Cooking while camping or just out for a ride.

I settled on charcoal grill early on as it works. Still some cleanup involved, yet effective. Use and leftover heat to get water hot for dishes, or a shower.

 You can still use a frying pan on a smaller Coleman single burner. I also use this as a water heater for showering.

I bought myself a 28 inch Blackstone Griddle for Christmas. I like it so much that I want to get a single burner model for camping. I can't say enough about how fast and easy it is to cook on this griddle. I have made breakfast, lunch and dinner on this model. The 28 inch is considered portable, however I will still get the single burner for portability.

6X12 Enclosed Cargo Trailer

In 2015 I purchased a 6X12 enclosed cargo trailer for hauling my Honda Rincon ATV, and to use for storage of camping gear and sleeping in it. I have acquired most of the camping gear throughout the years and store it in the trailer. Currently my gear consist of 2 folding memory foam cots, and bedding. I have several grills, both charcoal, and gas type. Included are several folding chairs and tables for use. A 12 volt portable fan is used for cooling, and no heater is used due to the carbon monoxide threat. I use a 10X10 Coleman canopy for the cooking and eating outside. For showers and toilet a Ozark Trails 2 room tent does the job. I plan on using this trailer setup when riding the ATV, or camping. This trailer could also be used in the event of a hurricane, and to move items for family and friends.

Shown below is the Ozark Trails two room shower/toilet tent. It is very easy to setup and use.

The toilet used is a Thetford portable toilet. Its a battery operated toilet that in my view is easy to operate, and is the right height for use.

Portable USB Power

This battery I have purchased is the Kmashi 15,000 mAh battery from Amazon in 2016 for $17. I intend to use it for the same reasons, device charges, and USB lights.

This is the Onite 5 watt USB light I purchased from Amazon in 2016 for $8 to use in the event of emergencies, and when camping.

Another battery I purchased is the Anker PowerCore 5000 in 2016 from Amazon. It sold for $15. I have yet to try this out. Its a 5,000 mAh battery.

An earlier purchase was the HooToo travel router from Amazon for $40 in 2016. This device allows me to plug in a USB drive and broadcast the content wirelessly anywhere I am at. It also has a built in 10.400 mAh battery.


All total the battery capacity of the four devices equals 50,400 mAh of power. Or as I understand it 50 amp hours of power, and $112 cost total. This does not include the lights. These batteries make it possible when there is an emergency to have separate sources of power. Charge times for the batteries depend on the charging source. Currently I use the PC USB port for charging, or the vehicle USB charging ports. All the batteries at full charge should be about 40-50 hours of lighting use.


Recharge/top off all monthly to ensure proper use.

Check out my videos on YouTube.

Just do a search for NCRinconman.

Tent on a trailer.

I had purchased a Coleman Instant tent (4) person for camping several years ago. Recently I purchased a tent canopy for shade when camping. I wondered what this setup would be like mounted on a utility trailer I used to haul my ATV when riding. I like the idea that it is off the ground, and the canopy affords protection from the rain if needed. The toolbox on the front of the trailer serves as a step for access in the tent. The tent allows me to stand up and is 7X8. The trailer is 6'-4"X10' but the tent looks ok on the trailer. I use a folding cot with a memory foam pad for comfort.

Now how did it sleep? Honestly there are several things that interfered with my sleep. Number one is I don't sleep good away from home. Two it got down to 37 degrees that night with high winds blowing. Three maybe the cot with memory foam mattress was not quite comfortable. Forth and one of the main reasons was I was out at the Art Lilley area of the Uwharries and folks hollering up to about 2:30am at other campsites that should have been asleep. Maybe had a little to much drinky. Certainly no consideration for others. I will live.

Facebook account deleted, thanks Facebook.

Facebook due to its "community standards" shut down the page the Truckers going to DC to protest the government because someone wrote "God bless you, and God bless America". Someone complained and had the page removed. I deleted my account today. 

Thanks Facebook, May others follow.

A January 2013 update.

Its been a long time since I have done any updates. A lot of the hardware has changed from the previous post. The setup I use now is as follows.

Still using the iPad 2 updated with IOS 6. One thing on the iPad 1 that Jessica has is that the new IOS can't be installed. This is Apples way of getting you to buy the newest devices to utilize the latest features from the updated IOS. I have decommissioned the G5 desktop due to that reason.

