This Recorder IS Handy: Zoom H2

Handy Recorder might be a silly name, but the Zoom H2 digital audio recorder is anything but silly.

I was looking for a way to record audio on the go, mostly with video in mind. The most common options are wireless microphones. But a really good one is expensive. And since we would be using it around machinery (ie; spark plugs) I worried about interference with the radio signal.


Then one afternoon I picked up a copy of Event DV magazine and saw an article about the Zoom H2. The specs rolled off like a wish list: built-in mic, external line or mic input, USB interface, no tape, no moving parts, weighs like… nothing. It even has a guitar tuner! What’s not to like?

We ordered one up. When it arrived I put a new battery in my trusty clip-on mic from Radio Shack and we were ready to go.
Synch
To record audio on the Zoom while recording video on our camcorder requires us to synchronize the two for our final product. This is really pretty easy to do with computer video editing software. It’s a similar process to synching a two-camera shoot.

To simplify this feat we use a $2 clicker from the local pet store (you’ve seen them before- like they use to train Border Collies). The click makes a huge spike that’s easily visible on the two audio tracks. Move them so the spikes match up and your sound is synchronized. Once we’re rich and famous maybe we’ll get one of those cool clapboards like the Big Boys use!
The sound is great, it can store days of audio and uses AA batteries. For under two hundred bucks we’ve got a fully portable audio system that can be used standalone or with a clip-on lapel mic. So far it’s worked out great for our nascent video productions, and we’re coming up with new uses almost every day.

I’m planning to use one at work to record conferences. Last week a buddy told me he attended a concert at the Cain’s Ballroom. A guy down in front was holding a Zoom recorder over his head to catch all the action.

This darn thing really is pretty handy.


Video Project to Feature Oklahoma Motorcycling

Several months ago Brad and I decided to start documenting our motorbike journeys more thoroughly. Whenever we set off on a ride we made sure to include a digital camera and/or the video camcorder.

The initial intent was to spruce up the rides listed on Places2ride.com with photos and video clips. After editing a few of the videos (samples are available on You Tube at www.youtube.com/places2ride) we began wondering what would happen if we added in more history, some interviews and maybe a tech tip or two along the way. It all sounded like a TV show we might actually watch!

This is when the idea for Two Wheel Oklahoma was born.

Brad and Rex pretend to be TV hosts!Right now we’re working on a pilot episode for a half-hour television program about motorcycling in and around Oklahoma. The premise is to cover a particular area or road by visiting points of interest along the route. This first show focuses on Oklahoma State Highway 20. We’re also in the process of writing three more that include the Talimena Drive and Route 66.

Once this first one is completed we’re going to work on selling the idea to someone who can get it on the air. In the meantime we’re also looking for more content from other riders who shoot video of their rides in and around Oklahoma, or clubs that have an upcoming event.

We’ve set up a new website where you can find more information and stay up to date with our progress and submit info: www.twowheeloklahoma.com

Drop by and sign up for our email updates while you’re there!

How Big are Your Buttons? Cells for Seniors

Motorola W370 Good Choice for Seniors
I’m constantly surprised by the lack of marketing savvy at Corporate America. Despite the millions poured into market research there are still huge segments ignored by the corporate marketing machine. The list is huge, but I’m particularly surprised by the lack of cell phones suitable for older folks.
Motorola W370
I was reminded of this most recently when Dad decided he wanted a cell phone. Some of you may be astounded to learn that some humans do not already own a cell phone. He is 85 and never felt the urgent need to have a cell phone until recently.

After trying to use one he was doubting whether he really needed one after all. It wasn’t just a matter of understanding the technology, the physical dimensions make it challenging for the less dexterous. Pushing the standard number buttons was challenging for him, but possible. Navigating with the little gimbal-ring thingy was almost impossible.

I researched online and found a couple of phones, but couldn’t find anyone carrying them locally and their calling plans were limited. We looked at several phones, but did not find many that would qualify as senior citizen-approved.

We finally found the Motorola W370, it’s sort of a Razr without a camera. It’s a flip-phone, which Dad liked because it protects the buttons from accidentally calling Moscow if you carry it in your pocket. The W370 is a little longer when opened so it feels more like a “real” phone when in use. I had noticed when Dad was testing my smaller
Motorola C261
he had a tendency to hold it near his ear, then move it to his mouth when he spoke.

The W370 is offered by Net 10 and TracFone. This worked out fine because a pre-paid plan seemed to fit his needs best. He needs a phone, but doesn’t talk on it constantly. We opted for the Tracfone and upon activation discovered the W370 includes double-minutes. I signed him up for their 50 Minute Value Plan which automatically adds 30 days of service and 50 minutes each month for $9.99. But it’s really 100 minutes because of the double-minute bonus they threw in!

How does he like the phone? So far so good. After he’s lived with for a while I’ll post an update and let you know how it’s going.


