pattayapip

I live on a small parcel of land with 11 other identical dwellings, all the other dwellings have a single phase electric supply, Mine has a 3 Phase supply, but all our dwellings are billed from a single Main meter, with individual meters on each house to calculate what each dwelling uses.

Now obviously everyones bills are slightly different according to what they use, but my place is nearly double everyone elses bill, about the average for the 3 Bedroom places is 300 Units (Kw/hr ?) per month, mine is 300 just running itself, 500 to 600 when i am home and using air con etc, Twice what everyone elses is even though they have basically the same inside as mine, its just that i have this 3 phase power supply (dont know why, electrician said was best)

Is there any way to have my meter checked ? or do i have to buy a new one to try ? I just cant see how it is possible for my bill to be twice what everyone elses is using basically same equipment ?In My last house i had exactly the same set up and total bill was 1500/1800 per month having aircon on every night, This new place has exactly the same except a larger water pump (Grundfos on a flow actuator) and a higher powered instantaneous water heater for the main show (Redring 10 Kw, but knocked down to run on 1 element as too hot) apart from that everything the same, but my bill here is 1500 when house not used, and 3000 when used ? I think it just has to be the meter over reading, any help advice please ?

I agree sounds like a centipede. Watch out for them critters their bite, whilst not as bad as some urban legends would have you believe, is nonetheless very nasty.

I am told that the difference between a centipede ( 100 Legs) and a millipede ( 1000 Legs) is that the centipede has only one pair of legs per body segment.

They have grout removal tools in Homeworks (next to Big C) In the tile department, lots of the little fellows. Dunno about stain proof grout and sealer though.

Thanks, Will pop in and see

Any idea where i can buy some form of Grout removal tool in Pattaya, and stain proof grout, or a Grout sealer ?

Cheers

Australia isn't a third world country?

I don't think Toyota has a strict policy of never ever selling Fortuner to any first world country, but in Europe it's just doesn't sell against Euro made SUVs and even Toyota's own models.

I thought that in Auastralia they sell 3.5l V6 only, but, perhaps Aussies are not so fussy about underpowered Japanese diesels in two ton SUVs, who knows.

I have seen them on transporters going to Laem Chabang with V6 Badge and 4.0L Thats the only reason said 4 Litre, found a TRD 4 Litre Vigo on Toyota Aus website but no Fortuner, nothing else to do this morning

Why Toyota doesn't sell Fortuners in Europe?

Not a match against local SUVs, no favourable tax breaks, lower equipment level, less powerful engine, I suppose, chassis on frame setup also constrains it.

It was built for third world markets, I think.

Toyota can sell RAV4 and Landcruiser in Europe instead.

Local Made Fortuner is Exported to Australia in current 3 Litre Diesel Form and uprated 4 Litre V6 Petrol (Think engine fitted in Aus) So you saying Fortuner only 3rd World Markets ?

I had cruise control on a grand cherokee. Apart from trying it out when i bought the car i never used it again. I drive too much like the Thais now to even consider using it myself. I dread to think of some of these fast pickups with cruise set to 140km/hour careering down the highways. Safer to ban them completely

Cruise Control (Auto Pilot) + Thai = Set Controls and Go To Sleep

I have used the Rottwieller maps, they are great but where i live still miss out some of the lanes etc. I have also recently got a copy of the garmin maps on sd card and put them into my gps. Managed to get them off ebay for about $80. Had no probs with either.

Easily available off the internet for free, Just install on SD card and off you go, Thailand, Asia, Just about anywhere for free !! And yes they work, Already Tried Thailand ones, Work on SD card so you dont have to mess with what is installed on your Garmin, also Garmin XT, works on Mobile Phones, already tried that too, up and working fine on a Samsung Omnia

Have a look at this site: http://www.garminator.com/city-navigator-t...CFQaT1Qod8kRkLA

Something doesn't seem right if these maps are supposed to be locked to a particular unit.

Any comments?

It is fairly easy to unlock them to a Different unit or Particular SD Card, There are cracks and ways round it easily available

http://www.filefactory.com/file/dd2f08/n/TSMv8_1NT_en_rar ESRI v8.1 Thailand routable.

Map ID 57 use jetmouse 1.3 keygen to code it to your unit.

Alternatively if you have a OK memory card.

SEA Mapset

Thailand v8.1 (most recent)

Laos

Vietnam

Cambodia

Malaysia (Peninsula and Eastern Malaya)

Brunei

Indo (Not complete, Borneo, Bali, Sumatra, Java incl Jakarta)

Philippines

Hong Kong and Macao

http://rs283.rapidshare.com/files/14570890...V7_sliders7.rar

Its packaged as one unlocked almost 200MB gmapsupp.img file.. Simply upload to the unit, I cant get it into mapsource using the conversion tools so far.

