Inconvenienced Electrons

My server and network core is now battery backed up. In the event of a power failure I could remain online for up to 66 minutes (1.1 hrs). I was surprised and impressed that the Apple Tiger server recognizes my UPS and the interface in the preference pane is very similar to my PowerBook’s battery interface. No third-party software required. I am pleased that the cheapest New Egg shipping option was so speedy.

Another one of my UPS’s failed. I ordered a new CyberPower 1500VA UPS. They do seem to get a fair bit of use out here. And out of the three low end UPS that I used to have, two have failed in the last 6 months. So now I am trying for a medium grade in the hopes that it will last a little longer.

I just got this invite to join the new AggieSat program. I worked on BalloonSat and had a lot of fun (while working very hard.) I encourage anyone with some free time (and in College Station) to show up and see if you are interested. I have attached the original email below:

From: Richard Margulieux <spacetrvler@gmail.com>
Date: Sep 3, 2007 6:36 AM
Subject: AggieSat Lab is recruitting

For all students interested in space,

AggieSat Lab is looking for new members.  AggieSat Lab is a student run organization whose main goals are to design, build, and fly student satellites and help it’s members develop academically and professionally.  AggieSat Lab is currently in the design phase for AggieSat3 and is beginning the build phase for AggieSat2. 

AggieSat2 is the first satellite in a campaign of four missions hosted by Johnson Space Center and in conjunction with students at t.u. with the end goal of Autonomous Rendezvous and Docking. AggieSat2 is scheduled to fly on the Space Shuttle Endeavor on STS-127 in early 2009.

AggieSat3 is a student satellite being developed for the Air Force Research Lab’s Nanosat 5 competition.  The Nanosat 5 competition is a 2 year program with 11 competitors from universities around the nation. AggieSat3 will be testing technologies for Autonomous Rendezvous and Docking.

If you are interested, there are 3 orientation meetings in the coming weeks. 

-Tuesday, Sept. 4th at 700PM
-Thursday, Sept. 6th at 700PM
-Monday, Sept. 10th at 700PM
All meetings are in H.B. Bright Building RM124.

Due to International Trade and Arms Regulations (ITAR) only US and “good list” citizens may be members.

If you are unable to attend a meeting, and are still interested you may contact us

Richard Margulieux
rmargulieux@gmail.com

John Graves- AggieSat3 Program Manager
johntgraves@gmail.com

Devin Stancliffe- AggieSat2 Program Manager
dastancliffe@gmail.com

–
Richard Margulieux
AggieSat Lab
www.aggiesat.org
Lab Phone (979) 845-2826

I just installed Pidgin. Previously I was using an old version of the official AIM client. I was using AIM’s secure certificate mechanism. Unfortunately no one I know still uses the official aim client and so the cryptography was never used. It used to work very well. I became a certificate authority to all my friends. Then I issued everyone a key and it was great.

Now that all my friends are using Pidgin, GAim, or other smaller/older aim clients. I chose Pidgin because it is still undergoing active development but it is still trusted and mature. I installed the Pidgin-encrypt and off-the-record. Pidgin-encrypt provides nice cryptography. Off-the-record isn’t as secure, but it doesn’t stop message injection. I have both because some friends have one or the other.