Ask a Shiter

[Pete-M]

It's on the list, and I don't have time for eBay. I'll ring the breakers.

[willswitchengage]

If you don't reply there is no further action, but if you reply STOP you indicate the number is active, and it is then sold to spammers.

 

[Cavcraft]

That explains the umpteen calls and/or texts i get after sending abusive messages to them then. Also when the home phone goes and it's an international/unknown number I occasionally give them loads and noticed random calls for days afterwards.

[Cavcraft]

Mobile phone users, some q's:

 

Firstly are '3' still the most utterly useless provider in the entire universe, or ar they as good as the big boys now for reliability and reception? Have T-mobile been upgraded from Iveco wiring to Laguna autobox + and are Virgin as bad as their other services suggest?

My contract is up and I want to go to a pay-as-you-go one, possibly a month at a time contract, as I can get a better deal than my current (Orange) pay monthly. Loathe to go through the hassle of porting my number over to a service that's bleeding useless.

[Cavcraft]

Mobile phone users, some q's:

 

Firstly are '3' still the most utterly useless provider in the entire universe, or ar they as good as the big boys now for reliability and reception? Have T-mobile been upgraded from Iveco wiring to Laguna autobox + and are Virgin as bad as their other services suggest?

My contract is up and I want to go to a pay-as-you-go one, possibly a month at a time contract, as I can get a better deal than my current (Orange) pay monthly. Loathe to go through the hassle of porting my number over to a service that's bleeding useless.

[skattrd]

The only one I can really comment on is T-mobile. I've been with them for a few yrs now, I work all over the country and have never had a problem with them. I think they have merged with orange so T-mobile & orange now use the same masts.

 

I thought virgin used T-mobiles network - I may be wrong.

[skattrd]

The only one I can really comment on is T-mobile. I've been with them for a few yrs now, I work all over the country and have never had a problem with them. I think they have merged with orange so T-mobile & orange now use the same masts.

 

I thought virgin used T-mobiles network - I may be wrong.

[willswitchengage]

Avoid Orange like the plague, solely de to their "network coverage". I'd hazard a guess that their merger with T was driven alot as a PR campaign to show they're trying to make things better by additionally using T's masts.

 

Vodafone have excellent network coverage - I've never had problems, but their customer service shit, they're fairly pricey (can't wait for my 12months to end) and whenever I try and check my balance online I'm just bombarded with errors and "you're not allowed to view that".

[willswitchengage]

Avoid Orange like the plague, solely de to their "network coverage". I'd hazard a guess that their merger with T was driven alot as a PR campaign to show they're trying to make things better by additionally using T's masts.

 

Vodafone have excellent network coverage - I've never had problems, but their customer service shit, they're fairly pricey (can't wait for my 12months to end) and whenever I try and check my balance online I'm just bombarded with errors and "you're not allowed to view that".

[Richard]

I've never tried on anything with that low a profile but you shouldn't need to use anywhere near enough effort on the levers to damage the wheel.

 

I don't use the Bo11ox method to break the bead, I put the wheel under my work van and use the base of the van's scissor jack to force the bead off. I normally have to do this on two or three places to release the bead completely and I use something like a housebrick on the other side to stop the wheel flipping up.

[Richard]

I've never tried on anything with that low a profile but you shouldn't need to use anywhere near enough effort on the levers to damage the wheel.

 

I don't use the Bo11ox method to break the bead, I put the wheel under my work van and use the base of the van's scissor jack to force the bead off. I normally have to do this on two or three places to release the bead completely and I use something like a housebrick on the other side to stop the wheel flipping up.

[Cavcraft]

I'd say as long as you get the angle right (picture four) when you welly the brick hammer with the lump hammer you should be ok. If the edge of the brick hammer that makes contact with the wheel/tyre is too far inclined towards the wheel rather than the rubber you may do some damage. That probably sounds more complicated tahn it actually is, you'll see what I mean when you practise on the spare wheel.

