Tag Archives: avera distributing

FROM I-MAX 2000 TO MAX OPTIMIZER

Posted on 11th March 2023 | Comments Off on FROM I-MAX 2000 TO MAX OPTIMIZER
Image: Logo from Solarcon in the old days

SOLARCON ANTENNA RESEARCH
Long long time ago in the city of Holland Ohio in USA the Solarcon factory proudly introduced a new antenna the “I-MAX 2000“. This was the big brother of the Solarcon A99. In those days still known as Antron A-99 (Aka Atron A-99).

Photo: original carton for I-max 2000

I-MAX 2000
The CB and 10 Meter HAM people loved the new antenna and many were sold. One company did not like the name, this was the IMAX group of cinema’s.
Their lawyer wrote a letter to Solarcon and the wise people from Solarcon decided it was better to change the name to MAX 2000.

Photo: The new packing for MAX 2000

MAX 2000
Max 2000 is a wide band antenna. During the years the number of 10 meter users went down and it was more CB users that purchased this high end antenna. Many also added the the (I)MAX-GPK , a nice groundplane kit.

ANTENNA LENGTH OF (I)MAX 2000
The packing of MAX 2000 was designed based on the maximum dimensions of UPS cartons for easy and cheaper shipping. When UPS changed her ‘rules’, the carton was made a little shorter, but the antenna was still having the same length. Funny is that many people keep saying that the new model was shorter and that was the reason for a bad SWR. Sorry guys, the length never changed.

Photo: The packing of Max-Optimizer

MAX OPTIMIZER
The original IMAX-2000 was designed for 26 – 33.5 MHz. But now, because more CB operators were buying Max-2000 it was needed to make a MAX-2000 only for 27 MHz. That means a bit longer antenna length. The result is the brand new MAX OPTIMIZER.

Photo: Original specs from (I)MAX 2000

MAX-OPTIMIZER

So recently the MAX OPTIMIZER was introduced. Same box as MAX 2000, just a sticker on the top or bottom. The models MAX 2000 and MAX OPTIMIZER are nearly identical.
BUT the MAX OPTIMIZER has one more section, and that makes it a bit longer, approx 30 cm.

Photo: Specifications of the MaxOptimizer



OPTIMIZER SECTION

Photo: The Optimizer section

If you are using an (I)MAX 2000 and want to modify it to a MAX OPTIMIZER you can purchase this extra section and install between the sections of your existing antenna.
The name of the product is OP-EXT , “optional extension”. The price will be around 50 – 60 euro.
Ask your local dealer for the OP-EXT and have better SWR on the regular CB band.

Photo: OP-EXT can be installed between the sections of MAX 2000
Photo: one end has 3/8×24 Female Thread
Photo: one end has 3/8×24 Male Thread

IMPORTANT:
Often we publish the BLOG on Facebook, but not always.
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Photo: Most recent Solarcon logo

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Posted in Avera Company, Transceiver Accessories, Transceivers CB/27MHz, Transceivers HAM

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CES 2023 – MESSAGE 6 – TRUCK NEWS

Posted on 29th January 2023 | Comments Off on CES 2023 – MESSAGE 6 – TRUCK NEWS

CES is all about new technologies. I mentioned already the many new personal car concepts. But there is also news about trucks for the present and the future.


PACCAR

One of the exhibiting companies is PACCAR. They make trucks under the brand names Kenworth, Peterbilt and European brand DAF.

Photo: he PACCAR booth, showing Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF

Self driving is not only for private cars. One of the trucks shown at CES is also ‘self driving’. There is a lot of sensors, camera’s and radar on such a truck. I wonder or they still have a place to put on a CB antenna.

At some point there will be a person driving such an autonomous driving truck and we all want to talk to colleague’s.
But before there is autonomous driving we have to get used to driver assistance technologies, also for trucks.

EV TRUCKS

Photo: Self driving truck from brand Peterbilt

For the moment the biggest switch is to produce trucks that have no CO2 emissions. There are two options in the trucking industry. Paccar was showing an E-truck from Kenworth. For now this model has a range of approx. 250+ kilometers and a top speed of 110 km/hour.
More info about Kenworth EV truck T680E can be found on their website:

Photo: Kenworth EV truck model T680E

Driving an EV truck is one thing, but you also need chargers for trucks. The battery can store nearly 400 kW and can be charged with 150 kW charge rate. For charging you need chargers and Paccar is offering also EV charging stations.

