D
Don Y
Guest
On 8/15/2023 2:08 PM, boB wrote:
Ah, you did that, too?
\"Gee, I wish I could listen to this crystal set in my bedroom! Hmm,
it\'s got two wires and the outlet by my bed has two, as well...\"
I\'ve volunteered at a few groups that try to divert items from
landfills: reuse, repurpose, recycle. If I could repair something
that they could then give to some underprivileged kid, then it
solves two problems! Or, refurbish a bit of medical kit to send to
MX, central america, etc. (we even rescued an electron microscope!
Amazing the stuff people \"discard\") Or, refurbing electric wheelchairs
(nasty process as many are urine soaked, etc.).
[I built a system to \"sanitize\" disks prior to reuse \"quickly\".
Then, obsoleted it by automating a self-test procedure that
would run diagnostic code in the machine-to-be-rescued and
wipe the disk in the process. Then, install a new OS so it
could be warehoused until a need found]
The big problem is that folks who get things for free tend not to value
them. Or, they expect perpetual free support! (ain\'t gonna happen!)
[I\'ve subsequently refocused my efforts to address a \"better\" need]
Ah. My folks were factory workers. I learned most of the Trades
being around their many blue-collar family/associates (auto maintenance,
plumbing, carpentry, electrical, small engine repair, roofing, tuck
pointing, small/major appliance repair, etc.).
I had no specific interest in electronics; just figuring out how things
work and fixing them. Though I did *assemble* a Dynaco PAT5 & 400,
an AM transmitter and a few other \"toys\". Designed a digital lock
using parts salvaged from pin setters (!), a CDI, a setback thermostat,
keypad lock for the garage door opener, digital/microprocessor-based
timepieces, etc.
Folks around me knew nothing of electronics so anything in that realm I
had to learn on my own. Programs for gifted students in grammar school
exposed me to lots of other bits of science and, eventually, technology.
Now, my interests are more along the lines of how far into the fringes
I can push technology to do things better by adopting less conventional
approaches.
[And, of course, the always popular mind-f*cks that leave people
off-balance! (E.g., A clock that displays time in LEDs arranged as
*braille* cells)]
Not much knowledge of feenigs metro. Had a colleague who went to
work for Microchip (?) many years ago. But, most of the folks
I interact with, regularly, are self-employed so I can\'t comment
on \"normal work\".
Could be. I suspect it needs to not just be \"localized stability\".
E.g., I recall a metrology lab at a place I worked where they isolated
that corner of the building (heavy manufacturing equipment) and sank
supports deep into the bedrock to keep things from shaking.
It seems they make an effort to control the amount of skyward
light leaks (no doubt the emphasis on astronomy). The street
lights, parking lot illumination, etc. are all mandated to
control light pollution.
Our neighborhood is pretty dark -- except for the right-wingers
who live in perpetual fear of some crime being committed (IME,
most happens during daylight!).
I used to lie on the roof to watch the meteor showers but now
just stand, looking upward, on terra firma. It particularly makes
a difference for the Leonids!
> It\'s a bit hot right now in Phoenix so I am here in Everett and
Ah, you *noticed* that? :>
> Arlington, WA working while I am taking chemotherapy for cancer.
Sorry to hear that. Hopefully, it turns things around!
> Probably best being here until October or November.
Yeah, October tends to mark the return of the Winter Visitors...
when all the retail prices go up to take advantage of their
(coerced) largesse! :>
Don, you must be older like me ? I\'m 69.
\"Like\" is a relative term. :> But, yes, my career started almost 50
years ago. <frown
I started just over 50 years ago after high school, not counting the 7
years 5 or 6 years earlier building ham radio stuff at around age 12.
Certainly not counting the earlier years sticking things into AC
outlets, etc.
Ah, you did that, too?
\"Gee, I wish I could listen to this crystal set in my bedroom! Hmm,
it\'s got two wires and the outlet by my bed has two, as well...\"
I\'ve volunteered at a few groups that try to divert items from
landfills: reuse, repurpose, recycle. If I could repair something
that they could then give to some underprivileged kid, then it
solves two problems! Or, refurbish a bit of medical kit to send to
MX, central america, etc. (we even rescued an electron microscope!
Amazing the stuff people \"discard\") Or, refurbing electric wheelchairs
(nasty process as many are urine soaked, etc.).
[I built a system to \"sanitize\" disks prior to reuse \"quickly\".
Then, obsoleted it by automating a self-test procedure that
would run diagnostic code in the machine-to-be-rescued and
wipe the disk in the process. Then, install a new OS so it
could be warehoused until a need found]
The big problem is that folks who get things for free tend not to value
them. Or, they expect perpetual free support! (ain\'t gonna happen!)
[I\'ve subsequently refocused my efforts to address a \"better\" need]
Ah. My folks were factory workers. I learned most of the Trades
being around their many blue-collar family/associates (auto maintenance,
plumbing, carpentry, electrical, small engine repair, roofing, tuck
pointing, small/major appliance repair, etc.).
I had no specific interest in electronics; just figuring out how things
work and fixing them. Though I did *assemble* a Dynaco PAT5 & 400,
an AM transmitter and a few other \"toys\". Designed a digital lock
using parts salvaged from pin setters (!), a CDI, a setback thermostat,
keypad lock for the garage door opener, digital/microprocessor-based
timepieces, etc.
Folks around me knew nothing of electronics so anything in that realm I
had to learn on my own. Programs for gifted students in grammar school
exposed me to lots of other bits of science and, eventually, technology.
Now, my interests are more along the lines of how far into the fringes
I can push technology to do things better by adopting less conventional
approaches.
[And, of course, the always popular mind-f*cks that leave people
off-balance! (E.g., A clock that displays time in LEDs arranged as
*braille* cells)]
Not much knowledge of feenigs metro. Had a colleague who went to
work for Microchip (?) many years ago. But, most of the folks
I interact with, regularly, are self-employed so I can\'t comment
on \"normal work\".
Could be. I suspect it needs to not just be \"localized stability\".
E.g., I recall a metrology lab at a place I worked where they isolated
that corner of the building (heavy manufacturing equipment) and sank
supports deep into the bedrock to keep things from shaking.
It seems they make an effort to control the amount of skyward
light leaks (no doubt the emphasis on astronomy). The street
lights, parking lot illumination, etc. are all mandated to
control light pollution.
Our neighborhood is pretty dark -- except for the right-wingers
who live in perpetual fear of some crime being committed (IME,
most happens during daylight!).
I used to lie on the roof to watch the meteor showers but now
just stand, looking upward, on terra firma. It particularly makes
a difference for the Leonids!
> It\'s a bit hot right now in Phoenix so I am here in Everett and
Ah, you *noticed* that? :>
> Arlington, WA working while I am taking chemotherapy for cancer.
Sorry to hear that. Hopefully, it turns things around!
> Probably best being here until October or November.
Yeah, October tends to mark the return of the Winter Visitors...
when all the retail prices go up to take advantage of their
(coerced) largesse! :>