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  • 5G: Everything You Need To Know

    So What Is 5G?..

    5G is the fifth generation of cellular network technology that is currently being rolled out globally. It is the successor to 4G and promises faster speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity than previous cellular networks.

    5G operates on higher frequency bands than previous cellular networks, allowing for greater bandwidth and faster data transfer speeds. It also uses new technologies such as Massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) and beamforming to improve network capacity and coverage.

    One of the main benefits of 5G is its high speed, which is expected to reach up to 20 Gbps, compared to the maximum speed of 4G which is around 1 Gbps. This increase in speed will allow for faster downloads and uploads, smoother video streaming, and improved online gaming experiences.

    In addition to speed, 5G also promises lower latency or the time it takes for a device to communicate with the network. This means that 5G networks will be able to respond to requests faster, allowing for real-time applications like remote surgery, autonomous vehicles, and smart cities.

    Another advantage of 5G is its increased capacity, which will enable more devices to be connected to the network simultaneously. This will be particularly important as the number of connected devices continues to grow, with estimates suggesting that there will be over 75 billion connected devices by 2025.

    However, the implementation of 5G has not been without controversy. There have been concerns about the potential health effects of the higher frequency bands used by 5G, as well as debates over the role of Chinese tech giant Huawei in the development of 5G infrastructure.

    Yes, the 5G promises to revolutionize the way we use and connect to the internet, with faster speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity. However, its rollout will require significant investment in infrastructure and may take several years to fully implement worldwide.

    Why 5G is better than 3G and 4G?

    5G offers several advantages over 3G and 4G cellular networks. Here are some of the key reasons why 5G is considered better:

    1. Faster Speeds: 5G is designed to be much faster than 3G and 4G. It is expected to offer download and upload speeds that are several times faster than what we get on 4G. This means that you can download files, stream videos, and perform other online tasks much faster on a 5G network.
    2. Lower Latency: Latency is the delay between when you request data and when you receive it. 5G is designed to have much lower latency than 3G and 4G, which means that data will travel faster and you will experience less lag when using online applications.
    3. Greater Capacity: 5G is designed to handle more devices and more data than 3G and 4G. This means that there will be less network congestion, and you will be able to use your phone or other devices in areas with a lot of people without experiencing a slowdown.
    4. Improved Coverage: 5G uses higher frequency bands that can penetrate walls and other obstacles better than the lower frequency bands used by 3G and 4G. This means that 5G signals can reach areas where 4G signals may struggle to penetrate.
    5. New Technologies: 5G introduces new technologies like Massive MIMO and beamforming, which improve network performance and coverage. These technologies enable the network to send and receive data more efficiently, which translates to faster speeds and better coverage.

    As you see the 5G is a significant improvement over 3G and 4G in terms of speed, latency, capacity, coverage, and the introduction of new technologies. These benefits will enable new applications and services that were not possible on earlier generations of cellular networks, making it a game-changer for the way we use and connect to the internet.

    5G Stats For Nerds

    Here are some statistics related to the current state of 5G technology:

    1. Global 5G Connections: As of 2021, there are an estimated 300 million 5G connections worldwide. This number is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, with forecasts suggesting that there will be over 3.5 billion 5G connections by 2025.
    2. 5G Infrastructure Investment: The global investment in 5G infrastructure is estimated to reach $200 billion per year by 2025, according to a report by GSMA. This investment will be used to build new 5G networks, upgrade existing infrastructure, and deploy new 5G-enabled devices.
    3. 5G Network Coverage: As of 2021, 5G network coverage is still limited compared to 4G. According to a report by OpenSignal, 5G is available in around 60 countries worldwide, but coverage is generally limited to urban areas.
    4. 5G Speeds: 5G promises to offer much faster speeds than 4G, and early tests have shown that this is the case. According to a report by Speedtest, the average download speed on 5G networks is around 180 Mbps, compared to around 50 Mbps on 4G networks.
    5. 5G Adoption: The adoption of 5G-enabled devices is increasing rapidly. According to a report by Strategy Analytics, 5G smartphones accounted for around 37% of all smartphone shipments in Q1 2021, up from 24% in Q4 2020.

