Author Archive: Editor 2

Desk Wireless Phone for Elderly

Posted on

I just learned about this phone, and it is ideal for the very elderly, and perhaps some not so old.

Basically it is a desk phone that uses "mobile phone" technology. Thus it does not need NBN or a Landline. It uses a mobile phone SIM card to make and receive calls.

There are lots of positive reviews online.

Cost is $219.50.

It is available from: SeniorsPhone.com.au

 

Great for those who have trouble managing and using a mobile phone.

The phone would be well suited for use in Aged Care facilities, or for when an elderly relative might be located with different family members from time to time.

It would also work in a Hospital, if they allowed it.

 

 

Here is another image of the phone.

Seniors Phone

Some Specs

4G
Unlocked
No landline, No NBN required.

EasyDial 4G Desk Phone with New Features:

3 Dedicated Speed Dial buttons
Allows to Assign 3 most important contact numbers to 3 dedicated Big buttons for One Touch speed call.
Call Announcement
Option to Announce both incoming and outgoing Phone numbers in a clear voice.
Voice & Call recording
Option to record all phone conversations automatically and play later
One-Touch FM Radio
Large Screen with Big Font
Easy Setup
WIFI Hotspot to share SIM data with other devices
Firewall
Block unwanted calls
Dual SIM card supports
2000mAh Backup battery - Will last up to 72 hours in stand-by mode

This 4G Wireless Desk phone works with 4G,3G SIM cards from Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, Amaysim, ALDI Mobile, Layca Mobile, Tele Choice, Woolworth Mobiles, Better Life Mobile, Boost Mobile, Belong Mobile, LYFmobile, Think Mobile and much more.

Repainting Your Unit

Posted on

If you are planning to repaint your unit, as we have recently done, then there is one great TIP you should consider.

That is, to have your painter use a gloss/semi-gloss paint on the Laundry walls.

This helps prevent the nasty build up of lint from the clothes dryer. Walls can now be easily wiped over to remove the lint.

Practicing Self-Isolation and Staying In

Posted on

Whether we like it or not, we need to minimise all outside contact as much as possible.
I get the strong impression that most at Waves are staying in by choice. If any are staying in due to Govt. requirements, then I am not aware of that situation.
As most of us are in the more senior age group, we are told we are the most susceptible to any exposure to Corona virus.
So we should minimise contact, practice social distancing (1.5 metres or more), and practice increased hand washing etc.

Here are some suggestions to ease the pain of Staying In:

Subscribe to some Video Streaming services. Netflix, Stan, CuriosityStream, or just use the free YouTube.

Satisfy your thirst for knowledge anytime and anywhere with CuriosityStream.

Curiosity Stream has a  special  on at present and it is US$11.99 for a 12 month subscription. Sign up here to CuriosityStream

Another suggestion is get into a routine, and stick with it.  Plan meal times, skip snacking, exercise, rest up, catch up on house keeping duties.

Avoid spending too much time on FaceBook or Twitter or whatever.. There is a lot of false information spread on social media.

Keep in touch with family and friends by phone, skype or similar.

Try to not look at your finance positions with Superannuation or Shareholdings. There is no good news to be had there.

 

Some Training

Perhaps you want to add some skills, so look to UDEMY online Training for some on line training courses. They have some great stuff and often have special pricing. Mainly technical stuff, but a good range of subjects.

Some Air Conditioners-Pumps

Posted on

AC Drainage Pumps

When cooling, air conditioners create condensation which must be removed. In most AC units in Waves, this removal is by gravity drainage into a few ducts around the apartments.

However, in some segments of the building, there are no convenient ducts and the units will have drainage pumps installed.

The pumps have been, very inconveniently, installed in the ceiling, or into wall cavities just below the AC units with no access for maintenance/replacement. Holes need to be cut into the walls to access the failed pumps.  AC units thus far with the problems have been those in the living rooms. Those in the bedrooms seem to all have the gravity drainage piping.  Even with the gravity drainage, some maintenance is desirable each year to ensure there is no blockage due to build up of dust and lint.

When a pump fails, water overflows into the wall cavity and ends up ruining your carpets/flooring. Hopefully your contents insurer will cover the resultant damage.

For those with pumps, the best solution is to have a serviceman install an external pump where needed. The below shows an example of one within Waves. Another option in some cases is to add a gravity fed drain pipe to a laundry drain where the laundry is directly behind the air conditioner wall unit.