Also (picture four again) I'd be tempted to try and stick a bit of rag 'twixt tyre and hammer and also between levers and hammer when removing tyres to try and minimise scratches/chips to the wheels.That's just how I'd do it with Reg's excellent guide as I do it a slightly different way but it doesn't mean my way is any better, it's just how I've done it over the years.

 

Cheers for the 'phone tips, I realise what you mean about local coverage and should have thought of that. Been with Orange for lightyears but just CBA with a contract when the latest PAYG deals are shit loads better.

Oddly enough T-mobile (the artist formerly known as None-to-None) have just crossed themselves off my list as just had a fairly epic convo with them over a long running debate about their shit service I'd forgotten about. Long story short they've just taken the piss with my daughter's 'phone contract (which muggins here pays for) and when I rang them to question the bill they said a lot of it was down to two 'long and expensive calls' to a 17 digit number they gave me. I hung up, checked the number (which I suspected to be bollocks) and guess what? Not only does it not exist but if you try and call it it just makes the unobtainable noise. Anyhow the cock rots called me back, I led them into a conversation about the number again, he gave me the 'expense' spiel so I told him the number didn't exist. They then said they'd call me back and when they did they offered a £15.00 refund 'but the 'phone calls to that number only came to 27p'

Some of the refund goes towards having all of about 41 seconds worth of (paid for) internet access since we've had the sodding 'phone apparantly, but there's another whole big storm abrewing about that.

So in a long winded, not very shortened version at all actually, T-mobrule can go suck a railway.

[Cavcraft]

I'd say as long as you get the angle right (picture four) when you welly the brick hammer with the lump hammer you should be ok. If the edge of the brick hammer that makes contact with the wheel/tyre is too far inclined towards the wheel rather than the rubber you may do some damage. That probably sounds more complicated tahn it actually is, you'll see what I mean when you practise on the spare wheel.

Also (picture four again) I'd be tempted to try and stick a bit of rag 'twixt tyre and hammer and also between levers and hammer when removing tyres to try and minimise scratches/chips to the wheels.That's just how I'd do it with Reg's excellent guide as I do it a slightly different way but it doesn't mean my way is any better, it's just how I've done it over the years.

 

Cheers for the 'phone tips, I realise what you mean about local coverage and should have thought of that. Been with Orange for lightyears but just CBA with a contract when the latest PAYG deals are shit loads better.

Oddly enough T-mobile (the artist formerly known as None-to-None) have just crossed themselves off my list as just had a fairly epic convo with them over a long running debate about their shit service I'd forgotten about. Long story short they've just taken the piss with my daughter's 'phone contract (which muggins here pays for) and when I rang them to question the bill they said a lot of it was down to two 'long and expensive calls' to a 17 digit number they gave me. I hung up, checked the number (which I suspected to be bollocks) and guess what? Not only does it not exist but if you try and call it it just makes the unobtainable noise. Anyhow the cock rots called me back, I led them into a conversation about the number again, he gave me the 'expense' spiel so I told him the number didn't exist. They then said they'd call me back and when they did they offered a £15.00 refund 'but the 'phone calls to that number only came to 27p'

Some of the refund goes towards having all of about 41 seconds worth of (paid for) internet access since we've had the sodding 'phone apparantly, but there's another whole big storm abrewing about that.

So in a long winded, not very shortened version at all actually, T-mobrule can go suck a railway.

[vulgalour]

On mobiles, I've been with Orange for about 10 years on a pay as you go phone. I put about £5 on every 2-3 months because I only use the phone for emergencies or for other people to call me when I'm not at home. It puzzles the providers when they say than can beat my current deal and then find out how much I don't use a mobile. Sorry, this story is of no help to you at all.

[vulgalour]

On mobiles, I've been with Orange for about 10 years on a pay as you go phone. I put about £5 on every 2-3 months because I only use the phone for emergencies or for other people to call me when I'm not at home. It puzzles the providers when they say than can beat my current deal and then find out how much I don't use a mobile. Sorry, this story is of no help to you at all.

[willswitchengage]

Ooo, and if ALL you care about is value for money, I recommend...

 

http://giffgaff.com/index/offer

[willswitchengage]

Ooo, and if ALL you care about is value for money, I recommend...

