thebaldgeek
@thebaldgeek.bsky.social
Decoding satcom ACARS messages one byte at a time. Helping OSINT avgeeks understand aircraft data / tracking. Maps and live data can be found here: thebaldgeek.github.io
Far out! My first ever northern lights!!!!!!
Northern Idaho for the win.
Just breathing down dinner and then will jump in the car and drive out of town.
#Aurora
Northern Idaho for the win.
Just breathing down dinner and then will jump in the car and drive out of town.
#Aurora
November 12, 2025 at 1:31 AM
Far out! My first ever northern lights!!!!!!
Northern Idaho for the win.
Just breathing down dinner and then will jump in the car and drive out of town.
#Aurora
Northern Idaho for the win.
Just breathing down dinner and then will jump in the car and drive out of town.
#Aurora
Finally got time to get on the shop roof and tweak the antenna farm this afternoon. Lifted my ADSB about 3 feet.
Also installed the two GPS puck antennas.
1 for C-Band GPSDO LNB downconverter.
1 for my Stratium one-time server for all the aircraft data.
Also installed the two GPS puck antennas.
1 for C-Band GPSDO LNB downconverter.
1 for my Stratium one-time server for all the aircraft data.
November 12, 2025 at 12:55 AM
Finally got time to get on the shop roof and tweak the antenna farm this afternoon. Lifted my ADSB about 3 feet.
Also installed the two GPS puck antennas.
1 for C-Band GPSDO LNB downconverter.
1 for my Stratium one-time server for all the aircraft data.
Also installed the two GPS puck antennas.
1 for C-Band GPSDO LNB downconverter.
1 for my Stratium one-time server for all the aircraft data.
A really big solar storm is causing a major RF blackout.
HFDL (ACARS on the HF bands) is taking a big hit.
I don't think many people know about this page on my site...
tbg.airframes.io/das...
Active ground stations, military ACARS msg, and blackout map.
HFDL (ACARS on the HF bands) is taking a big hit.
I don't think many people know about this page on my site...
tbg.airframes.io/das...
Active ground stations, military ACARS msg, and blackout map.
November 11, 2025 at 4:03 PM
A really big solar storm is causing a major RF blackout.
HFDL (ACARS on the HF bands) is taking a big hit.
I don't think many people know about this page on my site...
tbg.airframes.io/das...
Active ground stations, military ACARS msg, and blackout map.
HFDL (ACARS on the HF bands) is taking a big hit.
I don't think many people know about this page on my site...
tbg.airframes.io/das...
Active ground stations, military ACARS msg, and blackout map.
My 98w C-Band ADSC dish is still not fully back in action yet - I have a plan and am working on it.
In the meantime, here is a screenshot of the 3 Inmarsat feeds we currently have going into the system.
tbgmap.airframes.io/
In the meantime, here is a screenshot of the 3 Inmarsat feeds we currently have going into the system.
tbgmap.airframes.io/
November 8, 2025 at 5:53 PM
My 98w C-Band ADSC dish is still not fully back in action yet - I have a plan and am working on it.
In the meantime, here is a screenshot of the 3 Inmarsat feeds we currently have going into the system.
tbgmap.airframes.io/
In the meantime, here is a screenshot of the 3 Inmarsat feeds we currently have going into the system.
tbgmap.airframes.io/
Website Update:
Thanks to a Reddit thread, the idea for an 'Everything' button on the trackmap page was conceived.
Do be aware that it really makes my laptop fan max out! It's a pretty heavy CPU/GPU page.
tbg.airframes.io/tra...
Thanks to a Reddit thread, the idea for an 'Everything' button on the trackmap page was conceived.
Do be aware that it really makes my laptop fan max out! It's a pretty heavy CPU/GPU page.
tbg.airframes.io/tra...
November 2, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Website Update:
Thanks to a Reddit thread, the idea for an 'Everything' button on the trackmap page was conceived.
Do be aware that it really makes my laptop fan max out! It's a pretty heavy CPU/GPU page.
tbg.airframes.io/tra...
Thanks to a Reddit thread, the idea for an 'Everything' button on the trackmap page was conceived.
Do be aware that it really makes my laptop fan max out! It's a pretty heavy CPU/GPU page.
tbg.airframes.io/tra...
It's been suggested that I add a section to my blog about the @wiglenet Android app settings.