    These statistics highlight the rapid growth of 5G technology, but also the challenges that remain in terms of network coverage and infrastructure investment. As 5G networks continue to expand and improve, we can expect to see even more impressive statistics in the years to come.

    Are There Any Hazards Of 5G?

    There are concerns about the potential hazards of 5G, particularly related to the higher frequency bands used by the technology. Here are some of the potential hazards associated with 5G:

    1. Health Risks: Some people worry that the higher frequency bands used by 5G could be harmful to human health. While there is no conclusive evidence of this, some studies suggest that prolonged exposure to radiofrequency radiation could increase the risk of cancer and other health problems.
    2. Privacy Concerns: 5G enables more devices to be connected to the internet, which could raise privacy concerns. As more devices are connected, there is more data being generated and shared, which could be vulnerable to cyber attacks and other privacy breaches.
    3. Environmental Impact: The rollout of 5G will require the installation of many new cell towers and other infrastructure, which could have an environmental impact. There are concerns about the use of energy and resources required to build and maintain this infrastructure, as well as the potential impact on wildlife and ecosystems.
    4. Cybersecurity Risks: 5G introduces new cybersecurity risks, as more devices are connected to the internet and more data is generated and shared. There are concerns about the potential for cyber attacks on 5G networks and the devices connected to them.
    5. Cost: The rollout of 5G will require significant investment in infrastructure, which could be costly. This cost could be passed on to consumers, making 5G more expensive than previous generations of cellular networks.

    While these potential hazards should be considered, it’s important to note that 5G technology is still in its early stages of development and many of these concerns can be mitigated with proper regulation and management.

    What Comes After 5G?..

    If you’re asking is the 5G a final technology for mobile? Here’s a quick answer:

    No, 5G is not the final technology for mobile. Technology is constantly evolving, and researchers and engineers are already working on the development of future cellular network technologies that will go beyond 5G.

    Currently, research and development efforts are focused on the development of 6G technology. 6G is expected to offer even faster speeds, lower latency, and greater reliability than 5G. It is also expected to enable new applications and use cases, such as augmented reality and virtual reality, haptic communication, and advanced robotics.

    It’s worth noting that 6G technology is still in the early stages of development, and it is likely to be several years before it becomes commercially available. Beyond 6G, there is also ongoing research into 7G and beyond, although it is difficult to predict exactly what these technologies will look like at this stage.

    In summary, while 5G is currently the most advanced technology for mobile networks, it is not the final technology, and there will likely be further advancements in the future.

  • Simple Astrophotography Guide

    In this article, I’ll introduce you to the world of astrophotography, including the equipment you need, the best techniques for capturing amazing photos, and some tips for getting the most out of your star photography experience. And you don’t even have to be an astronomy amateur to start exploring space!

    To me, astrophotography is a fascinating hobby that allows me to capture the beauty of the night sky in ways that are impossible to see with our naked eyes. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a beginner, astrophotography offers a unique challenge and an opportunity to capture some truly breathtaking images. With the right equipment and a little bit of practice, anyone can take stunning photos of the stars, planets, and galaxies that make up our night sky.

    So read on my advice from many years of experience taking simple and beautiful pictures of the night sky!

    Milky Way over building
    (Milky Way over artistically transformed windmill)

    Equipment for Astrophotography

    I started with a simple Canon Ixus 70 (that wasn’t even a DSLR!) and without any idea or budget for the right astrophoto procedure. And yet, I kept shooting lots of objects and situations and that was the way I slowly learned more about astronomy – better cameras, lenses, settings, tripods, and so on.

