Little doodle for the night - thinking about how much of our current day technology is possible thanks to radio (wifi, bluetooth, gps, etc) and thinking of Alastor, and what he might discover when he becomes curious about modern technology…

Anyways big snake Lucifer is supportive

Also if you want to know more about Hedy Lamarr and her contributions to the basis of wifi, GPS, and Bluetooth, here’s a great article to start with!

And of course her Wikipedia page:

Major Edwin H. Armstrong explains various amplifiers and receivers to specialists and other interested parties at Columbia University, his alma mater, ca. 1925. Major Armstrong went on to invent FM radio, working secretly in the basement of Columbia's Philosophy Hall.

New radar technique locates lost Indian Lunar orbiter, NASA probe.

Using previously untested radar techniques, NASA has successfully located two Lunar-orbiting spacecraft, one of which has not been tracked since 2009. Scientists from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California beamed high energy microwaves at the Moon from the Goldstone Deep Space Communications complex in California. The waves bounced off the Moon and were picked up by the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia. By using the return signal to estimate velocity and distance, JPL scientists were able to locate NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter – which is still operating and is currently tracked by the agency. However, the team also located India's derelict Chandrayaan-1orbiter whose mission ended in 2009. Due to regions of the lunar surface with a stronger gravitational pull than others – known as mascons – the spacecraft's orbit could have been radically altered or it could have even crashed into the moon.

If you've ever used a walkie-talkie, a portable Wi-Fi router, or a handheld scanner, you've most definitely used the Rubber Duck antenna. This small, flexible antenna, often known as the Rubber Duck Whip, is the gold standard for portable wireless communication.

But what precisely is going on within the rubber sleeve, and why is it so common? Let's get into the mechanics, types, and specifications of this wireless workhorse.

What is the Rubber Duck Antenna?

A Rubber Duck is essentially a monopole antenna—more precisely, a "electrically short" one. To keep the antenna small while allowing it to resonate at lower frequencies, the interior wire is frequently coiled like a spring (a helix). This design is then covered in a protective shroud of molded rubber or plastic (TPE/PVC) to shield the interior components from moisture and impact.

Key Features:

Durability: Unlike telescopic metal antennas, the "duckie" can bend and flex without cracking, making it perfect for handheld electronics.

Portability: By coiling the element internally, the antenna has a substantially smaller physical footprint than a straight wire antenna with the same frequency.

Omnidirectional Pattern: It radiates signal in a 360-degree "donut" shape, eliminating the need to point it straight toward a receiver to establish a connection.

Standardized Connectors: The majority of connectors employ standard interfaces such as SMA, RP-SMA, or BNC, making replacement or upgrading simple.

Common Types and Frequency Ranges

Rubber Duck antennas are tuned to certain frequencies in the radio spectrum. Using the wrong type can result in poor signal quality and possibly damage to your transmitter.

Technical Specifications to Watch For

When choosing an antenna, the "spec sheet" tells the full picture. Here are the key metrics:

Gain (dBi): Usually ranges between 1.5 and 5 dBi. Higher gain directs the signal toward the horizon while making the "donut" flatter.

VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio): Ideally less than 1.5:1. This determines how well the antenna transfers power. High VSWR indicates that electricity is reflected back into your device.

Radio equipment typically has an impedance of 50 Ohms.

Polarization: vertical. For best results, both transmitting and receiving antennas should be pointed in the same direction (typically straight up).

Summary

The Rubber Duck antenna isn't about maximum range—it’s about resilience and convenience. While a long, outdoor Yagi or Dipole will always outperform it in distance, nothing beats the "duckie" for reliable, everyday communication on the move.

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Marshal Ney apparently had a really interesting posthumous career in radio frequency technology. Or some poor guy just happens to share the same name.

Have you ever imagined navigating through your family’s adventurous outdoor activities with ease and perfect communication? The “Retevis RT47 Two Way Radio with Shoulder Mic” might just be what you need for seamless connectivity amid the lively hustle and bustle of nature’s offerings. Let’s journey through what makes this vibrant green communication device a potentially invaluable companion for…