most do, i had the program for my Z to tweak parameters on the fly then save it to the chip, that was back in 94
Posted on 12/28/2014 12:12:37 PM PST by familyop
Danielle George, Professor of Radio Frequency Engineering, at the University of Manchester, claims that the under 40s expect everything to ‘just work’ and have no idea what to do when things go wrong...This year’s Royal Institution Christmas Lectures are entitled ‘Sparks will fly: How to hack your home’ she is hoping it will inspire people to think what else they can do with common household objects...Ideas include using a magnifying glass and shoe box to turn a mobile phone into a rudimentary projector; how to use tin foil to make too small batteries fit correctly and how to turn a bottle of water into a lamp.
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
When I was a young boy I had a fascination with not only traditional electrical and mechanical tinkering like boys [used to] do, but I loved doing more “girly” things like decorating and crafts. I was taught how to use the sewing machine, had my cousin’s weaving loom on loan for a summer, and used to love macreme and origami... which the origami was an offshoot of being mastering the art of paper airplane making.
I don’t have a sewing machine, but do have a fancy tin that had chocolates in it at one point and it has all my sewing supplies in it. I was actually looking at an old treadle sewing machine nearby on craigslist... it would fit in at the homestead... I just dunno when I would ever use it because I am constantly dealing with plumbing, electrical, fencing, cutting/hauling wood for heat... and tending animals.
I really wish I had help sometimes. The farm is a lot of work alone.
Yes, the VIN and/or options are required for getting new units, because getting one for the right options and engine specs is a good thing.
Do those computers have EEPROMS in them? If so, that makes it even more interesting (thinking EEPROM flashers).
I go to the farm auctions often... but the big problem I have is hauling. St3p one is probably to get a decent trailer... cheap.
Kids who learn trades will be able to name their price in the near future. “Have a faucet leaking? That’ll be $300 please.”
“The light bulb doesn’t make contact in the socket? Electrical is a lot higher. That’ll be $400 please.”
Maybe I should put planning, designing and building a machine for faster and easier textile work on our list of projects. That is, for spinning, and maybe another one for making fabric.
We have to call in somebody if the toilet acts up? You’re joking, right?
I used to work on the largest air conditioning systems 150 tons and up and I used to do my own car repairs. I was also a maintenance mechanic before I retired and had a strong electrical background in commercial wiring.
Now days if my van or pick up breaks down it goes to the shop. Twice I've had $20 sensors leave me sitting out somewhere and had to get a tow. Sensors that were not there on the older coil and breaker points ignition systems. Unless you have the diagnostic tools and codes troubleshooting anything these days is difficult. Last month a sensor went out on our van. I didn't have days to track it down so it went to the shop because I needed it back ASAP. My pick up is a 95 F-150. Just to change the plugs and wires requires a person to be a contortionist. Used too on the older trucks even with large block V-8 you could sit on the wheel well under the hood. Government mandates changed how vehicles are put together. The days of the shade tree mechanic are all but gone.
As for refrigerators? It's simple economics. Anything beyond a defrost timer or fan motor {things like the compressor} will incur cost close to that of a new refrigerator. On a household refrigerator I would not chance replacing a burnt out compressor because acid is likely in the refrigeration tubing.
I used to enjoy doing my own repairs and still do the repairs I can. But many things such as electronics are simply cheaper to toss and replace. I'm old enough to remember pulling Tubes out of the TV to take to a drug store and test them. It sounds odd to some I guess but drug stores had tube tester and sold tubes. That said as a teen I used to build my own transistor radios from either Heath Kits or Radio Shack kits. I appreciated it more LOL.
Incidentially, there is not only a Fry's in the next town over, but TWO electronics outlets! I'm like a kid at a candy store! One of them has been in business for the last 30 years.
I should probably put up a want ad somewhere.
Words of wisdom in your comment #125. Thank you.
Nope! Not joking at all!
I’ll stick to my machine shop and make all the gizmos I want.
I can’t turn my cell phone in to a projector. BUT, I can machine chunks of metal in to a working internal combustion engine.
“no idea what to do when things go wrong...”
Sure they do...just take it to the apple store at the mall.
most do, i had the program for my Z to tweak parameters on the fly then save it to the chip, that was back in 94
You know baby boomers who can’t fix things around the house? The only reason I’d ever call a service man is if the AC needs work.
I also work on cars and motorcycles.
What a crock.
The under 40 crowd is designing the very gadgets that have Boomers on the phone with tech support when they can’t figure out how to make them work.
I work with under 40s in an engineering setting every day and they are sharp.
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