Terrain
Layered foam, rock molds, pin washes, and sifted soils for texture. Scenic choices stay subtle so trains — not scenery — are the star.
HO Scale Layout
Modular benchwork, cork roadbed, code 83 rail, and DCC. Terrain with foam carving, plaster cloth, acrylic washes, and static-grass blends. I keep ops smooth with frequent feeders, tidy rail joints, and prototypical speeds.
Rolling stock
Mix of EU + US prototypes. Light weathering for realism without dragging bearings. Keep wheels clean, track cleaner.
Control
DCC with labeled buses and short drops. Turnouts tested at scale speeds; no mystery shorts, no spaghetti wiring.
Police Radios & Aviation Scanning
Hobby listening only. Never transmit on public-safety. Respect local laws and encryption. Goal: learn systems and pull clean audio without being “that guy.”
Uniden Bearcat SDS100 (handheld)
Daily carry for railfanning and airport runs. True I/Q sampling with TrunkTracker X means it keeps decoding where older scanners garble in metro simulcast. Close Call, replay, and profiles keep things simple on the move.
- Strong P25 Phase I/II trunking in simulcast zones.
- Weather-resistant body, quick-swap batteries, on-device recording.
- Keep separate profiles for home / travel / events to stay sane.
Uniden Bearcat SDS200 (base/mobile)
Same brain, bigger interface. Ethernet + analyze tools for system sleuthing. Lives on the desk with an outdoor antenna and short, quality coax; logs talkgroups all day long.
- True I/Q + TrunkTracker X • customizable display.
- Grounded mast, sealed connectors, labeled feedlines — do it once, do it right.
- Great “set it and forget it” for citywide monitoring.
P25 Simulcast — what breaks and how to beat it
Simulcast = multiple towers transmit the same digital signal at once. Your scanner hears overlapping copies a few microseconds apart. Older receivers can’t handle that delay spread — you get robot voice or dead air. The SDS platform’s I/Q architecture resolves timing better. Placement still matters: moving the antenna a few feet can change everything.
Placement & antennas
Outdoors beats indoors. Height helps — but don’t just add gain. You want the right tower, not every tower.
Coax & connectors
Short runs, sealed fittings, strain relief. Water in the line = gremlins. Label everything.
Quick spec compare
| Feature | SDS100 | SDS200 |
|---|---|---|
| Use case | Handheld / travel | Base or mobile install |
| P25 Phase I/II | Yes (TrunkTracker X) | Yes (TrunkTracker X) |
| Simulcast handling | True I/Q platform | True I/Q platform |
| Networking | — | Ethernet + analyze tools |
| Power | Battery pack (spares) | DC supply / vehicle |
Aviation listening (Airband)
Tower, Ground, ATIS, Approach, Center. Airband uses AM in VHF — a simple dedicated airband antenna often helps more than swapping radios. I log flights while studying phraseology for pilot training.
What I don’t use as a scanner
Cheap HTs (Baofeng-type) don’t track trunked P25 and struggle on AM airband. Fine as a licensed ham backup; not a scanner replacement.
Programming workflow (5 steps)
- Look up your county/state system and talkgroups.
- Import by system (not single frequencies) into a profile.
- Update firmware + database; write to the radio.
- Field-test; tune service types and location control.
- Record a session; tag unknown talkgroups later.
Advanced scanner playbook
- Location control: tie favorites to GPS/zip so systems auto-enable as you move.
- Service types: trim to what you actually want (Dispatch, Tac, EMS-Tac, Rail).
- Recording: keep archives for ID’ing unknown talkgroups later.
- Filters/IF: on noisy sites, try different filter settings per system.
- Antenna swaps: a small directional (yagi) can tame simulcast if you aim it.
My YouTube Channel
Long deep-dives when school allows, quick shorts when life’s busy. Trains, planes, radios, and simple web builds — clean audio, clear takeaways. Hit subscribe and come ride along.
Orlando’s Rails — Channel
All uploads & shorts
Radios playlist
SDS100/200 tips • P25 basics
Travel & trains
Stations • rolling stock • city guides
What to expect
Mix of shorts and mid-length videos. Practical, to-the-point narration — we keep it moving.
Upload cadence
School first. When time opens up, I post. Sub + bell so you catch new drops.
Community
Comments stay respectful. Tips welcome — we all learn together.
Web Services
Single-page sites like this: monochrome, fast, mobile-first, and easy to maintain. No forms or logins — just clean content and email contact.
Single page
Hero, features, links, contact.
$150 per site
Basic site
More sections + custom icons.
Custom quote
Advanced single page
High polish + tasteful motion.