I think it's a great idea. One setting I'm stuck on....
The GPS update rate. Specificly, why the option to 'sync with wifi'.
What's this about? Anyone?
#wardrive #AllTheWiFi
I think it's a great idea. One setting I'm stuck on....
The GPS update rate. Specificly, why the option to 'sync with wifi'.
What's this about? Anyone?
#wardrive #AllTheWiFi
October 27, 2025 at 3:13 PM
It's been suggested that I add a section to my blog about the @wiglenet Android app settings.
I think it's a great idea. One setting I'm stuck on....
The GPS update rate. Specificly, why the option to 'sync with wifi'.
What's this about? Anyone?
#wardrive #AllTheWiFi
I think it's a great idea. One setting I'm stuck on....
The GPS update rate. Specificly, why the option to 'sync with wifi'.
What's this about? Anyone?
#wardrive #AllTheWiFi
Website Update:
Far out! Fell asleep to the sound of the wind, looking at the damage, it got worse early AM.
It's going to take me a few days to get 98w back on its feet and feeding data.
Upgrades were planned; now plans are accelerated.
North Idaho's weather is not like California's no-weather.
Far out! Fell asleep to the sound of the wind, looking at the damage, it got worse early AM.
It's going to take me a few days to get 98w back on its feet and feeding data.
Upgrades were planned; now plans are accelerated.
North Idaho's weather is not like California's no-weather.
October 25, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Website Update:
Far out! Fell asleep to the sound of the wind, looking at the damage, it got worse early AM.
It's going to take me a few days to get 98w back on its feet and feeding data.
Upgrades were planned; now plans are accelerated.
North Idaho's weather is not like California's no-weather.
Far out! Fell asleep to the sound of the wind, looking at the damage, it got worse early AM.
It's going to take me a few days to get 98w back on its feet and feeding data.
Upgrades were planned; now plans are accelerated.
North Idaho's weather is not like California's no-weather.
Screenshot of the ADSC and ACARS aircraft we are tracking and plotting their positions.
Link to the map is here, but do take a moment to read how this is VERY different to every other flight tracking site on the Internet...
tbg.airframes.io/das...
Link to the map is here, but do take a moment to read how this is VERY different to every other flight tracking site on the Internet...
tbg.airframes.io/das...
October 21, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Screenshot of the ADSC and ACARS aircraft we are tracking and plotting their positions.
Link to the map is here, but do take a moment to read how this is VERY different to every other flight tracking site on the Internet...
tbg.airframes.io/das...
Link to the map is here, but do take a moment to read how this is VERY different to every other flight tracking site on the Internet...
tbg.airframes.io/das...
Can anyone explain why the @jhewitt.net wardriver UK scans channels 1,6,11 and 14 when @wiglenet stats page shows the most popular are channels 1,6, 11 and 3 ???
@463n7_57 I assume the Signal Sleuth does the same 4?
wardriver.uk/how_it_...
#wardrive #AllTheWiFi
@463n7_57 I assume the Signal Sleuth does the same 4?
wardriver.uk/how_it_...
#wardrive #AllTheWiFi
October 21, 2025 at 3:08 AM
Can anyone explain why the @jhewitt.net wardriver UK scans channels 1,6,11 and 14 when @wiglenet stats page shows the most popular are channels 1,6, 11 and 3 ???
@463n7_57 I assume the Signal Sleuth does the same 4?
wardriver.uk/how_it_...
#wardrive #AllTheWiFi
@463n7_57 I assume the Signal Sleuth does the same 4?
wardriver.uk/how_it_...
#wardrive #AllTheWiFi
After finding the wardriver UK and Signal Sleuth (aka, all ESP32 and BW16 builds) severely lacking in senstivity (ie, they are stone deaf) I'm working with my CAD guy to revisit the #WigleFin. Looking at a bottom load option for a cleaner (more weather resistant) look.
Oh and a landscape option....
Oh and a landscape option....
October 21, 2025 at 2:19 AM
After finding the wardriver UK and Signal Sleuth (aka, all ESP32 and BW16 builds) severely lacking in senstivity (ie, they are stone deaf) I'm working with my CAD guy to revisit the #WigleFin. Looking at a bottom load option for a cleaner (more weather resistant) look.
Oh and a landscape option....
Oh and a landscape option....