Photo: Paccar EV-truck charging system

Paccar does not only produce fixed chargers. They also make a mobile EV charger. Can be used for trucks that need charging when no charger is at that spot. Or think about a hotel or parking garage that offers a ‘mobile’ charging service for private cars.
I would love to have this thing at home as a battery for my solar panels !!!!

Photo: Mobile EV-charger

H2 TRUCKS

Also from the brand Kenworth, they showed a ‘Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle’.
These types are also called ‘H2 hydrogen’ models . The range of this model is approx. 350 km.

Photo: Kenworth H2 Hydrogen truck

The hydrogen tank is placed after the drivers cabine. Let us hope these tanks are well protected and the used techniques make sure that they can not explode.

Photo Hydrogen tank placed behind the truck cabine

It is clear that the market for personal cars will change dramatically in the next 10 years. But also the truck market will have incredible changes.

The Hydrogen and EV trucks from Paccar are already available and driving on USA roads.

Take a look at what the truck industry has to offer already at this moment.

Kenworth:  https://kenworth.com/innovation/zero-emissions/

Peterbilt: https://www.peterbilt.com/innovation/technology

Paccar: https://paccarinnovation.com/

Photo: The future for trucks is on the move

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Posted in Transceivers CB/27MHz, Trucking Industry

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KOMUNICA NC-PRO-QD: PROFESSIONAL AND ROBUST HEADSET

Posted on 22nd March 2020 | Comments Off on KOMUNICA NC-PRO-QD: PROFESSIONAL AND ROBUST HEADSET
Komunica NC-PRO-QD

The brand ‘Komunica’ is known for the wide range of Antennas and Audio Accessories. Recently they introduced a very special audio accessory the NC-PRO-QD.

Komunica NC-PRO-QD on mannequin

HEADSET FOR 2-WAY RADIO
It is a headset to be used in combination with a two way radio system. This is professional and robust headset with noise cancelling system and is ideal in very noise environments even when a helmet is needed.

Padded Ear Cup for Maximum Comfort

The earphone has padded ear cups, type gel, for maximum comfort, which provide maximum attenuation of ambient noise.

Boom Microphone with Noise Cancellation

GOOSENECK MICROPHONE
The microphone is a Gooseneck Boom Type with Noise Cancellation. This headsets is supplied without cable. For several brands and wirings a PTT cable is available. So it is important to choose the correct cable to connect your radio to the headset NC-PRO-QD.

Jack on Earpad to connect the NC-PRO-CAB Cable


Red PTT on Ear Pad

On the left ear pad is a red PTT knob. You still need a cable to connect the headset to your radio. That gives 2 options for transmitting, use the large PTT on the cable or push the button on the ear pad.

CABLE SPECIFICATIONS:
• Cable with large round PTT “In-Line” permits you use freely when you wear gloves.

NC-PRO-CAB comes with a large PTT


• Durable and Eco-friendly PU cable with reinforcement.
• Strain relief made from TPE material, soft and strong.

3 TYPES OF CABLE AVAILABLE
From stock we supply now 3 types of NC-PRO-CAB cables:

NC-PRO-CAB-K is the PTT cable for 2-PIN Kenwood transceivers


• NC-PRO-CAB-K = Cable with round big PTT, connection 2-PIN Kenwood
• NC-PRO-CAB-ICF1000 = Cable with round big PTT, connection 2-PIN+Screws for ICOM
• NC-PRO-CAB-IL = Cable with round big PTT, connection 2-PIN Icom The NC-

2.5 mm Jack on PTT of NC-PRO-CAB for finger PTT

RING FINGER PTT
PRO-CAB cables have a 2.5mm jack available for optional Ring-Finger PTT, the PTT-PRO-1. This will allow to use the PTT with just using the small PTT on one of your fingers.

PTT-PRO-1 is a Ring Finger PTT



GENERAL FEATURES
• Headset for two way radio transceivers
• Boom microphone with noise cancelling, up to at least 20 dB
• Red PTT on ear-cup.
• Flexible microphone type Gooseneck Boom with Noise Cancellation.

NC-PRO-QD can be used when wearing a helmet


• Adjustable upper band and elaborated in fabric, ideal for its integration in work regulation helmet
• Reinforced metal rear band for perfect support and stability depending on each user
• Dual Earmuff with acoustic noise reduction material and comfortable gel ear pads.
• Behind the head metal band with overhead strap, ideal for use with hard hats.

