Electronic equipment can add a level of convenience to our travels. But sometimes these gadgets and gizmos can be difficult to handle. It helps to have a few tips on hand to help cope with the minor glitches that arise. Below are more of my favorite tips regarding electronic equipment:
- On bumpy roads, to keep your thumb from hitting the touchpad on your notebook computer by mistake, lay a piece of heavy paper or a business card over the touchpad. This will keep your thumb from accidentally touching the touchpad and yet the paper will not keep you from using the touchpad when needed.
- Practice until skilled with any new hardware or software before hitting the road. You won’t have time to train as you travel.
- Take along an inexpensive multifunction fax machine. Even if you don’t need it to fax something, you can use it to print from your computer and also to copy letters before you mail them.
- A surge protector for your computer is a must.
- RVers who want to watch television in a campground have several options: a standard antenna on the RV’s roof that receives whatever television signals that are available locally, a satellite dish, or the campground’s cable hookup, which may cost extra. Take an extra length of coaxial cable in case you need it to reach the campground’s source (usually on the same post as the electricity hookup).
- For a small amount of money, accessory items to stabilize and aim a satellite dish properly can be purchased from the satellite dish supplier or stores such as Camping World.
- Here’s another good reason to bring your cell phone: you can call ahead for reservations at campgrounds as you drive along, using the toll-free numbers you’ll find in campground directories. This can be especially useful if you’ll be arriving at the beginning of a busy weekend.
- When traveling in a caravan, keep in mind that CB radios have a range, depending on the terrain and the unit itself, of four to ten miles.
Enjoy your RVing!
Bernice