Hardware Podcasts

518: Nothing We Can Do About Frogs

Embedded.fm · 9 Jan 2026 · 1h 08m · Episode 518

What this episode covers

James Cameron, a scientist and developer with a background in the Forth programming language and One Laptop Per Child, discusses his work operating and maintaining the Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT) at Siding Spring Observatory. He details the engineering challenges of a 3.9-meter, 260-tonne telescope built in 1974, including its control systems, the Two Degree Field (2dF) robotic fiber positioner, and the impact of Starlink satellites on astronomical observations. Cameron also shares anecdotes about the unique operational hazards of the site, such as kangaroos, brown snakes, and ladybug infestations, while offering career advice on combining engineering with other disciplines.

Most relevant to

established companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
One Laptop Per Child, Digital, HP
Products
Anglo-Australian Telescope, Two Degree Field, Starlink, Veloce
Chips
Raspberry Pi, VAX

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