Water Heater Anode Replacement

Posted on

Your Hot Water Unit

Waves was built with Vulcan electric storage hot water systems. This shows a typical unit.
These heaters contain a sacrificial magnesium alloy anode, that is designed to corrode away ahead of any corrosion attacking the tank itself.

Vulcan and plumbers recommend replacing the anode each 5 to 8 years. These HWS units, if original, are now 9 years old. I know the anode in mine has never been replaced, so I recently set about the task.

Heater Top

The New Part

I got the new anode from Preece’s Plumbing in Clontarf. It was about $62 with GST.

Then I read on line the tools needed. A 27mm socket was recommended, and there was also a suggestion that a 28mm Tap Spanner would work. The Tap spanner would have worked, but for the turning bar being too thin, and just bending when I tried undoing the existing anode. The 27mm socket with half-inch drive is needed along with a socket handle and some form of extension so you can get enough force to unscrew the old anode. ( If you get brave and plan to change your HWS anode, you can contact John Griffiths U15 to borrow the socket and handle )

Items/Tools You Need

  • the new anode
  • a hacksaw
  • small screwdriver
  • strong G-Clamp
  • the 27mm socket, handle and handle extender
  • heat resistant gloves
  • some old rags

The Part

The Sockets

Cut New Anode

The new anode will likely be too long to be able to slide into the HWS as the ceiling height restricts it. I determined that if I cut off 25 cm I could get it in.
Use a hack-saw, and NOT an angle grinder. If you try using an angle grinder you will create a massive problem with burning sparks of magnesium. The magnesium will burn and you could create mayhem.

There is also an option to buy a segmented anode which will be easier to install where clear space above your heater is not available. These are like a string of sausages and can be fitted more easily if need be.  However, I suspect getting the old anode out will be a job where several cuts will be needed.

The whole replacement process tales some preparation and planning. At least 24 hours before you plan to do it, (or get it done by a plumber/handyman), turn off the electricity to the HWS in an attempt to get it a little cooler for the job.

On the day of the job, turn off the supply line to the HWS and the master valve to your unit.

Release the pressure in the piping by turning some taps on…

Too Long

Remove Old Anode

Once you loosen and unscrew the old anode, it will lift straight up. But will likely hit the ceiling.
Now you need your G-clamp to hold it up so you can make a cut in it. Use the gloves as it is still hot. Lift it up until near the ceiling and place the clamp at the heater top to hold it up.

Next, hacksaw through the old anode being careful not to cut the whole way. When it is nearly cut through, it should be able to be bent at the cut and broken off. Then lift the clamp with the remainder of the anode out.

You are now ready to insert the new one. Add some thread-tape to the new rod, which may have thread tape on it already.

Clean around the thread inside the heater with a rag, and slide the new rod in. Tighten firmly.

 

Extended Socket Handle

All Done

You can now turn the water supply back on, and check for any leak. Don’t forget to turn the power to the HWS back on.

This image shows the corrosion on the old anode. It is not too bad, and should look like this or worse. Its purpose is to prevent corrosion of your tank and your heater element.

Old corroded anode

Time taken

From start to finish, this task took less than an hour, and that was with some learning along the way.

Remember to start cooling your HWS the day before.

Note the date of the change on the bung on top of the heater. That will help in the future.

 

John Griffiths, U15

Disclosure: IANAP (I Am Not A Plumber)

Flexi Hoses

Posted on

Hoses May Need Replacing

You will have flexi hoses in your Unit. These are susceptible to bursting as they age. A burst hose will cause damage and insurance woes.

The at-risk  “FLEXI HOSES” are those that connect to basin and sink mixers, and to toilet systems . The replacement of these hoses has been recommended by Chubb Insurance each 10 years.

Time to Renew

The Body Corporate strongly recommends that you arrange a licensed plumber to attend to all flexi hose replacements in your unit by the end of 2020.

Please email the BC when your unit has had its hoses replaced and we shall record the details.

This will assist minimise our Strata Insurance and perhaps save you the $1,000 insurance excess in the event of a claim.

Under Sink

Isolation Valves

It is also recommended that additional isolation valves be installed where flexi hoses connect to your water supply at the wall.

These should be where the flexi hoses connect to wall piping, usually in your bathroom, laundry and kitchen cabinets.

These small inexpensive valves offer extra protection enabling rapid isolation of failed hoses and are recommended by all insurers and plumbers.

