Ok, so in my last post I showed that I was able to receive an image from a weather satellite using only a cheap handheld radio and my phone. You’re probably asking yourself how, right? Well, that’s what this series is all about! First, let’s build a basic knowledge framework and then we’ll dive into the nitty gritty details. Meet the Satellites There are all kinds of satellites orbiting Earth at different altitudes and in different types of orbits. But,…
I never thought I’d download a picture from space using a cheap radio and a phone, but that’s exactly happened. Let me show you how. A few months ago I was in the process of reviving my amateur radio hobby (aka ham radio). I received my amateur license in 2019 but after the Covid-19 pandemic hit and following life disruptions occurred, I had to put the hobby down for a few years. Then, during the summer of 2024 I decided…
I am in the process of reviving this blog. More updates to follow soon. I intend to use this to document some projects I am working on in the amateur radio (aka ham radio) world.
Not to be confused with high quality customer service. There is a difference. A big one. Take for example my recent experience at a fast food restaurant. I walked in, waited my turn in line (not long), and when I arrived at the counter and was greeted with a friendly smile and an enthusiastic “How can I help you today?”. I placed my order for a burger, fries, and beverage. It was cheerfully read back to me for confirmation, payment…
The following is printed out and taped to my desk at the office. Whenever I make a mistake, it can usually be traced back to one of these rules being broken: Mike’s Rules of IT Assume nothing. Verify everything. Work smarter, not harder. Use your resources. Know when to escalate. Details or die. Reproduce the error. Prove the fix. Always check the physical connection. Empathize with the user.
The name for this site was inspired by this scene in the movie “Red Planet” in which most of the main characters are stranded on Mars and all communication to their mothership has been cut-off: Gallagher has cobbled together a radio from 50-year-old parts. Pettengill holds the solar panels at the sun while Robby carefully removes one of his two suit-radio microphones. Checks with a meter, then solders it onto his jerry-rigged radio. Gallagher: “Test, test…” He adjusts a tiny pot…