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…

I’ve been digging through a lot of web pages about some Ham Radio topics the past day or two. Digging is a good description, as I could use a shovel to help out.

I’ve been trying to learn a few things about APRS and Packet Radio. I’ve been away from them for a long time. Actually, I never tried APRS, but I was quite heavily into Packet at one time and APRS uses packet radio. I still have equipment that I should fire up and play around with.

But in preparation for my bike tour, I ordered a new radio that has a TNC and GPS built into it. It is supposed to be a self-contained APRS station. So I have been looking for information to prepare me to use it. 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…