Take a Left at Albuquerque

I’ve been to New Mexico a couple of times and always enjoyed those visits, but we’d never spent any time in her largest city. Earlier this week Jackie and I had a chance to explore Albuquerque.

We flew on Express Jet, now offering non-stop service from Tulsa. I didn’t realize this until searching flights on Orbitz. We were very happy with their service- they actually offered us food. It wasn’t a full dinner, but much more substantial than a bag of peanuts. The plane was a Embraer ERJ, which is a small jet but pretty comfortable. They also have XM radio piped into every seat and provide free earbuds.

Our visit was actually for business but left us time to explore. The weather was the first surprise, and not a pleasant one! When our flight left Tulsa the temperature in both cities was exactly the same. Cold.

I always think of New Mexico and “desert” is the next word that comes to mind. But this area is high desert, in fact Albuquerque is at a higher elevation than Denver. For most of our visit the temperature hovered in the twenties and thirties and one night saw wind gusts of 60 mph. Youch.

The flight was great, had a fun time in Albuquerque and saw some neat sites- here’s a few highlights…

  • When we arrived on Sunday a large portion of downtown was blocked off for a film crew. A local told us the film was called The Game. Crunched cars lined the street so maybe it’s a post-apocalyptic thriller? Turns out Albuquerque is becoming quite a hot spot for motion pictures.
  • A free bus called the D-Ride makes a loop around downtown and is a great way to get around. In fact, their city bus service in general was remarkably easy to use.
  • We found a top notch local chain of eateries called Flying Star Cafe. Their downtown location is in the former headquarters of an oil and gas company- it’s worth a visit even if you’re not hungry. If you are- I highly recommend the mac-and-cheese dish, Mama Mac, and Jackie had high praise for their Veggie Burger.
  • The area known as Nob Hill has some of the coolest roadside architecture I’ve ever seen in one place. Lots of streamline Deco and modern buildings from the Forties and Fifties. We also noticed a great deal of operational neon signs!
  • Model Pharmacy is also well worth a visit. In addition to salves and tinctures you’ll find toothpastes from around the world. And you can have lunch too! Their malts kick ass.
  • We dropped by Sandia BMW to see their collection of vintage BMW motorcycles. The dealership is quite impressive with BMW cars, bikes and Minis all on one site.BMW motorcycle museum
  • Albuquerque initiated a rebirth of their central business district a few years ago. One of their mandates in the targeted area was “no chains” and all the businesses are locally owned. They expect 100% occupancy by 2009.
  • The ABQ airport seems tiny for a city this size. I was amazed to see a small display with a model of an unusual Italian flying boat, the Savoia Marchetti S.55. Turns out the Italians stopped in New Mexico during an ill-fated attempt at circling the globe in 1927. The high altitude thwarted their takeoff and required them to ditch anything that wasn’t bolted down- including a spare wooden propeller. It now hangs in the Albuquerque airport terminal.
  • The balloon museum was much more fun than either of us expected. The building itself is worth examining. They also have a great airship display with beautiful models of German, American and British zeppelins.
  • If you were confused about the spelling you’re not alone. It was name after some Spanish guy and originally spelled Alburquerque. But the first “R” was dropped (as the legend goes) because it wouldn’t fit on the sign at the train station. Sounds a little fishy to me.

And here’s a little New Mexican architecture…

The church in the Old Town area.


A wacky house near the Model Pharmacy.

JUST STOP, DAMMIT!

Over the last couple of years I’ve noticed a weird trend in daily traffic. Drivers pull it up to a traffic light and stop several feet away from the car ahead of them. A friend of mine calls it “pre-stopping.” I call it aggravating.

It’s especially so if you drive a manual transmission car. Or a bike. Drivers stop several feet before they should, then roll up like they’re stalking the preceding vehicle. The cars ahead of me keep crawling forward instead of just pulling up to the stop light and- well, stopping. Busy intersections nowadays are more like pausing… to creep forward… every few… seconds.

At first I blamed this on small people piloting huge vehicles. The acreage your common SUV covers makes it challenging for the average driver to negotiate their expansive property line. How can we expect mom to see over the hood of that Tot Rod when she can barely see over the dash?

But when I began observing their techniques this theory seemed to evaporate like fuel from a Ford Expedition’s gas tank. I noticed the vehicles the “pre-stoppists” drive are not always huge. Or not by American standards anyway. Sure, you’ll see plenty of Hummers leaving a full car length or more ahead of themselves- but you’ll also see Camrys and Subarus sneaking up to the light.

So if the vehicle isn’t the common thread, maybe it’s the drivers? I started watching what people in the car were doing when stopping short. It didn’t surprise me there were a lot of cell phones visible. But I’m not so sure there is any higher proportion of conversations inside those cars waiting blocks away from the stop light. In fact, the scariest realization for me was everyone in traffic seems to be yakking on their cell phone!

So for now we’ll just wait and wonder. But please wait several feet behind me.