As other have mentioned, there is an amateur radio solution but it would require you to have a license to operate. Sounds like you've got something figured out but for those curious to know what the "radio hacker" approach is, you can go here. There is also the problem of radio versus cellular coverage. Although, I'm pretty sure hams already support the logistics-side of RAGBRAI and will bring their own repeaters along.
I've been considering a similar attempt this summer during the Courage Classic ride in Colorado. The combination of a Kenwood TH-DA7G transciever and VC-H1 camera are hard for a gadget-hound-radio-amateur-cyclist to pass up.
Paul, KB0LUR
I haven't read it in years, but I seem to remember in Clarke's "The City and the Stars" a passage regarding the village "foundry". Every village had some sort of self-contained "millworks" about the size of a refrigerator that produced "useful devices" (my quotes). Can my recollection be any more vague? Anyone have a copy on hand to refer to?
Buy quality used equipment. Skip low-end Sony, JVC, Pioneer, etc. (although some of those also make high-end stuff, too). Last year, I bought a 3-year-old Lexicon DC-1 for $1800 that has long been considered "the standard" for digital audio processor/controllers. They still go for $1600 to $1700 on EBay.
Buy quality speakers. People have already mentioned PSB (My 3-year old set of 5 PSB alphas are for sale if anyone's interested) and Take 5. These are quality products that start around $1000 for a set.
Buy quality power (corollary to #1). Higher wattage generally means lower distortion, cleaner sound. IMO, buying high-wattage on a low-end receiver is the equivalent of throwing away your money.
Avoid optical connections. Generally considered the lowest quality digital connection for home theater. Coax is the preferred connection.
It would also help to get educated on home theater terminology, equipment, standards, etc. Even if you don't become a fanatic, it will help you make good choices. Be warned, however, that it can also lead you to neverending desires for every upgrade, tweak, and gadget that comes with the hobby.
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I've been considering a similar attempt this summer during the Courage Classic ride in Colorado. The combination of a Kenwood TH-DA7G transciever and VC-H1 camera are hard for a gadget-hound-radio-amateur-cyclist to pass up. Paul, KB0LUR
I haven't read it in years, but I seem to remember in Clarke's "The City and the Stars" a passage regarding the village "foundry". Every village had some sort of self-contained "millworks" about the size of a refrigerator that produced "useful devices" (my quotes). Can my recollection be any more vague? Anyone have a copy on hand to refer to?
It would also help to get educated on home theater terminology, equipment, standards, etc. Even if you don't become a fanatic, it will help you make good choices. Be warned, however, that it can also lead you to neverending desires for every upgrade, tweak, and gadget that comes with the hobby.