# Jeff Geerling Recent content on Jeff Geerling This is one page of public article previews, not the complete archive. Follow Next page to continue. Summaries are not the original full articles. ## OpenNMC is an open replacement for expensive APC management cards DevFeed: [OpenNMC is an open replacement for expensive APC management cards]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: jeff@jeffgeerling.com (Jeff Geerling) Published: 2026-09-08T16:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Jeff Geerling]() Topics: [Opennmc](), [Homelab](), [Hardware](), [Open Source](), [GitLab](), [Ethernet](), [USB](), [Crowd Supply](), [Reddit]() Tags: [apc](), [ethernet](), [firmware](), [gitlab](), [hardware](), [homelab](), [open-source](), [opennmc](), [sponsored](), [ups](), [usb]() ### AI overview The article tests OpenNMC, an open-source replacement for proprietary APC UPS management cards. It describes hot-pluggable installation, built-in NUT server support, Ethernet and wireless connectivity, and an initial USB-C serial setup. ### Source excerpt UPSes are typically the most boring part of your homelab, but they're important. One of their main jobs is to give servers time to shut down safely if the power goes out. Another job is to condition your power so your servers can run smoothly. To do both of those things well, you need a smart interface. And at least with APC, there are tons of older UPSes that use Network Management Cards. The one pictured below is the NMC 2, and I pulled out of my old APC Smart-UPS 2200 XL (pictured above). ## Rebuilding a 1995 GPS Time Server so I don't get Telstra'd DevFeed: [Rebuilding a 1995 GPS Time Server so I don't get Telstra'd]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: jeff@jeffgeerling.com (Jeff Geerling) Published: 2026-09-04T14:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Jeff Geerling]() Topics: [Hardware](), [Server](), [configuration](), [Network](), [data]() Tags: [australia](), [data](), [daytime](), [gps](), [hardware](), [network](), [ntp](), [raspberry-pi](), [raspberry-pi-5](), [server](), [symmetricom](), [time](), [truetime](), [usb]() ### AI overview The article documents the restoration of a 1995 TrueTime GPS time server using a Raspberry Pi 5 and GNSS HAT. It explains the hardware integration and configuration of the Pi as a stratum 1 NTP server, including Chrony, LCD and LED status displays, and timing protocols. ### Source excerpt In June I purchased this TrueTime XL-AK time server, so I could learn more of the history of GPS-based time. I received it on June 22, and just 16 days later a similar GPS time server took down Australia's cell service for 12 hours! I made a short video about it but put off digging into the TrueTime... until now. Over the past couple weeks, I've 'restomodded' this device with a Raspberry Pi, to build a stratum 1 NTP Time server, which I'd like to eventually add to the NTP Pool. I found a way to drop in a Pi 5 and GNSS HAT, display the time and GPS status on the built-in 16x2 LCD, show the status on the bicolor LED, and make this box useful again. ## Before NTP there were Time and Daytime DevFeed: [Before NTP there were Time and Daytime]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: jeff@jeffgeerling.com (Jeff Geerling) Published: 2026-08-30T22:09:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Jeff Geerling]() Topics: [networking](), [Protocol (disambiguation)](), [Unix]() Tags: [apple](), [bug](), [daytime](), [history](), [network](), [ntp](), [rfc-867](), [rfc-868](), [server](), [time]() ### AI overview The article examines the pre-NTP Time and Daytime protocols, RFC 868 and RFC 867, and explains how they provided simple network-based time retrieval. It describes the protocols' low overhead and limitations, including one-second resolution, lack of network-delay measurement, and the 2036 32-bit rollover bug. ### Source excerpt In building an NTP time demo on old Macs for VCF Midwest, I came across RFC 867 and RFC 868, for the 'Daytime' and 'Time' Protocols, respectively. My first exposure to any form of network time was when I upgraded from a used PowerBook 180c to my first 'new' computer, a Power Mac G3, in 2000. With the introduction of Mac OS 8.5, Apple added a 'Network Time Server' option in the Date & Time Control Panel. ## Building a mini Homelab that fits in my carry-on DevFeed: [Building a mini Homelab that fits in my carry-on]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: