Electronics Magic. What Excites You Now?

[Pat Ford]

Ahmmm...

Unfortunately 99.9999999999% of all C++ is done with M.S. Visual C++, so
Borland is non starter. Oh..please don't give me all sorts of rational
reasons on why such and such is technically best etc...etc... non of it
matters.

So Linux and all other unix like systems account for only 0.0000000001% of
software developed? I, as a unix programer, am shocked! 8*)

Gcc is better, it's free!

 

[A E]

Robotics- that's where the real magic is now. Take some motors and parts
and some junk, turn it into a machine that goes and does things by itself.
Bring it a little life.

I miss Radio Shack's Armatron series.... sigh.. Shoulda bought one back then!

 

[Chris Carlen]

Ahmmm...

Unfortunately 99.9999999999% of all C++ is done with M.S. Visual C++, so
Borland is non starter. Oh..please don't give me all sorts of rational
reasons on why such and such is technically best etc...etc... non of it
matters.

Kevin, please explain why it is that just because allegedly "everyone"
does C++ with MS Visual C++, that any other C++ development environment
is not to be considered?

Do Borland or other C++ compilers not function? If they do, then
barring technical argumants as you wish to do, why can't they be considered?

I'm surprized at you advocating the sheep mentality.


Good day!


--
_______________________________________________________________________
Christopher R. Carlen
Principal Laser/Optical Technologist
Sandia National Laboratories CA USA
[email protected] -- NOTE: Remove "BOGUS" from email address to reply.

 

[Paul Burridge]

Ahmmm...

Unfortunately 99.9999999999% of all C++ is done with M.S. Visual C++, so
Borland is non starter.

What difference does it make? They're all ANSI C/C++ compatible,
aren't they? I would never have another Microsoft C compiler after the
disastrous experience I had with one of their 'professional' editions
a few years back. Total and utter bug-ridden crap. I changed to
Borland and never looked back. It's a quality product.

 

[Rick]

So Linux and all other unix like systems account for only 0.0000000001% of
software developed? I, as a unix programer, am shocked! 8*)

I bet realistically it is a very high number (the amount of C++ done under
Visual C++). Probably at least 90%. He was just making a point by
exagerating that last 9.9999999999%.

 

[Rick]

You have all these things? Looks like one should avoid coming around
your neighborhood! Like are the walls of your lab covered with red
WARNING LASER stickers?

Well....the CO2 lasers I have are not really *that* dangerous. The largest
one I have only does 80 watts, so it would take a quite awhile for the
unfocused beam to melt through the windows in my shop. CO2 laser light is
strongly absorbed by glass and plastic (making a cheap pair of plastic shop
goggles about all you need for eye safety).

The 100 watt yag laser I have is quite a bit more dangerous as far as eye
safety. I operate it in a windowless room wearing OD6+ goggles. I am
working on adding a q-switch to produce multi-kilowatt pulses, but the
average power will actually be quite low, and even lower if I include an
aperature to force TEM00 operation.

Rick

 

[Kevin Aylward]

So Linux and all other unix like systems account for only
0.0000000001% of software developed? I, as a unix programer, am
shocked! 8*)

I was obviously referring to Windows only.

If you want a job doing C++ on Windows. Its VC. End of story.


Kevin Aylward
[email protected]
http://www.anasoft.co.uk
SuperSpice, a very affordable Mixed-Mode
Windows Simulator with Schematic Capture,
Waveform Display, FFT's and Filter Design.

 

[Kevin Aylward]

Kevin, please explain why it is that just because allegedly "everyone"
does C++ with MS Visual C++, that any other C++ development
environment is not to be considered?

Because *everyone* uses MS Visual.

If an American drives on his usually side of the road in the UK, he's
goanna be in deep shit.

Do Borland or other C++ compilers not function? If they do, then
barring technical argumants as you wish to do, why can't they be
considered?

I'm surprized at you advocating the sheep mentality.

Its nothing to do with sheep mentality. Its being an engineering
*realist*. I stated on Borland. I liked it. I switched when I realise no
one was using it.