Metal Band with overhead strap


• Designed for use in noisier environments, like airport fields, races, etc.

NC-PRO-QD used in combination with a helmet

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Posted in Transceiver Accessories, Transceivers HAM, Transceivers PMR446, Transceivers/Receivers Accessories

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PALOMAR MICROPHONE SL41

Posted on 23rd February 2017 | Comments Off on PALOMAR MICROPHONE SL41

 Photo: The Palomar SL41 comes in a beautiful packing

THE BRAND PALOMAR
In the “old” days Palomar was a world famous brand in the world of CB and 10 meter. Most famous were the high quality products like linear amplifiers. From most famous brand names the ownership changed during the years. Also Palomar switched from owner. Until last year Mr Eric Lewis (USA) claimed back the name that his father, the founder of Palomar,  had made great in the past. Palomar is now back to the roots of the Lewis family.

MICROPHONE SL41
The Palomar SL41 was introduced few weeks ago. It is a new technical concept for an electret microphone. Inside the housing is an alkaline battery that powers the microphone.

Photo: inside the housing is an alkaline battery

In Europe most CB’s have a 6-pin wiring and one of the pins supplies the voltage to the electret microphone. In USA most CB’s have a 4-Pin Uniden/Cobra wiring without a voltage supplied to one of the pins. That is why the battery is operated with an alkaline AAA battery.

ADAPTER CONNECTOR OR CABLE
For testing we connected the SL41 to a President Johnson-2. We have 2 very handy items to connect a 4-Pin Uniden/Cobra wired microphone to a 6-Pin President wired transceiver.

Photo: Adapter 4-Pin USA to 6-Pin President

C4PDF6 = Adapter, Converts 4-Pin Male to 6-Pin Female with Magnum DeltaForce/President Wiring.
CABLE 0008 = Microphone Adaptor Cable 4-Pin Male to 6-Pin Female with Uniden/President Wiring.
 

Photo: Uniden Adapter Cable 4-Pin Uniden to 6-Pin President

For the audio quality it made no difference whatever we used, the Adapter connector or the adapter cable.

 TEST RESULT
First we tested the dynamic microphones RoadKing RK56 and Astatic 636. As these are dynamic types we were not surprised the quality was not so good on the electret type radio Johnson-2.

The Palomar SL41 is an electret type and it  gave a much better performance than the original microphone from Johnson-2.

To finish the test we connected a RD104 (Red Devil) and the DM104M6B4B. These are amplified microphones. The audio quality and the level of volume had not much difference with the Palomar SL41. That is a remarkable good result.

I heard many good reviews from Palomar SL41 and the only thing I can say now: “TESTED AND TRUE”.

SPECIFICATIONS OF SL41:
The Palomar SL41 combines modern engineering and technology with time-tested design to provide the professional driver with the ultimate noise-cancelling microphone.

    • Classic Rugged Design
    • Active Circuit Microphone with Noise Cancelling Electret Element
    • 6 Conductor, Dual Shielded Cable – Custom Palomar Made Cable
    • 16″ Coiled Cable Section – Stretches to 9′
    • Over 1 Year Battery Life from Single AAA Battery
    • AAA Battery Included – Factory Installed
    • Industrial Grade Push-to-Talk Switch
    • Dual Mount – Machined Aluminum Button + Hanger
    • Wired for 4-Pin CB Radios

If you are interested in more technical information please read the document Technology and Design.

Photo: The Palomar SL41 – View from 4 sides

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Posted in President, Transceiver Accessories, Transceivers CB/27MHz, Transceivers/Receivers Accessories

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UBCD3600XLT DMR-VERSIONS

Posted on 1st February 2017 | Comments Off on UBCD3600XLT DMR-VERSIONS

DMR VERSIONS

Since the launch of the new portable scanner Uniden UBCD3600XLT there have been questions about the DMR function of this receiver. There are many different versions of DMR in the market and people ask which types of DMR can be detected.

The USA  models BCDx36HP need an upgrade to detect all mentioned DMR systems. The European model UBCD3600XLT does not need an upgrade to cover these DMR systems.

