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Orlando Nell

Technology, transit, and practical guides. Videos, HO scale modeling notes, radio scanning basics, and lightweight one page web builds. Clear information, quick to use.

Watch on YouTube Go to Radios View Resources

HO Scale Layout

A compact, modular layout focused on reliable operations. Code 83 track, DCC control, and consistent wiring practices. Scenery is restrained to keep trains front and center.

Terrain

Foam carving, rock molds, and layered washes for depth.

Rolling Stock

Mix of European and North American equipment with light weathering.

Control

DCC with labeled buses, tested turnouts, and tidy cable runs.

Public Safety and Aviation Monitoring

This page documents a hobby listener setup. Reception quality depends on local systems and antenna placement. Always follow applicable laws.

SDS100 (Handheld)

Strong simulcast performance, quick profiles, and on device recording for field use.

  • P25 Phase I and II trunking with I/Q sampling
  • Weather resistant body, swappable batteries
  • Profiles for home, travel, and events

SDS200 (Base or Mobile)

Ethernet and analysis tools for longer sessions and logging. Ideal for a desk setup with an outdoor antenna.

  • Customizable display and analyze tools
  • Labeled feedlines and grounded mast
  • Reliable for citywide monitoring

Simulcast basics

Multiple transmitters can create timing differences that break decoding on older designs. The SDS platform helps reduce this. Antenna placement still matters.

Placement and antennas

Outdoor location usually improves results. Use the antenna that hears the site you need, not all of them at once.

Coax and connectors

Short runs, sealed fittings, and strain relief reduce losses and issues over time.

Programming steps

  1. Find the system and talkgroups for your area.
  2. Import by system, not single frequencies.
  3. Update firmware and database, then write to the radio.
  4. Field test and adjust service types and location control.
  5. Record sessions and tag unknown talkgroups later.

Airband (VHF AM)

A simple, dedicated airband antenna is usually more effective than changing radios.

Not a scanner

Budget HTs are not designed for trunked P25 or VHF AM. They are not a substitute for a scanner.

YouTube Channel

Long form videos when time allows and short clips for quick updates. Topics include trains, scanning, and travel.

Channel

Uploads and shorts

Radios playlist

SDS tips and basics

Travel and trains

Stations and rolling stock

What to expect

Practical demonstrations, checklists, and clear takeaways.

Upload cadence

Irregular. Subscribe for updates.

Community

Comments are moderated for relevance and courtesy.

Subscribe Email

One Page Websites

Fast, accessible, and easy to maintain. Static HTML and CSS with no logins or databases.

Single page

Hero, features, links, contact.

From $150

Basic site

Extra sections and custom icons.

Custom quote

Advanced single page

Higher polish and light motion.

Up to $2,000

Useful Links

San Francisco Guide (Apple Maps)

A short list of simple stops and viewpoints.

Open guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the SDS100 or SDS200 solve simulcast?

It reduces issues that affect older designs, but location and antennas still matter.

Can encrypted talkgroups be monitored?

No. Encrypted traffic is not accessible to the public.

Why can my handheld not hear the airport?

Most low cost HTs use FM. Aviation uses AM in VHF and trunked P25 is a different system.

Best first upgrade?

An outdoor antenna with quality coax.

Notes on tools

Do you use AI for scripts?

Outlines only. Final content is written and edited by hand.

Do you use website generators?

No. Pages are coded to keep load times low.

U.S. civics, quick notes

Three branches

Legislative makes laws, Executive enforces, Judicial interprets.

Why state rules differ

Federalism enables state level variation, including communications and traffic rules.

Airline Impressions

Informal notes based on recent trips and published fleet or cabin information. Results vary by route, aircraft, and schedule reliability.

Delta

Generally strong operations and modern cabins.

Virgin Atlantic

Comfortable cabins and consistent service.

United

Large network. Premium long haul can be very good.

SAS

Clean design and solid long haul experience.

KLM

Friendly crews and reliable operations.

Hawaiian, inter island

Efficient short haul service.

SkyWest

Quality varies by partner and aircraft.

British Airways

Good lounges and route map. Mixed product by aircraft.

Air France

Soft product can be excellent when it aligns.

Eurowings, Business

Euro business seating. Value depends on route.

CityJet

Service depends on contract operations.

Young Eagles - EAA Chapter 20 (KSQL)

Introductory flights for youth with volunteer pilots and ground crews. Families and new volunteers are welcome. See the EAA site for scheduling and requirements.

Young Eagles (EAA) San Carlos Flight Center

2030 Campaign Statement

This section outlines high level priorities and will be updated as requirements and disclosures evolve. Review California election rules for any posting or fundraising needs.

Public Safety

Safer neighborhoods and schools.

Homelessness

Housing, treatment access, and accountability.

Transit and Cities

Practical improvements for reliability and cleanliness.

Education

Consistent standards and support for educators.

Statewide goals

Aim for a safer, more effective, and opportunity focused California.

Contact

For project inquiries, include a short description, timeline, and 1 to 2 reference links.

Email: orlando [at] orlandonell [dot] com