Thanks. The main problem I see with solar chargers is that I will spend a good deal of time in what has been described as a tunnel running under a canopy of leaves. I would also prefer to avoid wire connections to devices while hiking. I will probably check out some solar chargers that you can set up while not moving.
Mike Hanson----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael May" <MikeMay@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Monday, October 29, 2007 9:45 PM Subject: [gps-talkusers] Re: Voice Sense Questions
Check out http://www.extremegeek.com for a backpack with solar pannels built in.It is made by a company called Voltaic. It has connectors for various chargers.Mike At 07:10 PM 10/29/2007, you wrote:Thanks. I am looking into solar chargers. Where have you found fuel cell devices? ----- Original Message ----- From: "Scott Granados" <gsgranados@xxxxxxxxxxx>To: <gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Monday, October 29, 2007 8:03 PM Subject: [gps-talkusers] Re: Voice Sense QuestionsJust a couple pointers re your power concern. First, you might look in to solar chargers. They can be quite small (assuming you're not trying to power to much) and obviously give you an option if the sun is available. Second, there are some small fuel cell devices that can power laptops and or gps / note takers and have a little room to do extra. I've seen a table top version (slightly larger than a can of soda) that could power a laptop no problem. Ymmv but you might find some other options other than batteries.----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael O. Hanson" <mhanson@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>To: <gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Monday, October 29, 2007 5:58 PM Subject: [gps-talkusers] Voice Sense QuestionsAs most of you might know, I am planning to hike the Appalachian Trail using GPS to demonstrate the independence of persons with disabilities and the value of GPS to the blind community and rehabilitation professionals. Please visit http://www.blindhiker.com for more information about my plans.I currently use Loadstone and Wayfinder in combination. I am not committed to using these products if a better alternative is available.I understand Sendero will shortly be released on the Voice Sense. I have read some good things about the Voice Sense.There were three reasons I did not look at Sendero earlier. First, the size of the Braille Note was not as attractive to me as a cell phone. I understand the Voice Sense is smaller than the Braille Note. I will be backpacking. Weight is a factor. The small size of a cell phone also makes it easier to keep dry in rain.Second, I believe the Voice Note and Braille Note did not have batteries a user could change. Given the time I will be away from sources of electricity, the ability to change batteries is essential. I believe a user can change batteries in the Voice Sense.Third, Sendero was expensive enough to make it relatively unattractive. If the first two drawbacks can be overcome, price is not as much of an issue.I have eight questions. First, when will Sendero be released for the Voice Sense? I heard it should be released this week.Second, what is the expected battery life of the Voice Sense when Sendero runs on it?Third, how easy are batteries to change out and charge?Fourth, I have read that batteries need to be specially made for the Voice Sense. Is that correct? If so, how much do they cost?Fifth, what format does Sendero use? I heard it uses degrees, minutes, and seconds. If that is true, are programs available to convert decimal degrees to degrees, minutes, and seconds?Sixth, is it possible to upload files of points of interest or would I need to enter individual points?Seventh, I live in Minnesota. Where in Minnesota could I get a demonstration of this product?Eighth, how does Sendero deal with highways? It is very difficult to get Wayfinder to completely avoid highways in pedestrian mode.Thank You, Mike HansonMichael G. May CEO Sendero GroupCrashing Through by Robert Kurson available at http://www.CrashingThrough.comDevelopers and distributors of the first-ever accessible GPSDistributing BrailleNote, VoiceNote, Talks, Miniguide and the ID Mate bar code readerMikeMay@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx http://www.SenderoGroup.com 1-888-757-6810, Fax (530) 757-6830, Mobile (530) 304-0007 Sendero Group, LLC 1118 Maple Lane, Davis, CA 95616-1723, USA Latitude, 38 33 9.239 North Longitude, 121 45 40.145 West
