While surfing around this morning, I came across an amazing contraption – A nearly 300lb bicycle full of technology. What’s most interesting is this bike was built circa 1980’s. Mr. Steven Roberts became sick and bored of the typical suburban lifestyle, and decided to radically change is life.
One key-point is that Mr. Steven Roberts realized that he wasn’t getting much writing done because he was spending most of his time peddling. This is a good portion of his livelhood, so he decided to implement a BINARY TYPING SYSTEM.He became so proficient that he was able to type 35wpm! And that was before he developed codes for common phrases.
Here are some of the specs of his Winnebiko II:
- 68HC11 Bicycle Control Processor, running Control BASIC, dedicated 2-line LCD
- Handlebar chord keyboard with auxiliary button set on console
- Repackaged Model 100 computer built into console, Traveling Software Booster Pak
- Packet radio TNC (PacComm) for on-the-road email
- Votrax speech synthesizer
- Yaesu 290 multimode 2-meter transceiver
- DTMF decoder for remote control
- Cat-eye sped/time/distance display
- Motion-sensing security system with remote actuation
- CB
- Analog altimeter
- Digital Panel Meter and thumbwheel for voltage/current monitoring
- Digital clock
- Console speaker
- Ten-Tec Argonaut 515, keyer, and auxiliary solar panel & battery
Over the years, he’s developed new models, including the almost 600lb BEHEMOTH (below) in the 1990’s:
and the Microship (below) in the early 2000’s:
“For 11 years, I dedicated all available resources to the pursuit of high-tech nomadness — a freewheeling lifestyle aboard a computerized recumbent bicycle. Now the bike is retired, accompanying me on occasional speaking tours as I devote my time to building its aquatic successor — the Microship. Both machines are autonomous mobile information and communication platforms… powered and propelled by human and solar power, linked via satellite with global information networks.” (Reference)
We suggest you take a look at this youtube clip (above) and then head on over to Mr. Steven Roberts site and take a look at all the cool stuff he’s done and is in the process of doing. A truly amazing man who’s thwarted the norm and succeeded at following his own path and heart.
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