A day in my life.
“Hey Cindy, today I’m going to install the new GPS unit I bought. You remember me telling you about it. It tracks the Russian satellites from the GLONASS system as well as the USA system. I think I told you about it, didn’t I? Well, during the cold war, the former Soviet Union set up their version of the USA GPS system called GLONASS. I have a new GPS unit that tracks both the Russian and USA satellites and is extremely accurate and fast. It will update our position once a second. Anyway, I am going to hook it up today. Let me check to make sure I have everything I need…. I have to run to West Marine, to get an extension cable for the antenna or some wire and fittings to make an extension cable. I’ll be back in an hour.”
One hour later Cindy’s phone rings.
“Hey it’s me. West Marine didn’t have what I needed. Well, they kind of did, but it would require me reworking my whole plan and their stuff is so darn expensive. Seriously! I asked them for a RP-TNC 10’ cable. They looked at me like I was crazy. I can’t believe they don’t know what a TNC fitting is. I could work around it using some PL-232 fittings but I would need four fittings and two connectors. They want $12 each for each fitting and $10 for each connectors. That’s $68! Heck! That’s half of what I paid for the fancy GPS unit. I think they should be ashamed of themselves. I did buy the rail mount I needed. I needed two of them. They only had one in stock, as usual. I hate this store, they never have anything I need. I don’t know why I even bother to go there anymore. Hello? Heellloo? Darn cheap cell phones!”
One hour later Cindy’s phone rings.
“Hey, it’s me. I went to Radio Shack. Their PL-232 fittings were one forth the price of West Marines. I don’t really want PL-232 fittings but it just proves my point about West Marine. Anyway, they did have a TNC fitting but they only stock the male fittings. If I’m going to make the extension, I need both a male and a female fitting. So, I am going to try a couple of other stores. There’s a Best Buy down the street. I won’t be too long.”
One hour later Cindy’s phone rings.
“Hey, it’s me. I went to Best Buy. They really don’t sell anything in the way of parts. I don’t know why I stopped there. As a long shot, I tried Home Depot and Lowe’s. They looked at me like I was from another planet. Ya know, I don’t know why they open stores across the street from each other when they both sell exactly the same stuff. Or in my case, don’t sell the same stuff. Anyway, I’m looking for a couple of computer stores. According to the Google machine there are a couple of stores nearby and the TNC fittings are used for Wi-Fi connectors. I didn’t know that. I learned something new. I’ll see if they have a cable.”
One hour later Cindy’s phone rings.
“Hey, it’s me. I went to computer store, they didn’t sell them. I didn’t think they would but, it was worth a try. I’m a little hungry. I might stop for lunch. Go ahead and eat without me. I think I will have to order the cable on-line. I’m going to stop at the mailbox and I’ll be back soon.”
One hour later Cindy’s phone rings.
“Hey, it’s me. I slammed a sandwich. You’ll never guess what arrived at the mailbox. The new boat speakers that I ordered from Amazon. I can’t believe they got here so fast. Isn’t Amazon awesome? I think I will try to get these installed today and see how they sound. I’m on my way back. I’ll see you in a minute.”
One hour later aboard Cream Puff
“Hey Cindy, I found the extension cable for the GPS I need on line for $9 plus $2 for shipping. That’s the whole extension cable for less than West Marine was asking for just one fitting. I’m going to buy it on-line. This means installing the GPS will have to wait for another day once the cable arrives. I think I might install the speakers. I’ll open them up and make sure I have everything I need for the project. Oops! I’m going to need some connectors. I’ll be right back. I’m off to the store.”