jeff@jeffgeerling.com (Jeff Geerling) Published: 2026-08-28T15:00:00Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Jeff Geerling]() Topics: [Homelab](), [networking](), [Ubiquiti](), [Local-First](), [Hardware](), [SOC]() Tags: [5g](), [arm](), [battery](), [building](), [cloud](), [ethernet](), [fees](), [hardware](), [homelab](), [linux](), [local-first](), [networking](), [opnsense](), [portable](), [ubiquiti](), [unifi](), [video](), [vpn](), [youtube]() ### AI overview The author describes building a portable homelab that fits in carry-on luggage for a trip to Chicago. It supports 1-10 Gbps networking, battery operation, multiple WAN connections, and 12 wired Ethernet connections. The article also shares first impressions of Ubiquiti UniFi, highlighting its local-first operation, optional cloud integration, lack of core licensing fees, and easy web-based management, while criticizing its proprietary ecosystem and limited hardware control. ### Source excerpt I'm traveling to Chicago for VCF Midwest next month. I'll be demoing NTP time history on vintage Macs, with my own GPS-derived NTP service hosted on an Xserve G5, synced via NTP or a strange AppleTalk timing extension from the 1990s. So I built a little 'portable homelab' (pictured above) that supports 1-10 Gbps networking, can run off a small battery for at least an hour, switches between multiple WANs (so I can get my own 5G Internet connection, in case I need it), and gives me 12 wired Ethernet connections. ## Getting the Steam Deck LCD working on a Raspberry Pi DevFeed: [Getting the Steam Deck LCD working on a Raspberry Pi]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: jeff@jeffgeerling.com (Jeff Geerling) Published: 2026-08-20T14:00:00Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Jeff Geerling]() Topics: [Linux](), [Hardware](), [Open Source](), [SOC]() Tags: [3d](), [hardware](), [hat](), [kernel](), [level-2-jeff](), [linux](), [open-source](), [raspberry-pi](), [raspberry-pi-5](), [soc](), [steam-deck](), [ui](), [video](), [youtube]() ### AI overview This article explains how to use the original Steam Deck LCD with a Raspberry Pi. It covers the display's specifications, a Linux kernel driver, an open-source Pi HAT adapting the Raspberry Pi 5 or CM4 MIPI connection, and testing results from a Raspberry Pi 5 setup. ### Source excerpt The BOE TV070WXM-TV0 LCD used in the original Steam Deck can be had for around $30. It's a serviceable 7" touchscreen with 400 nits of brightness and a resolution of 1280x800 (for a sharp 216 ppi). The specs are a lot nicer than the Pi 7" Touch Display, which costs twice as much, with giant bezels and half the resolution! Until today, the Steam Deck LCD didn't work with a Raspberry Pi. But the folks at Scandent were trying to standardize on a mass-market touchscreen for one of their own devices, and built a Linux kernel driver for it which they intend to upstream. ## Hands-on with Raspberry Pi's CM5 Programming Jig DevFeed: [Hands-on with Raspberry Pi's CM5 Programming Jig]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: jeff@jeffgeerling.com (Jeff Geerling) Published: 2026-08-19T07:13:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Jeff Geerling]() Topics: [Provisioning](), [Programming](), [Open Source](), [Python]() Tags: [cm5](), [compute-module](), [demo](), [flash](), [images](), [management-tools](), [open-source](), [programming-jig](), [python](), [raspberry-pi](), [raspberry-pi-os](), [testing](), [tools](), [video](), [youtube]() ### AI overview Hands-on evaluation of Raspberry Pi's CM5 Programming Jig for provisioning and flashing Raspberry Pi OS onto multiple Compute Modules. The article covers its workflow, setup, web interface, imaging tools, pricing, and comparison with Everypin's CM5 Flash Jig. ### Source excerpt In the before-times, when Raspberry Pi CM5s were (relatively) affordable, I built a number of Pi clusters (example), and one of the most annoying parts of the build was flashing Raspberry Pi OS to all the Pis. One, two, or even three Pis isn't a big deal, but once you hit 4+, the process of plugging the Compute Module into a carrier board, plugging that into a computer, managing Raspberry Pi Imager, and trying to match up details like a hostname, MAC address, and the physical Pi itself, gets annoying. ## I'm excited for Intel after testing the XPS 13 DevFeed: [I'm excited for Intel after testing the XPS 