Currently using a Windows XP desktop with a dual monitor setup. Just stay away from bad sites and I should be fine.

I purchased from a Craigslist seller a Panasonic CF-29 Toughbook. ($120.00) for a laptop that sold for a couple thousand when it first came out. Not the fasted laptop I have owned but decent specs and indestructible. I used it to load Basecamp files to the Garmin Nuvi GPS when I went to the Hatfield and McCoy Rockhouse trail system. It helped my son and I get back to the cabin late one night coming back from Man, West Virginia.

Using a FlipMino HD camera on the ATV to record videos for posting on YouTube. Started off using the Toughbook to upload, then discovered that I could upload from the iPad 2.View videos by going to YouTube and searching "NCRinconman".

We use a Apple TV for viewing Netflix movies and YouTube videos, and content from our iPads at home on the living room LCD TV. Its a great way to share and came at a decent price, ($100). We stopped first DirectTV, then Dish satellite services due to cost, and content, (same old crap). Found out I could download full length movies from YouTube and view. saving $50-70 per month. Netflix is costing around $9.00 per month. Free OTA tv is not as great due to my antenna placement, but I plan to change that in the near future.

That about wraps up my latest hardware setup, other than the Home Theater PC which I am still working on.

iPad2

Another update, the iPad2 is still working after installing IOS 8.

Update: May 27th, 2013 

The iPad 2 is over two years old and works great.

Got a iPad2 for my birthday, and I am impressed with this tablet. The size and weight make it extremely portable. Battery life is as quoted, and other features such as the camera are worthwhile.

The tablet starts from being fully off within 15 seconds. My Windows XP Pro laptop takes 5 minutes or more, due to the security software and start up programs.

Its sometimes hard to see everything in a web browser as my vision is less than perfect as I get older. But I compromise by making the text bigger with the Atomic Web browser app. 

I purchased the AT&T 3G version, 64Gig/Wifi black as this was the only thing in stock at that time, Although I dont have the AT&T service active now, its nice to know that this is another option I can use.

The Great American Dream

Trying out a G5 Mac!

Found a G5 with the PowerPC, non Intel processor computer to try out. Several things I have experienced so far is the Mac is not much different than a Windows PC in many respects. I run FireFox, and Thunderbird, along with Open Office the Microsoft Office equivalent. I have installed the Mac versions of Goggle Earth, Skype, and Windows Messenger. This computer has (2) 1.8 Ghz processors, and 2.5 gig of ram. It also came with 2 149 gig hard drives, and a DVD burner/player. It came with a 17 inch monitor which I like. The mouse you can keep, as I like the standard two button one with a scroll wheel. I found a web cam to use for video calling. So far the computer is very responsive, and as far as being faster than a PC, well let me have a little more time, and I will let you know.

Lifehacker.com

One of the sites I visit several times a week. Has tips, downloads, and interesting articles.

Tortilla Pizza

This is as good as your ingredients. I tried it and it tasted pretty good.

Looks good, needs bacon!

I tried this and it looked good in the photo, but was plain tasting. So next time it gets bacon on it, and cheese. This is just a hard crust bread, I did use soft, with the bottom half scooped out to have a place for the egg.

Uwharrie Hiking Camping trip

Well I made it from UST001 to UST005 with a 42lb. pack, right knee giving out, and blisters on both feet. Several lessons learned here, pack had way to much weight, and I should of had hiking poles. My son and I did camp out at UST004 marker, with the overnight low around 33 degrees. He had a 0 degree bag, and I had a 20 degree bag. Cold was not a problem. Next time I will lighten the load of the pack, 42lbs. was way to much. We did not eat as much as I thought he would, so way to much food was packed. We had air mattresses which I would do again, just maybe a lighter version. The elevations can be challenging with a pack that size. Just remember if you didn't use it on the first trip, don't pack it on the second one. I will do it again.

Update, I bought a ATV instead. Can carry more stuff.

