Dan Walter

Understanding LLMs

I’ve created somewhat of an introduction to large language models (LLMs) such as GPT in a way that should be genuinely helpful and insightful to anyone that reads it. This covers AI basics, how and why they work, and some early common pitfalls.

Understanding LLMs →

Insights and Perspectives in Contemporary AI

A deeper, more technical, and more philosophical dive into contemporary artificial intelligence, mainly LLMs. It builds on the fundamentals above with theories of effective use, advanced pitfalls, personal philosophy, and the debates currently shaping the field.

Insights & Perspectives →

How to Get A Job in Cybersecurity

I first built this presentation for my university’s cybersecurity club, then expanded it into a written guide covering practical steps, resources, and ideas for landing a role in the industry.

Cybersecurity Career Guide →

Pager Transmissions

I can receive POCSAG512, POCSAG1200, and POCSAG2400 transmissions, decode them, and display them in real time—assuming I’ve set up the antenna and a Linux VM. Two detective sergeants dropped by to talk about it, which turned into a surreal but entertaining afternoon.

The POCSAG Situation →

Weather Satellites

Using antennae I built myself, I track, listen to, and pull data from NOAA weather satellites as they pass overhead. It’s a satisfying blend of RF, weather, and DIY tinkering.

Weather Satellite Projects →

My Telescope

When the skies and schedule line up, I set up the telescope and go searching. Here are a few highlights from those nights out with the stars.

Telescope Gallery →

POCSAG Paper

A paper I wrote for my Network Security and Resilience class on why transmitting PII over pagers is still a problem. It earned the top mark for the semester.

Read the Paper →

Tesla Coils & High Voltage

A mid-2017 urge to build a functional tesla coil spiralled into a collection of electrical physics experiments. Future plans include a large solid-state DRSSTC and a working fusor chamber.

High Voltage Experiments →