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
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....
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.
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
The results are in. The panel antenna takes the top count.
I'm very happy to see that, as it's a lot easier to mount and looks less suspicious than the Yagi.
Now to re-jig the tripod so it's closer to the window and get driving to see the bump in absolute numbers.
I'm very happy to see that, as it's a lot easier to mount and looks less suspicious than the Yagi.
Now to re-jig the tripod so it's closer to the window and get driving to see the bump in absolute numbers.
September 28, 2025 at 9:28 PM
The results are in. The panel antenna takes the top count.
I'm very happy to see that, as it's a lot easier to mount and looks less suspicious than the Yagi.
Now to re-jig the tripod so it's closer to the window and get driving to see the bump in absolute numbers.
I'm very happy to see that, as it's a lot easier to mount and looks less suspicious than the Yagi.
Now to re-jig the tripod so it's closer to the window and get driving to see the bump in absolute numbers.
#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
#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.
No idea where all these came from
They just seem to end up in the #wardrive collection drawer.
But it sure is nice to be able to quickly grab the right-sized antenna for the job at hand.
Still unpacking after the move. Missing the panel antenna collection.
#AllTheWiFi
They just seem to end up in the #wardrive collection drawer.
But it sure is nice to be able to quickly grab the right-sized antenna for the job at hand.
Still unpacking after the move. Missing the panel antenna collection.
#AllTheWiFi
September 21, 2025 at 8:09 PM
No idea where all these came from
They just seem to end up in the #wardrive collection drawer.
But it sure is nice to be able to quickly grab the right-sized antenna for the job at hand.
Still unpacking after the move. Missing the panel antenna collection.
#AllTheWiFi
They just seem to end up in the #wardrive collection drawer.
But it sure is nice to be able to quickly grab the right-sized antenna for the job at hand.
Still unpacking after the move. Missing the panel antenna collection.
#AllTheWiFi
Yuck. Here is trouble just lurking for the wardriver rig builder.
The GPS plug outer is grounded (as it should be).
The backup battery outer is positive (as it should be).
They can touch waaaaay to easily.
Make sure you route the GPS plug/coax away from the battery.
The GPS plug outer is grounded (as it should be).
The backup battery outer is positive (as it should be).
They can touch waaaaay to easily.
Make sure you route the GPS plug/coax away from the battery.
September 21, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Yuck. Here is trouble just lurking for the wardriver rig builder.
The GPS plug outer is grounded (as it should be).
The backup battery outer is positive (as it should be).
They can touch waaaaay to easily.
Make sure you route the GPS plug/coax away from the battery.
The GPS plug outer is grounded (as it should be).
The backup battery outer is positive (as it should be).
They can touch waaaaay to easily.
Make sure you route the GPS plug/coax away from the battery.
Took me a moment to find, but here are the specs for the Bias-T current out of this GPS unit.
50mA is not a lot, but at least now I know what my upper limit is and thus what sort of GPS LNA I can run without causing issues long term. Quality GPS is critical for #wardriving
7/
50mA is not a lot, but at least now I know what my upper limit is and thus what sort of GPS LNA I can run without causing issues long term. Quality GPS is critical for #wardriving
7/
September 21, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Took me a moment to find, but here are the specs for the Bias-T current out of this GPS unit.
50mA is not a lot, but at least now I know what my upper limit is and thus what sort of GPS LNA I can run without causing issues long term. Quality GPS is critical for #wardriving
7/
50mA is not a lot, but at least now I know what my upper limit is and thus what sort of GPS LNA I can run without causing issues long term. Quality GPS is critical for #wardriving
7/
One thing I've not found mentioned anywhere is that the GPS board provides 3.3V DC Bias-T voltage. This means you can run an active puck GPS antenna on the roof of the car. @jhewitt.net did not mention it on the OP wardriver.uk build either.
This puck should really boost the lock for the unit.
6/
This puck should really boost the lock for the unit.
6/
September 21, 2025 at 4:17 PM
One thing I've not found mentioned anywhere is that the GPS board provides 3.3V DC Bias-T voltage. This means you can run an active puck GPS antenna on the roof of the car. @jhewitt.net did not mention it on the OP wardriver.uk build either.
This puck should really boost the lock for the unit.
6/
This puck should really boost the lock for the unit.
6/
I love how compact the Signal Sleuth can be built.
I've got some plans for mounting it in the car, so I chose to put everything on one side, keeping the back of the PCB nice and flush.
5/
I've got some plans for mounting it in the car, so I chose to put everything on one side, keeping the back of the PCB nice and flush.
5/
September 21, 2025 at 4:13 PM
I love how compact the Signal Sleuth can be built.
I've got some plans for mounting it in the car, so I chose to put everything on one side, keeping the back of the PCB nice and flush.
5/
I've got some plans for mounting it in the car, so I chose to put everything on one side, keeping the back of the PCB nice and flush.
5/
Simple pin retained lid comes off, phone with foam 'case' drops in, lid on and you are ready to rumble.
4 by 150lb pull magnets and some non-slip draw liner keeps it on the roof. Tested to 93mph on LA freeways (just moving with the flow officer).
What a leap in my numbers thanks to this.
4/
4 by 150lb pull magnets and some non-slip draw liner keeps it on the roof. Tested to 93mph on LA freeways (just moving with the flow officer).
What a leap in my numbers thanks to this.
4/
September 21, 2025 at 12:25 AM
Simple pin retained lid comes off, phone with foam 'case' drops in, lid on and you are ready to rumble.
4 by 150lb pull magnets and some non-slip draw liner keeps it on the roof. Tested to 93mph on LA freeways (just moving with the flow officer).
What a leap in my numbers thanks to this.
4/
4 by 150lb pull magnets and some non-slip draw liner keeps it on the roof. Tested to 93mph on LA freeways (just moving with the flow officer).
What a leap in my numbers thanks to this.
4/
Running your phone or wardrive rig _in_ the car is about the worst placement you can do. Granted, not all cars have window tint, but many come with clear, UV-blocking glass from the factory.
Putting the phone on the roof doubled. YES DOUBLED, my numbers.
Thus, the 'wigleFin' was born.
3/
Putting the phone on the roof doubled. YES DOUBLED, my numbers.
Thus, the 'wigleFin' was born.
3/
September 21, 2025 at 12:25 AM
Running your phone or wardrive rig _in_ the car is about the worst placement you can do. Granted, not all cars have window tint, but many come with clear, UV-blocking glass from the factory.
Putting the phone on the roof doubled. YES DOUBLED, my numbers.
Thus, the 'wigleFin' was born.
3/
Putting the phone on the roof doubled. YES DOUBLED, my numbers.
Thus, the 'wigleFin' was born.
3/