 

 

Isolation Valve

AGM 2019 for Owners

Posted on

Owners Voting Papers Sent

By now you should have received an email and a printed copy of the meeting motions, and supporting documents.

The meeting is scheduled for Thursday August 22nd at 10:00am at 31 Portwood Street, Redcliffe.

If you cannot make it to the AGM, then please vote ahead of time by completing your voting paper and submitting it to Capitol.

Owners are encouraged to attend, though this is not necessary.

First New Paint Completion

Posted on

Higgins Coatings are expected to complete the major painting works today, Aug 20 2019.

There may be a couple of painters around in the next few days to complete some minor issues.

Once all those issues are attended to we will update this article.

It has been a major effort by all present Committee and we have had a great deal of good advice and support from the Project Manager, Mr George Englert.

Keep A Lookout at Night

Posted on

Dim The Lights

Dining on our balcony tonight, we were looking to the North, and at about 6:50pm, with low balcony lighting, there was a great display by either a meteorite or some space-junk.

There was a bright greenish object falling behind some scattered clouds. It was great to watch, even though it lasted only about 2 seconds.

So, always dim the lights and watch the skies.  And you don’t need to face North. This could have happened in any direction at any darker time.

Sorry, I do not have a photo of the event 🙁

 

First New Paint

Posted on

Higgins Coatings commenced work yesterday on the repainting of the Waves Building.

Today, May 14th 2019, the first new paint was applied and this was on the balcony ceiling on an upper level apartment.

Please take note of the painting schedules as posted around the building and in particular, look out for any notice that may be placed under your front door. These notices from Higgins will arrive about 48 hours before work commences in and around your balcony. Please read them carefully.

 

New Roof Membrane Completed

Posted on

Owners will be happy to know that the application of a new roof membrane has been completed, and just in time for Easter, 2019.

The process involved removal of failing membrane by using a diamond grinding machine and taking the roof back to the base concrete.

Next, a primer coat was applied, then the new membrane coat, followed by two ultra-violet protecting top coats.

The coating products were all supplied by Adcrete, a local industry, and the preparation and application was done by Vertex Access Systems.

Now, with care and re-inspection, the new membrane should last at least twenty years.

Roof Membrane – with Updates

Posted on

Update: Thursday 14th March

The grind-off of the top (east) level roof has been completed today.
The two-pack primer coat has been applied to that area and will protect in case of rain.
It does look as though rain is coming later today so it is reassuring to know that the first sealing coat has been completed where needed.
Vertex plan to commence the grinding of the lower (Western) roof tomorrow, weather permitting.

Grinding the Roof - 11th March

Work by contractor "Vertex" has started today on the roof membrane replacement. You may hear some grinding noise within the building as the grinding progresses.

 

 

Grinding The Membrane

On the right is the grinder. In the left of the photo is the vacuum system to collect dust and debris from the diamond grinder.

 

 

Grinding The Membrane

This photo shows the inert material that is being removed. It is quite "rubbery" and flexible.
It is a shame that it was not applied uniformly when initially applied as the material seems in good condition where it is thick enough.

In many places it had been applied too thinly, and was worn through to the roof concrete. hence the need to have it all re-done.

Yes, there is some of this material blowing off the roof onto the grounds below. Vertex have been advised of this issue and are doing their utmost to minimize the problem. They are also cleaning affected areas each day as work progresses.  No "dust" gets past their HEPA filter system, only some larger fragments that are ejected from the grinding machine by centrifugal forces.

The material reaching the lower levels is inert, so just looks bad.

 

 

 

Old Membrane

Day Two

This photo shows two intrepid workers at the edge of the upper roof. Don't worry, they have tethers hooked onto their belts/harnesses.

And they are certified to work in such situations.

They are tethered to secure anchor bolts that have been re-certified within the past two days.

It is amazing the regulations that must be adhered to for such works.

Thanks to Carol (U27) for the photo...

 

 

 

 

Rooftop Workers

Shower Door Fix

Posted on

Several Owners have mentioned that they have had issues with shower doors within Waves. I know that we did in our unit.

I had three different tradesmen come and try fix our shower doors. The third time we got  LUCKY 

The problem was that the gap between the fixed glass panel, and the door edge began binding. that made a loud scraping noise when opening/closing the shower door.

Then it got so bad that the door would not close fully and water splashed out onto bathroom floor.

My take was that the shower door hinges had moved, and that caused the gap to close. This was also the conclusion reached by the first two tradesmen. They tried adjusting the door hinges, but that was only partially successful, and did not last long.

