The DigitalRV Blog

You’ve heard the term podcast, but you’re really not sure what it is, why you should care, or if it could reduce your fuel costs?  Well, now is a perfect time to get an explanation of Podcasts and Podcasting.  I’ll tell you up front, it won’t affect your fuel price.  Sorry.

From Wikipedia you can find the following definition of Podcasting:

Podcasting is the method of distributing multimedia files, such as audio programs or music videos, over the Internet for playback on mobile devices and personal computers. Podcasts are distributed using either the RSS or Atom syndication formats.

The term podcast, like “radio”, can mean both the content and the method of delivery. The host or author of a podcast is often called a “podcaster”.

The term podcasting came from Apple’s IPod.  People would create their internet broadcast for use on MP3 players like the Apple IPod.  But now podcasts have evolved well beyond those with an IPod.  Anyone with a computer can listen to or watch a podcast (provided you’re connected to the internet of course).

Why are podcasts interesting to Digital RV’ers.  Well, they open up a whole new world of information exchange for us.  Unlike radio or broadcast TV, Podcasts are available when you’re ready to get them.  They’re “on demand content.”  You don’t need to be somewhere Thursday night between 9 and 10 to get your favorite podcast.  Instead, you can download it the next time your stopped for a while and have internet access.

Currently, the Podcast universe for RV owners is pretty slim.  A fantastic resource for Airstream owners is The Vinatge Airstream Podcast.  Informative, entertaining, and chock full of cool ideas and interviews, it’s a must listen to for any Airstream owner.  Actually, I think most any RV owner would love listening in.

A “start up” podcast is tied in with Gadget’s Airstream Blog.  The first set of video podcasts on this site attempts to document some of the places and sites this author has been to since starting full timing in an Airstream Safari Spring of 2006.  Additional episodes will be forthcoming, and improving as the podcaster settles in.

Check back, as the next few articles will explain how to get podcasts, and for the adventurous, how to make them.

Today marks 2 months since I began full-timing as a “well connected” RV’er. With a few months in now, the big question of “What’s been working?”, comes to mind.

Therefore I’ll give you the top list of what’s been used, not used, acts as a paper weight, or I wouldn’t leave behind for anything.

Items you couldn’t pry away from me….

1. My Mac Laptop: For other folks building their Digital RV, you can use a Windows too. But my laptop has been my primary mode of communications, entertainment, work, new source, and more.
2. Kyocera KR1 & Verizon Wireless Card: Put these two together, because they work hand in hand. Not my number one item, as I could find other ways to connect to the internet if push came to shove. So the laptop beats them out.
3. Verizon Wireless Cell Phone: Pretty straight forward here. This is my only phone now….
4. Garmin 2610 GPS: This thing has been super while traveling, and in new towns. I’ve found groceries, laundry mats, and Rich Luhr, all with this device!
5. LaCie’s 100GB FireWire / UBS 2.0 Drive: This drive is FireWire or USB powered. No additional power source beyond your computer. That’s a huge plus. My Lacie stores my media files (entertainment), photography (your entertainment), business documents, etc.
6. Canon SD550: This is my little pocket sized camera. If you’ve been following my personal journal, you know that I supply a great number of photos. The Canon has been fantastic for photos and short video clips!
7. Mobile Mate SD Card Reader: This little card reader was featured in a previous post here. It’s used every day, and is ultra convinient!
8. IPod: For both travel days, and rest days, the IPod is super. Been listening to tons of music as I travel, and then background music in the trailer as I type. The IPod has now passed my XM on daily usage time.
9. XM Radio: The XM has been quieter lately. When I’m driving it’s on often (after the IPod), but getting to camping locations I don’t use it as much. Too busy meeting new people, talking tech, selling a few books, etc. When I want my news though, the XM is my first choice!
10. IGo 130:  This is my little portable power supply.  It rocks.  Recharges my Mac, Windows PC, IPod.  I need more adapters for it to cover my phone and a few other items.

There’s my top 8 items. Basically, these devices are used every day, often! That’s the hallmark of a good product / digital device in your RV. How often do you use it. Once a day, sounds pretty necessary. Once a week, does it really need to come along? Good question.

Less used items that I’ll still keep with me

1. Elgato EyeTV EZ: I haven’t been watching TV every day, so the EyeTV hasn’t been getting exercised enough. It’s nice though, not constantly viewing TV. While I might be super “connected”, at least I’m not watching a screen the second I come into the trailer (except when I’m typing).
2. Canon Printer: My printer sits stored away the bulk of the time. However, I need it to print out business documents, letters, etc. I wish I had a smaller one, but I’m unwilling to spend several hundred dollars on an ultra portable one that only gets used once or twice a week.

That’s it for the top device list today.  And for the “not so top” list as well.  Basically, my digital devices have indeed helped enhance my RV living so far.  I expect that they will continue to as well.

