I also create computer generated animation as silico.studio and design bespoke 3D printed products, which are avalable for purchase from physis.shop.
Radios
Antennas
Meteor M2-4
L-Band HRPT
Meteor M2-4
L-Band HRPT
I tracked Meteor-M2-4 using SatDump, which handled scheduling, recording, processing, and directional antenna control. The result is the most detailed and highest-resolution satellite imagery I’ve received to date, making it possible to clearly see features such as snow cover across the Alps and northern Scotland.
AZEL Antenna Rotator
Build Log
The plan is to make a system which can automate the tracking and reception of satellite signals and would hopefully improve reception from fast moving satellites and those using higher gain antennas or spot beams which require more directional accuracy, as well as open up tracking options outside of the VHF band.
After much research I decided to build an antenna rotator, combining jbryrn’s AZEL rotator with t0nito’s 1.7 GHz HRPT helicone antenna along with wcdreisbach's AZEL Tripod Mount. Most of the components were 3D printed from their designs, I created some of my own components all of which can be downloaded here. The servos, bearings and the threadded rod were recycled from an old Ender3 printer.
To control the rotator, a Raspberry Pi 3A computer with a Waveshare Stepper Motor HAT (B) manages the power and controls the rotator’s servos. A Python script running on the Pi establishes a local TCP/IP server using the Hamlib protocol, which allows software like SatDump to remotely control the rotator, adjusting its azimuth and elevation.
This allows satellite tracks to be scheduled based on TLE (two line element set) data, with the management of both the frequency and the processing of the received signal being automated.
After the construction of the rotator, the balancing of antenna and the inital tests using the TCP/IP server; the next step is to attempt to both physically track a satellite and downlink its L-Band radio signal simultaneously.
QPSK Constellation Plot
Artwork
QPSK efficiently encodes information into analog signals and is used in many applications. I first encountered it when decoding weather imagery from the Russian Meteor-M satellites; their “LRPT” image downlink uses QPSK modulation.
As part of an ongoing video project and as a way to better understand how it works, I made this animation that visualizes a QPSK constellation plot, showing how symbols cluster into four phase states and how noise/spread affects demodulation.
Tinkpad T490
Build Log
Having fixed a number of laptops in the past, I can say the ThinkPad is by far the easiest to service.
I’ll also be installing an NFC (Near Field Communication) board once the parts arrive...
Hack-RF One
3D Printing
When in the field, I store it in the Pelican 1040 Micro Case. This case is waterproof, dustproof, and crushproof, which makes it ideal for carrying sensitive electronics. The only problem is that, without something to hold the device in place, it can shift around inside and accidentally press the buttons.
To solve this, I designed a simple 3D printable mounting plate that attaches to the lid of the case. It keeps the HackRF One PortaPack H2 securely in place and stops it from moving around. It’s a small tweak, but it makes transporting the device much easier.
You can check out the printable file here.
Noaa 19 APT
137.100 MHz
Hack-RF
The image quality is better than in my previous attempts, thanks to the upgraded HackRF SDR (software-defined radio), which offers a significant improvement over the RTL-SDR, when using the same V-Dipole antenna tuned to 137mhz.
Seeed Colab
Meshtastic
T1000-E
Together we are bringing two of my accessory designs for their T1000-E meshtastic device into mass production.
As of today, both the SenseCAP T1000-E Protective Case and the SenseCAP T1000-E Charging Puck are available for purchase directly from Seeed’s online store.
This partnership should simplify access for international buyers, especially those outside the UK, by reducing shipping costs and improving availability.
Callsign Patch
3D Printing
I included a number of holes around the periphery of the patch so that thread could be used to more securely attach a strip of adhesive hook-and-loop tape to the patch itself.
L-Band Satallite
Antenna
I bought it used and did not realise it was missing the feed-point reflector - the small assembly where the signal is actually focused.
Rather than write it off, I decided to take a shot at building my own replacement, with the intention of eventually tuning the antenna to recieve transmissions from L-band satellites.
I created a 3D-printed enclosure around the antenna itself and used aluminum plate to make the feed-point reflector.
Right now, it's a bit of a work in progress. I haven’t tested the performance with any proper RF tools yet, but I plan to do some testing to see how well it works in practice.
Noaa 15 APT
137.000 MHz
RTL-SDR
Tracking Weather Satellites
137.000 MHz
RTL-SDR
The amount of noise makes me think that there is alot more work to be done to isolate the radio from background EMF interference.
Dipole Radiation Pattern
Artwork
These renders are aesthetic illustrations and do not portray any useful information, normally scientific visualizations would show dB levels as graduating hues, for this creation I was only interested in the geometric forms.
Conversations Part I
Artwork
It was my interpretation that the artists was representing the conversations that invisibly intersect the landscape between radio towers as a positive force that connecting people’s lives.