 

Third Time Lucky

The third tradesman called was quick to see the cause and the solution. I explained the efforts made by the previous two tradesmen and how that had not helped.

Number Three explained that the problem was that the  fixed  pane was the cause. It has slowly crept away from the wall and had closed the gap.

The fix was easy, and he refused to accept any payment for his attendance.

Below I share what needs doing and how to do it....

 

This shows the area after it has been fixed.

The fixed pane creeps away from the wall and closes the gap. Then it binds on the shower door pane.

It is best to remove the door before trying the step below. However, for your first try you may decide to skip this step.

Removing the door carefully does make the whole job simpler.

The silver plastic covers at the top and bottom hinges will simply click off with a small screwdriver.

Then you can use a bigger screwdriver to free the door pane, and carefully place it somewhere safe.

The plan is to move the fixed panel back toward the wall, by tapping it carefully whilst protecting the edge of the glass. You you not want to break it.

As mentioned above, it is easier with the door out of the way.

Use a soapy solution, or CRC or WD40, applied around the edge of the fixed panel. Be sure to lubricate both inside and outside the shower.

Next, use a sharp flat blade, such as from a Stanley box cutter or similar, to loosen the seal around the glass. The blade should be pushed into the joint between the glass and the plastic seal strip. Again, do inside the shower, and outside. This is done so the glass is able to be moved with the next step.

Use a piece of softwood, or several layers of towel to protect the glass edge. Then tap it lightly on its edge to have it slide back into its original place. Start with light taps. Use a rubber mallet if you have one, but still protect the glass edge.

This should result in resetting the gap to the shower door, and fixing the issue.  I hope you can get the shower door back in place in one piece.

 Disclaimer: This advise is given freely with no responsibility on the part of the writer. 

Phone and ADSL Reminder

Posted on

If you have a traditional phone line and/or ADSL Internet, then be aware that those may be cut off around June this year as the NBN takes over.

There is another article that will answer most of your "Waves" related NBN questions. Click below to see that article.

A Garden Guest

Posted on

Today I spotted a large guest in the garden bed on the South side of the front entrances.

I think it is a skink, and it was about a foot long. Perhaps be wary when placing hands in the garden bed. I guess they bite!

JohnG

Committee Nominations Needed Now

Posted on

Recently you should have received an AGM notice from our body corporate manager, Capitol.
We recommend that you do attend the AGM, as it is important to add your vote to critical decisions.

New Committee

The notice included a Committee Nomination form. Yes, you can nominate yourself.
At the time of the AGM, all positions will be declared as vacant, so we need nominations for all positions.
You may nominate for all positions;- Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer and/or one of the Ordinary members.

It appears there may be some of the present committee who are not nominating again.

Being on the committee is a rewarding experience. Yes, it does require a few hours of your time each month, but you will find it worthwhile.
If in doubt, ask any current or previous committee person.

Still wondering if this is for you? There will be ample guidance provided to you if this is to be your first experience on our body corporate committee, so do not be apprehensive. C'mon, give it a go and get those forms lodged now. The closing date is Thursday, 31 May 2018.

Typical Meeting

Development 4 to 8 Sutton Street

Posted on

Report by M Sharwood - U45

Many would have heard the noise of site clearing of trees and house at 8 Sutton St from before 7am today following the removal earlier in the week of the house at 6 Sutton St. About mid-afternoon the excavator on site started heaping up debris which resulted in soil excavation and consequent dust. Contrary to the requirements of MBRC approval no dust suppression was in place and much dust drifted to our apartments.

I made a formal complaint to the Council this afternoon so if no dust suppression happens again please add to my complaint so MBRC take the appropriate action.

The BC Committee Chairperson accepted my offer of having the Approval Documents placed in the ground floor library for owners to peruse. Barry from Unit 11 has borrowed the envelope of the Documents.

Michael Sharwood.

NBN Cabling and Socket Placement

Posted on

Feedback from Waves Units

Below is feedback from various units. Please let us know how your installation goes.

Unit 31 Completed

26-Oct-2017 Update:  The NBN internet has now been successfully connected to Barry and Lorrie McNamara of Unit 31. Barry reports that the speed is as his internet supplier advertised.

So far as we know, Unit 31 is the first unit in Waves to connect to the NBN. Well done Barry and Lorrie. It was a long hard road 🙂

Barry is happy to show any residents how his cabling was installed. Please see the Contacts page for his details.