Shoutcast Radio

MSI Wind Netbook

I bought for myself a MSI Wind net book back in April 2009. Since my daughter is going to school I gave her the Vaio laptop I had. The Wind is a low powered laptop, small in size, however it does everything I want. Currently I use it hooked up to a USB keyboard, and speakers. I also use the two monitor hookup to my LCD flat screen. The Wind is without a CD-DVD drive, but I can hook up to a external if needed. It has 3 USB ports, Bluetooth, external hookup to VGA, speaker and mike connections, a multi-format card reader, and CAT5 hookup for Internet. It has 802.11b/g/n wireless capabilities, 160gig hard drive, a 6 cell battery, and 10" screen. Not to bad for a portable laptop/net book.

Gone now, gave it to someone. 10/2014

Microsoft® Windows® Malicious Software Removal Tool (KB890830)

The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool checks computers running Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2003 for infections by specific, prevalent malicious software—including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom—and helps remove any infection found. When the detection and removal process is complete, the tool displays a report describing the outcome, including which, if any, malicious software was detected and removed.

Microsoft releases an updated version of this tool on the second Tuesday of each month, and as needed to respond to security incidents. The tool is available from Microsoft Update, Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center.

Note The version of the tool delivered by Microsoft Update and Windows Update runs in the background and then reports if an infection is found. If you would like to run this tool more than once a month, use the version on this Web page or install the version that is available in the Download Center.

Because computers can appear to function normally when infected, Microsoft advises you to run this tool even if your computer seems to be fine. You should also use up-to-date antivirus software to help protect your computer from other malicious software.

One way to check to see if you already have the tool installed is to click, Start, Run, type MRT, and then press Enter. Follow the instructions, and this will take awhile to run.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=AD724AE0-E72D-4F54-9AB3-75B8EB148356&displaylang=en

Conficker-Do you have it?

Click on the link to check for the virus.


http://www.confickerworkinggroup.org/infection_test/cfeyechart.html

Skype with video

Ran a test with Larry using a Logitech webcam using Rightlight technology, and my new MSI Wind netbook with built in 1.3 megapixel camera and mic tonight. The Windows Messenger showed decent video from his end, the built in camera on the netbook wasn't that great. Audio received from Larry to my netbook was lousy. Then we switched to Skype and the audio improved greatly. The video suffered on both ends but was passable.

Update-Mobile Internet (aka Cradlepoint Router)

It worked fine with two laptops running. Signal lose due to terrain, and sometimes page load was slow. The nice thing was the reconnection required no intervention on my part. The next best thing to having a cellular modem (aka-mobile wireless card) is to have a cellular router to share the connection!

Mobile Internet (aka Cradlepoint Router)

In a attempt to kept us occupied on an upcoming trip, I want to have two simultaneous connections to the Web, and email. This will require using the Alltel USB cellular modem, and the Cradlepoint router. I have experimented with this set up before but in an office environment. This time it will be mobile. I can probably expect dropouts given the terrain in the mountains, but we will see. The nice thing I like about using the Cradlepoint is once you have the password that is all that needs to be done. No elaborate setup, just concerns about signal loss. I don't think I would attempt uploads of picture that we will take on the trip while mobile, just surfing and email. Maybe I will try Skype?

Microsoft's Windows Live

I have installed the Windows Live on my desktop and laptop mainly for three reasons. One was for the Windows Messenger, and Mail, the other reason was for the Skydrive photo and document storage. I have finally realized that any digital picture storage was only as good as the backup that I should do occasionally. The Skydrive will allow 25 gig of FREE online storage, and let others access the pictures from any computer. I can allow access just by using their email address, and set permissions within Skydrive. My family can now look at the photos, or download any or all of these. I have downloaded the entire collection as a zip file that was surprisingly fast. Then I unzipped this to the My Pictures folder. I feel that now I have a safe, secure alternative for archiving family pictures or documents.

Trendnet's TEW-637AP 300Mbps Wireless Easy-N-Upgrader

I have purchased for around $25 a new router add on to upgrade my existing WRT54GL Linksys router (G) to "N". Setup was pretty much straight forward, however I had changed back the TEW-637AP back to the A-G-N setting as I kept dropping out the Linksys signal. I had the new add on set to N so I could use the Vaio which has N for increased signal and thru put. May tinker with the settings later on in the testing phase for signal strength around the property. Using Vistumbler on the Vaio I want to see if the Trendnet add on lives up to its hype. For now all of the "B", and one "G" laptops are using the TEW-637AP. I will update as time allows. Some of the problems with the dropping out for Internet access may have more to do with Windstreams occasional signal loss from the land line. No DSL signal, no Internet or Email.