Website Uptate:
The feeds are back up and the status page is now more live/accurate.
I'm still having issues with 98w C-Band (ADSC and ACARS). That's a mechnical issue with the satellite dish. I have a plan, Im working on it, at least L-Band is Ok from Inmarsat 4F3 via the #DiscoveryDish
The feeds are back up and the status page is now more live/accurate.
I'm still having issues with 98w C-Band (ADSC and ACARS). That's a mechnical issue with the satellite dish. I have a plan, Im working on it, at least L-Band is Ok from Inmarsat 4F3 via the #DiscoveryDish
October 20, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Website Uptate:
The feeds are back up and the status page is now more live/accurate.
I'm still having issues with 98w C-Band (ADSC and ACARS). That's a mechnical issue with the satellite dish. I have a plan, Im working on it, at least L-Band is Ok from Inmarsat 4F3 via the #DiscoveryDish
The feeds are back up and the status page is now more live/accurate.
I'm still having issues with 98w C-Band (ADSC and ACARS). That's a mechnical issue with the satellite dish. I have a plan, Im working on it, at least L-Band is Ok from Inmarsat 4F3 via the #DiscoveryDish
What started as a bit of a hobby on looking at why aircraft fly different paths from time to time, sure has grown.
I had no idea that @CNN were looking at the site / data.
Pretty interesting: www.cnn.com/2025/10/...
ADSB is there where.
ACARS is the why.
I had no idea that @CNN were looking at the site / data.
Pretty interesting: www.cnn.com/2025/10/...
ADSB is there where.
ACARS is the why.
October 20, 2025 at 4:01 PM
What started as a bit of a hobby on looking at why aircraft fly different paths from time to time, sure has grown.
I had no idea that @CNN were looking at the site / data.
Pretty interesting: www.cnn.com/2025/10/...
ADSB is there where.
ACARS is the why.
I had no idea that @CNN were looking at the site / data.
Pretty interesting: www.cnn.com/2025/10/...
ADSB is there where.
ACARS is the why.
Website Update:
The site is up, but I am having an odd issue with the feed server.
Some feeds are not making it to the site.
I am actively working on fixing it (whatever it is).
No ETA.
The site is up, but I am having an odd issue with the feed server.
Some feeds are not making it to the site.
I am actively working on fixing it (whatever it is).
No ETA.
October 15, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Website Update:
The site is up, but I am having an odd issue with the feed server.
Some feeds are not making it to the site.
I am actively working on fixing it (whatever it is).
No ETA.
The site is up, but I am having an odd issue with the feed server.
Some feeds are not making it to the site.
I am actively working on fixing it (whatever it is).
No ETA.
I've run out of time for trying to get the Signal Sleuth sorted.
The OTA 'update' turned out to be a downgrade.
It removed the total display, which I heavily use for testing.
Also the unit factory resets first powerup after every config, wiping out the @wiglenet API key. I've IDE downgraded for now.
The OTA 'update' turned out to be a downgrade.
It removed the total display, which I heavily use for testing.
Also the unit factory resets first powerup after every config, wiping out the @wiglenet API key. I've IDE downgraded for now.
October 3, 2025 at 7:27 PM
I've run out of time for trying to get the Signal Sleuth sorted.
The OTA 'update' turned out to be a downgrade.
It removed the total display, which I heavily use for testing.
Also the unit factory resets first powerup after every config, wiping out the @wiglenet API key. I've IDE downgraded for now.
The OTA 'update' turned out to be a downgrade.
It removed the total display, which I heavily use for testing.
Also the unit factory resets first powerup after every config, wiping out the @wiglenet API key. I've IDE downgraded for now.
Far out! The OTA update feature on the wardriver.uk is pretty cool, BUT, while the A.ino took about 3 minutes, the B.ino is going to take EIGHT and a half HOURS!
That #wardrive I had planned, yeah, happening today...not today.
That #wardrive I had planned, yeah, happening today...not today.
October 1, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Far out! The OTA update feature on the wardriver.uk is pretty cool, BUT, while the A.ino took about 3 minutes, the B.ino is going to take EIGHT and a half HOURS!
That #wardrive I had planned, yeah, happening today...not today.
That #wardrive I had planned, yeah, happening today...not today.
I've just added a short section to the bottom of my #wardriving blog about how I also do 'radiation driving'.