13]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: jeff@jeffgeerling.com (Jeff Geerling) Published: 2026-08-07T14:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Jeff Geerling]() Topics: [intel](), [Benchmark](), [cpu](), [Hardware](), [Linux]() Tags: [apple](), [arm](), [benchmarks](), [cpu](), [dell](), [efficiency](), [ethernet](), [gpu](), [hardware](), [intel](), [laptop](), [linux](), [low-power](), [macbook-neo](), [npu](), [review](), [wifi-7](), [wildcat-lake](), [windows](), [windows-11](), [x86](), [xps](), [youtube]() ### AI overview The article reviews Dell's low-end XPS 13 against Apple's MacBook Neo and highlights the Intel Core 5 320 processor. It reports that the Wildcat Lake chip ranked second in the author's HPL FP64 efficiency benchmark, behind the M4 Mac mini, making it the strongest x86 result described in the supplied text. ### Source excerpt Shortly after Apple launched the budget MacBook Neo, Dell announced their response, a new low-end XPS 13. Matching the Neo's current pricing, it starts at $699, or $599 with an educational discount. That discount is currently set to expire on November 2, and with the current component pricing insanity, I'd be surprised if we don't see a price increase on both laptops by next year. I ran the XPS 13 through my gauntlet of benchmarks, and published a review on my YouTube channel: ## Proxmox officially supports Arm, with some caveats DevFeed: [Proxmox officially supports Arm, with some caveats]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: jeff@jeffgeerling.com (Jeff Geerling) Published: 2026-08-05T16:50:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Jeff Geerling]() Topics: [Hardware](), [systems](), [Ubuntu](), [Linux]() Tags: [ampere](), [arm](), [homelab](), [linux](), [nvidia](), [platform](), [proxmox](), [raspberry-pi](), [raspberry-pi-5](), [ubuntu](), [usb]() ### AI overview Proxmox Virtual Environment is now officially available for 64-bit ARM, with installation tested on an Ampere Altra platform. Official support is limited to NVIDIA Grace Hopper and Vera systems, while other UEFI- and ACPI-based ARM hardware receives best-effort support. Device-tree-only single-board computers are not officially supported, though community UEFI projects have enabled installations on Raspberry Pi systems. ### Source excerpt Proxmox today announced their Proxmox Virtual Environment is now available for 64-bit ARM. I tested it on my Ampere Altra Dev Platform--the same machine on which I've booted Windows on Arm the first time, messed with multiple GPUs, and most recently tested Houdini's native arm64 support. Install was easy, as the Ampere Altra uses UEFI / ACPI for its hardware, meaning Proxmox didn't have to tailor its ISO to specific platforms, like you have to do with Raspberry Pis and most SBCs using a Device Tree setup. ## Getting 25 Gbps Thunderbolt Ethernet on my Mac Studio DevFeed: [Getting 25 Gbps Thunderbolt Ethernet on my Mac Studio]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: jeff@jeffgeerling.com (Jeff Geerling) Published: 2026-07-31T14:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Jeff Geerling]() Topics: [Network](), [networking]() Tags: [25g](), [blog](), [ethernet](), [mac](), [macos](), [nas](), [network](), [noctua](), [post](), [thunderbolt]() ### AI overview The article documents an attempt to add 25 Gbps Ethernet to a Mac Studio over Thunderbolt. It covers adapter cost, testing transfers to a NAS, throughput limits, and overheating in a passively cooled 25GbE enclosure. ### Source excerpt I've been using the built-in 10 Gigabit Ethernet on my Mac Studio for a few years. It works fine: I can edit 4K video straight off my NAS over the network, and run backups at around 1 GB/sec. But... I want more. I upgraded my rack and my NAS to 25 GbE a couple years ago, and wanted to upgrade my main workstation, too. ## Adding a backup Internet WAN on my OPNsense Router DevFeed: [Adding a backup Internet WAN on my OPNsense Router]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: jeff@jeffgeerling.com (Jeff Geerling) Published: 2026-07-23T21:00:00Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Jeff Geerling]() Topics: [Firewall](), [networking](), [configuration](), [5G](), [Software]() Tags: [5g](), [backup](), [ethernet](), [firewall](), [internet](), [networking](), [opnsense](), [outage](), [router]() ### AI overview A practical guide to adding a portable 5G gateway as a backup WAN on an