Using the European model Uniden UBCD3600XLT or USA  models BCDx36HP radios ( upgraded with the DMR upgrade), you can now seamlessly monitor unencrypted channels on the following system types:

  • Conventional Analog channels
  • Conventional P25 Digital channels
  • Motorola Type I and Type II Trunked Radio systems with Analog and Digital (P25) Voice
  • EDACS Analog trunked radio systems
  • LTR Analog trunked radio systems
  • APCO Project 25 Phase I and Phase II Digital Trunked Radio systems
  • EDACS trunked radio systems with ProVoice channels
  • Conventional Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) channels
  • MotoTRBO Capacity Plus Trunked Radio Systems
  • MotoTRBO Connect Plus Trunked Radio Systems
  • MotoTRBO Linked Capacity Plus Systems
  • DMR Tier IIITrunking   

                                                                             

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Posted in Scanners / Receivers / Software

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IN CLOSE QUARTERS OR WHEN CLIMBING, RETRACTABLE TETHER KEEPS HEAVY TOOLS CLOSE TO BODY.

Posted on 13th October 2016 | Comments Off on IN CLOSE QUARTERS OR WHEN CLIMBING, RETRACTABLE TETHER KEEPS HEAVY TOOLS CLOSE TO BODY.

Below an article about the GearKeeper RT3-5605. When working on Heights it is important to tether all tools and items you bring up. Because when dropping tools or other items hughe accidents can happen.

Minimize dangling tool entanglement with new Gear Keeper® heavy-tool retractable tether.

gearkeeper-with-screw-machine

Photo: RT3-5605

RT3-5605 is engineered so that the tool, application and recoil/retraction force are in balance. Designed to avoid worker fatigue in order to maintain productivity, only minimal force is necessary to extend the RT3-5605 tether for use.

Gear Keeper’s new RT3-5605 heavy-tool retractable tether’s ultra low profile keeps tools close to the body when stored while still allowing complete accessibility when in use. The retractor employs a very low 198 gram (7 oz) force to avoid arm strain when extended, but strong enough to keep the line taught to avoid snagging or interference with the work being performed. The retractor mechanism’s force is designed to retract the lanyard, not the tool. When the tool is retracted, lanyard exposure is minimized to avoid snagging, especially when the tool is also placed in a tool bag/pouch.

Using a retractable tether for heavy hand tools is particularly important when working in close quarters or climbing. Gear Keeper’s new RT3-5605 heavy-tool retractable tether’s ultra low profile keeps tools close to the body when stored while still allowing complete accessibility when in use.

The RT3-5605 heavy-tool tether has a generous reach that extends more than 139 cm (55”).

gearkeeper-with-screw-machine-2

Photo: Low retraction and arm length reach

Like other retractables in the Gear Keeper line, the RT3-5605 is engineered so that the tool, application and recoil/retraction force are in balance. Designed to avoid worker fatigue in order to maintain productivity, only minimal force is necessary to extend the RT3-5605 tether for use.

The RT3-5605 heavy-tool tether has a generous reach that extends more than 139 cm (55”). The strong, impact absorbing Nylon webbing for tools up to 1.58 Kg (3.5 lbs) does not require an additional shock absorbing lanyard end. Tools are attached via a Stainless Steel, thumb-controlled, locking-gate carabiner. The RT3-5605 also reduces arm strain when working with heavier tools; the tether features a thumb-controlled gear lock to secure the tool at any extension length. Included with the tether is a lanyard loop strap that can adapt virtually any tool of appropriate weight to be cinched securely to the tether.

According to John Salentine, VP of Hammerhead Industries, “Workers do not have to dance around a long, dangling tether or drag their tool on the floor.” Salentine added, “This unique heavy-tool retractor makes work safer, more efficient and simplifies every repair, maintenance or manufacturing project.”

RT3-5605 retractable heavy-tool tethers including the lanyard loop strap retail for Euro 35.99 excl VAT per unit. For bulk pricing (50 or more) call Avera-Distributing. The full line of Gear Keeper instrument tethers and accessories are available on the company’s website at gearkeeper.eu.

A free, sixteen-page “Safety Engineer’s Guide to Tool Tethering” containing a tethering guide for tools with and without attachment points and related product information is available. Use this link to get your free copy: http://www.avera.nl/promotion.asp .

Also two video’s are available:

Video 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQGny6RDCCA

Video 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqzUfI2xTx0

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Posted in GearKeeper

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WILSON POWER ACCESORIES

Posted on 11th July 2016 | Comments Off on WILSON POWER ACCESORIES

World famous are the super high quality Wilson antennas like Wilson 1000, Wilson 5000, Little Will and others. But you can also find high end 12 Volt accessories  from the famous Wilson brand.