 

http://giffgaff.com/index/offer

[Luxobarges_Are_Us]

WARNING: Mobile-phone shite advice.

 

Orange aren't too bad, after merging with T-Mobile their coverage has improved and I am reasonably satisfied with them. I spent most of this afternoon in the miserable shithole that goes by the name of Cleethorpes, and I had very fast 3G internet coverage (which is very handy, as you can use your phone as a mobile modem for the laptop and have proper internet access everywhere). If you are happy with the coverage, just ring Orange, threaten to leave and tell them that you'll only consider staying if they give you a good sim-only 30-day contract.

 

I'm paying them a tenner and I get 300 minutes to mobiles, unlimited landline calls, 500MB of data and 100 texts. And I can stop it with a month's notice. Funnily enough, when they slapped increases on most of their customers due to 'inflationary pressures', it didn't occur to them to up the prices for 30-day contracts.

[Luxobarges_Are_Us]

WARNING: Mobile-phone shite advice.

 

Orange aren't too bad, after merging with T-Mobile their coverage has improved and I am reasonably satisfied with them. I spent most of this afternoon in the miserable shithole that goes by the name of Cleethorpes, and I had very fast 3G internet coverage (which is very handy, as you can use your phone as a mobile modem for the laptop and have proper internet access everywhere). If you are happy with the coverage, just ring Orange, threaten to leave and tell them that you'll only consider staying if they give you a good sim-only 30-day contract.

 

I'm paying them a tenner and I get 300 minutes to mobiles, unlimited landline calls, 500MB of data and 100 texts. And I can stop it with a month's notice. Funnily enough, when they slapped increases on most of their customers due to 'inflationary pressures', it didn't occur to them to up the prices for 30-day contracts.

[Ross_K]

3 rules for me.

 

€25 a month for unlimited data. I couldn't tell you how many minutes I get cos I don't make many phone calls.

[Ross_K]

3 rules for me.

 

€25 a month for unlimited data. I couldn't tell you how many minutes I get cos I don't make many phone calls.

[Cavcraft]

3 sound good to be fair, called them earlier and (whilst they're not likely to admit they only have two plastic cups and a length of string) they offered me 100 minutes, 3,000 texts (ideal as I'm too f*cking miserable to answer the 'phone and nobody likes me enough to call) and unlimited internet access for £13.00 per month, SIM only with no contract.

I just need to get my iPhone unlocked I think and Bob's yer former banging racing Mockney part time Autoshiter.

[Cavcraft]

3 sound good to be fair, called them earlier and (whilst they're not likely to admit they only have two plastic cups and a length of string) they offered me 100 minutes, 3,000 texts (ideal as I'm too f*cking miserable to answer the 'phone and nobody likes me enough to call) and unlimited internet access for £13.00 per month, SIM only with no contract.

I just need to get my iPhone unlocked I think and Bob's yer former banging racing Mockney part time Autoshiter.

[Wilko220]

Back on to cars...

 

I'm currently on holiday in northern France with my Rover 75 (and the missus). The brake warning light (the one which comes on when the handbrake is applied) has started illuminating permanently. Furthermore, the digital dashboard display (yeah, Connoisseur SE spec FTW) states "brake fault".

 

The brakes are working fine as far as I can tell. My assumption is that it means the brake pads need changing soon, however, with the manual back in blighty, I can't check whether this is a possibility.

 

Any ideas folks? Are we about to have an OMG BREAK FALE or can this wait the few days (and few hundred miles) until I'm back home?

[Wilko220]

Back on to cars...

 

I'm currently on holiday in northern France with my Rover 75 (and the missus). The brake warning light (the one which comes on when the handbrake is applied) has started illuminating permanently. Furthermore, the digital dashboard display (yeah, Connoisseur SE spec FTW) states "brake fault".

 

The brakes are working fine as far as I can tell. My assumption is that it means the brake pads need changing soon, however, with the manual back in blighty, I can't check whether this is a possibility.

 

Any ideas folks? Are we about to have an OMG BREAK FALE or can this wait the few days (and few hundred miles) until I'm back home?