    Here I will say that one of the most important things you’ll need for astrophotography is a good camera. Ideally, you’ll want a camera that allows you to control the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings manually, as this will give you more control over your photos. Many photographers use a DSLR or mirrorless cameras for astrophotography, but you can also start by using a smartphone with a good camera and dedicated app (the latest Samsungs and iPhones are the choice). Sidenote: I believe that the future is mirrorless cameras and smartphones, just look at the pace of progress these things make!

    (A mirrorless camera on a tripod capturing our Milky Way Galaxy by Insung Yoon)

    In addition to a camera, you’ll also need a tripod to keep your camera steady while taking photos. This is especially important for astrophotography, as even the slightest movement can cause your photos to come out blurry. You can start with a cheap and light tripod (I did with a travel tripod that was only 400 grams) and this way you will learn why and when you should use a heavy and more pro tripod (or even monopod).

    Bonus tip: you can even use a selfie stick as a tripod for smaller cameras or your smartphone (with a dedicated night photo app), you can simply stick it into beach sand or buy a cheap base plate with a standard mounting screw on it.

    Finally, at some point, you might want to try a good telescope or lens to capture the stars and other celestial objects. There are many different options available, but some of the most popular scopes include the Celestron NexStar 6SE telescope, the Sky-Watcher 10-inch Dobsonian telescope, and the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens.

    (Photographing the Sun with a filter on telescope)

    If you’re shooting large night sky objects, like Milky Way, best use a wide lens with fixed focus. And if you’re shooting deep space objects (galaxies, nebulas, planets) you will need a “zoom” lens (something above 300mm).

    Important: telescope must have an electronic tracking motor (with software and remote) to avoid the star shots being blurry – and you can either attach your camera (or phone) directly to the telescope (using an adapter ring) or strap the camera with its lens to a telescope that does the tracking for you.

    Techniques for Astrophotography

    On the first try, you will see that one of the most important things to keep in mind when taking astrophotography photos is that you’ll need a long exposure time. This means that you’ll need to keep the shutter open for several seconds (or even minutes) to capture enough light from the stars. It usually involves switching the camera to fully manual mode (“M” on Nikon or Canon), or choosing a setting that’s called “Night Portrait” or “15sec” or “Long Exposure” on a simpler non-DSLR cam (like my old friend Ixus 70).

    To avoid camera shaking during long exposures, use a remote shutter release or the self-timer function on your camera. I know it is easy with Nikon cameras (you can buy a super cheap remote from eBay or Ali), and not so with Canons. The remote allows you to take photos without touching the camera, which can cause vibrations that will affect the quality of your photos.

    Pro tip: don’t stress out if you don’t have a camera remote – remember that you can always use its timer setting. I recommend using 5 or 10-second timers, that way if you have a cheap tripod all the vibration will have stopped when the timer triggers a shot.

    (My Nikon remote, costs about two dollars)

    Another important technique for astrophotography is to use a high ISO setting. This will allow you to capture more light and produce brighter, more detailed photos. However, using a high ISO can also introduce noise into your photos, so you’ll need to find the right balance between brightness and noise reduction. More recent cameras, especially the Sony A7 monsters, will allow you to make great images even with higher ISOs.

    When I started, I did use an automatic preference for white balance. But you can experiment with your camera and see what color fits your taste (warmer or colder end temperatures). Tip: if you choose to shoot in RAW (takes up more space, and I do use it rarely), the WB setting can be changed easily later in your computer software.

    (“Aurora Borealis” that I took with my D5100 and a KIT-lens)

    If you like to play with image software, you can consider using stacking techniques to enhance the quality of your photos (this is popular when shooting deep-sky objects). What is stacking? It involves taking multiple photos of the same object and combining them into a single image using special software. It’s true that tacking can help to reduce noise, increase detail, and produce sharper images. Remember: for stacking you will shoot in RAW and somewhere from a couple of tens to a couple of hundred frames just to make that one final image!