OPNsense router. It covers assigning a second Ethernet interface, configuring DHCP and outbound NAT, and manually changing gateway priorities to fail over between connections. ### Source excerpt AKA "Spectrum has gone down two weeks in a row and I'm sick of it". I've been borrowing a portable 5G gateway from my Dad for a few weeks, for testing... and two weeks in a row, I've used it as a backup Internet option, since my Spectrum Business cable Internet has gone down. And yes, I'd get AT&T Fiber if I had the option, sadly they don't yet provide service at my studio. So I'm stuck with only one high speed wired provider. I may add on my own 5G backup Internet connection in the future, but we're getting off track. ## Open Sauce and GPS time were my summer AI Antiseptics DevFeed: [Open Sauce and GPS time were my summer AI Antiseptics]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: jeff@jeffgeerling.com (Jeff Geerling) Published: 2026-07-22T14:00:00Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Jeff Geerling]() Topics: [Artificial Intelligence](), [Data visualization](), [MicroPython](), [Claude](), [datasets](), [Code]() Tags: [ai](), [badge](), [claude](), [coding](), [data-visualization](), [electronics](), [experimentation](), [gps](), [micropython](), [open-sauce](), [projects](), [time](), [videos](), [visualization]() ### AI overview The author describes using Claude to build a 2,141-line MicroPython Badgeware app for a Pimoroni Tufty 2350 and Adafruit PA1010D GPS module. The GPS Time Badge uses GPS data to discipline the badge's internal real-time clock, although timing accuracy was limited by the hardware and BadgeOS architecture. The author also logged GPS satellite and fix-quality data and used Claude to create an interactive visualization, highlighting data visualization as a practical use of AI tools. ### Source excerpt In the midst of our AI slop revolution, traveling to the West coast for Open Sauce this past weekend was the perfect antiseptic for rising costs, summer heat, and online divisiveness. It's ironic, then, that I used Claude to vibe code my Tufty GPS Time Badge. Partly due to time constraints, and partly because I wanted to see if I could complete a personal project end-to-end, without editing a line of code, I throw my requirements at Claude and ultimately came up with this 2141-line MicroPython app for Pimoroni's Badgeware ecosystem. ## QuadRF can spot drones and see WiFi through my wall DevFeed: [QuadRF can spot drones and see WiFi through my wall]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: jeff@jeffgeerling.com (Jeff Geerling) Published: 2026-07-10T14:00:00Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Jeff Geerling]() Topics: [Network](), [Security](), [Open Source](), [Software](), [Flight]() Tags: [crowd-supply](), [geerling-engineering](), [network](), [open-source](), [quadrf](), [raspberry-pi](), [raspberry-pi-5](), [rf](), [sdr](), [security](), [testing](), [ui](), [youtube]() ### AI overview QuadRF is an open-source phased-array radio built around a Raspberry Pi 5 and FPGA board. The article describes its ability to process and beamform radio signals, detect drones, observe WiFi through walls, decode RF, and support local SDR applications. It also discusses a larger Moon-scale antenna-array project and testing a prototype. ### Source excerpt The QuadRF (pictured above) a phased-array radio built around a Raspberry Pi 5 and an FPGA board with picosecond-level timing. It does advanced signal processing and beamforming. It can see WiFi through walls and track drones in flight. If the open source community can come up with something like this, just imagine what governments are capable of. When you plug a computer into a network, tools like Wireshark can show all the hidden traffic you might not even know is there. WiFi packets are the same, but those travel through the air, allowing snooping without physical access. ## The Special Value Pi 4 was extremely short-lived DevFeed: [The Special Value Pi 4 was extremely short-lived]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: jeff@jeffgeerling.com (Jeff Geerling) Published: 2026-07-08T14:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Jeff Geerling]() Topics: [Hardware](), [benchmarking](), [boot]() Tags: [benchmarking](), [blog](), [boot](), [dram](), [errors](), [hardware](), [kernel](), [memory](), [performance](), [pi-4](), [product](), [raspberry-pi](), [retail](), [shortage](), [speed](), [validation](), [video](), [youtube]() ### AI