I have a fascination with computers and the internet. Trained as a programmer and with a deep love of electronics, I tend to have several projects bubbling around in my head at any one time.
During my time in the RAF I worked on many IT systems, including managing IT infrastructure for three frontline squadrons. After leaving the RAF I retrained as a Learning Disability Nurse, qualifying in 2014.
Shortly after qualifying I was struck with early-onset Parkinson's Disease, around 2015, along with a few other conditions, which led to early retirement. Design, creativity, and building things have been a big part of my life — something I am doing my best to hold on to.
This little corner of the internet is my personal playground: a place to try things out, stay sharp, and keep the brain ticking over. Every project here runs on a Raspberry Pi home network at orcnet.co.uk.
- 1980s Trained in programming: COBOL, Pascal, dBase IV. Early enthusiasm for computing and electronics.
- 1988 — RAF HALTON Enrolled as 12 Flight intake at RAF Halton. RAF Electronics Engineering. Designated callsign: Uncle Bulgaria.
- RAF SERVICE Electronics Engineer specialising in IT infrastructure. Managed systems for three frontline squadrons. Amateur radio licence G7SYQ obtained during service.
- POST-RAF Medically retired from RAF. Retrained in healthcare, pursuing a career in nursing.
- 2014 Qualified as a Learning Disability Nurse.
- 2015 Early-onset Parkinson's Disease diagnosis. Medical retirement. Current stage: 3–4.
- 2024 — PRESENT Running the OrcNet Pi network. Boot.dev Python course. Small projects to keep the brain active and creativity alive. This site is the result.
Enquiries and amateur radio contacts welcome.
Email: Andy.Orchiston@orcnet.co.uk
Domain: orcnet.co.uk