Bartering my LF-B20 Sony Location Free Player

Yep, its gone. Traded it for a desktop and 15" monitor. Daren traded it with me and actually got the port forwarding to work in order to watch his cable box remotely. I actually saw this work. Next device I get will be a Trendnet "N" Access Point to allow the Vaio to use "N". I will try to remember to keep you posted.

Tomato firmware for a WRT54GL Linksys Router

A great opensource firmware to replace the supplied one that was preloaded from Linksys. Allows increase of router signal strenght, bandwidth monitoring, and other features. You might ask has it improved the performance of the router? Hell I can't tell any difference, really!

LF-B20 Sony Location Free Player

I had been seeing the Location Free Player program that was preloaded on the Vaio laptop but didn't really pay attention what it was for. Started doing some research and found that it will play your sat or cable tv shows on a network computer. I can watch my home TV at home on my computer, or watch it where I find wifi on the road, or at a friends house. You can also hook up a video camera to watch remotely. I found one on Ebay for about $50 that I have had no problems. It has an onscreen remote exactly like the real one. Now my daughter can watch our TV from her room. Note: one viewer per player, and if you are watching the TV at the same time as the player the other person can change channels on you. Thats OK because I can unplug the player!

Sony Vaio VGN-CR120 Laptop

I have had this laptop for almost two years, and am very pleased with its performance. It was purchased from Circuit City, and I got no help from the sales people while trying to chose. No wonder they went bankrupt. I have had no major issue with it other than the integrated microphone stopped working. The specs for this unit are listed on this site:
http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/model-documents.pl?mdl=VGNCR120E&LOC=3
Vista took some getting used to, however I really think this OS is OK. It is a fingerprint magnet.

New programs and extensions I have tested out recently

I had an issue with the security of my password files, mostly Excel spreadsheets, and wanted some level of security. I looked to find some freeware programs to do the job and came up with one called "My Lockbox". So far I have used this on two laptops, and one desktop and have found it to be a no frills, but does the job program. You can find the program here @ http://www.fspro.net/folder-lock-box/ .

Another browser extension when I use Firefox is "Fast Dial". This configurable extension is very useful in accessing sites, as opposed to going to saved bookmarks. You can make this your start page to get to the sites.

Tiger Direct in Raleigh, NC

You know I just have to say that the level of service at the store is less than professional. I have been several times, and either the sales staff doesn't know, or doesn't care. Nothing is more frustrating than to go up to a group of sales persons and to be ignored. Long lines at the checkout, security check after that. Problem is too many customers, not enough sales people "working". I called in October to confirm stock on a item viewed online, three phone calls, on hold more than 10 minutes and no one answered, or no one even picked up the phone. Best thing to do is order online, which I do and am not disappointed.

Another round of links....................................

http://www.stormpulse.com/ is a good site for hurricanes, and or tropical storms.

http://www.criminalsearches.com/default.aspx check out your neighbors.

http://howmanyofme.com/search/ ever wonder if there are more people with the same name?

http://video.populair.eu/ a great list of video related sites.

http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/ Got 30-70 thousand dollars to buy a really small house?

http://www.switchboard.com/ Since it seems that this to is farmed out to over seas. Do it yourself. At least you will not have to repeat yourself over and over to the operator.

Antivirus XP 2008

May the designer of this crap rot in hell. I have been a victim of this "program" twice. I cleaned it off someones computer only to be bless with this %#$&((@* myself. I would like to choke the asshole who thinks this is going to be rewarding to them. There I said it, now let me purge it from my desktop.

Movie Site #1 "Hulu.com"

I have tried this site since two weeks ago and found it to be an OK source for free movies. The site is Hulu.com or http://www.hulu.com. Although it has fewer movies than some sites, it also has video and TV shows. I was able to watch movies in full screen mode with great quality. The movies I have seen have limited 15 to 30 second commercials however that's better than 5 minutes of commercials like regular TV.

Suggestions to fight attacks on your computer

I talked with a friend today who asked what I use to fight viruses, malware, spyware, trojans, and attacks in general. I explained that I am currently using AVG freeware version, and some other freeware, or limited version protection software. Along with AVG I use Spybot, and CCleaner, and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. Stephen and I discussed his use of Avast, which I have decide to try this weekend. At a later posting this weekend I will also list some free movies sites I have reviewed. Ain't nothing better than free. And yes, I am from the South.

