ciG-h-3Qze270cmTIVoQgzZx5zAkGc134594J0B-10UXNmzroFGsJ909R3JHsSEXNPiJ9AZE/s320/IMG_1813.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view form the Drivers Seat - the screen isn't visable so no distractions 
Click Photo to Enlarge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our setup comprises of: 
<ul>
<li>A Dell PRO1X Dock (£10 off eBay)</li>
<li>A 4.62A 12v Power Adapter to power the Dock & Laptop (£7 off eBay)</li>
<li>Dell D430 12" Ultra Portable Laptop, Dual Core Centrino; 1.2Ghz, 2GB Ram & 64GB SSD. (£125 eBay)</li>
<li>A Holux 510 USB GPS Receiver (£15 eBay)</li>
</ul>
<div>
 
The Dell D430 really does make this installation for a number of reasons. Firstly the 64GB SSD (Solid State Drive) means that the laptops internal drive is not subjected to the rough roads which would probably make it fail in a short space of time. It is available with 2 different batteries and should your power supply fail or is wired into the ignition it will continue to power both the laptop and the dock without an external source once booted. 
 
Despite being a fairly old machine it cost around £2,000 in 2007 but owing to the fact so many were sold it has really hammered down the second hand price to around £100. There are various options available but I would try and get hold of a 1.2Ghz Dual Core model which has a 2Mb cache which really makes the difference in terms of speed, also try and find a version with XP rather then bloated Windows Vista. They all come with Bluetooth for connection to a mobile phone and some are available with built in 3G data cards. 
 
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7v8tXPhhsD3HV80QYRv5bze19SwU3wOO0LwHx-Fp7T5eBV6E2YPK8yqem7kapv15EIJSMm4FrXLtBxzu4Ls-9o0u7TGz5bYDh4BzxctbTGeDrbiKb3o1Gu1Nt4mz_gpTw5ZQrYxitso/s1600/IMG_1807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7v8tXPhhsD3HV80QYRv5bze19SwU3wOO0LwHx-Fp7T5eBV6E2YPK8yqem7kapv15EIJSMm4FrXLtBxzu4Ls-9o0u7TGz5bYDh4BzxctbTGeDrbiKb3o1Gu1Nt4mz_gpTw5ZQrYxitso/s320/IMG_1807.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Docking Station Fixed to the Dash 
Click Photo to Enlarge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In our 2007 Fiat Ducato we don't have a passenger airbag which makes mounting the laptop easier, the dock was simply fitted to a wooden base which was cut to shape the infill and then screwed into place with two self tapping screws. In 8 months and 17,000 miles it hasn't moved an inch! 
 
Once placed on the dock the laptop automatically charges while connecting to the USB devices; the GPS antenna, the roof mounted wifi antenna and the USB 3G dongle. It can, if you wish, also connect to your vans headunit to play music or the speak directions through the cab speakers if you wish. No manual connection of cables is required and the dock holds the laptop so securely that it is impossible to come off and the keyboard and mouse are very usable in situe. 
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Passenger Seat running Map Point (to be replaced by Autoroute 2010)  
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The laptop then fixes to the dock and is sturdy enough not to wobble and easily sturdy enough to use the mouse or keyboard without worrying about breaking anything - the dock really does clip into place well.</div>
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You'll also notice the location of the TomTom in the pictures, sat on top of the removable cup ash tray. I hate wires (the ones you see for the laptop will be re-routed soon) so I stuck a TomTom adhesive dashboard pad to the top of the holder and cut two very small holes at the back and the front of the wire so all the excess cable is hidden away and the TomTom plugs into the cig lighter. It is much easier to access from the passenger seat without heaving to reach forward to the Windscreen or the paperwork clip!</div>
 
