Television
The television used in many Galleria vans is the 24 inch LG. It has a HDMI connection to the stereo system for playing DVDs and movies from USB thumb drives. When arriving at a new campsite location you will probably need to search for channels. Turn on the wall mounted power injector (green light on) and go to the setup menu on the TV (gear symbol on the remote). Scroll down and select channels -> scan -> begin. If you don’t have cable TV connected, you can skip the other scans.
Omni-Directional Antenna – Instead of cranking up an antenna and turning it to point directly at a tv transmitter, the omni-directional antenna receives signals from all directions. The down side is it receives noise from all directions too so the reception is not very good. At home, our directional antenna picks up 72 channels while the omni gets less than 20. Much of the time the picture will become badly pixelated right when they were about to name the murderer.
TV Power Injector- The power amp applies 12 volts into the coax cable connected to the antenna to power an amplifier circuit in the antenna. To turn it on, press the button (green light on). If you are connected to campground cable TV, the antenna is not used so the amplifier is OFF.
External Cable Connection – A connector on the power injector has a straight-thru coax cable for connecting a satelite receiver. The other end of the coax is in the water box and is labeled SAT. To use this hookup, you will need to move the tv coax on the power injector from TV and connect it ti the SAT connector.
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Stereo
The Jenson Stereo is located above the TV set and is connected with a HDMI cable. The Jenson is a 3 zone stereo but is installed with 2 or 4 speakers on Zone A. (On Gal_1.0 we added more speakers to the other zones but to adjust the volume you have to adjust each zone independently. Very odd that there isn’t a Master Volume Control knob).
The stereo is connected to the TV via a HDMI cable for playing DVD movies. The movie’s sound will come through the stereo speakers. There’s a way to have the TV sound come through the speakers, but sometimes it works, other times not.
The radio reception is very poor, probably because there isn’t any external antenna. I asked Coachmen where the antenna cable goes that is connected in the back but never received an answer.
A front USB connector makes it easy to plug in a thumb drive with music or movies.
Make sure the device you intend to pair with is on and ready to pair.
– Press PAIR button to enter Bluetooth mode.
– Press & Hold the PAIR button to start Bluetooth pairing process.
– The JWM72A will display “PAIRING” and will be available to pair for 120 seconds.
– In your device Bluetooth settings, select “JWM72A” to connect.
The Jenson app can connect via Bluetooth and control all of the primary functions of your stereo features including:
| * Power on/off | * Auxiliary audio input –analog AUX1 & AUX2. |
| * Volume and mute | * Zone volume selection A, B and/or C |
| * CD/DVD player | * HDMI ARC |
| * AM/FM radio tuner: access station, recall, store presets, switch songs | * Audio menu controls-bass, treble, balance, fader, equalizer, volume and zone selection settings |
| * Bluetooth streaming audio | * Clock with sleep time and alarm on/off |
| * File structure visibility, track selection, track audible scan up and down via USB | * Visual display feedback so you can see artist title and album on your mobile screen |
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WiFi Ranger
The WiFi Ranger is a signal booster and provides a secure local network firewall for all attached devices. SafeSurf blocks suspicious or uninvited network traffic and connection attempts.
Connect to the WiFi Ranger
– Turn on and wait 3 minutes for the Ranger to fully boot up
– Find the WiFi Ranger name from the label on your computer available networks
– Enter password found on the label for the WiFi Ranger
– Open your web browser and enter IP address from sticker into the browser address line
– Select scan
– Click connect on the external network you want to connect to
– If the external WiFi requires a password, enter it when prompted
– You are now connected and can now connect any other devices.
Cell Connection
The WiFi Ranger does not boost cell phone signals. However, some models, like the Sky-4 have the option of adding an integrated LTE cell modem and SIM card. Sky-4 can access 3G or 4G cellular carriers such as Verizon, ATT, T-Mobile, and Sprint where coverage is available. Integrated LTE cell modems may be more advanced than the modems in your phone or hotspot.
Reset to Factory Configuration
(Found this from WiFi the Ranger website but haven’t tried it.)
If, for some reason, you’ve forgotten the password, or changed & forgotten the network name, you can reset back to settings found on the sticker.
– Power the WiFi Ranger on and wait 3 minutes for it to fully boot up.
WIFI RANGER MUST BE POWERED UP WITH FIRMWARE FULLY LOADED BEFORE REBOOTING.
– Reboot the Ranger 4 total times (separated by various time intervals) by unplugging the power connection and quickly plugging it back in to reboot. Wait approximately 3-1/2 minutes between each time for full power up.
– You should now be able to connect to WiFi Ranger using the default settings found on the label.