Up to $2,000 per site
Resources I use
RadioReference (database)
Go-to database for systems, frequencies, and talkgroups. Premium unlocks faster searching, downloads for programming apps, and access to Broadcastify archives.
Retailers
For SDS-series and antennas, I stick to reputable radio dealers that actually understand P25 and simulcast. If stock is thin, check ham stores or pro shops before random marketplaces.
SF City Guide (Apple Maps)
My hand-picked spots around San Francisco — eats, views, and easy wins so you spend more time enjoying and less time doom-scrolling.
Open my SF guideFAQ
Does the SDS100/200 really fix simulcast
Nothing fixes physics, but the SDS platform’s I/Q architecture handles delay spread far better than older scanners. Antenna placement still matters.
Can I monitor encrypted talkgroups
No. If a talkgroup is encrypted, it’s off-limits to the public.
Why doesn’t my cheap handheld hear the airport
Most budget HTs only do FM in VHF/UHF. Aviation uses AM in the VHF airband, and trunked P25 is a different world. Use a real scanner or a dedicated airband receiver.
Best first upgrade
A decent outdoor antenna with short coax. Beats any “super-gain” rubber duck all day.
AI FAQs
How do you use AI tools for videos
Outlining and idea sorting — not scripts word-for-word. I keep my voice human and direct.
Do AI tools make websites for you
No generators here. I ship custom one-page code by hand so it’s fast and clean.
USA History FAQs
What’s a simple way to think about U.S. civics
Three branches: Legislative (makes laws), Executive (enforces), Judicial (interprets). Federal vs. state powers are shared and sometimes debated — that’s by design.
Why do state laws differ so much
Federalism. States can tailor policies, which is why scanning laws, traffic rules, and election procedures vary by state.
Airlines — my ranking (best → worst)
Purely my take from trips and research — vibe, ops, cabins, and how they treat you when things go sideways.
1) Delta
Generally strong ops, decent IRROPs handling, cabins that feel modern.
2) Virgin Atlantic
Fun brand, comfy cabins, premium cabin experience that punches above weight.
3) United
Network beast; Polaris can be great when the hard product lines up.
4) SAS
Scandi clean. Solid long-haul feel when schedules work for you.
5) KLM
Friendly crews, iconic brand, reliable across the network.
6) Hawaiian (inter-island)
Efficient hops, welcoming crews, island-style service.
7) SkyWest
Regional but often well-run; experience varies by mainline partner.
8) British Airways
Route map + lounges can be clutch; product can feel mixed by aircraft.
9) Air France
When AF is on, it’s lovely; soft product can really shine.
10) Eurowings (Business Class)
EuroBiz style seating; value depends on route — this is the one I called out specifically.
11) CityJet
Smaller footprint; service depends heavily on contract operations.
Note: “Helvetica” is a font — not an airline. Eurowings Business Class is the pick here, as requested.
Join the Young Eagles — EAA Chapter 20 (KSQL)
Aviation changes lives. Young Eagles gives kids a first flight, mentorship, and a runway into STEM. Chapter 20 flies out of San Carlos (KSQL). If you’re local, come meet good folks doing good work.
How it works
Parent/guardian signs up a youth participant. Volunteer pilots fly short, safe intro flights and walk through the basics. Big smiles, big inspiration.
Get involved
Interested families, pilots, and volunteers are always welcome. Ask about ground support if you don’t fly yet — there’s a job for everyone.
Orlando Nell for Governor 2030
California deserves real change. I’m running for Governor in 2030 to fight for safe streets, strong schools, and transit that actually works. Join me — let’s make California safe, strong, and drug-free.
Public Safety
Finish CHR, fight crime, and deport illegal criminals. Communities deserve safe neighborhoods and safe schools.
Homelessness
Tackle homelessness with housing, treatment, and accountability. Compassion with results, not excuses.
Transit & Cities
Fix San Francisco and Los Angeles. Invest in transit so it’s faster, cleaner, and easier to ride — statewide.
Education
Stronger schools and no drugs near our kids. Support teachers, enforce standards, and keep campuses safe.
California Strong
Make California safe again and full of opportunity. The Golden State can and should shine brighter.
Note: Follow California election rules for any required disclosures when using this site for campaign purposes.
Legal & Privacy
Privacy
No personal data collected. I only look at anonymous view counts to see if anyone’s visiting. That’s it.
Use at your own risk
Info on this page is for hobby education. I’m not liable for how you use it. Follow your local laws and license requirements.
Accessibility
High-contrast theme, keyboard-friendly nav, visible focus, and a “Skip to content” link. If something blocks access, email me and I’ll fix it.
Contact
Tell me what you need, your timeline, and a couple reference sites. I’ll shoot you straight — friendly like East Texas, steady like South Dakota.
orlando@orlandonell.com