It is hard to know where to describe the enigma that is Collyn Rivers, although the Sydney Morning Herald probably came close to describing him a decade or so ago, as “one of the few remaining Renaissance men”.

Collyn has lived a life that has been incredibly varied. Many of his long-term readers are surprised to discover he left school for good when he was 11. He started his first business when just 14 (building wheels for racing cyclists). Collyn joined the Royal Air Force when he was 17 and spent a fair part of his three-year period training to become a Ground Radar Engineer.

Following some years studying mechanical engineering he was employed by General Motors Research Division – where his then rare (RAF acquired) knowledge of electronics proved mutually useful.

After moving to Australia in 1964, he designed and built one-off and highly specialised scientific equipment: from huge concrete testing presses, to an X-ray coal scanning machine for BHP Research in Newcastle.
 
Collyn changed careers completely in late 1970 when he founded and edited what became a global chain of electronics and other magazines. In 1976, his best known (Electronics Today International) was awarded the title of ‘The World’s Best Electronics Journal’ by the IPREE.

During the later 1980s Collyn was the technical editor of (the now sadly defunct) The Bulletin and also Australian Business magazine. During that time he also wrote the Australian Federal Government’s Guide to Information Technology and subsequently founded the ultra-successful (and now ACP-owned) Australian Telecommunications.

In more recent times Collyn has extended his engineering and journalistic abilities to writing and publishing in rather different areas. In 2001, he completed and published The Campervan & Motorhome Book. This rapidly became the bible for any motorhomer or caravanner who seeks to be as efficient, safe and cost-conscious as possible while travelling. His second book, Motorhome Electrics, gained similar status worldwide. It now sells in over 50 countries, and is used by TAFE in Australia as a working text. A further book in the recreational vehicle field is The Camper Trailer Book.

Collyn’s book Solar That Really Works (intended primarily for the RV field, but bought by many cabin and small home owners and builders)triggered the recent launch of the Solar Success book range.

The latest book, Solar Success – getting it right first time is a complete guide to home and property systems written both for Australian/New Zealand readers and the international market.  

“Why self-publish?” I asked when I first Collyn. A very straightforward reply came back. It’s so I maintain control and can ensure everything is accurate. Also I can print in relatively small batches every few months, updating each print run where required as Australian Standards and technology changes.

To say Collyn calls a spade a spade is an understatement. He calls it a bloody shovel in no uncertain terms! It is this directness and total lack of facade that makes him an even more interesting personality. There is no misunderstanding his opinions on any subject. Ask any question and be prepared for a very definite well researched response.

Whether it is a fault or a strength, Collyn will tell you exactly what you want to know, like what any supplier or manufacturer is doing right or wrong – and then back his statement with the facts. The sales of his books speak volumes for the desire of both men and women to gain this in-depth knowledge.

At seminars, and without prompting, many of those attending vote Collyn’s the most comprehensive. Most also nominate him as the most knowledgeable speaker, able to answer so many queries from the audience straight off the top of his head.

Asked what he enjoys most about what he does, Collyn says he has had an exceptionally long working life (so far from 1941-2008) and has no plans whatever of retiring. He says the reason he knows a fair bit about a lot of stuff is that he has already enjoyed a working life approaching that of twice that of many now retired. Add to that a good memory (‘for things I want to remember’) and a very wide range of interests that range from technology in general to Aboriginal studies: he audited the Aboriginal Studies course at Notre Dame’s tiny university campus in Broome. Collyn is currently re-learning French, has started researching two more books, and is also writing his autobiography.

Collyn practices what he preaches: a lot of the content is based on personal research and experiment, mostly success, and occasionally a rethink. This is reflected in his home and lifestyle.

He and his psychologist wife (Maarit) live on a secluded 10-acre property north of Broome, Western Australia, in an environmentally friendly totally solar-powered house which they mostly built themselves. Their home is naturally ventilated with glass everywhere to take full advantage of the incredible 190 degree view of the 300 metres distant Indian Ocean. Maarit even obtained her Welding and Production Engineering Certificates so she could participate in the building. It really threw contracting tradesmen when they needed heavy steel cut and Maarit brought out her own angle grinder and did it for them!

To sum up – let’s quote the Editor of Automobile, Electrical and Air Conditioning News (in 2007). “When Collyn speaks, even the original equipment manufacturers take notice”.

Chrissy Eustace (2008)