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrCGbLFy6EVqGcnPYB2H8ahF5gG1CNPrZXZqfsZklFd1Z5YjJq35rCKb5R-vU4hSIHyycbqORcbFDhrd0oH8hbE_kqsZSYpN9fUhJ75xHBCINkhNY2Aw28ZznyW5spe_W2ojy4WLs_CY/s1600/IMG_1812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrCGbLFy6EVqGcnPYB2H8ahF5gG1CNPrZXZqfsZklFd1Z5YjJq35rCKb5R-vU4hSIHyycbqORcbFDhrd0oH8hbE_kqsZSYpN9fUhJ75xHBCINkhNY2Aw28ZznyW5spe_W2ojy4WLs_CY/s320/IMG_1812.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TomTom Mount 
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Dashboard Mounted Laptop / GPS

Our dashboard mounted laptop is one of the things that has really revolutionised how we navigate and plan our journeys. We have been using ...

Motorhome Adhesive LED Lighting Strips

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I've been experimenting with LED light strips from eBay, these are about £6 for 1m lengths, with great success. 
 
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHiqhG8vXfZjnyQTYX-hXVB2g5GzNzLfjpsfasspMZyOYAtw4PvAnDDse87YyZyzpuN7NunIsmnOzjnVai-tiVPZ89vx_auwVna-5yIvgNeHryvuWBUahT8hJgj_uVhmgWFsR8MaT9s8/s1600/led1+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHiqhG8vXfZjnyQTYX-hXVB2g5GzNzLfjpsfasspMZyOYAtw4PvAnDDse87YyZyzpuN7NunIsmnOzjnVai-tiVPZ89vx_auwVna-5yIvgNeHryvuWBUahT8hJgj_uVhmgWFsR8MaT9s8/s200/led1+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The problem in our van is there are lots of dark spots as the factory fitted roof mounted LED's aren't that bright as they use the older style diode LED's. These were no doubt cutting edge when the van was designed in 2006 but are nothing in comparison to the 12v halogen units they were meant to be replacing. 
 
 
 
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixckLf-rqiozUaCR7vOnoWEmwlUfRHcGhh7bBDoRbGF4UIDV_hXlaGMj4MqnmuZZz9vFpLZfEh60POJ8LbvafJRF_3MzEBk4zSeqUyPf_jYlbsP7jXxm6Vxy0-n8v3lkrNeC_yMjvcHSU/s1600/IMG_1621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixckLf-rqiozUaCR7vOnoWEmwlUfRHcGhh7bBDoRbGF4UIDV_hXlaGMj4MqnmuZZz9vFpLZfEh60POJ8LbvafJRF_3MzEBk4zSeqUyPf_jYlbsP7jXxm6Vxy0-n8v3lkrNeC_yMjvcHSU/s320/IMG_1621.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I've also gone down the route of replacing some of the spot lights / bathroom lights with the latest 5050 type SMD G4 (two pin) LED's. They do the job and are super bright but again don't match up to the sort of lighting effect I wanted to create in our van. They are very cheap though, at about £1 a bulb straight from China! 
 
So I started looking at LED strips for sale on eBay. The LED strips have come about because of the SMD (surface mounted) LED's which are forming to basis for LED technology moving forward. 
 
When buying an LED strip you need to consider three variables: 
 
1.) Brightness 
 There are three main types, so it would seem, 1210, 3258 and 5050. These figures as far as I can tell are the size and brighness of the LED's - a 3258 LED is 6 lumen whereas a 5050 LED is 18 lumen so considerably brighter. 
 
2.) Colour Temperature  
The main two colour temperature's you will find are described as "warm white" which is found at around 3000 kelvin right the way to cool white usually found somewhere around 4000 kelvin. "Daylight" is actually found nearer 6000 kelvin. However, halogen bulbs are much closer to the "warm white" level of the colour spectrum  so it is likely that this colour temperature will appeal the most. 
 
3.) Waterproof 
You can also purchase these LED strips which have a waterproof covering, these are ideal if you want to use them on the outside of your van such as an awning light. They are so thin you could easily run them down the inside of your Fiamma awning. 
 
