Archive for the Category »Gadgets & Gear «

SPOT Messages Changed
Thursday, July 02nd, 2009 / Murray

I have changed the format of the SPOT Messages.  First, it’s a full Kernow Krew update.  And now there will be two new messages.

I got a broad range of input on what they should do.  Some that didn’t make it include “I pooped here”–that wouldn’t be used enough to make it worthwhile; “Agelina Jolie sighted shopping for another kid”–that would probably be too often; “Mugged and all my stuff stolen”–doesn’t really work since the SPOT will probably go with the rest of the stuff; and many more.

The new ones include one showing “we arrived at our next stop”–which could be once or sometimes twice in a day; and the second which is going to be the “Adventure” message.  The Adventure message will let you know something story-worthy happened.  You’ll have to wait for the blog update to hear the story details.

The 10-minute tracking isn’t working yet.  I have a message into SPOT to get that fixed.  Hopefully you’ll be able to follow as we go without the updates.

Category: 2009 Roof of the World Rally, Gadgets & Gear, Rally Maps, Travel  Tags: , , ,  Leave a Comment
New Camera – Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD700
Wednesday, June 17th, 2009 / Murray

I am replacing my old Sanyo Xacti with the new and improved mode.  The VPC-HD700 takes true 720p high-definition video and 7 megapixel photos.  I was very pleased with the outcome of my photos from previous trips–well, given that it was a quick point-and-shoot camera.  Because this trip will have the potential of some interesting experiences I thought I would bump up the video quality while still upgrading the photo resolution some.

This was a particular deal because I found it on buy.com.  Apparently the brown model is not popular enough, so they were discounting it down from $600 to $199.  A steal in my book.

Here are the highlights:

  • True 720p High-definition video
  • 7 Megapixel stills
  • 5x Optical zoom lens
  • Records directly to SDHC memory cards
  • HDMI High-Definition Output
  • Digital Image Stabilization
  • In-Camera Editing
  • Innovative Docking Station Included
  • Superfast Startup (Record in as little as 1.3 seconds)
  • Playback directly onto a HD or standard TV screen
  • Easy connection to VCR or DVD recorder
  • Remote Control Included

I’m still bringing my old camera for backup and for a second option for videos.

I purchased extra batteries so I can always have power and won’t have to worry about charging every night.

$199 on buy.com
Batteries 4 x $4.50 each on Ebay

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5 LED Headlamp
Wednesday, June 17th, 2009 / Murray

Yeah, this one was a cheesy buy.  But it was cheap.  We will see if it is worth the cup of coffee I had to give up to purchase it.

Simply a mini flashlight with a strap to put it on my head.  It also has a magnet on the back, so we can stick it on the car to light up a tire change or look for some dropped Skittles.

I have a nicer headlamp that I will be bringing, but it eats up batteries faster.

Thank you to Paul for turning on the lamp and leaving it on outside my door running the batteries down for half a day.  When I’m without light in the Pamir Mountains I will be calling your name.   You can guess what I will be saying.

$4 on Ebay

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HP Mini 1030NR
Wednesday, June 17th, 2009 / Murray

Rather than taking my expensive and somewhat fragile laptop with me, I decided to simply buy a small netbook.  I settled on the HP Mini 1030NR.  Not for any reason other than it had everything I needed and was cheap.

This small notebook has a 10.2 inch screen, webcam (for my live-from-the-field reporting…or saying hi to Mom), and a 16GB solid state hard drive.  Small drive, yes.  But I really don’t need much on this device.  I will bring along an external hard drive with all my music, videos, and space to save things.  The solid state hard drive makes it much more durable because I can shut the lid and go, not having to worry about the hard drive reading or crashing.

I will be using this to blog, follow GPS maps, and watch the occasional movie.

$265 used (barely) on Ebay

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SPOT Satellite Messenger
Wednesday, June 17th, 2009 / Murray

The SPOT device is a handheld satellite communication device.  Every 10 minutes it is going to send up a signal that you can track to see where we are!  As great as that is, the  buttons are the key to the device:

  • OK - sends an email or text message to anyone on your distribution list saying “I’m ok, and here is my exact location”

  • HELP - sends an email or text to your help list saying “I need help, here is my exact location”
  • 911 – send a message to the company informing them of an extreme emergency situation

The 911 function is the parachute I’m packing for the trip.  The company will contact local authorities, US Embassy, and send out the cavalry to save my little white booty.

The Help button is only useful if you have people near you who can come out to help you with your flat tire, breakdown, or whatever you might need.  This is of no help to me.  I won’t have too many to call on in the middle of Kazakhstan.  Instead I am going to reprogram it for some other update.  Any ideas?

$120 new on Ebay

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Travel Honey GPS Data Logger
Wednesday, June 17th, 2009 / Murray

It’s difficult to take seriously something named “Travel Honey“, but despite the name this little device seems to be a perfect fit for what I need.  Shoot, who am I kidding.  The name is probably a perfect fit too.

This device, about the size of two packs of gum, acts as a GPS Receiver, Location Finder, Data Logger, and Photo Tagger.  My main use will be the Data Logger and Photo Tagger.

Essentially, every 3 seconds this device logs my exact location, altitude, and speed.  At the end of the day I plug it into my computer and it downloads a file that maps this into just about any program, including Google Earth.

The function I am most excited about is the Photo Tagger.  Before the trip I sync the time of my camera with the GPS, and when I download the GPS file it places the EXACT location of every photo taken!  This also syncs with Google Earth, Picasa, and Flickr so you can see the photos on the map where they are taken.

Because it is so small I am not as worried about it getting stolen, drawing attention, or being discovered in those countries where GPS devices are not allowed.  Yeah, I plan on breaking that law.  Sorry Mom.

$26.70 on Ebay with shipping

Category: 2009 Roof of the World Rally, Gadgets & Gear, Travel  Tags: , , ,  Leave a Comment