Simple Tools, BIG Results

THE GADGETEER

Charging multiple electronic devices just about always results in a messy pile of cables, not to mention the overall clutter, which does not play well with those with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) — or angry spouses.

Organizing electronic devices with a charging station and using a Dremel Versa for cleaning chores will restore sparkle and combat clutter

By Bob Livingston / Photos by Chris Hemer

Vers face two ongoing challenges when living in their rigs, whether for a weekend jaunt or full time: keeping the interior organized and neat, and housecleaning. Both can make or break a trip, and most owners will probably sneer when discussing who in the family is charged with such duties. For me, clutter is evil — especially since my wife, Lynne, and I live full-time in a fifth wheel that actually could be a little bigger for our lifestyle. Combine my Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with a general dislike for cleaning that requires repetitive motion and the wheels continually turn, looking for solutions that will extend patio time. Two solutions take center stage in this month’s Gadgeteer: a device for organizing electronic devices and a tool to clean just about anything.

No More Spaghetti Bowl
I am totally connected while on the road, relying on multiple iPads, a Kindle reader, an iPod and, of course, a smartphone to get through the day — and that’s in addition to the laptop computer and an Apple Watch, wireless earbuds and Bose Tempo sunglasses. (Wow, writing these down makes me think I need to check into a rehab center.) Keeping all these devices charged was a big headache, leading to messy wires and devices casually strewn on the countertop adjacent to the dinette. Not only was the pile of electronic devices unsightly, it occupied too much space. The solution: a charging station.

If you Google “charging stations,” be prepared to see a plethora of products with scads of specifications. After focusing on a compact product that works well with Apple products and one that offered universal dividers and spacing for a variety of devices, I settled on a Unitek Fast Charging Station, available on Amazon (of course) https://amzn.to/3qjeZae. It sells for $47.99 and offers 10 3.0 multi-USB ports and 11 dividers to custom design the platform for handling various size devices.

While this charging station is said to charge up to five iPads simultaneously, it may not be suitable for use with iPad Pro models. I only charge up to three iPads at one time, and do not have a Pro-model tablet yet (it’s on the future purchase list). Nine of the 10 USB ports provide a 5-volt, 2.4 amp charging rate, which is pretty standard in the industry as of this writing. The quick charging port can restore 80% charge to a suitable device in 35 minutes, but you’ll have to supply your own cables, because they are not included.

For this setup, I ordered a five-pack of 7-inch G-Cord Apple MFI Certified lightning to USB cables ($14.99 on Amazon) https://amzn.to/2UjzKX7, which have worked out well; also used are a couple short mini-USB cables for non-Apple devices.

As with most electronic devices on the market, this charging station may not be suitable for all users, depending on equipment. It works fine for flat Apple and other Android-powered devices, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all product; the concept here is to use a charging station to clean up your desk or counter, not handle every electronic device on the planet.

Unitek Fast Charging Station from Amazon

The Unitek Fast Charging Station is compact and neatly stores tablets, readers, smartphones and many other flat items. The kit comes with 11 dividers that simply push into the base and 10 USB outlets, one of which is for fast charging. Although the Unitek charging station is UL-certified and features a number of safety features, it can be disconnected from power using the inline switch in the power cord.

Organizing the five tall and six short dividers to accommodate various size devices is simple — they just snap into the base. They are strong enough to keep the devices secure (while stored on their edges like small books), but after a while they tend to loosen up a bit. If you’re satisfied with the spacing, a dab of silicone can keep the dividers from falling out.

The Unitek charging station is UL-certified and carries a number of other safety endorsements for its “Multi Protection System” said to guard against over-charging, over-heating, over-voltage, surge and short circuits — something that feeds my paranoia about charging devices. My cousins lost their home when a laptop computer that was left plugged in and unattended experienced a thermal runaway, which caused a fire that destroyed their home. Therefore, to further hedge on the safety side, I plugged this charging station into a surge protector and use the switch in the power cord to disconnect power when the rig is unattended or the charging station is not in use.

Rub-A-Dub-Dub
“Scrubbing” is profanity in my personal dictionary, but a necessary evil for RVers. We spend time scrubbing barbecues, bathtubs, toilets, wheels — you get the picture. One of the best discoveries I’ve made is the Dremel Versa, a handheld, wireless cleaning device that makes easy work of removing grime and stains from various surfaces.

The Dremel Versa and all of it's contents

The Dremel Versa is one of the most versatile tools for cleaning bathrooms and other areas in an RV. It’s also perfect for cleaning barbecue grills, wheels and patio furniture. The kit comes with three cleaning pads for specific purposes, a base for the pad, bristle brush and rubber splash guard.

Dremel is no stranger to building tools that streamline repair and craft projects. I use the rotary tool for all kinds of projects. The Versa is quickly becoming my favorite, although it’s hard to beat the Dremel rotary tool for making light repairs and getting into close quarters. The Versa fits ergonomically in your hand, is lightweight and can be fully charged in around two hours. It typically sells for $40 on Amazon (https://amzn.to/3xCsiVw) and comes with an eraser pad, non-scratch pad, heavy duty pad, bristle brush, rubber splash guard and the base for attaching the pads. Replacement pads are available in kit form or individually online and at home improvement stores.

The bristle brush makes short work of cleaning shower stalls and around obstacles too tight for using a rag. Like the base for the other pads, the bristle brush twists on to the threaded stud in the Versa tool.

Pads “stick” to the base that’s fitted with hook-and-loop material. Changing pads only takes seconds. Additional pads can be purchased as a kit or individually online and at home improvement stores.

The eraser pad is non-scratch and designed for cleaning showers, sinks and other similar surfaces; I found the bristle brush to be the most versatile for bathroom cleaning. A heavier, non-scratch pad is good for barbecue grills, while the heavy-duty pad is abrasive and can be used on tougher jobs where scratching is not a concern. The base for the pads and the bristle brush simply screw on to the threaded stud in the device.

A rubber splash guard keeps overspray from the rotating bristle brush or pads at bay. While it does reduce the mess from spraying cleaners, it can get in the way. I preferred to clean up the mess using a microfiber towel.

One of my least favorite chores is cleaning the shower stall with all of its hard-to-reach cervices. For years, I struggled to remove debris and stains (mostly from hard water and rust) from tiny channels and hardware obstacles using a microfiber towel and a wooden chopstick. Yes, a chopstick is a great “tool” for getting into grooves and channels — but adding the Dremel Versa really improved the process, to the point where cleaning the shower is no longer top of my “dislike” list (wheels and wheelwells now rank first).

The Dremel Versa rubber splash guard in use

The bristle brush works well around soap dishes, diverter valves and any other areas too hard to reach with a towel. Those with hand/arm issues related to repetitive motion will love the Dremel Versa.

Cleaning the shower pan and walls takes about 30 minutes using the bristle brush and Voom cleaner roadmasterinc.com/products/care_clean/voom_rv.php#voom. I tried using the splash guard, but it just got in the way when working in tight areas. Once the surface grime is broken up, a microfiber cloth removes all residue. The Versa is small, lightweight and requires little effort to guide. It’s best not to bear down on the brush or pad because the motor will slow down, but I never found that to be a problem since the brush and pads do all the work.

The Dremel Versa is truly versatile and will quickly become one of the most reliable tools in your cleaning arsenal.

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