What to do if your computer has been hijacked!

I am often asked what do I do if their computer is running slow, or something ain't like it used to be. It's hard to diagnose problems without seeing it first hand, so most times I take the computer home to analyze it. Most times the problem seems to be malware or trojan related. At present I use a variety of programs to try to purge the problem from the system. Last resort would be to reinstall Windows after saving files that are important to you. Then reformat the hard drive for a clean install. One of the best tools to help is believe it or not is "Google". Just type in a short description of the error message word for word. But be cautious about your solutions to the problem because some unscrupulous people are trying to get you to buy something to correct the same problem they may have planted. Only download and use solutions from reliable sources.

Cradlepoint Cellular Router

November 2008 update, new usb cellular device, still no problems with the Cradlepoint.

Update September 2008, from the date of the original post this device has performed flawlessly.


It works as advertised, had 3 laptops logged in to router at the same time. One was streaming music, the other two were surfing the net. Probably will slow down with more people using it. It is advertised as being able to simultaneously have 16 users. Considering your connection speed with the USB cellular modem that would be way to many users.

May 2008 update + Radar Link plus Speed Tests

Coming soon.........I will try to get the Cradlepoint Cellular Router tested to create a instant hot spot. As soon as it arrives the testing begins.

One link to the best animated radar sites is from the government:

National Weather Service Enhanced Radar Image Loop

http://radar.weather.gov/Conus/full_loop.php

This site is managed by the National Weather Service and gives you a complete view of the whole United States, with animated radar.

Two speed test sites to determine if your service provider is promising what you are paying for are:

http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/ and http://speedtest.net/

Just follow the directions and check your download and upload speeds, and if necessary call and complain why you are not getting the speeds promised. Another reason for checking speeds is if you notice lags in page loading, you may need to unplug your modem (for DSL) to reset the connection. This is a common problem when using DSL. This won't work for dial-up, that is what it is.

April 2008 update

Earlier I had not hooked up my nieces web cam in order to try out Skype's video capabilities. I finally got around to it, and went back home to try it. It works great, the only problem I saw was the video quality from her camera was not as good as the Logitech Orbit I have. She has a 1.5meg speed DSL connection, and I have a 3.0meg DSL. I have also tried a test with my nephew in the mountains of North Carolina who only has dial-up. I tried video briefly but stop because of resources on his end. It does work, it was my first attempt, and I am satisfied having tried it.

Webcams and Security

I purchased a bundled pack of webcams over Christmas for my niece to try out Skype video. She hasn't installed it yet, so I experimented with a new freeware program called Yawcam. It has motion detection, web streaming, and FTP capabilities. I tried the motion detection feature and it works. I have one camera setup at work to see if I have weekend visitors. I need to move the camera to a different location at home, but will have to use USB to Cat5 extenders. I will try to hook up two cameras to the same computer, which will require two seperate installs of Yawcam giving the folders slightly different names. I like this program, one because it works, and two because it is free!

Ad Hoc Video Conferencing

Another interesting application related to Video Conferencing is an old program by Microsoft called Microsoft Portrait. I have run trials on it in an ad-hoc mode with my Vaio laptop with a built in camera, and a desktop with a web cam and a USB wifi dongle. It does work with a limited range. I have tested it at approx. 200 feet before it dropped out due to the wifi signal. It has file transfer capabilities, and a chat feature. I plan to test this in a mobile (car to car) trial when possible. This really has no practical applications other than it can be used as you would with Skype w/video. However Skype can't be used in an ad-hoc mode. You and your fellow employees may play around with it in a meeting when used in an ad-hoc mode. In order to determine your IP address that someone will use to make to call, start the program, click help, then click "about Microsoft Portrait". This will list your IP address.

Day One

This is my first posting! Lets talk about Skype, I am using my laptop as an extra phone to make calls. The laptop has an intergrated camera, and microphone and works great. The service cost me $15.00 for 2007, and I can make calls to landline and cell phones for just the yearly cost. I have only subscribe to the calling out feature. I have never had a dropped call, however the person I call sometimes will not answer because the number won't show up on caller ID.