While JB was reminiscing, I was developing some new skills.
Along with some gentle encouragement from Mr Ronan, (aka my dad). Which often sounded very like “What the fsck are you doing that for”?
To use that old chestnut, a lot done, more to do.
An email from Sven Grahn arrived in my inbox (from a mailing list) over the weekend. Along with other satellite monitors, he is doing some cool stuff. I really need to get my act together and get building some aerials. This may be the encouragement that is needed.
Justin’s recent post got me thinking, so I’ve started doing some measuring. First to the radio ‘shack’/office, I did a measurement where I switched on all the radio equipment running in receive mode, server, laptop and second screen running, DSL modem and wireless router, switching most of them off when I went to bed. After 24 Hours the total usage was 4kWh. So over 12 months, the cost would be 4 * 0.1435 * 1.135 * 365 = €238 Inclusive of vat, wow, thats quite expensive and not very Green.
The server, dsl modem, wireless router, and kit for my Dxtuners node takes up the bulk of that cost at about €195 per annum. Our most recent aquisition, a small chest freezer (Whirlpool) uses about 0.5kWh per day, so should cost us about €30. Next, the TV.
I ordered a FON router a few weeks ago, it arrived last week but I really only got a chance to set it up last night. It’s sitting in my attic, nestled in beside my Star-Os router. At the moment I have no idea yet what kind of coverage it gives, but I’m planning to add a Panel Antenna to it and point it down towards the Church.
![Roof View]()
I’ll try and get to walk around the area with a PDA over the next few days, to see what kind of coverage area it has.
Last year, at various times, I ‘opened up’ the star-os router I have for a few days at a time. This got lots of anonymous connections, including a few that my neighbour took exception to and chased away. Hopefully he won’t mind this time 🙂
Random thoughts — Mostly Amateur Radio, Satellite, Linux or Work related.
