2012 Motorally

I was given this once in a lifetime chance to join the first ever Motorally last January 14, 2012.  The invite came via Richard aka YBR1.  He thought I am worthy enough to participate after joining the last two Manila-Matnog-Manila in 24hrs events.  I wonder if he is reading this but I'd like to express my gratitude to him, nevertheless.

The ride will cover total of 1000 miles or roughly 1600 kilometers passing through several provinces of Northern Luzon as shown below.

2012 Motorally Route

Bravo and Me in Aparri

Log Periodic Antenna (2)

Part 2 (2011)

The objective actually was to have Channel 5 watchable since I am quite certain that Channel 2 and Channel 7 would still be clear even if I screw up with the antenna construction. I believe they have stronger transmission power compared to the other channels and besides, we still have the relayed channels which is very near (about 20-30 kms.) Unfortunately though, the towers are in the opposite direction ( south )


Continued in 2012

Today is May 21, 2012 and I can't remember when I wrote the above paragraph. Obviously, it has been a long time. In the spirit of trying to finish all unfinished posts, I'm gonna write the continuation today without pictures. Later on, I'm planning to review everything.

After several typhoons, the antenna is in a very bad state. Instead of being parallel to the ground, the front points downward. The channels from Manila are all gone suggesting a disconnect somewhere. We can only watch the relayed channels but even if the transmissions tower are nearer, the reception is still not good.

May 20, 2012, I got up early to fix the antenna. It is better to do this in the morning while it is not too hot. Rainy weather is coming and there's rain usually in the the afternoon.

I used magnet wire to connect the element for the simple reason that is quite easy to route. I know then that it was not proper way because I read somewhere that the thickness of the wire used as link affects the overall gain. The magnet wire was replaced with steel cable.

While removing the outer cover of the coaxial cable, I noticed that the insulator broke. About 0.25cm of plastic has separated itself from the rest. It seems like the insulator became brittle over time. I proceeded anyway and connected the cable to the antenna.

I pointed it North (Manila). Now the antenna is back in business with very clear receptions for stronger channels 2 and 7. Channels 4, 9, 11 are watchable although a bit noisy. There were also some UHF channels. But channel 5 which is why started this project is still a letdown with streaks that seem to flow from top to bottom. I wonder if it is caused by a mismatch or simply because the signal is just too weak.

Unable to fix the problem using the TVs fine tuning, I tried to find the optimum direction to point the antenna's front end. I used the coconut tree as the reference but I guess the tolerance is wide. The problem didn't go away. I was now beginning to suspect that something is amiss with the cable..

Fortunately, I have a spare coaxial cable. It is bit shorter compared to the one that is currently installed After making the connections, it is now confirmed that the old cable must be replaced. Channel 5 streaks are now gone and although there is some noise present in the picture which appears as white dots, this is way better and doesn't hurt the eyes as much.

Pacquiao and Gay Marriage

Some people overreacted when PacMan made a comment and said that he doesn't agree with gays getting married.  What they missed is that he also said that they should be loved irregardless of their sexual orientation.

If the reference is the Bible, for sure it doesn't allow this kind of union.  Pacquiao believes in It and it is therefore expected  for him to echo what is written in the Book.  But denouncing the gay community, I think he did not.

God made us individuals with freedom to choose and decide what to do.  But He also prepared for us some guidelines on how we should live our lives.  I myself will not condemn anyone simply because I don't have the right.  I am far from being perfect and has committed violations against His rules.

But I believe that there is life after death and we will all be accountable to our deeds.  God will be the judge and the Bible will be the reference.

Shopping For a New Ride

After my crash during the Manila-Matnog-Manila in November of 2011, I decided that I should get another motorcycle.  I travel more than 40kms one way on a daily basis during weekdays and it is too much of a hassle for me to use the public transportation.  Because of this aversion, I insisted on using my crash damaged Honda Bravo until the steering stem became a two piece part (luckily while parking the motorcycle.)  It could have been worse, I know.

The motorcycle market in the Philippines has changed for the better.  Several years ago, the choices are very limited if you're out on a lookout for a new ride especially if you're on a budget. It is either the underbones or the 'pantra' which are the business types that will eventually be attached to a sidecar for hauling more cargo and people.  Now aside from the Japanese Big 4 we've got Chinese and Indian brands even Malaysian offering a variety..... from scooters to tourers.  It therefore makes sense to formulate a criteria to aid in the selection process.  I have the outline below.

Cost
I am a poor guy with a limited budget and although I'd like to have a powerful motorcycle I don't have that much moolah to burn.  Based on my evaluation, I can only afford to throw away about Php 60k for a new bike.  My dream motorcycles by the way cost 100-150k.  But even before buying the bike, I have this idea of selling it after a year perhaps.  The cash will be then used to fund the purchase of my dream ride.

Power
I used to have a Honda Wave 125 and although it is more powerful than my Bravo I want my next bike to be something that is more powerful.  The Bravo cruises at about 80kph and could probably go up to 90kph but stability is a big concern.  I want something that can cruise happily at 100kph.  Top speed doesn't really matter but I'd be happy if it can go beyond 110kph.

Reliability
This is one of the characteristics that is a bit tough to estimate.  In this case you can't help but rely on the experiences of those who bought the bike and took to time write a review.  I spent a great deal of time lurking on internet forums digesting the feedback.  I've also asked and observed the actual users and my area.

Efficiency
I have a car and although it is quite frugal, my choice of transport is still the motorcycle because it is even more frugal.  My next ride should not get anything lower than 40km/L.

Looks
I am more a "function over form" guy and I don't really care if my bike looks ugly.  For as long as it is clean and does what I'd like it to do, I am happy.  But I wouldn't mind if my new bike will turn out to be an catcher.  Also, I don't want another underbone and I'm leaning towards a standard bike design (referred as backbone types in some literature.)

There you go.  I know that this may not be the most complete list but it should guide me and probably another in choosing his/her next bike.

Good luck and happy hunting to us.