Telecommunications

Open-source, software-based GSM cellphone network

Open-source, software-based GSM cellphone network

In plain language, we are working on a new kind of cellular network that can be installed and operated at about 1/10 the cost of current technologies, but that will still be compatible with most of the handsets that are already in the market. This technology can also be used in private network applications (wireless PBX, rapid deployment, etc.) at much lower cost and complexity than conventional cellular.

Design Space Q+A: Sony Ericsson

Next up in our Design Space series we visited interface designer George Arriola at the San Francisco Sony Ericsson office. George was kind enough to draw back the curtain and permit a peek into one of the most secretive and innovative telecommunication industries — mobile phones. Come take a look with us. No NDA required!

ARRL Field Day 2010

Next weekend, June 26-27th, is the ARRL Field Day 2010. Ham radio operators will be setting up stations across the US and Canada and inviting the public to come and experience ham radio. You can find your local Field Day using the locator. ARRL Field Day is the single most popular on-the-air event held annually […]

Mobile radios at Hamvention 2010

Mobile radios are like DIY cellphones. They can communicate across the world without the infrastructure of cellphone carriers or the internet. And sometimes, there’s a lot of satisfaction in being able to do something all by yourself. Here I am at Hamvention 2010 in Dayton, Ohio checking out all of the mobile radios. There was […]

Vintage radios at Hamvention 2010

I like to think of ham radio operators as some of the original makers and hackers. They called hacking “kinking,” said “hi hi” instead of “LOL,” and assembled Heathkits long before Makershed, Adafruit, and Sparkfun were around. I had a lot of fun checking out some of the vintage radios at Hamvention in Dayton, Ohio […]