Who wants to be part of a SatsLink Users Group aka The SLUG?
Step 1: Pre-order SatsLink
Step 2: Join SLUG (use #slug in relevant posts)
Step 3: Send Sats, Zaps and Nostr interactions via radio
nostr:npub1wu4aye7ll0lnrrg638e90sehzsgpzx5t39t3mwl05aa0d0ap08esdz3vw0 nostr:npub1az9xj85cmxv8e9j9y80lvqp97crsqdu2fpu3srwthd99qfu9qsgstam8y8
🌽📻
Bench testing the pi 5 for ham radio use.
NFC is radio that has lots of applications for Bitcoin.
Overview of Ham Radio Repeaters for Bitcoiners:
Ham radio repeaters are a vital component of a decentralized communications network, mainly because they operate independently of centralized infrastructures like cell networks or the internet. Here's a brief explanation:
1. Independent Operation: Repeaters are local or regional radio relay stations that can function independently. They receive a signal from a ham radio and then retransmit it at a higher power and often from a higher elevation. This process extends the range of communication far beyond what a single ham radio could achieve.
2. Decentralized Network: Each repeater operates independently and is often maintained by local radio clubs or enthusiasts. This decentralized approach means that if one repeater fails or is out of range, others in different locations can still operate, ensuring continued communication.
3. Reliability in Emergencies: In situations where centralized communication networks fail, such as during natural disasters or power outages, ham radio repeaters become crucial. They can continue to operate on backup power sources like batteries or generators, maintaining a communication network when other systems are down.
4. Community-based Management: The network of repeaters is largely managed and operated by the ham radio community. This decentralized management structure contributes to the resilience and adaptability of the network.
5. Global Connectivity: Through linked repeater systems and technologies like Echolink or IRLP, ham radio operators can communicate across vast distances, even globally, without relying on traditional telecommunication infrastructures.
In summary, ham radio repeaters create a robust, flexible, and decentralized communication network, particularly valuable in emergency situations where conventional networks might be compromised.
More great “intro to meshtastic” mesh networks content:
If you want to cram to study for the entry level ham license in the US, this video may be for you. Based on the Gordon West prep book.
You may be able to learn it at 2x speed and save some time.
Dave Casler, KE0OG, is a living legend in the field of ham radio instruction.
This is his tech playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuapIzKwhZN_30dcgsDbGU3J7C8BAYJcG
A great Bitcoin webpage.
Has anyone done any cool Bitcoin or Nostr projects with NFC tags? You can get a huge roll of them on stickers for pretty cheap these days.
NFC, which stands for Near Field Communication, is a technology that allows wireless communication between devices over a short range, typically a few centimeters. It's widely used for contactless payment systems, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, as well as for other applications like sharing data between devices.
Here's a brief explanation of how NFC works:
1. Short Range Communications: NFC operates at a range of about 4 cm. This short range helps in securing the communication and preventing unwanted eavesdropping.
2. Two Modes of Operation:
- **Passive Mode**: In this mode, one device (like an NFC tag) doesn't generate its own radio waves, but rather uses the radio waves from another device (like a smartphone) to power itself and communicate. This is commonly used in NFC tags and is a cost-effective and low-power solution.
- **Active Mode**: Both devices generate their own radio waves to communicate. This is typical in cases where two smartphones are used to exchange data.
3. *requency: NFC operates at 13.56 MHz.
4. Data Exchange Rate: It can transfer data at various speeds, the most common being 106, 212, or 424 kilobits per second.
5. Use Cases:
- **Contactless Payment**: Devices like smartphones or payment cards use NFC for secure and quick transactions.
- **Data Sharing**: Smartphones can share data like contacts, photos, or videos.
- **Smart Tags**: NFC tags can be programmed to perform certain actions when scanned, like opening a website or turning on Bluetooth.
6. Security* While the short range of NFC adds a layer of security, additional encryption is often used, especially for sensitive applications like payments.
7. Compatibility: NFC is a standard feature in many modern smartphones and is compatible with a wide range of devices and applications.
NFC technology has become increasingly popular due to its convenience and the growing adoption of contactless transactions and interactions in various industries.
M17 & ARDC:
M17 is a new open source digital mode protocol for ham radio with its own codec, exciting stuff. Look into this and think about what can be done with project even far outside the realm of ham radio.
ARDC is a foundation giving out money for people to innovate in ham radio and is one of the groups funding M17 development. They have money ready to distribute to ambitious folks with skills who want to do cool things in this space.
If you have a moment, consider sharing this info with folks you know that have a passion for stuff like this.
NVIS, or Near Vertical Incident Skywave, is a method of radio communication that uses shortwave frequencies to achieve effective local and regional communication. This is particularly useful in areas where line-of-sight communication is hindered by obstacles like mountains or buildings.
1. High Angle Radiation: NVIS antennas emit radio waves at high angles, typically between 75 to 90 degrees. This allows the signals to reach the ionosphere quickly and reflect back to the Earth's surface.
2. Short to Medium Range Communication: By reflecting off the ionosphere, NVIS covers a range typically from 30 to 400 miles, bridging the gap between line-of-sight VHF/UHF communication and longer-range HF skywave communication.
3. Antenna Types: Common NVIS antennas include simple dipoles, inverted V antennas, or loop antennas, often positioned only a few feet above the ground or on rooftops.
4. Ionospheric Dependence: The effectiveness of NVIS depends on the current state of the ionosphere, which is influenced by solar radiation and time of day. It's most effective at frequencies between 1.8 MHz and 10 MHz.
5. Applications: NVIS is widely used in military, emergency services, and amateur radio operations, especially in rugged terrain or during natural disasters when traditional communication methods are disrupted.
This method offers reliable, consistent coverage over a specified area, making it a vital tool in various communication scenarios.
Raspis just aren't long-term reliable. My Raspi4 node died twice and completely corrupted its ssd each time. They would almost certainly do better with a UPS, but at that point the arguments in favor of repurposing an old laptop get stronger (laptop's battery is effectively a UPS).
And sure, "use what you have" but you said above that you ordered a new Pi 5.
Just trying to make the point that there's better bang for the buck (esp if it's free if you have an old laptop lying around!) and better reliability and performance out there.
Like I said above, the pleb culture has ingrained "node" = "Raspi". Trying to encourage people to seek out better (and often cheaper) options.
Help me out here nostr:npub1pfezegswrn8lpt0aerp2hvyhj4lsuzln9kcccs5p7qch2m2sawxsxcelvf!
Agree with Keith on this with one additional comment, use your old node raspi for ham radio.
The new association for btc plebs to btc devs should be “raspi” = “ham radio digital modes”.
It is possible. There are rules about commercial use of ham radio spectrum in many jurisdictions including the US. The key thing about “ham radio” is you can gain the skills in things like transmitting data that can be used on the other parts of the radio spectrum that would allow it. If you see this example, note how they point out :
“This example had no pecuniary value, it is simply a proof of concept.”
Our goal is to get folks with our values and skill sets to understand radio and advance the radio arts in alignment with our values (on ham portion and other portions of the spectrum).
We do encourage people to learn. Ultimately, individuals are responsible for their own actions.
🤣 Get a flare gun with Bitcoin orange flares, we will keep a lookout for you. But stick around, you may pick it up easier than you think…
Getting started with meshtastic FAQ.
https://hamstudy.org/ is great for practice tests and finding a test session online or irl.
This is a great playlist to get started.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ_9BZQ8gpzgWJRLjQ18i124LqCVrdUo3
Check out my prior profile posts, also I will always be posting great starter info, and pointing out interesting things to explore.