I figure since I am out and about, I may as well map background #radiation with my #radiacode #geiger counter.
k6thebaldgeek.blogsp...
I figure since I am out and about, I may as well map background #radiation with my #radiacode #geiger counter.
k6thebaldgeek.blogsp...
October 1, 2025 at 4:02 PM
I've just added a short section to the bottom of my #wardriving blog about how I also do 'radiation driving'.
I figure since I am out and about, I may as well map background #radiation with my #radiacode #geiger counter.
k6thebaldgeek.blogsp...
I figure since I am out and about, I may as well map background #radiation with my #radiacode #geiger counter.
k6thebaldgeek.blogsp...
#earthquake M 7.0 - 7 km W of Tagbubungang Diot, Philippines
Depth 10.0 km
Will be keeping an eye on news reports from this one. Hope the damage is not too extensive.
Depth 10.0 km
Will be keeping an eye on news reports from this one. Hope the damage is not too extensive.
September 30, 2025 at 2:12 PM
#earthquake M 7.0 - 7 km W of Tagbubungang Diot, Philippines
Depth 10.0 km
Will be keeping an eye on news reports from this one. Hope the damage is not too extensive.
Depth 10.0 km
Will be keeping an eye on news reports from this one. Hope the damage is not too extensive.
Trying to understand "New Samples". Does it tie into the number of GPS / signal strength readings per SSID?
In other words, does that data give the best insight into the wardriving rig?
The wardriver.UK (Signal Sleuth) seems very low vs the WiGLE Android app?
@jhewitt.net @wiglenet.bsky.social
In other words, does that data give the best insight into the wardriving rig?
The wardriver.UK (Signal Sleuth) seems very low vs the WiGLE Android app?
@jhewitt.net @wiglenet.bsky.social
September 29, 2025 at 11:14 PM
Trying to understand "New Samples". Does it tie into the number of GPS / signal strength readings per SSID?
In other words, does that data give the best insight into the wardriving rig?
The wardriver.UK (Signal Sleuth) seems very low vs the WiGLE Android app?
@jhewitt.net @wiglenet.bsky.social
In other words, does that data give the best insight into the wardriving rig?
The wardriver.UK (Signal Sleuth) seems very low vs the WiGLE Android app?
@jhewitt.net @wiglenet.bsky.social
#wardriving my standard loop to compare the panel antenna with the Yagi antenna.
Both have around 20 dBi gain.
Output into a 4-way splitter and then the top 4 channels (1,3,6,11) into the @lozaning #wifydra since the scan speed can handle the narrow beamwidth.
Both have around 20 dBi gain.
Output into a 4-way splitter and then the top 4 channels (1,3,6,11) into the @lozaning #wifydra since the scan speed can handle the narrow beamwidth.
September 28, 2025 at 8:59 PM
#wardriving my standard loop to compare the panel antenna with the Yagi antenna.
Both have around 20 dBi gain.
Output into a 4-way splitter and then the top 4 channels (1,3,6,11) into the @lozaning #wifydra since the scan speed can handle the narrow beamwidth.
Both have around 20 dBi gain.
Output into a 4-way splitter and then the top 4 channels (1,3,6,11) into the @lozaning #wifydra since the scan speed can handle the narrow beamwidth.
Just back from a 1am, 100 mile #wardrive.
Still tweaking the #SignalSleuth setup. Slowly getting the numbers up to beating the amazing Samsung S20 in a #WigleFin on the roof.
Lots of deer out and about on the roads tonight. #AllTheWiFI
Still tweaking the #SignalSleuth setup. Slowly getting the numbers up to beating the amazing Samsung S20 in a #WigleFin on the roof.
Lots of deer out and about on the roads tonight. #AllTheWiFI
September 26, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Just back from a 1am, 100 mile #wardrive.
Still tweaking the #SignalSleuth setup. Slowly getting the numbers up to beating the amazing Samsung S20 in a #WigleFin on the roof.
Lots of deer out and about on the roads tonight. #AllTheWiFI
Still tweaking the #SignalSleuth setup. Slowly getting the numbers up to beating the amazing Samsung S20 in a #WigleFin on the roof.
Lots of deer out and about on the roads tonight. #AllTheWiFI
One of the most detailed blog posts on the topic of #wardriving and getting #AllTheWiFi
Why #wardrive, setting #WiGLE to capture the most SSID beacons, phone placement, BLE, #signalsleuth, #wardriveruk, and much more.