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKFQIOGMQvx6ygxQJTSSp3ju2kwOfVDRydjxIpwpP7zIXA3uPYMP7Btn_tR83Hp8Cow7EFAwZJBgMPZCXioRseGPVHk8q4rvBj9EkQIcZAbvqotofam8t1_cpYo4a_xRwQD8DveqaYWg/s1600/IMG_1605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKFQIOGMQvx6ygxQJTSSp3ju2kwOfVDRydjxIpwpP7zIXA3uPYMP7Btn_tR83Hp8Cow7EFAwZJBgMPZCXioRseGPVHk8q4rvBj9EkQIcZAbvqotofam8t1_cpYo4a_xRwQD8DveqaYWg/s320/IMG_1605.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
 The picture to the left shows two different LED strips. It's actually pretty hard to photograph them, they are so bright. The strip on the left is a 'Warm White' 1210 strip and the one on the right is a 'Cool White' 5050 strip which is considerably brighter - although it doesn't show that well on the photo. In fact, to see how bright they are just see what they look like compared to my van's headlights - no way could you use them as daylight running lamps! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xDIqD2YbIqWuQdPXLtheh42Kw1CPs7UO6JDHu6w9BamXbwCgH62PqUfcuAUdaJUBHiM5pS1jJBP63UrGXUUGupAVrIi1OweyIG8_r7VGk1LoxjM5MJsW2-kVJhb7h3DFrPi6h-cyVeU/s1600/IMG00173-20110129-1846.jpg">Click here for photo</a> 
 
 The beauty of these strips is that you don't need any additional hardware to fit them, they are self adhesive so can just be pealed off and stuck. They can but cut with a pair of scissors at 3 LED intervals and rejoined or re soldered with connections for a few pence from eBay - great if you want a continuous loop around the van under cabinates, for example. 
 
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFYUQhGo6UpyJl-fKvNYwrpIt4lgdmdJ4Uc1D1oHnDu1mJFj3wNnyzo9tG6TsEfWrjZrha716qjZPT0qg3Kj0mxhN60IUQx5J4b-iNqKdzV4787vpJg24SxwekP06T4kQvp4FSxXUZlA/s1600/yhst-6418191912140_1791_7438761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFYUQhGo6UpyJl-fKvNYwrpIt4lgdmdJ4Uc1D1oHnDu1mJFj3wNnyzo9tG6TsEfWrjZrha716qjZPT0qg3Kj0mxhN60IUQx5J4b-iNqKdzV4787vpJg24SxwekP06T4kQvp4FSxXUZlA/s200/yhst-6418191912140_1791_7438761.jpg" width="200" /></a>One word of warning, however. The LED's must be fitted in a location where you can't catch the light straight on - such as behind a rail or under a work surface or similar. They are so incredibly bright and if you stared into one for too long I have no doubt you might damage your sight! 
 
I've fitted them in three locations in my van - controlled by a very simple 12v flick switch - the same as what Adria uses for it's down lighters. The switch is available with or without an LED tell tale light. 
 
Now I've used these in my van hooked up direct to the 12v power source which, on mains hookup, runs at about 13.5v without issue. However, you may want to fit an inexpensive voltage regulator into the circuit - I have added one of these to the link section below. 
 
The Cab 
It strikes me as a bit odd that Adria didn't put any lights in the cab, since the main seating area in the Twin are the two cab seats where it's impossible to read as standard. The LED strip fits perfectly behind the join between habitation and cab area. 
 
