The DigitalRV Blog

Yesterday I never got around to loading the photos from my visit to the Nissan dealer, so I thought I should get them up today. The place was impressive! WiFi, pull in service bays, and nice service managers. Overall the best experience I’ve ever had at a dealership. The only place I’ve liked more when it comes to service is Sullivan Tire in Dover, NH. Those guys were great.

In time travelers will see more places offer WiFi services, other internet services, and who knows what else. People want to expand their offerings to differentiate themselves even more. Funny thing though, the more companies attempt to differentiate the more they look the same in the long run…..

Part of Bancroft’s waiting area

The “Wifi Bar”

The Bancroft Dealership

This morning I had to bring my Nissan Titan into a local Nissan Dealer for my 15,000 mile service, new in cabin air filter (for the guy who’s got all the allergies), and a tire rotation.  Want to make sure everything is ship shape before hitting the road this week.

The dealership I chose is really new, in Auburn, MA.  The dealership’s name is Bancroft.  I don’t know how their service is yet, as my truck is currently in the serive bay as I’m typing this.  But I couldn’t resist posting a blog entry now.  Why you ask?

The Bancroft Nissan Dealership went all out since they’re new.  A superb waiting area (I’ve taken photos that I’ll post later), good front desk customer service, and of course, WiFi.  Yup, they’re geared up for today’s “road warrior” employees, but it pays off for a well connected RV’er too.  I actually feel like I’m in a cyber-cafe rather than a vehicle dealership.

Since my IBook Laptop is equipped with WiFi I’m good to go.  The service manager I spoke with saw my laptop case, and said, “The Wifi area is off to the right.”   The opportunities to stay connected are absolutely growing!  Give it time, hotspots will continue to pop up.  Getting high speed access where you choose to roam might be simpler than you think.  Just pop in to have your tow vehicel or RV serviced and you might find your latest high speed network solution!

Pictures from the dealership will be posted later.  I forgot my handy little San Disk card reader back at the trailer this morning.  I’ve got the camera with me, so I snapped off a few shots.  Can’t remember everything all the time, right?

The past few weeks have reinforced why I’ve gone digital in my trailer. In short, I can really make things work and get things done!

Now that I’ve started being a full-time RV’er, my needs have changed dramatically. Going out for a few weeks with my trailer didn’t mean ground shaking changes. I could put my mail on hold at my post office. The answering machine at home would take care of calls. And for short periods of time I didn’t care much about TV shows or news, trips in the trailer meant a vacation from all of that.

The situation for full-timing is different. I’m no where near retired yet. Actually, I’m trying to get a small business off the ground! And it’s happening out of a 25 foot Airstream Trailer. Not your standard startup business, and surely not a concept you’d associate with an internet startup. I should be perched in a Star Bucks using their WiFi and getting amped up on large quantities of caffeine.

So, how is the digital stuff working for me today, 2 weeks into my full-timing? Who knows how long I’ll be doing this, you’ll have to keep checking in here and at Gadget’s Airstream Chronicles. The digital stuff is working great!

Here’s where I stand today:

• All business that I’m involved with can be conducted over the net. No great worries about being near a post office.
• With my Verizon Wireless Data connection and my Kyocera KR1 I’m good to get on the net wherever cell coverage is available. I might have a few days out of touch, but I’ll call that vacation time.
• Most financial matters can be handled via phone or internet.
• Items that need signatures, etc., can be e-faxed easily.
• My XM radio keeps me up to date with news and entertainment.
• Elgato EyeTV can be used whenever I have the TV itch (haven’t felt like watching reality shows lately)
• Staying in touch with family & friends is a snap. Between my VOIP (voice over IP) through Skype when I have high speed network, and my cell phone, I’m fairly well covered. Once again, those days without cell coverage I’ll call vacation days.
• The total sum of my digital devices fits in two carry on sized bags. For the airline folks, yes my bags will fit in the overhead or under my seat!

So, while I’m adjusting to the changes in lifestyle, the digital gadgetry allows me to manage things however I see fit. There’s one item less for me to worry about. I need to spend more time looking at travel routes, selling the book, “The Digital RV“, and playing with new technology to share with readers.

Now that I’ve settled into my Airstream and gotten organized, “normal” daily activities are being established. Just like at home the morning web work goes on. Backups, stats checks, e-mail, and reading the latest news.

In addition to the standard stuff some new items have dropped into the routine. Cleaning the trailer seems to be one new activity. I’ve noticed some mildew on the curtains, so I’ve been trying to figure out how to get them down and clean them. Not as easy as you’d think though.

Other activities have cropped up too. Back on the Appalachian Trail I noticed something that all hikers did when they hit town. After filling their stomachs, getting showers, and town chores, all hikers would invariably go to the local “outfitter” shop to look at hiking gear. Almost like moths to a flame. Well, now I pop into local RV shops to see what they’ve got.

