Nick Booth

Random Musings

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Utah, 2026

A trip to Salt Lake, UT

Nick
Jun 1, 2026
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CT Radio Frequencies

A download stash for CT radio frequencies that I sometimes monitor

Nick
May 27, 2026
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Mesh Flying Test

Experiment to map Meshtastic/MeshCore radio contacts made during flights between Boston, Dallas, Las Vegas, and Phoenix

Nick
Mar 30, 2026
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Pihole With Unbound

Updating PiHole to use unbound for performant and private DNS lookups across my entire Tailnet

Nick
Jan 25, 2026
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Which Linux should I use?

Linux isn’t hard, it’s just a matter of having a few solid options to choose from.

Nick
Jan 15, 2026
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Amateur Radio is dying!

New license issuance is as high as historical numbers, but engagement is down.

Nick
Jan 3, 2026
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Ttypewriteros

If you were going to build a practical typewriter in 2026, what would be your requirements, and how would you use them? Here is an overview of TTYpewriterOS, which is my homebrew solution to trying to maintain focus in a sea of ADHD insanity

Nick
Jan 2, 2026
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Hello From TTYpewriterOS

An intro post from the TTYpewriter

Nick
Dec 29, 2025
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Encryption on Amateur Radio

The blog post explains that FCC Part 97 prohibits obscuring the meaning of communications on amateur radio bands, not encryption itself, because amateur radio is intended for RF experimentation and public service rather than private communications. The author argues that requests for encrypted private conversations or secure internet browsing are better served by other radio services (like LMRS) or technologies (like Signal), as these uses fall outside amateur radio’s fundamental purpose of self-training, emergency communications, and technical advancement. While encryption experiments might be permissible if documented and published publicly, using encryption for routine privacy needs conflicts with the service’s mandate.

Nick
Nov 30, 2025
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Weeknotes Oct 12 2025

If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun - Katherine Hepburn

Nick
Oct 12, 2025
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To Beat the Devil

You see, the devil haunts a hungry man - If you don’t wanna join him, you gotta beat him

Nick
Oct 11, 2025
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Weeknotes Oct 05 2025

Week notes for October 5th, 2025

Nick
Oct 5, 2025
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Some Rss Feed Updates

Updated the RSS feed format to have summary, full content, and better formatting. Not done, but this is at least MVP.

Nick
Oct 2, 2025
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Can I still get my Amateur Radio license during a government shutdown?

Most FCC systems related to amateur radio are down during the current government shutdown; many VE teams will still provide exams, but applications are not able to be submitted until the FCC re-opens at a later date.

Nick
Oct 1, 2025
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La Jolla

The ocean’s roar is music to the soul

Nick
Jun 26, 2025
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Announcing a blog to the Fediverse

I have lost all my sanity - but its OK!

Nick
Jun 14, 2025
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This is only a test

This is a test of the notification system

Nick
Jun 2, 2025
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Blog Notification Poll Results

I would like to know where you want to hear from this blog…

Nick
Jun 2, 2025
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A Poll Abuot Blog Notifications

I would like to know where you want to hear from this blog…

Nick
May 27, 2025
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Around the fire is a special kind of quiet

A reflection on the life cycle of fire — from fragile beginnings to roaring brilliance to fading embers.

Nick
May 26, 2025
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Music In Our Lives

“Where words leave off, music begins.” — Heinrich Heine

Nick
May 23, 2025
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Music Monday for January 20 2025

A nostalgic review of Hootie & The Blowfishs Cracked Rear View, highlighting its 1995 chart-topping success, sing-along appeal, and lyrical progressiveness amidst mid-90s pop classics.

Nick
Jan 20, 2025
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Music Monday for January 13 2025

I encourage readers to pick a random album, listen to it fully, and share thoughts—this week featuring Ellis Pauls A Carnival of Voices, praised for its heartfelt, folk-inspired storytelling.

Nick
Jan 14, 2025
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How to Study for Your US Amateur Radio License

Introducing ham radio as a hobby, outlining the three levels of amateur radio licensing exams, and providing study tips, resources, and tools for exam preparation.

Nick
Jan 8, 2025
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Music Monday for Jan 6 2025

The first Music Monday explores Dave Matthews Bands Under the Table and Dreaming, revisiting its nostalgic vibes, rich instrumentals, and iconic callbacks. Share your own random album journey!

Nick
Jan 6, 2025
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Goals in 2025

Reflecting on 2025 goals: write regularly, reconnect with music, embrace focused learning, and prioritize progress over perfection for personal growth and effective communication.

Nick
Jan 5, 2025
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Music Monday

“Music Monday: One Random Album, One Short Journey” invites readers to explore complete albums at random, reflecting on their impact and sharing stories tied to the listening experience.

Nick
Jan 5, 2025
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Favorite Photos of 2024

I took a bunch of pictures in 2024 - here are my favorites.

Nick
Dec 30, 2024
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FCC Amateur Application Timing

Obtaining an amateur radio callsign involves a straightforward but structured process. For most people, the entire process takes a few days after payment, barring delays. Third-party databases like QRZ may take an additional 1–2 days to update. Applicants should follow the outlined steps and timelines, as attempts to expedite the process often cause delays.

Nick
Dec 24, 2024
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Unlocking the AnyTone 878

The various steps needed to unlock your Anyton 878 and derivatives to use the full frequency space of the internal chip.

Nick
Dec 23, 2024