WILSON 12-VOLT POWER PLUG  (p/n 30512VPP)

30512VPP Photo HQ

Photo: Wilson 12-Volt Power Plug

This is a great item, I wish I had this years ago when I still had time to experiment with all kind of electronic equipment in cars. It is so simple, but so handy. Put the plus and minus in the terminals and you have 12 Volt on the power leads. It is 10 Ampere fused so it can handle a lot of current.

30512VPP Photo Product in Packing

Photo: Wilson 12-Volt Power Plug – product in packing

 

WILSON 12-VOLT EXTENSION CORD (p/n 305203ECUSB)

305203ECUSB Photo HQ                                     Photo: Wilson 12-Volt Extension Cord

Imagine you have a 12VDC Cigarette Lighter Socket and you want to change the location. This device is a Cigarette Lighter Plug with a cable of 360 cm with a Cigarette Lighter Socket + a USB Port with 2.4 Ampere.

So the cable allows you to get a Cigarette Lighter Socket and USB Port exactly where you want these to be located. A quick release mounting bracket is included in the packing.

305203ECUSB Photo product in packing

Photo: Wilson 12-Volt Extension Cord – product in packing

 

WILSON 12-VOLT POWER OUTLET (p/n 30512V2USB)

30512V2USB Photo HQ

Photo: Wilson 12-Volt Power Outlet

This device allows you to have a cigarette Lighter Socket and 2 USB Ports of 3.4 Ampere, in your vehicle, boat or camper. Connect the wire to a 12 Volt power point and install the power outlet on a location that is convenient for you.

30512V2USB Photo Product in Packing

Photo: Wilson 12-Volt Power Outlet – product in packing

USE IN 24VDC VEHICLES

In Europe it is common to have 24VDC power systems in trucks. But in USA the trucks are mostly 12 Volt, same as regular cars and pick-up trucks or 4×4 cars. You will not find Wilson 24VDC accessories but that does not mean some of these cannot be used for 24 Volt systems too. It will never turn 12VDC in to 24VDC ! But in cases you want to move the location of your 24VDC source it is possible to use such an accessory.

But be aware if the accessory has a USB port you certainly can not use it on a 24VDC source. In that case the 12 Volt is turned in to the 5VDC for the USB port. Putting 24V on the system can destroy the USB outlets.

30512VPP Photo HQ

Photo: 12-Volt Power Plug – A Great Solution

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Posted in Travel Center Products

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MIDLAND M-ZERO PLUS – A NEW LOW COST CB MODEL

Posted on 30th March 2016 | Comments Off on MIDLAND M-ZERO PLUS – A NEW LOW COST CB MODEL

01The new “M” series of the Midland CB radios is extended with another model:
M ZERO PLUS. It is the main brother of M ZERO (is AM-only), since it operates in both AM and FM modulation.
It is low cost model with an end-user price of around Euro 79 including sales tax.

M ZERO PLUS is a 40 channel AM/FM CB radio characterized especially for its extremely reduced size and for its ease of use. It’s the ideal equipment for those who want a simple radio at low cost but equipped with all main functions required by a CB. M ZERO PLUS has been developed with SMD technology to be a state‐of‐the‐art equipment.

The installation is very easy and quick thanks to the supplied cigarette lighter plug.

The UP/DOWN controls allow the channel selection and the long pressure of one of these lets the channels scroll quickly.

M-ZERO PLUS is also equipped with the CH‐EMG control to immediately select the emergency channel or a priority channel previously set by the user.

What’s in the box:

• M ZERO PLUS transceiver with 12V cigarette lighter plug
• 4 pin microphone
• Mounting bracket
• Fixing screws
• Quick guide

Main features:

• 40CH AM/FM CB transceiver
• Selectable frequency bands: Europe (St): 26.965‐27.405MHz; Poland (Po): 26.960‐27.400Mhz);
• Output power: 4W AM/FM
• Display showing the channel in use
• Squelch control
• CH/EMG selector: for the immediate selection of the emergency channel or of
the channel in use
• Emergency/priority channel settable by the user
• RF GAIN knob
• Weight: 665gr
• Dimensions: 110x45x140mm

02

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Posted in Midland, Transceivers CB/27MHz

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TRUCKING MOVES AMERICA FORWARD

Posted on 21st March 2016 | Comments Off on TRUCKING MOVES AMERICA FORWARD

Since two years TMAF is active on the USA market to promote the trucking industry. Many companies and organisations participate in this industry wide organisation.
This is their press release because of MATS2016. MATS is the biggest trucking show in USA held in Louisville Kentucky from 31 march -2 april.

truckingmovesamerica.com

01
TMAF TODAY 

Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF) is actively seeking support of its mission to keep the trucking industry in America progressing through outreach and advocacy.

