# 518: Nothing We Can Do About Frogs

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2026-01-09
- Length: 1h 08m
- Episode: 518
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-01-09-518-nothing-we-can-do-about-frogs
- Listen: https://embedded.fm/episodes/518

## Summary

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.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-01-09-518-nothing-we-can-do-about-frogs#t=6) Introduction and Lightning Round
- [7:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-01-09-518-nothing-we-can-do-about-frogs#t=475) The Anglo-Australian Telescope Hardware
- [15:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-01-09-518-nothing-we-can-do-about-frogs#t=918) Control Systems and Fault Management
- [28:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-01-09-518-nothing-we-can-do-about-frogs#t=1695) The Two Degree Field (2dF) Instrument
- [41:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-01-09-518-nothing-we-can-do-about-frogs#t=2469) Observing Schedules and Astronomer Pressure
- [51:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-01-09-518-nothing-we-can-do-about-frogs#t=3068) Starlink Satellites and Light Pollution
- [58:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-01-09-518-nothing-we-can-do-about-frogs#t=3489) Career Advice and Wildlife Hazards

## Topics

- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)

## Most relevant to

established companies

## Mentioned

- Anglo-Australian Telescope (product)
- Two Degree Field (product)
- Starlink (product)
- One Laptop Per Child (company)
- Veloce (product)
- Raspberry Pi (chip)
- VAX (chip)
- Digital (company)
- HP (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Optimization Beast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-02-10-optimization-beast) (The Amp Hour)
- [056 - Listening to Jupiter](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2022-03-17-056-listening-to-jupiter) (Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast)
- [Melbourne, Hackerspace & Calibration - Vacuuous Vortex Verification](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2013-02-12-melbourne-hackerspace-calibration-vacuuous-vortex-verification) (The Amp Hour)
- [Ep 179: Danger Chess, Corona Motors, an Omni-Walker, and a Fast Talking Telescope](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2022-07-29-ep-179-danger-chess-corona-motors-an-omni-walker-and-a-fast-talking-telescope) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Ep 126: Cable 3D-Scanner, Tesla Charger Robot, Ultrasonic Anemometer, and a Zoetrope](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2021-07-09-ep-126-cable-3d-scanner-tesla-charger-robot-ultrasonic-anemometer-and-a-zoetrope) (Hackaday Podcast)

## Citing this page

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