While I’m without the KR1 I’ve worked out a new solution.  See, the bulk of the work I do is from my IBook.  The Windows system is “secondary”.  It’s used for mapping software, and a few other odds and ends.  While I could use the Windows for more, I have a preference toward my Mac.  I’m sure readers are shocked! 

While I await the Wednesday arrival of the replacement KR1 I had a concern that I won’t get my Mac on the internet often.  Then I took a moment & thought.

• The Windows laptop can get on the net with the Verizon Card.
• I have an Airport Express WiFi device.
• I’ve got some Cat 5 cable.
• Therefore, I can rig up my own WiFi setup.

After 20 minutes of playing with the Windows networking setup (I used to be a Windows Admin you know), I was all set.  Windows laptop connects to Verizon via the Verizon card.  The card’s network connection is “shared” via the ethernet cable (Cat 5).  The ethernet cable is connected to my Airport Express.  And the Airport express provides WiFi coverage for my Mac.

So, with a little work, and the availability of 2 laptops, I’m off and running.  And I’ve found an extra use for my Windows laptop.  Emergency backup device for my KR1.

What are the drawbacks with this solution?  1 big one.  I need AC power to pull it off.  The Airport Express is AC powered.  While I have a small portable inverter, running 2 computers plus the WiFi device seems a little overkill on power consumption.  So in those situations I’d use the Windows machine strictly.

Want pictures or screen shots of this setup?  Let me know, and I’ll be happy to post some.  Instructions on sharing a Windows network.  Let me know and I’lll do that too!

Going digital in your RV opens up a host of conviniences. One of them is doing your banking / bill paying online.

Over the past month I’ve eliminated all of my paper billing statements. Everything now comes to me in e-mail. Once I receive my bills I can look through them on my laptop, save them to a file for reference down the road, and avoid filling up my trash can with paper I need to shred.

On top of not having to deal with tons of paper, there are other great benfits to doing your banking and bill payments online. Now, with a sign in on my financial management software I automatically “sync” my accounts from the financial institutions. All my transactions are saved to my computer and I can sort through them at will. What does all that mean?

That means budgeting gets a whole lot easier. Check book balancing becomes simple. And that means I can quickly see where my money is going on any trip.

Sicne I’ve setup my accounts this way, I can get a real time view of all my expenses. For gas ups I use my credit card. The online statement makes it easy for me to classify fill ups and get a gague of what I’m using when traveling. The same can be said for groceries (which have gotten expensive due to my dietary requirements), campground stays, and other store trips. A great deal simpler than having to remember to write down ATM and credit card transactions after the fact!

Sounds great, but is it secure?

Yes, the whole thing is fairly secure. You can have your identity stolen with simple information that comes in the mail. Doing your business online doesn’t mean you’ve just upped your chances of identity theft. Plus using the right software helps too.

There are some things you can do to protect yourself further if you’re really concerned about identity theft, or someone getting access to your current accounts. While these things won’t guarantee 100% security, you should take every precaution you can.

1. Use a credit card when traveling, not your ATM card. I’m a big fan of Dave Ramsey (financial talk show host). He’s against credit cards, period. This is where I differ from him. With a credit card, you can stop a transaction quick, and money isn’t out of your pocket. If someone pilfers money from your ATM it usually takes time to fix it.
2. Use a secure web browser. I’d recomend FireFox. There’s a link to it on the sponsor links to the right. CNET advised it’s the most secure browser available last year. It’s the only one I use.
3. Do your banking on your network. I wouldn’t do my banking while on a hotspot at Pannera Bread. I’ll stick to my network. On a WiFi hotspot that’s not yours, there are ways to take a look into your system.
4. Make sure you use anti-virus software on your computer. If you’re not doing this, don’t even go online.
5. Always have a firewall on your computer. Both Windows and Mac systems come with built in software firewalls now. You should be using it.

What should I use for online banking?

Well, most banks now have Internet access for customers. At minimum, you can look at your records through any web browser. If you just want to keep track of your account, that’s the simplest answer.

If you’d like more, you’ll need some type of financial management software. There are two big ones out there currently available. Microsoft Money and Quicken. I’ve used both over the past decade, and don’t really have a preference between the two. They both work well, and have more options than a person will ever use.

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.

Recently I got a notification that the latest map sets were available from Garmin. So I ordered their update dvd. It took a few weeks, but I finally received it before I pulled the Airstream out of the town I lived in.

So, this morning I’m updating the 2610. Just started the update, and it will take a while.

The 2610 only came with a 128MB CF card. But a few months ago I found a 1GB card on the cheap. I picked it up, and it works fine in the Garmin. Now I can load the Eastern Seaboard, and all the way out to Wisconsin southward. While having to update a unit might be inconvinient to some travelers, it isn’t that bad. And with my new card, the need to update the GPS isn’t so bad. Not like my trip west with the GPSV (updated that every day).

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!