overview This article examines a short-lived "Special Value" Raspberry Pi 4 edition certified for 1.25 GHz instead of the usual 1.8 GHz. It compares the boards with retail Pi 4s, discusses their different DRAM packages, and reports boot, clock-speed, kernel-panic, and benchmarking observations. ### Source excerpt The 'Special Value' Pi 4 pictured above is probably the rarest Raspberry Pi I own--even rarer than my blue special edition Pi. A Raspberry Pi reseller briefly listed a special 'value edition' Pi 4. But the product page 404's now. While it was up, my curiosity got the better of me, and now I have two 'value' Pi 4s. What makes them a 'value'? They're only certified to run at 1.25 GHz (retail Pi 4s run at 1.8 GHz, and can usually be overclocked). ## Quickly apply LUTs (color grading) with ffmpeg DevFeed: [Quickly apply LUTs (color grading) with ffmpeg]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: jeff@jeffgeerling.com (Jeff Geerling) Published: 2026-06-26T02:23:00Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Jeff Geerling]() Topics: [FFmpeg (Fast Forward Moving Picture Experts Group)](), [Color Grading]() Tags: [batch](), [color-grading](), [ffmpeg](), [hardware](), [lut](), [video]() ### AI overview A practical guide to applying camera-specific LUTs to Log video with FFmpeg, including batch conversion of MP4 files and hardware-specific encoding considerations. ### Source excerpt This is a quick post, mostly for my own reference. I've avoided LUTs and 'Log' video footage for years1, mostly because of the extra tiny bit of workflow involved. Like RAW photos, 'Log' footage retains the video sensor's full dynamic range, so you can pull more color and luminance information out of the footage later. But unlike photography, where RAW has been a thing for decades, and many workflows 'just work' without me having to 'grade' every individual photo, in video precious few consumer apps handle Log footage gracefully. You generally end up with a muddy grey mess. ## Framework's 10G Ethernet module exposes USB-C's complexity DevFeed: [Framework's 10G Ethernet module exposes USB-C's complexity]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: jeff@jeffgeerling.com (Jeff Geerling) Published: 2026-06-24T14:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Jeff Geerling]() Topics: [USB](), [Linux](), [Ubuntu](), [Windows](), [cpu](), [intel]() Tags: [amd](), [cpu](), [development](), [ethernet](), [framework](), [intel](), [laptop](), [level2jeff](), [linux](), [ubuntu](), [usb](), [video](), [windows](), [wisdpi](), [youtube]() ### AI overview The article tests WisdPi's 10G Ethernet Expansion Card for Framework computers and examines how USB-C connection standards affect throughput. It compares Linux and Windows results, including driver and kernel issues, and reports performance of up to 9.4+ Gbps along with substantial heat buildup. ### Source excerpt I've been following WisdPi's development of various 5 Gbps and 10 Gbps Ethernet adapters for the past couple years. They use newer Realtek Ethernet chips, which sometimes have performance quirks--most frequently encountered under Linux. In today's video, I tested the new WisdPi 10G Ethernet Expansion Card for Framework computers. It fits in any available Framework Expansion slot--even on the Framework Desktop. But Expansion Cards use USB-C for their connection to the mainboard--and therein lies the rub... ## How to configure supported Macs to boot automatically when power is restored DevFeed: [How to configure supported Macs to boot automatically when power is restored]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: jeff@jeffgeerling.com (Jeff Geerling) Published: 2026-06-12T14:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Jeff Geerling]() Topics: [macOS](), [Mac Mini](), [boot]() Tags: [apple](), [boot](), [homelab](), [mac](), [macos](), [remote](), [video](), [youtube]() ### AI overview The article explains how to configure supported Macs running macOS 26.5 to boot automatically whenever power is restored. It describes use cases for remote or portable Macs, identifies supported models, and reports a test in which an M4 Mac mini booted within 2 seconds after power was toggled on. ### Source excerpt Apple FINALLY lets you turn on your Mac remotely, without having to press the power button. In the media, articles suggest it's a reaction to Mac mini power