    Tips for Successful Astrophotography

    If you’re new to astrophotography, there are a few tips that can help you get the most out of your experience. First, try to find a location with minimal light pollution, as this will make it easier to see and photograph the stars. You can use apps or websites like Dark Sky Finder to find dark sky locations near you. Believe me, any close light source will ruin your experience, so don’t be lazy and move to a darker location!

    (Example of dark locations from Dark Sky Finder)

    Additionally, it’s important to be patient when taking astrophotography photos. You may need to take many photos before you get one that you’re happy with, so don’t get discouraged if your first attempts don’t turn out as well as you’d hoped. Please try different settings on your camera, don’t be stuck with one single way of shooting, this might have a dramatic increase in your results!

    Another tip is to be familiar with the night sky. Knowing what you’re looking at can help you choose the best objects to photograph and can also help you plan your photo sessions. There are many resources available to help you learn about the night sky, including astronomy apps and websites. You can even to your local library and pull up some astronomy books with star charts, that’s so romantic!

    (Just an image of stairs with stars in the background while staying at a camping)

    If you are a social animal, consider joining a local astronomy club or online community. These groups can provide valuable support and advice for astrophotography enthusiasts, as well as opportunities to meet other people who share your passion for the night sky. Today there are many online groups on Facebook, WhatsApp, or Telegram (if there is none in your area, good, you can create your own and gather like-minded folks together!). One popular topic for such groups is Aurora hunting (the Northern Lights photographers).

    Astrophotography Topics & Ideas

    I believe there are a hundred subjects you can become an expert in or simply an advanced astronomy amateur (even up to a level of citizen scientist!), but here’s a short list of my ideas where you can start by trying them one after other:

    • Moon photography (to me this never gets old, because Moon changes phases every month)
    • Sun photography (our closest star is interesting, but don’t fry your sensor – use sun filters!)
    • Milky Way (our own galactic plane in different seasons or with different backgrounds)
    • Deep sky objects (other galaxies, nebulas, colorful double stars or star clusters)
    • Auroras (Northern Lights is all the rage these days, I’m sure you’ve heard about it)
    • Noctilucent Clouds (you’ve probably seen them but ignored this beautiful night sky phenomenon)
    • Planets & Comets (did you know Venus changes phases just like Moon? And Jupiter or Saturn are our giants! And how about being the first to discover a new comet?!)
    • Meteors & Satellites (meteors are fast and colorful, but satellites like the “Starlink train” are also an amazing experience)
    (Close-up image of Moon by Troy Williams)

    What’s next?

    Well, it’s up to you – as I mentioned in this article, just take any camera you have and go out at night a couple of times to try it out. You will learn the settings quickly, you will like the many satellites flying above you, and you shall learn to look deeper into the Cosmos. The Space is epic, and I hope you will have clear skies!!!

    (I was lucky to witness planet Venus transit our Sun’s disc)

    P.S. Thanks to Dima Kletsel for the main image of the Milky Way on top of my article!

  • Epic Facts About Space

    I am an Astronomy amateur since I was a kid at school. It’s funny now when I remember how together with my best friend we were reading all the sci-fi books there were in our school’s library 🙂 Those stories kickstarted my interest into real science of Space. Later I got binoculars from my father, and then even a small telescope (Bresser!).

    Then came my studying years and the career of an adult, and for a while, I forgot about my cosmic hobby… But now I’m back to it because in recent years I started to follow astronomy and space tech thanks to so many advances in space exploration (SpaceX, NASA), and news about cosmos becoming more mainstream in general (also thanks to social networks).

    I think this is the best time to be a fan of astronomy, space travel, and all the cosmic wonders that are really just about to happen. So here’s my list of truly epic space facts!