[panhard65]

Hi check the brake fluid level. You won't believe the amount of people that ignore the red brake fluid warning lights they just assume its a faulty switch. If the pads are low the level can drop too low or you might have a leak

[panhard65]

Hi check the brake fluid level. You won't believe the amount of people that ignore the red brake fluid warning lights they just assume its a faulty switch. If the pads are low the level can drop too low or you might have a leak

[cobblers]

Re: All this phone signal bollocks - I live in a 100m radius mobile phone signal black hole - just enough signal to do text messages and stuff, but phone calls end up dropped most of the time. When you give the postcode to all the networks they reckon it should be great, but it's not.

 

Vodafone do a "Suresignal" doodaa that you plug into your interwebs and it acts as a mobile phone base station for up to 4 Vodafone devices. My pal has one and it works pretty well, £50 well spent IMO. I'm going to see if I can twist their arm into throwing one in when I get one of those fancy pants massive Samsung Galaxy things in the next few days.

[cobblers]

Re: All this phone signal bollocks - I live in a 100m radius mobile phone signal black hole - just enough signal to do text messages and stuff, but phone calls end up dropped most of the time. When you give the postcode to all the networks they reckon it should be great, but it's not.

 

Vodafone do a "Suresignal" doodaa that you plug into your interwebs and it acts as a mobile phone base station for up to 4 Vodafone devices. My pal has one and it works pretty well, £50 well spent IMO. I'm going to see if I can twist their arm into throwing one in when I get one of those fancy pants massive Samsung Galaxy things in the next few days.

[Bill_Gates]

re mobile phone networks

Before 3G (UMTS) there was 2G (GSM) and before that was 1G (TACS).

The original 1G networks were Cellnet and Vodafone.

When 2G came along, Cellnet and Vodafone started to mount 2G on their existing 1G masts, and built a few more masts for 2G. Then Mercury One-to-One appeared, then Hutchisson Orange. The latter blitzed the country with masts, wherever they could put them, upsetting a lot of house owners, because up until the late 90's mobile phone networks only needed to submit a planning application to a council, and got planning permisison by default if the council did not object in 14 days. Then the planning laws on mobile phone masts were changed.

Around 1998 it started to become very difficult for mobile phone networks to plan new masts, so mast sharing became very common place (mast sharing had been in operation already, but networks preferred to build their own, until the planning law was changed).

Then in 2000 Tony Blairs lot auctioned 5 licences for 3G spectrum, which cost the UK mobile phone industry something like £20 billion. The four 2G netowrks each stayed in the auction right to the end, bidding against many startup companies that wanted a licence.

Cellnet became O2, Mercury 1-to-1 was bought by T-Mobile, and Hutchison sold Orange to France Telecom. So O2, Vodafone, TMO, and Orange who had all bought very expensive licences for 3G spectrum, decided to roll out 3G slowly. Meanwhile Hutchison, who had bought the fifth licence and called their 3G network "Three", had to roll out 3G coverage very quickly because they had no 2G.

2G coverage, for various reasons, is better than 3G coverage, so when you are in rural areas you are more likely to be on a 2G signal, depending on the network you are on.

In summary .....

O2 operate independently from other networks, with their own 2G and 3G coverage.

Vodafone operates independently from other networks, with their own 2G and 3G coverage.

TMO used to operate independently from other networks, with their own 2G and 3G coverage, but see below.

Orange used to operate independently from other networks, with their own 2G and 3G coverage, but see below.

Three operates its 3G independently from other networks, but still needs a 2G to hand into when their 3G coverage fails, see below.

 

For various reasons, TMO and Orange decided so share antennas. So where TMO has antennas and Orange coverage needs improvement, Orange can put its signal out through the TMO antennas. And vice versa. (note that antenna sharing is very different from mast sharing). TMO and Orange are now effectively a single network known as "Everything Eveywhere", though they still market themselves separately, ffs.

 

Three relies on "Everything Everywhere" 2G to fall back into, but in my experience, they have set their parameters to hang onto their own 3G signal until the person with the phone has died.

 

Take your pick gents, it's a fucking capitalist disaster out there.