The Basics

Name: Rachel Owens

Pronouns: She/Her

Age: 28

Day Job: Substation Engineer/Safety Rules Advisor

Location: Lancashire and York

See more on pronouns.page

Social Media

Mastodon: @rowens@mastodonapp.uk

Bluesky: @itsrach.bsky.social

My Blog

You can find my blog, "Rachel Has Problems" here.

The blog runs on a system written from scratch by myself, I started the project in 2020 and I'm (very) slowly continuing to develop the blog software further. I'm also hoping to post more content there soon.

My Voluntary Commitments

Proud to be a booking clerk and trainee guard on the Keighly and Worth Valley Railway (KWVR)

Previous voluntary commitments have included broadcast radio (more below)

My Projects

Here's a list of featured completed projects:

• Train Simulator Controller - Levers and switches for making driving easier when using Train Simulator. Using a Waveshare RP2040 Zero, this controller invokes keystrokes to control the simulator. Yes, it's an over the top keyboard.


• Remote PC Power On Relay - WOL was invented for this, WOL doesn't work with my PC for whatever reason... It's a plastic box with a smart home relay that closes a NO contact wired in parallel with the main power switch. So technic, much wow. #h4ck3r

Here's a list of ongoing projects, sadly some of stalled due to other commitments:

• SATNOGS VHF Groundstation - Currently offline due to a risk of the antenna falling. I've got a new antenna clamp that needs fitting to the side of the house. As of May 2024, the ground station has made over 22,000 observations with a 90% success rate. You can view the SATNOGS ground station page here.


• Replacement Circuit Board/Microcontroller for Altigen iFusion Docking Station - I have a real soft spot for old telephone handsets, and when I first saw the Altigen iFusion docking station I just knew I had to try and get one! I have a couple of these docks (what?! it's fun slamming the handset down when you've had enough) and one of those sits on my desk at work connected to my work mobile. Sadly it stopped working after a PAT test (I have my suspicions) and so I'm creating a new control board using a Bluetooth Module and a Pimoroni Tiny 2040


• My Blog, and the software it runs on - During the UK COVID Lockdown in 2020, I started work on my own blogging software/system. The software doesn't have a name, but it does have a custom editor and user management system. Development is slow and there's things on my to do list that have been there for a couple of years now, however it works and is currently running my blog "Rachel Has Problems"


• 3D Printing - I own a Voxelab Aquila 3D Printer and frequently use it to produce various parts for my other projects (such as my SATNOGS antenna, which uses a custom printed 3D enclosure). I use RS DesignSpark Mechanical for CAD designs, and Cura for slicing. Some of my most recent 3D printing work has been for STEM outreach carried out by my employer, which has consisted of printing models of various types of substation equipment including Power Transformers and Circuit Breakers

Ameteur Radio

I've been a licensed ameteur radio operator since April 2021

My callsign is M7CBR

Broadcast Radio

Previously I've done radio presenting at both hospital and community radio stations in the North West, also getting involved in some elements of broadcast engineering. I do miss being on air, sadly I think my presenting days are now behind me as my day job ultimately pays the bills and I fear there is no appitite for trans voices on the air with the current climate. I hope this changes.

Big-ass Video Cameras

I own two HD prosumer video cameras, A Sony HVR-HD1000E and a Sony HXR-MC2000E. The HD1000E uses Mini DV so isn't the easiest thing to use, and the MC2000E although digital, has an issue with the charging circuitry and won't work on mains. It can be a bit hit and miss with batteries I'm finding too. Regardless, this is a good example of why I really should stop looking at ebay when a)I go to bed, b)When I wake up in the morning.

My Transition

I've been transitioning in some form since 2019 and in 2023 I started on prescribed HRT medication. I want to be open about my journey and story so if you have a question relating to my transition, you can submit that here.