Each shop carries the exact same stuff. Just like each hiking outfitter had the same goods too. But for some reason, folks with a hobby just can’t help but check out new stores where they’re at to see if there’s something different.

I haven’t just been going to poke around. New batteries are in order (since I bought the wrong sized batteries recently ). So, looking around RV stores right now has some purpose.

And finally, getting some purpose has also been a task each day. I’m still in a holding pattern waiting on medical tests, paperwork, and decisions about my former home (can’t mention the town now). But eventually all these things will reach some kind of resolution for good or bad. And once they do, what next? I’m sure it will be a trip somewhere. Maybe a favorite spot in the south (Damascus, VA), and maybe to meet up with friends (and make new ones too). But thinking about “what’s next” has occupied a good deal of time.

I’ve been living out of my personal “digital rv” for a few days now. Almost settled in. Things are getting organized, cabinet space for specific items has been worked out, etc. It really takes a little while to get your own system of where you want things to go when living in a small space.

So, I thought I’d provide some shots of what it’s now looking like in my 25 foot Safari. And no, I didn’t really clean up prior to taking the photos. Things are as they appear.

The “living area”. Complete with blanket on couch, Macintosh, and stuff on the dinette!

Sleeping quarters, with a “Life is good” blanket.

My credenza work area. You’ll note the IBook, Lacie firewire drive, and Sesame Snack sticks (a must for any digital rv’er).

The “Communications Center”. Oh, and the cooking area too.

Well, there’s what my Airstream normally looks like when I’m on the road. Actually, it’s very similar to my time contracting in WV and living in it for a month.

What didn’t you see? Well, the KR1 was in the cabinet when I was taking photos. My IPod is put away for the moment. Most of my media was organized today as well. As I noted in the book, space is at a premium, and that’s why I’ve gone digital for my RV. And amazingly enough, I’ve got space to spare in my cabinets again (now that I organized :)).

Today was a dreary, gray day. Ok though. Gave me a bit of time to organize more, and square away where I want everything. It really does take a few days to work out a system in a smaller living space.

Given the cold weather I’ve exhausted the first tank of propane. I’d been running it since last week checking out all my systems. So my dad and I took a run to a local RV dealer to get a refill. $16.50 for a fill on the 30 lb tank. Last year I was paying $7.00 for a fill up, then in the summer my local shop went up to $15.00. Yeouch. Fortunatley, the tanks get great mileage when it’s not freezing.

Drove around a bit more.  Found a local bank, went out through Worcester.  Then we headed back home.  Hit one more RV dealer to check out batteries too.  I’d bought the wrong size batteries the other week you know….  ;)  Check the forum if you want to know more about my goof up.

When we returned I hit the net for a few more.  The KR1 has been running great.  I’m impressed.  I thought I’d find a few more flaws with it, and so far only the “reset” after dropping cell signal is the only issue.  Like I’ve noted before, I’m sure that when a firmware upgrade comes along the issue will be addressed.

Now I’m just wrapping up and getting ready for some rest.  Day 3 of full timing.  I’m sure the stories will get more interesting once I finish up with the physicians and take a quick hop southward. 

Day 2 of the transition into full timing.

Sure, I haven’t gone too far, but it’s still full time rv’ing folks.

I’ve now been using the Kyocera full time for well over 24 hours. And it has performed extremely well. Right now, I’m in a network area that is 1X data only (slower than EVDO). On top of that, I’m right on the fringe of service.

So, how is the KR1 working? Well, you’re reading this blog, right? It must be working. The blog is being updated!

In general, I’m satisfied with the KR1. The one issue I have noticed is when I lose the cell network’s service, the WiFi seems to drop out too. The KR1 seems to reset itself when it reconnects to the cellular provider.

While that isn’t a huge deal, it is a small annoyance. If I were transfering data between 2 computers using the WiFi, I would lose my transfer. I’m unsure why the KR1 seems to fully reset when it loses cell signal, so I’ll be doing some reading on their website soon.

I will say, I’ve been spoiled by my cable modem over the years.  It’s like drinking straight out of a fire hose!  The 1X network is like drinking out of the kindergarten bubbler! 

Guess I’ll have to take a ride tomorrow and see if I can find some EVDO coverage in the area.  Looking to find a fire hose!

The following blog entry is from Saturday, March 11th, 2006.

Without a doubt, I knew today would be the hardest day I’ve faced in many years. And the day did live up to expectations. It was downright tough.

This morning I got up early. I knew there was a great deal ahead of me. Erin got up, and got ready to head out for the morning while I finished packing. It was very quiet this morning, and that’s not unusual.