Since its public launch at MATS in 2014, Trucking Moves America Forward has promoted its mission to be a long-term, industry-wide movement to create a positive image for the industry – ensuring that policymakers and the public understand the importance of the trucking industry to the nation’s economy.

As the movement builds, TMAF plans to be a significant and distinguished voice supporting the trucking industry by highlighting its essentiality, safety, technology, and sustainability throughout the country.

Visibility in the U.S.

Every year, TMAF leadership represents the movement at numerous industry organizations to recruit members and donors, including the Mid-America Trucking Show, the Great American Trucking Show, ATA’s Annual Management Conference & Exhibition, TCA’s annual convention, numerous state trucking association events, and Great West Casualty Company events.

Other highlights that demonstrate the popularity and growth of the industry movement include:

• Putting 100 TMAF-branded trailer and tank wraps on the road, which reach as many as 16 million people per city, per truck
• Topping more than 180 donors
• Continuing to add to an online subscriber list of more than 2,000
• Earning more than 5.8 million advertising impressions, targeted for consumers and lawmakers
• Continuing to build a robust online community though digital and social media channels.

Top Media Coverage

An important part of the campaign is gaining exposure in print, online and broadcast media outlets. Earned media coverage since March 2014 has included more than 45 million impressions, thanks to dozens of op-eds and story placements secured in state and national industry publications, local newspapers, and inside-the-beltway outlets, including:

• Albuquerque Business First
• American Trucker
• Argus Leader (S.D.)
• Charlotte Business Journal
• Commercial Carrier Journal
• Dave Nemo Show
• Elko Daily Free Press (Nev.)
• Heavy Duty Trucking
• Illinois Times
• Land Line Radio
• Land Line Magazine
• Louisville Business First
• MAXIM Magazine
• Memphis Business Journal
• New Hampshire Business Review
• POLITICO Transportation
• Portland Press Herald
• Prairie Business (N.D.)
• Rapid City Journal
• Reno Gazette-Journal
• Road Dog Trucking Channel
• Roll Call
• Santa Fe New Mexican
• Sierra Vista Herald (Ariz.)
• State Journal (W. Va.)
• The Business Journal (Calif.)
• The Hill
• The Memphis Business Journal
• The Trucker
• Topeka Capital-Journal
• Transport Topics

Digital & Social Media

TMAF has greatly bolstered its marketing presence online through several channels. TMAF’s interactive website (truckingmovesamerica.com) informs and captures thousands of members, and subscribers receive regular email updates on industry happenings. On the site’s members-only page, visitors can access key messages; talking points; press materials; sample speeches and editorials; donation and pledge information; trailer wrap information; and useful visuals for amplifying TMAF’s image, such as videos, social media shareables, and advertisements. The TMAF e-store, shoptmaf.com, is open for those who wish to proudly display branded gear including hats, shirts, tumblers, door decals and more.

TMAF’s growing social media following includes:

FACEBOOK: More than page 7,600 likes on facebook.com/TruckingFWD
TWITTER: Nearly 2,000 followers of @TruckingFWD
YOUTUBE: More than 34,000 views at youtube.com/TruckingFWD
LINKEDIN: Added nearly 100 followers in its first month

TMAF Founding Members

Founding members of the movement include: Allied Committee for the Trucking Industry (ACT1), Allison Transmission, American Trucking Associations (ATA), Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, BMO Transportation Finance, Bridgestone Commercial Solutions, Bulldog Hiway Express, Castrol Heavy Duty Lubricants, Combined Transport, Inc., Cummins Inc., Daimler Trucks North America, Dana Holding Corporation, Detroit Diesel Corporation, Eaton Corporation – Roadranger, Goodyear, Great West Casualty Company, Hahn Transportation, Inc., Hendrickson, International, J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc., Jet Express, Inc., Kenworth Truck Company, Longistics, Love’s Travel Stops, Mack Trucks, Inc., Meritor, McLeod Software, Michelin, Motor Carrier Service, Inc., Old Dominion Freight Lines, Omnitracs Inc., Owner- Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) Pegasus, Peterbilt Motors Company, Pilot Flying J, Randall Reilly, Tennant Truck Lines, Tennessee Express, Inc., TransTech, Trucking Associations Executive Council, Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), TRW and Volvo Trucks.