    Deep Cosmos Facts

    I’m always wondering about the “real space travel” – will we ever get to other stars or reach speeds close to FTL?.. And here are some facts about space beyond our Solar system:

    • It’s calculated that there are more galaxies in observable universe than there are stars in our Milky Way galaxy.
    • The nearest star to us is Proxima Centauri, about 4.22 light-years away, and with our current rocket tech it is impossible to reach…
    • Largest known star is “UY Scuti” and it is approximately 1,700 times larger than our Sun.
    • Scientists now believe that the Universe is estimated to be almost 14 billion years old.
    • The Milky Way galaxy is our home Galaxy and it has an estimated 100 billion stars and 100 trillion planets as our neighbors. Think about that number of planets!!!
    • The temperature in space is around -454.81 Fahrenheit or about -270 Celsius.
    • Today the largest known galaxy is “IC 1101“, and it is estimated to be around 6 million light years across. It’s like 60 times the size of our Galaxy!
    • The fastest spacecraft launched from our planet is the Parker Solar Probe. Now it’s traveling at a speed of 213,200 mph or 343,000 kilometers per hour.
    • Our first spacecraft that left Solar system is Voyager 1, and it did that just recently in 2012.
    • Universe is expanding at an accelerating rate, and no one knows will it continue to expand or stop at some point…
    Milky Way over building
    Here’s a photo I took of an old windmill with Milky Way.

    Thank you for being an astronomy fan & keep exploring and watching the night skies!

    Also thanks to Jackson Hendry for that beautiful image of our Milky Way Galaxy in my main title image of this blog post.

  • How To Bleed A Radiator

    I’m trying to give you a simple demonstration of how to bleed a radiator on your own:

    You should have a simple screwdriver and a dirty cloth.

    This kind of radiator is common in Europe, and all you have to do to bleed excess air from it – just turn that little screw a little bit and the air will come out.

    As the water (probably a dirty one) starts to come after the air, you can close that screw again. And that’s it, your radiators should be getting warmer in couple of minutes.

  • Sony Ericsson ELM Video Sample

    Here’s my sample video from Sony Ericsson ELM I used to own in 2010.

    That was an awesome mobile phone because it had a superb video camera for that time (I think that was 720p) and a handy cool design!

    It also had other features that I was using, like a functional web browser that I used to Tweet even pics 😀 Is Sony Ericsson ELM worth buying in 2023? Yes, absolutely!

    I did post my sample video from ELM on YouTube in February 2011, it has original audio and the clip itself is pretty much raw without any editing. I think it was about -10 or -20 Celsius out that day…

    About Sony Ericsson ELM

    The Sony Ericsson ELM was a mobile phone that was released in 2010. It was part of the GreenHeart series of phones, which are designed to be more environmentally friendly. The ELM is a feature phone, meaning it is not a smartphone, but it still offers a range of useful features, like a steps counter or really good camera. One of the key features of the ELM is its eco-friendly design. The phone was made from recycled plastic, and it has a low power consumption.

    Sony Ericsson Elm 2010
    Official image of Sony Ericsson ELM from 2010.

    Additionally, the phone has an “Eco-Friendly” mode, which reduces power consumption even further, and I remember using it time after time.

    The ELM has a 2.2-inch QVGA display that did provide a clear and bright image. The phone has a 2-megapixel camera, which is not high-end by any means, but it still allows you to take basic photos and good videos as in my example above. The camera also has a flash and a self-timer.

    The ELM is a very basic phone, but it still has a few features that are worth mentioning. It has a built-in FM radio, and it also has a built-in MP3 player.

    The phone also had a basic web browser, which allows you to browse the internet sites and I did it anytime I needed info online. That browser was usable back in 2010 🙂

    I wish that I could buy ELM today in a perfect condition because I loved the way it felt in my hand and it’s a great camera!

  • Handling Film in Zenit Cameras

    So here is my short and simple example of how to handle the photo film in Zenit, the USSR camera.

    How To Remove Film From Zenit-E Camera

    WARNING: You should always be careful because it is extremely easy to tear the film while taking out of this camera!

    How To Unwind Film From Zenit-E Camera USSR

    I’ve had a couple of Zenits, one was defective (exposing one half of the image more than the other).

    But I loved them as being pieces of old-school tech, and feeling pretty heavy in my hand 😀

    What is “Zenit”?