Just copy the zipped file onto an SD card and insert in your Garmin, No need for Mapsource or unlocking, Work fine.

Empty SD card, Create folder GARMIN insert zipped File in it, It is already unlocked and will work directly from there no problems.

Found all this out tonight while trying to sort mates Bargain Nuvi 310 from Tesco that only comes with THAI MAPS You can change the Language to English and Text, but when you use the Garmin all roads and writing on maps are in Thai, so even when you search for a place only Thai Language comes up But allsorted now, New Thai 8.1 loaded and working fine, Loaded the Full Asia Map too as a trial, that works fine too !! Well here anyway But shows all the other country maps loaded, so sure will be fine in other countries too!! Amazing how all these Guys find all these unlocks and solutions !! Worked for my mate though !! Just wish i had known when i spent 11000 Baht on original software from ESRI then another 7000 (New Price) with my new Nuvi 770

I haven't had it done personally (coming soon) but when I asked friends for both security and guttering I was amazed at the prices they quoted me. I personally see this as a con as I don't believe it can cost the Bt40-70k I have been quoted. Guttering seems even more of a con and it is like a tax on westerners. They know we need it and if they all quote about the same then someone gets a fat profit.

I eneded up after a long search getting all the Bars done for 20,000 Yes to the statements about Farang prices, i kept out of the way and let my wife get the price, then got involved during fitting, worked fine, had all the House Guttered same way, another 20,000 Baht but that was for 70 Meters of large guttering and 4 downpipes, more than happy now

Thanks for the advise so far, But has anyone used a local company that they though were good and reasonably priced ? As said there are many places in Pattaya, but was just asking for some info as to who supplied a good service.

I have no idea as to the price my wife obtained as to specification, just thought 50,000 Baht was over the top, but if thats the going rate price then i will just pay it

Cheers

Hi, Am just finishing off my House but unfortunately already someone attempted to break in !!

I would like to have security Bars Installed to 5 Windows 6' x 4' and 1 Single Door, Can anyone please tell me what Company makes these and expected prices ? My Mrs got 1 Quote and rang me today, 50,000 Baht, must admit my first thought is that this is way over priced!!!

Any reccomendations and personal experiences with Local Companies in Pattaya would be greatly appreciated

Thanks for any Help

Hi, Thought i would come back with an update on the upvc windows, The company i used was WRVinyl, The owner Peter came himself to look at the project and measure up. This is an ongoing project done piece by piece as i work away most of the time, My Thai wife has been looking after this while i am away, and i must say she has surprised me and done a great Job.

Anyway, after measuring up and agreeing specs and price, all windows single pane sliding with multi point lock, Front double doors multi point lock both open out etc, i paid the deposit agreed a schedule and went off back to work. Many things did not happen when they were supposed to and i kept putting the installation point back, but anyway we arrived at a point when the building was ready. A quick call to Peter and they arrived on site 3 days later, took 2 days to install, The supervisor walked around the windows with my wife and she agreed all was ok They did also agree to leave final payment for when i returned and was happy with the installation.

Well i arrived home and looked at all the windows and Doors, 4 French Sliding doors, 1 Pr French Double opening front doors and 10 1700mm Windows, all with Multi point locking and Integral Fly Screens.

I was very happy with the quality of the windows/doors and the standard of fitting, But -- The windows only had single point locking installed -- I called Peter who came down to the House, agreed the mistake, Took all of the window sashes out there and then, took them back to the factory, came back 1 day later, re-installed all the windows, fitted covers for the drain holes, tidied up the few little bits i had picked up !!

The service was second to none, the price was very very good, i am happy to reccomend them to anyone!!

There are other Upvc window fitting companies in Pattaya, which i am sure other people have decent experiences, all i am saying is that this company i now have first hand experience and am more than happy.

Attached a few pictures of the Installation.

Cheers

Hello,

Sorry to be negative but I am disapointed to note that none of the upvc windows or doors you have had installed have any provision for static ventiation and this is madness.

As a guide openings in outside walls ( door/windows) should be no less than 1/10th of the total floor area and the opening portion of the windows shoulf be no less than 1/20th of the rooms total floor area, i.e. total floor area 25m2 = minium size ( for light into room ) 5m2.

Minium opening area of total windows (for 25m2 floor area) 2.5m2.

It is vital to maintain a constant change of air to each room, failing to do so will result in stale air which will affect your health in the long term, I recomend you go back to the suppliers of the windows and ask him why he has not recommended or even provided static vents to his windows which are a standard requirement in europe.

