Hello,
My technology log for the past week is as follows. Enjoy the read.
🖥️ WHAT’S ON THE SCREEN?
//SMART WEATHER & LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH PICO W!
In my weekend project, I built a comprehensive weather and room monitoring station using a Raspberry Pi Pico W. While the system fetches real-time weather data via an API, it simultaneously measures indoor temperature and humidity using the DHT22 sensor. All data (date, time, indoor/outdoor temperature and humidity) is transmitted to a 2×16 LCD screen via the I2C interface every 5 seconds. The highlight of the project is the smart lamp integration: I modified a battery-operated night lamp to automatically turn on and off based on sunrise and sunset times received from the API. The switching task is handled by an IRLZ44N MOSFET, which is fully compatible with the Pico’s 3.3V logic level. The entire software process was completed using MicroPython via Thonny.
🐚 WHAT’S IN THE CONSOLE?
//I-GATE CONNECTION ISSUES AND OPTIMIZATION!
I investigated the connection drop issues on my i-Gate station running on a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W and RTL-SDR. After extensive troubleshooting, I identified that the system was hanging due to IPv6 requests and becoming unstable due to deficiencies in the static IP configuration. I completely resolved the issue by disabling IPv6 in the relevant configuration files and optimizing the static IP assignment.
🛠️ WHAT’S ON THE DESK?
//QYT KT-8900D AND THE THERMAL CONTACT MYSTERY!
The station components I mentioned earlier (Pico W, DHT22, I2C modules, etc.) were on my desk; however, the veteran QYT KT-8900D has now taken their place. This radio, whose power amplifier (PA) stage burned out long ago, was showing instability after returning from service—it fails to work until it warms up. I suspect the issue is not physical damage but a contact/deformation problem in a capacitor or the crystal. I will clean the device with isopropyl alcohol, perform a solder reflow, and then begin testing. I’ll share the details soon.
📡 WHAT’S IN THE AIR?
//APRS CHECK-IN BOT ON DUTY!
Our traditional radio and APRS check-ins (nets), held every Thursday as YM1KPL, continue at full speed. Those who wish to participate can join via the YM1KPL-R EchoLink node between 21:00 – 22:00 UTC+3 on Thursdays. Additionally, my check-in bot, which I deployed two weeks ago, is on active duty for our day-long APRS net! It automatically saves the call signs of operators who send messages to a list and provides feedback. The bot is working flawlessly for now; once I manage to export the check-in list automatically in my desired template, the system will be perfect.
🌐 WHAT’S ON THE WEB?
//PLANNED MAINTENANCE!
I experienced a brief moment of panic when access to the website and server was cut off recently. Fortunately, my fears were unfounded; I learned that the situation was due to planned maintenance on the service provider’s side.
See you next week with new updates. 73!
See you next week with new updates…