    Zenit was a USSR brand of film cameras that were made starting in the 50s.

    Here are some features of Zenit cameras:

    Zenit cameras are generally inexpensive and have a reputation for being rugged and reliable, even by today’s standards and from my experience.

    I’d say that most of the Zenit cameras use the M42 lens mount, which was widely used in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe.

    But today M42 is not a big problem, you can buy “M42” adapter for these old lenses even to use them on your brand new Nikon or Canon!

    Some Zenit cameras, such as the Zenit E and Zenit ET, have built-in light meters, they are handy but you have to make sure they still work.

    Zenit cameras have been produced in a variety of formats, including 35mm, medium format, and large format.

    Zenit cameras are often used by photographers who are interested in film photography or who want a cheap, reliable camera for everyday use.

    Is the Zenit a copy of the Japanese camera?

    While the brand has a long history of original and copycat products, it is not a copy of a Japanese camera.

    Zenit cameras were developed and produced in Russia (USSR), and they have their own distinct design and features.

    Most Zenit cameras are known for their simplicity and durability, and they have been popular with photographers for many years, including myself.

    Even now you can find Zenit film cameras in European classified ad sites for about 20~30 euros (~30 USD).

    While there are many other film camera brands to choose from, Zenit has a loyal fan base following of photographers who appreciate the brand’s focus on functionality and reliability.

    Alternatives to Zenit film cameras?

    I think there are several other alternatives to Zenit film cameras that you might consider, depending on your preferences and budget.

    Canon AE-1: This is a classic film camera that was introduced in 1976 and is still widely popular today. It’s known for its durability, versatility, and ease of use, making it a good choice for beginners and experienced photographers alike.

    Nikon FM: This is another classic film camera that is known for its build quality and versatility. It has a wide range of manual controls, making it a good choice for photographers who want to have more control over their images.

    Pentax K1000: This camera is known for being reliable and easy to use, making it a popular choice for beginners and students. It has a simple, no-frills design, but it offers a wide range of manual controls for those who want to experiment with different settings.

    Minolta X-700: This camera was introduced in 1981 and is known for its durability and reliability. It has a range of manual controls, making it a good choice for photographers who want to have more control over their images.

    As I haven’t used any of them (except for one Canon SLR camera) I can’t give you more detailed review of them.

    (The main image of this gorgeous Zenit camera is by MatteoSunbreeze from Pixabay).

  • Sample Video Of My Dashcam Overmax Camroad 2.5

    So I happen to buy in hurry this super cheap dashcam from “Overmax” and here’s a demo of how it performs at night / in low light conditions.

    Quick answer: it’s bad quality!

    But, no matter the fact it can’t record license plates at night, it will still give visual proof of whose fault was in any dangerous situation.

    Please watch my encounter with a nerve-tingling situation on a road curve, as this is a raw video skip to 1m:47s for the action:

    Overmax dashcam was recording my way back home one dark evening when a stressful situation happened on road – a head-on car ran out of its lane straight into my lane…

    I’m lucky I had a space to run out of harm’s way! And yes, I was driving a ’98 Volvo S80, that Swedish tank.

    And thanks for the main image of my article by Evgeni Tcherkasski from Pixabay!

  • Antonov An-225 Video Tour By Me

    I was lucky to visit our airport and witness the world’s biggest airplane landing in person. Here I give you a simple video collection so you can experience Antonov An-225 via my videos!

    The Landing Video of An-225

    We had to wait like two hours next to the runway, but it was worth it 🙂 As soon as I spotted the Antonov in the sky, I started filming it with my old superzoom camera (it has 40x optical zoom, but glitchy autofocus). Shortly before Mriya landed there was a moment when An225 seemed to “hover” in the sky.

    Antonov An-225 Dust Clouds

    Here you can see some dust clouds being produced by its six jet engines while waiting for takeoff. You will see more dust in the middle of the video. I don’t know if the pilots were waiting for a go from RIX tower, or if they were just performing the usual checklist before taking this beast into the skies.