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 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnwWn_JqRIYfSe8C0CztuPSvcwIp0-iKY8KHFAtEEs4zv9Hs-UEQaO3rqD180knI5tVeYvkWRYSFMkmTKn_ZatYbPq_68cciUDqNdGSSH5I5GxgpD_vhtxkUfnNBUcwDv0LIjse7Im4M/s1600/IMG_1582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnwWn_JqRIYfSe8C0CztuPSvcwIp0-iKY8KHFAtEEs4zv9Hs-UEQaO3rqD180knI5tVeYvkWRYSFMkmTKn_ZatYbPq_68cciUDqNdGSSH5I5GxgpD_vhtxkUfnNBUcwDv0LIjse7Im4M/s200/IMG_1582.JPG" width="200" /></a> 
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEX1oy_j-I4VToV3hxcZXHcBTvg8zxyWesLIT4roIP6cD6C7VRWJNNIQ2rWlb2wEhJrnn5v5tRvhWCjLid9fsvwfdt1h69sCJbiO1kg1-0yOEE_LYqZS1MLQnQpxf226MPwiD7omy7IM/s1600/IMG_1581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEX1oy_j-I4VToV3hxcZXHcBTvg8zxyWesLIT4roIP6cD6C7VRWJNNIQ2rWlb2wEhJrnn5v5tRvhWCjLid9fsvwfdt1h69sCJbiO1kg1-0yOEE_LYqZS1MLQnQpxf226MPwiD7omy7IM/s200/IMG_1581.JPG" width="200" /></a> 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 Under The Interior Step 
The switch for this light is located near the door, so you can see what you're doing to take your shoes off and also give some welcome light into what was a dingy dark area near the sliding door. 
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJnLzw8my-82PptHJEypgdvJeZIwKuiEH-92B3lPAkWDRxE8bYp3Hd4GShsOuamf_C-gy1MXXUEGr2d2o0U1OkaDNI1Le4JFLMiYU19fkIWA_9CduV3g00On8L2pvuODgraEY5NNYsEE/s1600/IMG_1589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJnLzw8my-82PptHJEypgdvJeZIwKuiEH-92B3lPAkWDRxE8bYp3Hd4GShsOuamf_C-gy1MXXUEGr2d2o0U1OkaDNI1Le4JFLMiYU19fkIWA_9CduV3g00On8L2pvuODgraEY5NNYsEE/s200/IMG_1589.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsOL6MxGuQRDlHd727-nlTQRXE8o71YEfsB3oLTzqEfyodLYNY8x5ltsAyzlESrc9qiccBieNPRiqORAEFiEij9Xl9Z4eqh2-vgdysfGWr39GxsJgkLKscTu2b6SNFSQq7yIrHc415DE/s1600/IMG_1594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsOL6MxGuQRDlHd727-nlTQRXE8o71YEfsB3oLTzqEfyodLYNY8x5ltsAyzlESrc9qiccBieNPRiqORAEFiEij9Xl9Z4eqh2-vgdysfGWr39GxsJgkLKscTu2b6SNFSQq7yIrHc415DE/s200/IMG_1594.JPG" width="200" /></a> 
 
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Under the Fixed Bed 
This was a really dark spot, especially when stood in that area, the strip really helps to bring a sense of warmth into the van. 
 
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Something a bit special... 
 
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I couldn't resist but order for £10 delivered some remote controlled, colour changing LED from China for in the bed area! It's not arrived yet, but when it does I'll update this entry! <a href="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320592738434">Link to Product on eBay</a> 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Links to Products 
LED Light Depot on eBay have given me unbeatable service on their 1m 3258 LED strips - delivered within 48hrs on the two orders I've placed with them. Their 1m strips are £6.75 delivered and 2m strips are £12.99 delivered and come with wires already attached. Additional hardware is only required for cutting and rejoining them should you wish to do so: 
 
<a href="http://shop.ebay.co.uk/led_lights_depot/m.html?_nkw=strip">http://shop.ebay.co.uk/led_lights_depot/m.html?_nkw=strip</a> 
 
Voltage Regulator: 
<a href="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170601476229">http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170601476229</a> 
 
 </div>

Motorhome Adhesive LED Lighting Strips

I've been experimenting with LED light strips from eBay, these are about £6 for 1m lengths, with great success. The problem in our ...

Tour around the cab

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Motorhome Adhesive LED Lighting Strips

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