Al's Blog-o-Sphere

This is the radio I’d like to take along. It’s got everything it needs to do both voice and APRS.

The whole point of lugging this solar panel along is to have enough power to not need to compromise on my connectivity. I want to be able to blog, to take copious amounts of photographs, to stay in touch with the world, especially my family and friends and have some left over for luxuries like playing Ham Radio along the way.

Since I’ll be traveling alone, the staying in touch will be important. I hope my family will want to know where I am and that I’m safe! I also want to be able to let the people in the cyber-community know how things are going as well.

Ham Radio will also be a part of that. For those of you not familiar with it, you’ll hear a lot about it as I go here. I’ll be using two types of radio communication – almost three, in a way. Continue Reading…

Here’s a composite of three photos showing the general idea. I couldn’t twist a solar panel to fit, so you’ll have to imagine that in back!

Add the solar panel over the trailer and put my panniers on and you’ll have the picture.

Source: ActionBent Recumbent Bikes Source: Tiger Direct

Okay, so you’re probably wondering what I have planned for this trailer thing with a solar panel. Here’s what I’m thinking.

The trailer is similar to the BOB trailers, except with two wheels. I decided on that because of stability with the panel on top, especially in high winds.

I’ll build a superstructure out of aluminum, or maybe EMT conduit, to support the solar panel. Maybe even PVC pipe. It will lay nearly flat, but I may have some adjustment for angle. It will be mainly flat, though to reduce wind drag, although behind the bike that should be less of an issue.

Whatever I do, it will bolt/clamp on the trailer without holes. I don’t want to weaken anything by drilling unless I absolutely have to.

It will have to flip up anyway for access to the storage area below it. It comes with a bag, as does the BOB, but I’m thinking a large Rubbermaid bin, especially if one happens to fit nicely. They show several on the manufacturer’s web site. Continue Reading…

I’m working on a project that I’ve been thinking about for a while now. I’ve mentioned it to a few close friends and my wife thinks I’m nuts, I’m sure, but it’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.

What is it? To do a long-distance cycling trip.

So, before I go off and do it, I’m going to put out my idea before everyone here in the hinternets so you’ll know what I’m doing, maybe understand it a bit and follow along as I progress.

I don’t yet know where I am going. I don’t know if I’ll ever know that, or if I’ll just wander. I have several directions I’d like to go. Some are shorter and may make sense as a first trip. Others are more ambitious.

Where would I want to go? Continue Reading…