    An-225 Take Off

    I must say that the takeoff distance for Mriya looks very short for a plane this size! And the dust clouds it generates upon speeding along the runway, wow!!! And yes, the runway was inspected and cleaned both after landing and taking off.

    It’s so sad now that this giant airplane is gone… Yes, there are rumors that Ukraine is going to build another An-225, but even if it’s true, we will probably have to wait for another decade before we can spot it in our airports 😉

    Antonov AN225

    About Antonov An-225

    The Antonov An-225 Mriya was the largest airplane in the world. It’s name was “Mriya” and it was built in Soviet times (80s) by Antonov Design Bureau

    Originally its task was to transport the Buran Space Shuttle for the failed Soviet space program to copy NASA.

    Antonov transporting Buran
    Antonov transporting Buran, image from Wikipedia by Vasiliy Koba.

    This Antonov plane has a maximum takeoff weight of 1.4 million pounds (640 000 in kilos), it has six engines, and a wingspan of 88.4 meters (it’s 290 feet).

    The cargo compartment of the Mriya is measuring 43 meters long (141 feet), and 8 meters wide (26 feet), and 4.4 meters high (14.4 feet).

    This airplane has been used to transport oversized cargo such as generators, massive military cargo, construction equipment, and once it even flew a life-size replica of a woolly mammoth.

    In 2001, the An-225 set a world record for the heaviest single cargo item ever transported by air, carrying a generator weighing in at 186,880 kg (412,000 lbs).

    An-225 has a maximum range of 15,400 kilometers (that’s 9,600 miles) with it’s capacity for maximum payload 250,000 kilos (~550,000 lbs).

    Thank you for being an aviation enthusiast!

  • My Hercules C-130J Landing Tour

    How I watched “Super Hercules” planes land and even got inside one of them!

    This was one of my few visits to airports as part of special planespotting events organized for media teams. As I was blogging back then about flights and aviation in general, I got invited together with many others to military airport where the mighty Hercules “C130s” would land for the first time. It was worth it, if you ever have a chance to visit an event just for media, do it!

    First C-130J Hercules airplanes landing at Lielvarde air base, 17 June 2014.

    What is “Super Hercules” or C-130J?

    1. The C-130J Super Hercules is a military aircraft variation from a “Hercules” aircraft produced by Lockheed Martin since the 50s.
    2. The maximum takeoff weight of C-130J is 155,000 pounds (70,000 kg) and this military craft can carry a payload of up to 42,000 pounds (19,000 kilos).
    3. Super Hercules is powered by 4 Allison AE2100D3 turboprop engines, each producing 4,591 horsepower (imagine that your average car produces 100 to 150 hp).
    4. The C-130J has a cruising speed of approximately 480 mph (772 km per hour) and a range of 2,079 miles (3,350 km), now that’s like half across Europe!
    5. Hercules is famous for its capacity to land on short unprepared runways, making it suitable for a wide range of missions in super-challenging environments (like the everyday war zone action).
    6. C-130J Super Hercules can be configured for cargo and troop transport, and aerial refueling, also search and rescue, and special ops.
    7. The aircraft has advanced avionics and navigation systems, including a digital autopilot and an advanced digital moving map display. And I’ve been in the cockpit of this beautiful plane, it’s now pretty hi-tech upgraded!
    8. It also has a self-defense system that includes radar warning receivers and chaff and flare dispensers to protect it from incoming rockets and SAMs.
    9. The C-130J has been used by many militaries around the world, not just the US.
    10. The U.S. Air Force has more than 200 “Super Hercules” aircraft in service. Don’t mind the cost of it 😀
    11. The C-130J is also used by the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Special Operations Command, that’s how reliable it is.
    12. Lockheed Martin still builds and sells these, and as of today it has delivered more than 300 Super Hercules aircraft to buying customers all around the world.
    13. And one more cool fact: the C-130J Super Hercules is a reliable aircraft, with many operators reporting that it has high mission readiness rates. It’s like “Okey, we have a situation, so let’s roll!”

