All posts

Have you ever wanted to receive images directly from space? Recently, I found out that the International Space Station (ISS) occasionally transmits images down to Earth using radio waves, and with a surprisingly simple setup, you can receive them at home. I thought that was pretty cool, so I gave it a try. At the time of writing, the last ARISS SSTV event took place just about a week ago. Here’s how I managed to receive images from the ISS and how you can do it too. ...

Getting a PGP Key is easy, but sharing it with others can be a hassle. Why use Web Key Directory Sharing your public key is important to secure your communication as it allows others to encrypt messages that only you with the corresponding private key can decrypt and to verify that messages are from you. This is especially important for E-Mail, as it is not encrypted by default and can be intercepted and read by the entity handling the E-Mail. However this requires the recipient to have your public key, which needs a way to be shared. ...

The IKEA Iskärna lamp is a stylish addition to any home, but its original design limits functionality to manual control via a single button. This modding project aims to enhance the lamp’s capabilities by replacing its original control board with a custom one, enabling Zigbee control, including integration with Home Assistant. This allows for automated control, custom effects, and remote operation of the lamp. Required materials IKEA Iskärna lamp 24V LED controller (Zigbee or other) Soldering iron Wires Screwdriver Glue Optional Button Disassembly The first step is to disassemble the lamp. The lamp is held by a single screw at the back, which can be removed using a screwdriver. Once the screw is removed, the lamp can be opened by pulling the top part from the bottom part. ...

Historical events In 1685, a pivotal moment in English history unfolded as James II succeeded his brother Charles II to the throne. James II, unlike his Protestant predecessor, was a devout Catholic. His ascent to power ignited a wave of hope among Catholics for greater religious freedom and tolerance. However, this hope was met with apprehension and resistance from the Protestant majority, particularly within Parliament. Portrait of James II, Public Domain ...

Valve, the company behind the popular Steam gaming platform, has released a new app for the Meta Quest that allows you to stream PC VR games to Meta Quest VR headsets over a Wi-Fi connection. The app is called Steam Link and is available for free in the Meta Store. It can be downloaded via the Meta Store. This allows for direct streaming of SteamVR games, such as the popular “Half-Life: Alyx”, to the Meta Quest VR headset. This move marks an expansion of Steam Link functionality, which has previously only been used to stream PC games to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. ...