Fortunately static air vents can be fitted retrospectively and are very inexpensive.

FOr those who are considering renewing windows ( be they made of wood/upvc/or metal) please take care to ensure that each window/door has a static ventilation inorperated into its consruction, there are several methods of providing adequate

airflow without compromising the security of your home.

One of the easieast and perhaps cheapest way window/door manfacturerso provide room ventilattion is to reduce the height of the frame by about 25mm/30mm and then fix a preformed 25/30mm height ventilation section (add on _ which ( in upvc windows anyway) clips directly to the top of the window frame , very easy and very cheap at point of maufacturer.

providing vents to preintalled windows is not rocket science, the frame is drilled out to recieve a preformed ventilation section which slot through the frame and can be manually adjusted from inside the room and also contains a small mesh internally to stop insects etc, not ugly at all an you could fit them yourelf if you are not afraid of an electric drill and a bit of careful juggling.

Making a room airtight is in the uk will lead to health and damp problems,, doing so in a hot and humid climate like LOS is even more likley to expedite these problems.

Alternatively youcould just go to sleep with your windows open which willl undoubtably provide the necessary air change within the property but is likley to be a magnet for the local oportunist thives who are allways on he lookout for an "opening" for thier skills.

Incidentally slidng opener's are cheap to manufacturer and easy to get in and out of, however a "tilt and turn" opening window provides great ventilation and it someone wanted to gain acess from the outside it would require a gread deal of noise to be made to get by the opening mechanism.

Making the room secure is important, but ensuring a constant change of air into every room should be your first consideration.

How many of you wake up with a headache due to not enough air changes into the bedroom?

roy gsd

Understand your comments, and although i agree in UK (and the only reason these regs were brought in there, was to counteract regulations already made and implemented which caused the problems), apart from a few situations cant see that it makes much difference here.

Nearly always the windows will be open with the integral fly screens covering the opening, so no poor airflow there, Window bars solve the Magnet for thieves problem and are used extensively on most properties.

Only time all windows closed in a room the Air conditioning would be on therefore airflow again not a problem and with built in filters.

pattayapip,

Your new WRvinyl widows look great.

I think you made a good choice.

Would you care to reveal the total cost including install?

If not maybe a PM to me?

I intend to have them quote me a price early next year on my new build.

They were 160,000 Baht (10 Big Windows and 5 Big French Doors) , Which i think is great Value, with payments something like 50% on order, 40% When made and 10% when fitted and happy, good choice you wont be disappointed, They actually have a display at Careforre i saw Yesterday

Cheers

pattayapip,

Just to clarify one more time?

Your cost was for:

10 ea 1700mm windows with multi point locks and screens

4 sliding doors 1700mm with multipoint locks and screens

1 double French door with locks and screens

Installation and any other misc. pieces.

What glass was installed? Green? Low e? Double?

Did you get pricing from any other Upvc dealer in the area?

Did you price aluminum to compare?

Yes to all of the above apart from the main doors, no screen on that as both doors open out and is the main entrance, a Grey glass waqs used, nice darkish tint which appears to cut quite a lot of heat transfer. I had a price from Windsor, but it was more expensive and for single point locking, they came back with a cheaper price and chased me for the contract, but i had already amde up my mind to use WRV

pattayapip,

Your new WRvinyl widows look great.

I think you made a good choice.

Would you care to reveal the total cost including install?

If not maybe a PM to me?

I intend to have them quote me a price early next year on my new build.

They were 160,000 Baht (10 Big Windows and 5 Big French Doors) , Which i think is great Value, with payments something like 50% on order, 40% When made and 10% when fitted and happy, good choice you wont be disappointed, They actually have a display at Careforre i saw Yesterday

Cheers

I'd be VERY careful to make sure the plastic is imported. Many Thai made plastics disintegrate after a couple of years. At this point in time, I'll stick with aluminum. I'd be sick if I paid a big price for plastic windows and watch them fall apart after a couple of years.

Check out http://www.wrvinyl.com/

So the above comment is not relevant !

For me it is also important that the shop where I buy is somehow qualified. I mean really qualified, and not just picking up some skills on the job, as you find it here so often. Peter from WRVinyl is a "licensed fabricator of Thyssen Polymer GmbH", and not only since yesterday, and that does show.

And screens, yes, of course screen are available, and they are also PVC, that means easy to take off and easy to clean, just put them under the shower, and shower off any dust and dirt, and put back.

uPVC windows are factory manufactured with fusion welded corners and joints which are fully waterproof.

uPVC windows can be either made to measure to cement openings or “wet installed” which has an advantage in terms of installation cost and overall effect. In a wet installation, the windows are installed into the concrete blocks before cement render and plaster is applied.

