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In 1983, author and pc whizz Steven Okay. Roberts started his multi-year Computing Across America quest, which might finally be the premise of a book of the same name. Armed along with his recumbent Winnebiko pedal-powered automobile, photo voltaic panels, and the very best early 80s moveable tech he may lay his arms on, Roberts’ journey lasted about 17 months. On the best way, he traversed 17,000 miles of the U.S. whereas staying productive and protecting in contact with purchasers and publishers.
In some ways, Roberts was the pioneer of digital nomadism, a way of life that solely gained actual traction within the COVID period. However, this travelling trailblazer started his odyssey earlier than Windows 1, earlier than the Apple Macintosh, earlier than cell telephones, and even earlier than the Internet. Roberts used to communicate with purchasers through CompuServe and different early on-line providers.
Winnebiko (I) specs
The Winnebiko was fabricated by Roberts over a six-month period ahead of the Computing Across America trip. The original digital nomad refers to this recumbent cycle as “the elemental form of my technomadic adventure substrate.”
In essence, this pedal-powered low-riding vehicle was based around a “4130 Chrome-Moly frame, lugless, filleted/brazed construction, triple stays, built by Franklin Frames (Jack Trumbull).”
It also had a large 48-spoke, 27-inch wheel at the rear, and a 16-inch wheel at the front. Between them sat Roberts, pedaling his 18-speed derailleur and controlling the bike using under-seat steering.
Electronics specs
Many readers will be more interested in the electronics than the bike. However, the computers Roberts used were upgraded during the journey. Remember, this was a time of tremendous advances in personal computing, and the original digital nomad’s journey gained attention and traction in newspapers, magazines, and on TV.
Roberts began his journey with the Radio Shack Model 100 laptop as his tech mainstay. However, he would later upgrade to the HP-110 portable. The HP represented quite an advance, with its faster 16-bit processor, more RAM, storage, and bigger display. However, this IBM PC-compatible portable running DOS and Lotus 1-2-3 weighed nearly three times as much at 9 pounds and cost about three times as much.
In the photographs on the linked weblog submit you may see Roberts engaged on each pc methods. We see him connecting to on-line providers utilizing the TRS-80 related to a pay-phone. Later, there are pictures of him typing away on his HP in a tent.
During his travels the Winnebiko would trickle cost the batteries within the electronics utilizing the 5W photo voltaic panel you may see. He was additionally be capable to high up the big onboard 12‑volt battery utilizing mains energy throughout stops at motels, garages, properties, and different pleasant pitstops.
Lastly, if Roberts ever wanted to get in contact with somebody in an emergency, he had a CB radio constructed into the Winnebiko. As lengthy as his batteries nonetheless had some life, he may shout “Break, break, break” for assistance on Channel 9.
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