Hi everyone.
For quite a while I've been playing around with open source technology and DIY. I think it started with QGIS - a brilliant open source GIS software. Ever since I was constantly finding how open source could well replace the closed, overpriced software and hardware.
When I got into UAVs and built my first fixed wing mapping platform using Arduino-based APM autopilot, I got sucked into world of open hardware and now I am trying to bring the philosophy of sharing knowledge and experience back into scientific world. In my research I am using devices that I built and almost every day I hold a soldering iron in my hand or stare at some crazy looking code, trying to build something useful or just simply make something for fun.
At some point I started loosing track of all the projects that I am working at and I though it would be worth writing it all down - both for myself and for others if they ever try to measure something and can't spare $1500 on a device that can be made for $30. Finally today I run out of excuses and I set up this blog my project diary as well as communication platform.
Before I share anything, a disclaimer:
I am NOT a programmer, electronic engineer or a professional product developer. I am an environmentalist, wildlife ecologist, and every project on that blog is probably way beyond my professional expertise. I am not responsible for any disaster that may result from doing what I do. I will try to point out whenever there is a risk involved, but please be reasonable and use your common sense.
On the other hand I am still alive and haven't destroyed anything except a fair number of electronic devices that gave up a ghost of magic smoke on my bench. But hey, as my friend used to say - you first have to break few things before you fix one.
So I strongly encourage you to build things, it is heaps of fun. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to comment or message me and I will do my best to answer then (providing I actually know the answer).
Thanks for coming here and I hope you can find something interesting!