Durability – uPVC windows are designed to last for your property’s lifetime. They never need painting and will look as good as new for decades.

Waterproofing – they are fully resistant to strong tropical rain and remain leak proof through even the most violent storms.

Pollution – with no adverse effects from the chemical pollution found in cities and industrial areas, PVCu Windows will stay clear and bright after many years.

Salt Water – Seawater and spray have no effect on PVCu Windows and Doors.

Sunlight – designed for maximum UV and Infrared resistance, – PVCu windows have been used in the Middle East, Singapore and tropical USA for the last 3 decades.

Humidity – uPVC windows will not warp, rot or break down in humid climates.

Wind – ideally suited to seaside locations and for use in high-rise buildings, uPVC windows maintain their strength through fully reinforced galvanised steel inner frames.

Noise Reduction – the double-seal system in uPVC windows and doors combined with insulating glass greatly reduces noise down to 1/8 of the original noise level(33-43dB).

Termites – such creatures often destroy wooden windows and wooden sub frames for aluminium windows in tropical climates, but ants and termites cannot attack uPVC.

Fire – PVCu is self-extinguishing – it will not catch fire and will not allow fire to spread. Profiles are manufactured under DIN 18 830 standard.

uPVC windows and doors can be double glazed with insulating glass which has further advantages when considering air-conditioning costs and reducing outside noise.

Hi, Thought i would come back with an update on the upvc windows, The company i used was WRVinyl, The owner Peter came himself to look at the project and measure up. This is an ongoing project done piece by piece as i work away most of the time, My Thai wife has been looking after this while i am away, and i must say she has surprised me and done a great Job.

Anyway, after measuring up and agreeing specs and price, all windows single pane sliding with multi point lock, Front double doors multi point lock both open out etc, i paid the deposit agreed a schedule and went off back to work. Many things did not happen when they were supposed to and i kept putting the installation point back, but anyway we arrived at a point when the building was ready. A quick call to Peter and they arrived on site 3 days later, took 2 days to install, The supervisor walked around the windows with my wife and she agreed all was ok They did also agree to leave final payment for when i returned and was happy with the installation.

Well i arrived home and looked at all the windows and Doors, 4 French Sliding doors, 1 Pr French Double opening front doors and 10 1700mm Windows, all with Multi point locking and Integral Fly Screens.

I was very happy with the quality of the windows/doors and the standard of fitting, But -- The windows only had single point locking installed -- I called Peter who came down to the House, agreed the mistake, Took all of the window sashes out there and then, took them back to the factory, came back 1 day later, re-installed all the windows, fitted covers for the drain holes, tidied up the few little bits i had picked up !!

The service was second to none, the price was very very good, i am happy to reccomend them to anyone!!

There are other Upvc window fitting companies in Pattaya, which i am sure other people have decent experiences, all i am saying is that this company i now have first hand experience and am more than happy.

Attached a few pictures of the Installation.

Cheers

so many people reading this .. nothing better to do

or all retired ?

just wondering

This thread went out as Breaking News via email to anyone who subscribes to Thai Visa. That is why so many people get onto something like this so fast.

To Tiger Beer: I don't think mentioning the safety standards in this country is Thai bashing. This stuff is a reality of life here and if we choose to live here we pretty much have to accept the Thai way of life. It is good information for the tourists who are unaware of what actually goes on here all the time. It will give them a little insight as to the dangers and let them make informed choices regarding destinations and mode of travel.

I could not agree more

Silly question but does this 40 some page manual speak in English? Or just pictures and Thai?

In your application is the pump drawing from a water tank? Main government supply? Well? or all three? And how far away from the pump are the showers and sinks? And what size pipe is the supply to these?

Thanks

Ok - my mistake the reason the manual is thick (94 pages thick!) is because it has 11 languages in it! I remember now there was 2 manuals the other manual had another bunch of languages but since none of them were english I binned it!

The actual instructions only cover 8 pages. In this pages it states maintenance and I quote:

Under normal operating conditions, the pump is maintenance-free. However it is recommended to keep the pump clean.

Do not remove the pressure tank from the pump unless it has been vented through the air escape valve.

Never touch the electronics unless the pump has bee switched off for at least 5 minutes.

Then Services Kits:

Service kits are available for the MQ pump. The service kits consists of the following replaceable parts:

Shaft seal

motor

eletronic units

hydraulic components

The back page has a full expanded diagram of the pump and all the components.

