Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Photo Forum
Photo Forum Everything on Travel Photography, from what kind of equipment to take with you to how to light a subject.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia




Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10 Nov 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 23
Is my gear too basic?

I've read a lot of the below posts and found them very useful. However, no one thread covered everything specific for me. I guess I am an average user of technology, not a professional but I want gear that is reliable.

Here is my situation:

I will be in a 4WD. It is specially kitted out for long term travel. Lots of lockable storage. I want to take the following gear on a long (up to 2 years) journey which will cover asia, ME, Africa...

* laptop (HP model, new, not too expensive, used for writing and storing some pics, but mainly for me to format web pages which I will upload at web cafes)
* digital camera (Kodak with one of those docking bays for transfer of pics to computer)
* SLR (Canon EOS 500N with 2 x canon lenses (28-80, 75-300mm). This camera has been across Africa and I've had it for 7-8 years. Goes well, no probs ever, (will get it professionally serviced/cleaned soon)
* music system (probably mini disc player with speakers)

I will have good power source from solar panels and backup batteries, so recharging batteries and running gear is not a problem.

Thing is, my gear is a hotch potch of stuff I have bought over the past few years. I have a system that works for me. I can get my info onto the net in my tried and tested manner. I really don't want to fork out for more gear but reading through this forum I can see that technology has advanced somewhat and that there are more efficient options for storing pics and uploading to the net.

What do you all think, considering that space, weight, power is not an issue? I like the sound of those Pelican cases and I think I'll get a few to keep the gear safe.

------------------
http://www.on2anotheradventure.com
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 13 Nov 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Porsgrunn, Norway
Posts: 48
If you read too much on the web, your gear will quickly feel outdated and you'll slowly gather a lust for more, fueled by all the "latest and hottest equipment"-news. I know...

To me it seems you have a good setup. It works and doesn't cost a dime, since it's already yours and payed for, and upgrading will be expensive. Keep it and you'll have more funds for travelling and less valuables to worry about.

------------------
Dag
http://RocinantesTravels.com
__________________
Dag
http://www.RocinantesTravels.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 Nov 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Posts: 456
Actually your setup sound good. I would add to that list and extra Cannon body as backup. Spares for the notebook: a replacement HD, power supply and 2 batteries, a CDW for back up and actually use it.

I would personally go for a CD based MP3 player rather than mini disc. Burn your music on CDs and you can make more CD as you go alone the trip.
__________________
A.B.
OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Nov 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 23
A.B. - tell me about the MP3 player. How does it work? Where do I get my music from? Do I have to burn all my CDs then upload them in some way? I'm not at al lfamiliar with the gadget...
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 16 Nov 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Posts: 456
The Format:
MP3 is a format to store music in digital form. Once music is saved in this format you can play it from the computer, portable player or in dash car stereo that has mp3 playing capabilities.

MP3 compresses the music file sizes dramatically and still maintains a great sound quality comparable to that of music CD. You can compress a whole music CD, which originally contains 650 MB of data, into something like 30 MB. So you can compress say 20 music CD into MP3 and then store them all onto one MP3 CD. Neat don’t you think . If you have a collection of 150 music CD that you want to take along you can compress them into 7 or 8 MP3 CD

A computer is essential in handling MP3 music.

Making MP3 files:
There are free software available to download from the internet that can help you convert your music CDs to MP3. The process is called ripping. It reads your CD and saves the music into MP3 files on your computer.

You can also download almost any music from the web if you have a good Internet connection.

Playing MP3:
You can play MP3 directly from your computer if you prefer but while on the road it would be better to have a dedicated mp3 player.

Every player comes with some sort of cable (sometimes optional) to connect to the computer to download the music to the unit. Once the music in on the unit you can listen to it with headphones or hook it up to the car stereo.

Memory card based players:
These use memory cards to store music. These are great if you’re going jogging or something since the memory cards’ storage is limited. Maybe only an hour or two worth of music can be stored. Not practical for our type of travel.

CD based players:
If you burn your MP3 files on CDs, you can just inset the MP3 CD in one of those players and instantly have access to 20 or so albums. Since your music is already stored on CD you won’t need to upload new music onto the player. Just change the MP3 CD like regular music CD units only each mp3 CD contains so much more music. This is my recommended player in terms of convenience.

Hard disk bases players:
These players contain a small and somewhat large hard disk to store your music on. With a big enough hard disk you can store your entire music collection and never have to upload anything again.
Car MP3 players:
These are regular in-dash car stereos that can handle MP3. They are usually CD or hard disk based.

Hope this helps to get a general idea. Let us know if you need any more help.

Check www.mp3.com for more info.

------------------
A.B.

OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
ShortWheelbase.com – Jeep preparations.
__________________
A.B.
OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 06:08.