The thing about life is, some things you can change, some you can't.
Make sure you know which if you want to enjoy it.

Kevin Aylward
[email protected]
http://www.anasoft.co.uk
SuperSpice, a very affordable Mixed-Mode
Windows Simulator with Schematic Capture,
Waveform Display, FFT's and Filter Design.

 

[Kevin Aylward]

What difference does it make? They're all ANSI C/C++ compatible,
aren't they?

ANSI C/C++ is not relevant on Windows. Whatever MS do is the de facto
standard on Windows. MFC is the standard, along with 3rd party class
libraries that depend on MFC. Sure, Borland added some support for MFC
after the fact, and that should speak volumes.

I would never have another Microsoft C compiler after the

disastrous experience I had with one of their 'professional' editions
a few years back. Total and utter bug-ridden crap. I changed to
Borland and never looked back. It's a quality product.

Quality has nothing to do with it. Its not a techical matter. Its a
Betamax verses vhs issue. In fact, I done a quick search and came up
with this.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/online/comment/story/0,12449,881780,00.html

This is the main problem with engineering types, they can't stand back
and see the *big* picture. Its so obvious really. If the large majority
are using something, that alone is a very powerful argument to use it as
well. I am not even going to point out the list of why. Its trivial,
e.g. try and get a job doing Windows programming without using MS
Developer Studio.

Kevin Aylward
[email protected]
http://www.anasoft.co.uk
SuperSpice, a very affordable Mixed-Mode
Windows Simulator with Schematic Capture,
Waveform Display, FFT's and Filter Design.

 

[Paul Burridge]

Well....the CO2 lasers I have are not really *that* dangerous. The largest
one I have only does 80 watts, so it would take a quite awhile for the
unfocused beam to melt through the windows in my shop. CO2 laser light is
strongly absorbed by glass and plastic (making a cheap pair of plastic shop
goggles about all you need for eye safety).

The 100 watt yag laser I have is quite a bit more dangerous as far as eye
safety. I operate it in a windowless room wearing OD6+ goggles. I am
working on adding a q-switch to produce multi-kilowatt pulses, but the
average power will actually be quite low, and even lower if I include an
aperature to force TEM00 operation.

Erm, if it's not a stupid question, what do you actually *use* these
lasers for?

 

[Kevin Aylward]

Yes, and that appears to exemplify your argument. You're happy to see
a world where second-best succeeds.

Ho hmmm...

Where did you see a statement of what I would *like* to be the case. I
have pointed out the engineering reality. There is no emotion involved
at all. Its an objective observation.

Look, if you want to make it in the "music" industry as a pop/rock star,
the ability to play music is *absolutely* irrelevant. It has no baring
whatsoever on being successful. All that matters is promotion, image and
physical appearance. Its the way it is. Its the same in the film
industry, except for the addition of nepitism.

There are inumerable examples of

this in the modern world as we are all well aware. Beta v. VHS is a
prime one among a disturbingly large number of others.

But the link
http://www.guardian.co.uk/online/comment/story/0,12449,881780,00.html
explains quite convincingly why Betamax was *not* the best product.

You need to look at the bigger picture as to what "best" really means.

I'm afraid it's
people like you with your cop-out mentality that give rise to this
lamentable situation in the first place.

Recognising ones limitations is a mark of wisdom.

If everyone thought like you,
there'd be no Apple Computer, no Compaq, no Linux and so forth.

Rubbish. Its, arguable, the people with an objective approach that
produces the useful products. However, you probably confuse my non
specified personal tastes, to my statement of the facts.

Thankfully, some folks have the balls to fight back!

As I said, you need to know *when* to advance, and when retreat is the
better part of valour.

Sorry maty, but most things are indeed impossible in the real world. The
trick is knowing what aren't.

Kevin Aylward
[email protected]
http://www.anasoft.co.uk
SuperSpice, a very affordable Mixed-Mode
Windows Simulator with Schematic Capture,
Waveform Display, FFT's and Filter Design.