button complaints. While I agree the M4 mini's power button is in a really dumb spot, that's not why I care about this feature. The two bigger use cases for me have been a pain for years: ## I tested every IP KVM in my Homelab DevFeed: [I tested every IP KVM in my Homelab]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: jeff@jeffgeerling.com (Jeff Geerling) Published: 2026-06-05T14:00:00Z Content type: comparison Language: en Sources: [Jeff Geerling]() Topics: [Pikvm](), [Homelab](), [Raspberry Pi](), [Security](), [benchmarking](), [Vulnerabilities](), [Virtual Private Network](), [GPU](), [hdmi](), [ssh]() Tags: [benchmarking](), [glinet](), [hardware](), [hdmi](), [homelab](), [ip](), [jetkvm](), [kvm](), [network](), [pikvm](), [raspberry-pi](), [security](), [sipeed](), [ssh](), [vpn](), [vulnerabilities]() ### AI overview A comparison of IP KVM devices, explaining how they provide remote keyboard, video, and mouse control over an IP network and when they are useful alongside Remote Desktop, VNC, screen sharing, or SSH. The article emphasizes security risks, including remote BIOS access and vulnerabilities, and begins its review with PiKVM. ### Source excerpt Since the PiKVM came out in 2017, there's been an explosion of IP KVMs. I've tested almost every one. But what are they good for? You can use Remote Desktop, Screen Sharing, or VNC to remote control a computer from anywhere on a LAN. And if you don't have a private VPN, you could use RealVNC, Raspberry Pi Connect, or wire up Tailscale or Pangolin for fully remote access. Those solutions are great, and so is SSH if you don't need a full desktop. ## It's hard to justify buying a Framework 12 DevFeed: [It's hard to justify buying a Framework 12]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: jeff@jeffgeerling.com (Jeff Geerling) Published: 2026-05-29T14:00:00Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Jeff Geerling]() Topics: [NEO](), [benchmarking](), [Benchmark](), [cpu](), [intel]() Tags: [apple](), [benchmark](), [benchmarks](), [cpu](), [framework](), [geekbench](), [intel](), [laptop](), [laptops](), [mac](), [macbook-neo](), [performance](), [review](), [touchscreen](), [youtube]() ### AI overview The author compares the Framework 12 with Apple's MacBook Neo for a student laptop purchase. The MacBook Neo is described as faster, more efficient, quieter, better built, and less expensive in most tested situations, while the Framework 12 offers a touchscreen, 360° hinge, repairability, and upgradeability. The Framework performs slightly better under sustained heavy workloads because its fan reduces throttling. ### Source excerpt My nephew just graduated high school, and wants a laptop. When he decides what computer to buy, price (or more precisely, value) is the most important attribute. Apple's MacBook Neo upended the 'value laptop' equation--Apple's not supposed to be both the cheapest option and the best value... but it seems like that's squarely where the Neo landed for the good-but-cheap laptop category. My nephew is also my godson, and to kick off his computing journey, I thought I'd let him choose from a Framework 12 I bought to test, or the MacBook Neo I bought a couple months ago to use around the studio. ## Tuning in FM Radio on a 3D Printer Heatbed DevFeed: [Tuning in FM Radio on a 3D Printer Heatbed]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: jeff@jeffgeerling.com (Jeff Geerling) Published: 2026-05-28T14:00:00Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Jeff Geerling]() Topics: [3D](), [Nanovna]() Tags: [3d](), [3d-printer](), [3d-printing](), [fm-radio](), [geerling-engineering](), [nanovna](), [pcb](), [radio](), [rf](), [sdr](), [signal](), [video]() ### AI overview The article tests whether a 3D printer heatbed can act as an FM radio antenna. Measurements with a NanoVNA found several potentially suitable frequencies, although the heatbed traces are not optimized for radio-frequency use. Near a high-power FM tower, the heatbed received a clear stereo signal. ### Source excerpt Pooch from Repkord dropped by my studio while he was in St. Louis, and asked a simple question: Can a 3D printer's heatbed act as an antenna? A fair question, as many an antenna is embedded in a PCB these days... and the traces on a PCB heatbed like the one used in Prusa's Core One look kinda like an antenna, if you squint the right way. Really, anything (or anyone) can be an antenna, given enough power.