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…

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’ve recommended a few computer utilities here before, but I just had an experience with one that I must share with you because it was so positive.

The program is simply called Unlocker 1.9.0. I had earlier versions of it on another computer and the last time I used it, it popped up a message informing me there was a new version of it available for download.

First, let’s talk about what it is and what it might do for you.
Continue Reading…

I had to laugh when I read this in in an article from the WSJ about privacy with smart phone apps:

Apps have been around for years, but burst into prominence when Apple opened its App Store in July 2008. Today, the App Store boasts more than 300,000 programs.

Gee, that explains so much. Like why that app I wrote in 1972 never took off… and I thought it was just because cell phones didn’t exist yet. Continue Reading…