The photo below shows the vent the NBN installers added to the ceiling in the laundry to allow them to run the cable down inside the wall. Neat job.

Vent in Laundry

 

 

Barry and Lorrie of Unit 31 had their NBN cabling installed by NBN installers on October 12th. Barry reports that the installers did a great job and were able to add his NBN socket where he wanted, in his Study area. The installers ran the cabling across the ceiling space by threading it from light fitting to light fitting.
By cutting a small hole in the ceiling of the laundry just behind the study wall, they were able to feed the cable down the inside of the wall cavity to where the socket was wanted.

The small hole in the ceiling was then finished off with a small vent cover. Time taken: approximately 2.5 hours.

There was no extra charge to the unit owners.

 

Unit 15

John and Candace, unit 15 have had the cabling completed, by a private cabler, ready for the NBN technician to attach the necessary HFC Cable modem. We plan for that to happen late November, as we will be away until about then.

The layout plan for our unit made it possible for our cable to be routed through the ceiling space to the laundry. Then it runs down the laundry wall in a neat channel, and then through the wall to a wallplate in our study area. Time taken by the cabler to do the job was about 4 hours. Getting access to the laundry ceiling space was a fluke, as the wall gyprock panels seem to go all the way up to the concrete above.  There was one small opening we finally found where a previous electrician had created a hole in the gyprock wall within the ceiling cavity between the Study and Laundry.

Update:  December 11 2017

NBN was installed today. We have temporarily opted for the fastest available speed 100/40 as supplied by AussieBroadBand.

So far we are very happy with the NBN as installed.

John Griffiths, U15

 

 

Getting NBN Connected

Posted on

You May Need a New Wireless Router

When we all connect to the NBN we each most likely need to buy a new router with more features that that we currently use for any ADSL internet connection.  Reason being, is that our WiFi ADSL modems will need to connect to a WAN (Wide Area Network) connection Socket 5 on the graphic above.. This will be a data cable (RJ45) that will connect from the NBN Cable Modem (which NBN will be providing and installing and configuring at no cost).  We will not “own” that cable modem and it would remain in place should we ever move out. It is part of the NBN infrastructure.

The next piece in the chain is out WiFi  router to which we will connect our phone, our computers, our T-Box, our smart TV  or any appliance that needs an internet connection. This might be by a WiFi connection or by a network cable (again, an RJ45 cable) – connections labelled 4 above.

Read enough technical stuff ? Don’t give up, there is more to come.

 

So You Want a Phone

The old standard phone line as we have known it for many decades, is going to go away.
In approximately 18 months, it will be disconnected permanently. If you don’t use a Landline phone now, but rely on Mobile phones, you will not notice this change.  But your present ADSL internet connection if you have one will be using the standard phone landline connection.

The replacement for the landline phone is a VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) phone, and for this you will need a modem/router that is capable of a VoIP connection. In the graphic at the top, your phone would plug into a socket such as those shown at item 6.

If you sign up for a longer term contract with your internet supplier, they will usually include the necessary Voip router as part of the plan.

If you sign up for a Month-to-Month contract, you will likely need to buy your own Voip enabled wireless router from your internet provider as part of the sign-up process with them. There are about 150 different internet providers, each trying to offer different packages. I do not want to suggest any in particular, but make your own enquiries.

Your NBN Cable Modem

The NBN will supply an Arris Cable Modem as shown on the right. It will connect to the NBN cable outlet that the NBN technicians will install for you.

The cable modem will have a small power adapter which supplies it with 12 volt power. 

Measurements for the cable modem are: (H x W x D) : 132 x 44 x 132 mm. It is designed to sit vertically, but should also work if laid flat and there was some gap for air flow to keep it cool. 

Download the Modem Manual

This photo shows the rear of the modem where all connections are made.

RJ12 - RJ45 Differences

Above we show the two types of cable connections used for phones and networks.

The smaller one ( RJ12) with up to 6 connectors is used to connect phone appliances. It would be used in sockets 6 and/or 7 in the router shown at the top.

The  larger one ( RJ45 ) will have 8 connectors, and is used for network connections. This one can be used to carry a lot of data, way more than you will get from your internet connection. RJ45 cables would connect to sockets numbered  4 and 5 in the router shown at the top.

Plantation Shutters

Posted on

From Barry, Unit 11

Plantation shutters installed last Wednesday 20th Sept. By Franklyn blinds. All good and happy to recommend their work.

 

Thanks for the recommendation Barry.

Editor.