Why #wardrive, setting #WiGLE to capture the most SSID beacons, phone placement, BLE, #signalsleuth, #wardriveruk, and much more.
wardriving
Initial post: Aug 2024 Added Wigle scan speed section: Sept 16 2025 Updated Signal Sleuth build notes: Sept 17 2025 Updated the Signal Sleut...
k6thebaldgeek.blogspot.com
September 25, 2025 at 2:38 AM
One of the most detailed blog posts on the topic of #wardriving and getting #AllTheWiFi
Why #wardrive, setting #WiGLE to capture the most SSID beacons, phone placement, BLE, #signalsleuth, #wardriveruk, and much more.
Why #wardrive, setting #WiGLE to capture the most SSID beacons, phone placement, BLE, #signalsleuth, #wardriveruk, and much more.
#earthquake M 6.2 - 24 km ENE of Mene Grande, Venezuela
Depth 7.8 km
Looks to be a somewhat isolated / sparsely populated area, but I'm sure it was felt strongly in the nearby towns.
Depth 7.8 km
Looks to be a somewhat isolated / sparsely populated area, but I'm sure it was felt strongly in the nearby towns.
September 24, 2025 at 10:37 PM
#earthquake M 6.2 - 24 km ENE of Mene Grande, Venezuela
Depth 7.8 km
Looks to be a somewhat isolated / sparsely populated area, but I'm sure it was felt strongly in the nearby towns.
Depth 7.8 km
Looks to be a somewhat isolated / sparsely populated area, but I'm sure it was felt strongly in the nearby towns.
#wardriving is the art of moving down a path and picking up as many SSID broadcasts as possible.
That's it. There is no connection made; it is a 100% passive event. (Just want to make that clear).
My #AllTheWifi breakthrough came from building and selling ~40 of the 7 turn L-Band helix antennas.
1/
That's it. There is no connection made; it is a 100% passive event. (Just want to make that clear).
My #AllTheWifi breakthrough came from building and selling ~40 of the 7 turn L-Band helix antennas.
1/
September 21, 2025 at 12:24 AM
#wardriving is the art of moving down a path and picking up as many SSID broadcasts as possible.
That's it. There is no connection made; it is a 100% passive event. (Just want to make that clear).
My #AllTheWifi breakthrough came from building and selling ~40 of the 7 turn L-Band helix antennas.
1/
That's it. There is no connection made; it is a 100% passive event. (Just want to make that clear).
My #AllTheWifi breakthrough came from building and selling ~40 of the 7 turn L-Band helix antennas.
1/
Another massive #earthquake near Russia.
M 7.8 - 145 km E of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia
Depth 10.0 km
It will be interesting to see if this one gets revised slightly down like the last quake in that area. Also, if any Tsunamis will be forecast due to these quakes' greater strength.
M 7.8 - 145 km E of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia
Depth 10.0 km
It will be interesting to see if this one gets revised slightly down like the last quake in that area. Also, if any Tsunamis will be forecast due to these quakes' greater strength.
September 18, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Another massive #earthquake near Russia.
M 7.8 - 145 km E of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia
Depth 10.0 km
It will be interesting to see if this one gets revised slightly down like the last quake in that area. Also, if any Tsunamis will be forecast due to these quakes' greater strength.
M 7.8 - 145 km E of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia
Depth 10.0 km
It will be interesting to see if this one gets revised slightly down like the last quake in that area. Also, if any Tsunamis will be forecast due to these quakes' greater strength.
Because reasons, I've been doing more #wardriving of late than ACARS. Once winter hits, that will change, but I'm wondering if folks who follow me mind some Wifi RF stuff in their feed? It mostly centers around Android and @wiglenet tips.
Perhaps also some antenna/splitter/preamp stuff as well.
Perhaps also some antenna/splitter/preamp stuff as well.
September 17, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Because reasons, I've been doing more #wardriving of late than ACARS. Once winter hits, that will change, but I'm wondering if folks who follow me mind some Wifi RF stuff in their feed? It mostly centers around Android and @wiglenet tips.
Perhaps also some antenna/splitter/preamp stuff as well.
Perhaps also some antenna/splitter/preamp stuff as well.