I'm sure I remember seeing a service manual also but can't seem to find it - maybe someone else who has one can confirm if they do come with one or not.

My pump is drawing water from a 2000 litre storage tank the pipe size is 1" in and out. The showers and sinks vary in distance our main bathroom upstairs is around 8m away and 3.5 upwards. Where as the other are about 17m and upto about 22m away but are on the ground floor.

Lets put it this way the shower furthest away is a Cotto shower and it's actually painful on the skin if you use it fully open.

All the hot water in the house is also pressurised via a Siebel Eltron water heater which is located upstairs.

Personally I cannot rate the pump highly enough, it's probably the best accessory I purchased during the contruction of the house that along with the Siebel Eltron storage heater.

Many thanks for the clear, precise info. This pump sounds like what I need. I have been looking at the Grundfos website and getting more info.

The general price range for the MQ3-45 seems to be about 12k baht at places like Global House and HomePro

And?----------------Just one more question? When you open a valve do you notice any lag in water pressure say a few seconds from the time the water flow begins to when the pump kicks on? In my rental with a Hitachi pump there is at least a few seconds or so of a noticeable drop in pressure before the pump brings it back up to the constant pressure

Thanks again

I am away at work but was fairly sure it was 18k ish, but i could be wrong

It will run 4 Bathrooms and 2 Kitchens, but with only 2 of us in the House not used Simultaneously

As for manuals, follow this link to find all the info you need, including a full picture by picture take it apart and replace/service manual !!

http://net.grundfos.com/Appl/WebCAPS/Literature?userid=GSI

Cheers

One more question please?

Where can you purchase the Grundfos products? In the Rayong area preferably?

Just bought one from HomePro (Carefore Pattaya) Not got it installed yet but have high hopes after reading this Forum

18,000 Baht (Ish)

Can anyone recommend a reliable decent electrician for Just outside Pattaya (Near Phoenix Golf) Having real trouble finding one for the House i am doing. The house is around 300M2 and maybe 70% of the groundfloor wiring (cable only) is in place, but there are a few alterations and quite a few more sockets to add, plus all the first floor, and its becoming a nightmare trying to find an electrician, any help would be greatly appreciated

Cheers

Resident in c rai

I tooam looking for similar and someone to make movable wooden/plastic Upvc louvred shutters as are standard in Caribean Queensland and many antique Malay house but local carpenters seem unaware of how to construct

Any advice contacts gratefully received

I know what you mean about the cheap aluminium doors they are horrid poorly put together and locks etc have a life expectancy of a day after purchase we got those in an otherwise hi spec house and they are common all over thailand cheap nasty and shoddy and no economy in the long run if they need relacing every 5 years

Chok Dee

I initially thought the companies name was Tryba, not so, its wrvinyl look them up, they have quite a few good reviews and apparently do this in other places in Thailand too. Went to see the Farang who runs it, Swiss maybe? Was very pleased with the Thyssen profiles he showed me and also the multi point locking, His price was similar to Windsor, but actually looking physically at what he is going to make and install, plus being farang (Should be aware of what i will expect?) made me decide to use him, already paid deposit, will update on how this goes, but i am hopefull.

Now to find a bloody electrician Now that is getting hard already had one not turn up and its scuppering me !!

oh, these windows and doors are so expensive?

what are the prices for normal windows and doors?

now in the process of buying the above

I will re phrase What maybe i really meant, but said wrong was:

The windows in this House i have just bought are fitted by a blind one legged drunk!! Nothing fits properly, if he had a spirit level it was bent one end!! and everything is mega loose!! I just took and instant dislike to them all.

Had heard good reports of the UPVC windows so thought i would ask for a couple of Quotes, One with using the nicely tinted glass already fitted, and another with using completely new glass.

I had both Windsor and Tryba, both are around the 200,000 mark including Fly Screens, I am quite happy with those prices, just talking with Tryba now to see if their windows/Doors are multipoint locking like Windsors, as heard or read another place that a few guys thought their windows to be superior to Windsor.

Am told Alu windows are at least half the cost of UPVC, but you can lift all the doors/windows straight out of the tracks. Not saying that if anyone wants to break in they cant with upvc.

Having just looked at putting uPVC windows in I changed my mind.

They are 2.5 times the aluminium window price.

The frames are thicker so more prominent than aluminium.

The white al. looks nicer than the bronze aluminium.

Just my (well SWMBO'ed) opinion.

I just dont like them, they are thin and cheap and flimsy, I am hoping that i may be able to reuse the glass as its decent Tinted Glass and hopefully that will make it quite a bit cheaper?