A New Year!

It's been a little while since I've posted, the holidays were hectic as was getting back to work.
FYI, the SHOT Show is going to be next week and there should be plenty of neat gadgets to
check out.  If there is anything of interest, I will be sure to post about them.  Until then...

TinyTrak4

I got my TinyTrak4 up and running.  What is it you ask?  It is an APRS^TM GPS position encoder which, when connected to a serial GPS and a radio, will transmit its location at an adjustable rate.  I am using it as a way to report my position automatically while we go on our trip.  I know, some of you say "Use your smartphone's GPS app so people can track you that way".  Well, the good thing about this little device is that when there is no cell phone coverage, more than likely there will be radio coverage.  When I talk about radio, I mean HAM radio, specifically 2 meter. 
   For the geeks in the audience, you can go to : http://www.byonics.com/tinytrak4/ and check it out for yourself.  Kind of a nifty little gadget.  I got the optional display and have connected a keyboard to it, which allows me to see decoded packets, send short text messages, and to adjust settings on the fly.  A very cool addition to the TinyTrak4.  The display and keyboard adapter don't come with an enclosure, so I bought one and fit the TT4, LCD and the keyboard adapter into one box.  See below pictures of my little project.

WTF?!?!? What is a HAM?

Well, it appears that I've been lax at writing in the ol' Blog. Of course there is always lot's going on, I just haven't had the inclination to sit here and type.
Anyway, the reason for this entry is to share some info (if you're interested). After many years of procrastination I finally made the effort to get my Amateur Radio License. My call sign is KF7HVQ. Of course the basic license gives you just enough taste of the hobby to make you want to go for the other license classes.

So, I've got my license and two new radios, both of the Yaesu variety. My handheld is the FT-60R and what I'll use as a base/mobile unit is the FT-857D. So far both radios have been great, although there is a little bit of a learning curve as you can imagine.
With my limited knowledge and priveledges, I've been able to talk to people from all over the world. Of course that was sort of cheating as HAM radios nowadays can be linked via the Internet. IRLP and Echolink are two examples of this technology. I am waiting right now for my HF antenna to arrive in the mail. This antenna(when properly set up), will allow me to reach out hundreds and even thousands of miles.
So far I am pretty happy that I've invested a little of my time into learning about this hobby. I am currently studying for the General License, and am thinking of learning Morse Code.
Here are a couple of links related to the hobby, as well as some of the manufacturer websites:

http://www.arrl.org
http://www.eham.net
http://www.yaesu.com
http://www.hiqantennas.com
http://www.echolink.org
http://www.irlp.net
http://www.narri.org/reflector_map.html
http://status.irlp.net

Christmas Presents

Well it looks like Santa really brought the cheer (and some cool presents) this year. That kind of rhymed...Anyway, just wanted to share some info on some of the gifts. This year I received three items from the Scottevest catalog. These guys really have some neat clothing. In particular I got their Soft Shell Jacket, Fleece 5.0, and the Microfleece Pullover. If you like being organized, and like to carry your gadgets with you, I encourage you to check out their website: http://www.scottevest.com/index.shtml
http://www.scottevest.com/v3_store/Soft-Shell-Jacket.shtml
http://www.scottevest.com/v3_store/Fleece_Jacket.shtml
http://www.scottevest.com/v3_store/microfleece_pullover.shtml

Not Shiny, buuuutttttt.........

OK,

While I normally post about something of a mechanical/electronic nature, today is going to be different. I just ordered a new motorcycle jacket and pants combo from a company called "Motoport". Having shopped around for the right gear to wear while riding, I was lucky enough to stumble on their fine products. I could go on and on about how well made and how well they perform, but you should be the judge. Please go to their website and have a look around. Be sure to read the article "Save Your Hide", quite the eye opener. Before you buy your next riding jacket or pants, please at least have a look at Motoport, you won't be disappointed.
www.motoport.com

LEDs, Nice!

Check out this awesome implementation of new tech into old tech:
http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2009/10/gorgeous_antique_pocketwatch_led_re.html

We did it!

Hi folks,

Well we did it. We bought a 2009 Suzuki DL650 ABS VStrom. Gotta say, I really like this bike so far. It isn't exactly a "scare the crap out of you" fast bike, but it handles really nice, and is comfortable to ride too.
We already ordered a bunch of add-on's such as engine protectors, sliders, Hyper-Lites, protective film, wheel stripes, and even an expansion fuse box for adding electronic gadgets. Here are the places I've purchased from in case you're wondering where to start shopping for those kinds of things:
http://www.easternbeaver.com/
http://www.twistedthrottle.com/
http://www.casporttouring.com/
http://www.hyperlites.com/
http://www.invisiblemask.com
http://www.tapeworks.com/Rimstripes/RimstripesHome.html