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Detectors
Smoke Detector
A battery operated smoke detector is mounted on the ceiling over the bed area. Test the smoke detector before each trip to make sure it is working by pressing the “test” button to ensure the alarm sounds . The smoke detector is powered by a 9 volt battery that should be changed every year. If not changed yearly, it may start chirping to alert you when the battery is running low. Check the operators manual to check when the detector should be replaced. Many have a 10 year life before replacement.
An smoke detector replacement option is one with WiFi that can send a real-time notification on your smartphone whenever an alarm is triggered or any status is changed. It can be useful for monitoring the van when it is in storage. It will, however, require an internet connection to operate. Amazon: X-Sense Wi-Fi Smoke Detector $29.99
Propane Detector
A propane detector can detect dangerous gas leaks in your van. When a leak is detected, it will emit a loud alarm or beeping sound to alert everyone inside the van to the danger. A typical RV propane detector will last approximately five to seven years before you need to replace them. The date is usually stamped in the unit. They are typically hardwired into the 12 VDC power and don’t need batteries.
In addition to the risk of an explosion, propane is heavier than air and will settle down to the floor displacing oxygen. Because it is heavier than air, propane detectors are mounted near the floor in an area close to propane appliances.
If your RV propane detector goes off, you should immediately evacuate everyone from your van, including pets. Turn off the switch at the propane tank and leave the doors wide open. If you smell propane, you may want to alert the campground staff.
Pewey schmooey – If your pets are laying by the detector or someone had some powerful campfire beans for supper, it’s not uncommon for RVers to share that their dog’s (or significant other’s) flatulence set off their propane detector. Farts from humans and pets contain methane, so save the ozone – go easy on the beans.
NOTE: Shut OFF the propane switch at the tank when on the road and never operate gas appliances while in motion. Be sure to shut off the Truma Combi and other appliances when refilling the propane tank.
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Mercedes Me Connect
Me Connect is an optional service that can connect a phone app to monitor features like vehicle location, maintenance, door status, remote lock/unlock and more. It can also provide safety services such as Emergency Call Services, Accident and Breakdown management, and over-the-air software updates.
To connect, download the app on your phone and enter the vin number. The MBUX Multimedia screen will display a code to enter to pair the vehicle with your device.
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MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User eXperience)
The Sprinter MBUX infotainment system offers systems information and entertainment on a center-mounted touch screen. You can also use voice commands by saying “Hey Mercedes”. There are also controls on the steering wheel, as well as a small touch pad. When paired with Me Connect, there are additional responses (some are funny. like “Tell me a joke”).
You can connect 2 phones to the MBUX via Bluetooth.
TIP#236: Volume Roller – on the steering wheel is also a mute button that works with the navigation instructions when pressed while she is talking.
TIP#237: You can rearrange home screen icons by holding your finger on the icon and using the arrows to reposition the icon.
Bluetooth
Pairing devices to the MBUS is relatively straight-forward and connects phones or tablets to the system. It can then play music from an external device as well as phone calls and display additional apps on the main screen.
WiFi
The Me Connect also has a WiFi connection via the MBUX system. It requires a cell phone account setup and a monthly cell fee. It is slower than a hotspot and probably more expensive. It is only connected when the ignition is on and for about 15 minutes after shutting the ignition off.
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We Boost
Cell phone signal boosters like We Boost can provide faster internet speeds, improved streaming, and 5G-compatible cell phone signal where available. If there is no cell coverage in an area, a booster won’t be much good.
The We Boost works by receiving nearby cell signals from an outside antenna and amplifying any cell signals it receives. The inside antenna re-broadcasts these signals. There are no subscriptions, monthly charges, or recurring fees. Connected devices; including phones, tablets, hotspots and will work with all carriers and phones.
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StarLink
‘StarLink for RVs’ can provide high-speed, low-latency internet and is ideal for those boondocking locations where connectivity is unreliable or completely unavailable.
StarLink offers a no-contract plan that costs $135 per month with unlimited data as well as the flexibility to pause and resume service at any time. RVers can tailor their service to suit their own travel requirements. There is a one-time hardware cost of $599 and includes everything necessary for connecting. StarLink currently offers a 50-500 Mbps download and a 10-40 Mbps upload and will improve as more satellites are added to the constellation.
The biggest downside to using StarLink is the obstructions many RVers have when camping. State parks and campgrounds are full of trees, and if the dish can’t see a wide area of sky, it can’t get a strong signal. Another downside is that mobile internet users are not a priority, and in heavy use areas, RVers will receive the slowest service. At present time, you won’t be able to use StarLink for RVs if you’re driving, but I expect that will change when approved by the FCC.
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19 – Refrigerator
20 – Electronics
21 – Cabinetry