About Me
I’m Mark Crosby; a technical problem solver with over 27 years of hands-on experience in IT, broadcast, and telecoms. My passion for computers started at the age of 8 when I got my first computer; the Acorn Electron; and began learning to program. From there, I progressed through the Commodore 64, the Amiga, and finally to various PCs, turning my early curiosity into a lifelong obsession with technology and logical problem-solving.
I’ve worked in a wide range of technical fields including telecommunications, IT support, website design and maintenance, network installation (both wired and wireless), and building audio links and outside broadcasting systems for local radio stations. I also have a strong background in television production, gained through my time at SETMW Television School in the 1990s. My experience includes camera operation, video editing, video mixing, presenting to camera, providing voice-overs, outside broadcast engineering, lighting and television graphics.
My interest in logical problem-solving extends to personality profiling. I have an INTP Myers-Briggs profile; known for analytical thinking and a love for fixing things. It fits well with my technical mindset.
What I Do
Over the years I’ve done everything from tech support to setting up full broadcast radio stations. My work includes:
- Designing and building broadcast playout systems
- Creating local TV and info screen solutions
- Automating streaming radio stations and playout systems
- FreePBX / Asterisk phone system setup and support
- Smart home and IoT setup (Home Assistant, automation)
- Linux server administration and troubleshooting
- Network setup and fault finding (wired and wireless)
- Custom software development for technical projects
- Logical problem solving for technical challenges
PlayoutPanel
PlayoutPanel is my modular broadcast playout system, designed for local TV, info screens, and online streaming. It features real-time overlays, scheduling, and live control; all built with flexibility and simplicity in mind.
I’m currently refining PlayoutPanel and using it to power services like Basildon TV.
My Approach
Like many technical people, I think a little differently. I'm autistic; which means I approach problems with logic, focus, and attention to detail. It also gives me a narrow but deep skill set in areas like broadcast technology, IT systems, and problem-solving. I believe thinking differently is a strength; and it shows in the projects I deliver.
Certifications
- CompTIA A+ Certified Professional
License: COMP001005159496 - Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP DST)
Microsoft Desktop Support Technician - Level 2 Diploma for IT Practitioners (ICT Systems Support)
City & Guilds - License: 0607/722437N/726224/JJH5169/1/27/78 - RSA CLAIT Level II
Basic Computer Literacy
Education
- 2009 - Microsoft Certification (Desktop Support Technician), Basildon ITEC
- 2006 - CompTIA A+ Certification with Distinction, Basildon College
- 2006 - City & Guilds Level II Diploma for IT Practitioners (ICT Systems Support), Basildon College
- 1999 - RSA CLAIT Level II (Computer Literacy) with Distinction, Basildon College
- 1994 - 9 GCSEs A-C, St. Peters High School