  • My most viewed images on Flickr

    Over years I have submitted hundreds of images on the Flickr platform, and I wanted to share the top images by popularity from my Flickr stream.

    As of today, I have over 2 mln views of my images (total of 3,600 uploads), with about 1300 tags I added, and I am in about 90 Flickr groups (I recommend joining groups so that you can get more exposure to your unique material).

    Do I still like being part of Flickr in 2021? Yes! I’m on this photo community since 2006, and I like to watch my stats and faves, and comments others leave.

    Most popular pictures by me on Flickr

    Nr 1
    My most viewed image with 44K views – a friend of mine just posing on an everyday walk by the lighthouse. I took this beautiful portrait with my Nikon D40:

    Nr 2
    Next comes a funny image of a cat I captured by accident while visiting a pet expo. It has over 30K views, and was taken in 2003 with a simple camera Canon PowerShot A60:

    Nr 3
    Again, a portrait of my friend from the same day we walked by the sea, this is a close-up that many have liked so much. With almost 18K views, and a CC license, I think it’s probably now used on lots of websites:

    Nr 4
    A negative image of a microphone that I even don’t remember where I took it! It has 17K views and it’s now 11 years old picture out here on Flickr:

    Nr 5
    This was just a traffic jam of trams in my neighborhood, while I walked to my work. I don’t know why it has 11 000 views, since 2008, but here it is:

    Nr 6
    Picture of an old lighthouse wreck made back in 2006, it has 10K views on Flickr, and super crazy color saturation done with IrfanView. With only 3 faves and six comments, I still love this image:

    Nr 7
    With 7,7K views, this image was one of the first ones I uploaded to Flickr. Just a beautiful looking product, colorful soap:

    Nr 8
    I took this photograph of a bicycle in winter standing next to the frozen sea. Again I don’t know why there are six thousand views, but here’s the simplest image of a bicycle:

    Nr 9
    A cat inspecting the dinner table, how about that! I captured this curious moment almost too late! I am happy I was able to freeze this moment in time, that was in 2008 and this cat isn’t among us anymore, so here goes his immortal memory from the cloud:

    Nr 10
    “Evening Swim” is how I named this atmospheric photograph of my friend while going for a swim one late evening in 2012. It has a little more than 4K views and eleven faves on Flickr, but at the same time 2,2mln views and 5,7K downloads on my Unsplash profile, wow:

    Nr 11
    Orange on a beach, is quite a simple image, but given its CC license free for use for other people, it has about four thousand views and God knows how many downloads:

    Nr 12
    A cute little dog of “The Pekingese” breed I photographed while visiting my relatives. The story was they had to keep him chained, otherwise, he would run off into the village and do all kinds of errands… With more than 3K views, this is the final image I want to include in my “Most viewed Flickr gallery”:

    Well, as you can see, all of my top images are different. Yes, part of them is “pretty girls” kind, but I think you can have many other kinds of most-viewed tops. It all depends on what you are shooting, is it nature or nighttime photography, or portraits, or even street photography… And keep in mind, all of my images presented here are free to use via the license I have set, which means you can simply put them on your blog or modify and transform and reuse them elsewhere!

    Should you CC license your Flickr?

    Yes, absolutely. This is one of the things I encourage other photographers to do (either amateurs or professionals) is that you license your images with CC (Creative Commons). And this is the reason I recently created my own portal where I’m sharing my images for free!

    Because that gives other people the opportunity to use your images for their blogs, news articles, and even Wikipedia pages (as with some of my images too).

    Believe me, it is a great feeling to see your, sometimes pretty simple ones, pics used as book covers or on multiple blogs about the beauty of motivation 🙂

    Follow my Flickr profile here. And thank you for reading, I hope that by sharing my experience I have helped somebody!