Normally, getting ready for a trip I’m filled with excitement. But there wasn’t any to be found today. My wife wasn’t packing with me. And unlike our other trips, this time I know I’m not returning home. This time it’s all different.

I won’t get into the pending divorce. I’ll just say, I’m extremely sad about the whole event. It was my hope that we could work through things and look forward to many interesting adventures together down the road. Sometimes things just don’t work out the way you want them to though.

Erin headed out this morning with the dogs. I didn’t want them there as I headed out without them. They may still be coming along. First I’ll need to see what the allergist says in a few weeks. My recent medical issues might be the result of a severe allergy. Let’s hope it isn’t the pups!

After my wife & the girls left I packed a few remaining items. Then my family arrived. My dad would drive the Airstream to his house. I really didn’t want to get super sad while towing a big trailer. So I was happy to have the help.

Apologies, had to remove a few photos here.  I’ll repost in a few months.Before leaving I said my good byes to our neighbors. Nice people. They’ve got 3 great kids, and I wish them the best! I’ll miss them, my neighborhood, and my home. Almost 9 years living there. It was hard to say goodbye, and it will be a while before that loss fades from my mind.

We pulled out late morning. My dad drove, and I was the passenger. For the first time in a long while, I was uncomfortable riding. Too many butterflies in my stomach.

Fortunately it was a short ride. Only 1.5 hours and we reached my dad’s place. I’d say the morning was the longest I’ve experienced in a while.

We quickly unloaded the truck, set up the trailer, and that was that. The next part was settling in. I think the settling in will be the next challenge. It’s not something that will happen immediately. I enjoy travelling, and seeing new places, but I’ve got to re-think a big part. I won’t be sharing the experience with my spouse. That’s a huge adjustment, but one I will have to make.

My sister Jade & my niece Julia.

So, here we go with full timing. The next two weeks will be spent “adjusting” and waiting on one more round of medical stuff. With luck I’ll be pulling out and heading south in just a few weeks.

My first “courtesy parking” spot

Yesterday I posted about moving my DVD’s to my computer.  It’s really a simple task that any average computer user can do.  There’s tons of software out there available.  A good deal is pay for software, and some is freeware.  I always look for the freeware first.

If you’re looking to move a DVD collection to your computer, look no further than a little program called Handbrake.  This software is available for both Windows & Macintosh.  It allows you to format video for the Ipod, but it the latest verison allows more flexibility to save full sized video for viewing on your computer.

My first experience with Handbrake was only a few weeks ago.  And since getting the initial version, a new verison has come out. The latest version, 0.7.1 allows so many format a size options.  It takes a little playing with to get video where you want it.  Fortunately there’s a good deal of documentation on the Internet regarding it’s use.

Check out the Handbrake site to get a download, and also to get detailed usage information.  If you’ve got further questions regarding video setup for your RV, post a comment here, or stop by The Digital RV Forum to post your questions, comments, etc.

The next post will be in regards to other ways to put video content on your computer.  DVDs aren’t the only storage format for your favorite video.

Over the next few weeks I’ll be preparing to change a great deal about my lifestyle. The transition will be from full time home owner, and part time RV’er to a Full Time RV’er. It’s going to be an “interesting” transition.

So, I’m taking my own advice from the Digital RV book. Save as much space as possible in my trailer. I’ll be going from 3 stories of house to a 25 foot trailer with a quad cab truck. Of course, we all tend to accumulate tons of stuff in a permanent home, so I’m sorting through my possesions and making a great deal of choices.

While on the road I certainly don’t spend all of my time watching movies, TV, etc. But I do want to have a selection available. After living for nearly 10 years in the same location we’ve managed to build quite the DVD collection. The collection won’t fly in the trailer. I could fill several cabinets with DVDs. So, what to do?

The answer is very simple. I’m backing up my favorites in my DVD collection to a portable LaCie hard drive. The Lacie is a 100GB drive, and is smaller than 1 DVD package.

LaCie’s 100GB can store more than this small collection! As you can see, the drive is smaller than even a single DVD box!

With some simple software I’m able to compress DVD content to the format used for the Video IPod. It isn’t very time consuming. While I’m packing and sorting through belongings I’m moving my movie collection to my drive. Simple & easy.

Each movie (about 1 hour and 30 minutes in length) can be compressed to a file about 500MB in size. You can make them even smaller, but I want to keep the video crisp for full screen viewing on my computer. So, I can fit 2 DVDs into 1 GB of space. With 100 GB available you’re looking at 200 movies, or several hundred hours of video!

If you’re curious about such space savings, check out the book, “The Digital RV”, and check out our forum as well. There you can ask questions, share insights from the road, and exchange information on using technology to make your travels easier!