 

[onestone]

I would dispute their claim to be the most cost effective and efficient
fuel injection computer in the universe. Even if it is home built. try
getting cheaper than a full featured ECU with 2 injector bank drivers, 1
ignition coil driver, MAP sensor, EGO, ACT, ECT, TPS, RPM, and CPS
inputs, plus a spare output for Idle air bypass, or other features,
closed loop control, adaptive learn for acceleration, cold start, hot
start, idle and cruise conditions, all in a PIC12C674. Not for sale or
publication though.

Al

 

[onestone]

Lets See. Now we all know what the dumbest thing you ever did with electronics
was. Some of those responses were quite interesting if not hilarious. Maybe we
should have a vote for the dumbest.

And we also know now how most of you got into electronics in the first place.
Most it seems, like myself had a genuine interest or love at an early age.

Back then there was this certain magic to electronics. Just the glow from a
tube radio sitting in the corner playing distorted humming music seemed
magical. Simple construction projects like a neon lamp relaxation oscillator
were entertaining. More "advanced" projects, be it a one tube radio or one
transistor radio, a simple amplifier, maybe even a multi tube or multi
transistor radio or for those daring enough maybe even a tranceiver were highly
rewarding. And with all the electronics magazines there was always something
new and interesting to try. One like 101 Electronic Project For Under $10 (or
was it $15) could give you ideas for months.

Now we take a MCU chip, containing upwards of a million of transistors,
connect a few things to it, write some code and we are done. Theres no magic in
that. The code does most of it. Once you have done it several times, especially
if its part of your job, its boring.

Now I have a work bench in my basement filled with scopes, meters, power
supplies, signal generators, soldering equipment, parts drawers overflowing
with parts. Looks real nice. All the things I never had in the early days. On
one wall I have a 7ft X 15 Ft shelf unit filled with all kinds of radios (they
actually have those prehistoric dials on them), old test equipment (even a tube
tester) and you name it I probably got one on there.

I find though that unless I'm using the bench to fix something, I have nothing
to do. Sometimes I'll just sit there for an hour trying to think of something
interesting to do. With all the equipment and all my knowledge of electronics
one would think I could come up with something. Cant do it. It seems pointless
to make something like a radio. Been there, done that, too many times. Even if
I had not I have at least 50 radios on my shelf - Am only, AM/FM, AM/FM/SW,
AM/FM/UHF AM/FM/URANUS etc. Programming a MCU to turn my lights on or control
my heating system or flush my toilet for me does not turn me on.

I'm bored. Need some magic. Lets hear it. What excites you now. (Related to
electronics PLEASE)

Tony

In a more serious vein, I have just the opposite problem to Tony. Too
many things I want to do, not enough time to do them. I get the biggest
kick from doing useful things for real people, ie build a mobile phone
that can be operated by an eye blink, or a hearing aid that lets a 3
year old listen to music, but which costs less than most kids get for
pocket money. There are lots of people out there who need customised
help. This doesn't pay the bills, but often leads to other things which do.

Al

 

[Chris Carlen]

The thing about life is, some things you can change, some you can't.
Make sure you know which if you want to enjoy it.

Yes indeed Kevin! I knew there was another choice besides Windows, and
I chose it.

Now I'm happy!


--
_______________________________________________________________________
Christopher R. Carlen
Principal Laser/Optical Technologist
Sandia National Laboratories CA USA
[email protected] -- NOTE: Remove "BOGUS" from email address to reply.

 

[Chris Carlen]

Look, if you want to make it in the "music" industry as a pop/rock star,
the ability to play music is *absolutely* irrelevant. It has no baring
whatsoever on being successful. All that matters is promotion, image and
physical appearance. Its the way it is. Its the same in the film
industry, except for the addition of nepitism.

Yes, if you want to make it in the *music industry*, then you are right
on target. But if you want to be a great musician, then it seems you
aren't going to be focussing on the music industry. For instance, I
don't see the same superficial values being played out in the jazz or
classical music venues.