P1060291 V2truckingmovesamerica.com

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Posted in Scanners / Receivers / Software, Travel Center Products

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DIRK THE DUTCH DAIRYMAN THAT BOUGHT A TRUCKSTOP

Posted on 15th December 2015 | Comments Off on DIRK THE DUTCH DAIRYMAN THAT BOUGHT A TRUCKSTOP

1
After World War II  many young Dutch farmers have moved to the USA and Canada. There was not enough space in The Netherlands for large scale farming, so they decided to go West. Travelling in USA and Canada you still can find typical Dutch family names. Seeing such a typical Dutch family name is always a good reason to start a conversation. Many are second, third or fourth generation and they do not speak Dutch at all. But some still do and even have the local accent from the area the (grand)parents came from.

This year we met a tall man with the name badge ‘DIRK BINNEMA’. That family name is typical for Friesland, an area located in the northern part of The Netherlands. Enough reason to start a conversation. He told us he moved to the USA around 2002 so he still spoke his native language without any problem.

2Dirk and Ellen Binnema

Dirk Visitekaartje

Dirk even was in the same business as we are, he and his wife Ellen are the proud owner of an American truckstop called ‘PLANEVIEW’ in the city of Oshkosh in Wisconsin.

BUYING A TRUCKSTOP

Dirk and Ellen’s story begins in Friesland, the Netherlands. Dirk grew up on a dairy farm and Ellen lived not far from him on a crop farm. Dirk studied agriculture, and in 2001 took a farm tour in the US. Soon he returned with his mother, and visited Wisconsin. They were excited about the friendly people they met, and the American way of life. Dirk decided he wanted to remain in the US permanently and start or buy a dairy farm.
His adoptive family, Ron and Judy Brath, welcomed him into their home, and looked for business opportunities here. In 2005, Ron discovered that Planeview Travel Plaza was for sale. He helped throughout the sale, and Dirk became a Wisconsin business owner!
Since that time Dirk is promoting his business with the slogan “Dirk, The Dutch Dairyman That Bought A Truckstop”.

drie

CB SHOP

Every good truckstop or travel center in USA has a section where they sell CB radio’s and a line of accessories. In Dirk’s shop you will find transceivers from Uniden, Midland and Cobra. Also antennas from Wilson, K40, RoadKing and more.

4Part of the shop, antennas, cb transceivers and ‘hiking sticks’.

GIFT SHOP AND RESTAURANT

In addition to all of snacks, beverages, and goodies in the convenience store, there is also a gift shop located inside Planeview Travel Plaza. With a variety of unique items and souvenirs, there is something for everyone. The fun part is that they have many Dutch gifts available for everyone to experience a small part of the Dutch heritage, including the very popular Wooden Shoe Slippers!
They also sell typical Dutch food like ‘hagelslag’. Some American people buy this stuff without knowing how to eat this. This results in some good hilarious stories, so Dirk tells us.
But there is serious food business in Planeview as well and in the kitchen they also make food based on Dutch recipes.

vijf

CERTIFIED CAT SCALE

Travelling in USA you will see weight stations near every state border. Overweight is common in USA for people, but not allowed for truck loads.
Planeview Travel Plaza has a Certified CAT Scale at the Truck Stop to weigh an entire truck and trailer unit while passing through or before heading back out. With strict weight regulations and fines associated with violations, ensuring you are under the weight limit is extremely important.
When using the CAT brand scale, the driver is covered by a guarantee – if you receive an overweight fine after weighing legal on a CAT Scale, CAT will either pay the fine or appear in court with you in order to get the ticket dismissed. In either case, the driver will not pay the fine as long as you were weighed on the CAT scale prior to the citation.
This kind of service is not very common in Europe.

6website www.planeview.biz

If you want to know more about Dirk’s business ‘Planeview’ visit his website. And if you are in USA near Wisconsin, stop for some Dutch food and hospitality.

 

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