So the question for you is: Do you want to be a great engineer, or just
make it in the software industry?

I'd rather die in obscurity but be personally fulfilled than have any of
fame and fortune. That's what bugs me about this culture. People are
entirely convinced that success and happiness are determined by how they
are seen by others. I remain convinced that everything I ever would
need to be completely happy was in my possession at the moment of birth.

Good day!

--
_______________________________________________________________________
Christopher R. Carlen
Principal Laser/Optical Technologist
Sandia National Laboratories CA USA
[email protected] -- NOTE: Remove "BOGUS" from email address to reply.

 

[Kevin Aylward]

Yes, if you want to make it in the *music industry*, then you are
right on target. But if you want to be a great musician, then it
seems you aren't going to be focussing on the music industry. For
instance, I don't see the same superficial values being played out in
the jazz or classical music venues.

Thats right.

So the question for you is: Do you want to be a great engineer, or
just make it in the software industry?
Neither.


I'd rather die in obscurity but be personally fulfilled than have any
of fame and fortune. That's what bugs me about this culture. People
are entirely convinced that success and happiness are determined by
how they are seen by others.
I remain convinced that everything I
ever would need to be completely happy was in my possession at the
moment of birth.

Your sick.

Kevin Aylward
[email protected]
http://www.anasoft.co.uk
SuperSpice, a very affordable Mixed-Mode
Windows Simulator with Schematic Capture,
Waveform Display, FFT's and Filter Design.

 

[Ken Finney]

Thats right.


Your sick.

Kevin Aylward
[email protected]
http://www.anasoft.co.uk
SuperSpice, a very affordable Mixed-Mode
Windows Simulator with Schematic Capture,
Waveform Display, FFT's and Filter Design.

I was with you, until the last two comments. "Neither" is a little short
of a reply, care to expound? "Your sick" (sic) I don't see was called for.
He was stating his world view, in his terms; a constructive response would
have been your world view, in your terms.

 

[Paul Burridge]

Sorry maty, but most things are indeed impossible in the real world. The
trick is knowing what aren't.

I'm not your "maty" (sic) but can only assume that you took my remarks
as offensive. I apologise if that was the case, as no offence was
intended. Just look at it this way: if everyone displayed your
attitude on this issue, then no one would buy *your* product or even
try it out. They'd just go straight to the nearest big company that
had already cornered the market in simulation software. Thankfully for
you, not everybody's like that!

 

[Rick]

Erm, if it's not a stupid question, what do you actually *use* these
lasers for?

I am still working on adding one of the ~80 watt CO2 lasers as an accessory
for my shizuoka cnc bedmill. I will use it to cut plastic and wood, and
engrave painted and annodized parts. Here is a pic of some 1/8" thick wood
that I just passed through the focused beam of a small synrad doing 17
watts:

http://www.skyko.com/luxar/synradm5.jpg

It just zips right through the wood, so you can imagine what neat items you
could precision cut or engrave if you hooked up a motion table under the
beam. I started doing that, but then purchased the used shizuoka bedmill
and figured might as well just bolt the laser onto it. I still have a
daedal 6" by 6" travel table with 200oz-in stepper motors and 5000 count
linear encoders, along with a couple of smaller CO2 lasers I would part
with, if you are into this type of thing. I am looking for a good used spec
analyzer covering at least 10Khz to 1Ghz *hint* *hint*

Richard

 

[Kevin Aylward]

I was with you, until the last two comments. "Neither" is a little
short of a reply, care to expound? "Your sick" (sic) I don't see was
called for.

Lighten up a bit.

He was stating his world view, in his terms; a

constructive response would have been your world view, in your terms.

I think my last comment addressed my life's motivation. Give it some
thought with the second last comment as a guide.

Kevin Aylward
[email protected]
http://www.anasoft.co.uk
SuperSpice, a very affordable Mixed-Mode
Windows Simulator with Schematic Capture,
Waveform Display, FFT's and Filter Design.