This site was originally started as a personal project. As such, not much planning went into the original sites design, setup, structure, and maintenance. Because of my lack of foresight it became a bit of a mess, which is why it has been down for six months. This is a re-imagined and rebuilt version of the original site. I am not saying it will be any better, but at least I have a plan and a style book. So we will see how things go as I both write new posts, and rewrite and restyle some of the posts from the original site.
What you will find here is a collection of my ruminations on a variety of topics which have pique my interest in some manner or fashion. A number of the new posts, as well as re-posts from the original website, will be related to the YouTube channel, RetiredTechie. Some might also be related to the Retired Techie Discord server as well.
I do wish to note I created this site because I enjoy doing it. I will continue to maintain this site as long as that is the case. Once this stops being fun, the site will probably go away. And since my last retirement, I currently have more time to devote to maintaining it.
I find enjoyment in discussions about a wide variety of subjects, though my focus will tend to be mainly towards technology, old and new. That is not to say that other subjects won’t be discussed. If something interests me, it will probably end up here at some point.
I am open to discussing almost anything. If you are interested in something, hope over to the contact page and let me know. If it is technology related, and falls within the terms of service guidelines, then I will probably be interested in the subject also.
My better half wants me to point out that while this site, and other related online activities is now, and will continue to be, self funded (meaning I am not beholden to anyone for content) there is a Support Link for anyone interested in contributing to the cause.
About Myself
I really dislike these types of subjects. I am not egotistical, by nature, which seems to be a requirement for this subject. Nor do I like long flowery descriptions of things I have done. But I have been informed from a variety of “expert sources” that I need to do this to generate credibility (starting to move away from stuff I find interesting or important). But I do understand that people might want to know where I am writing from.
- The Early Years: Lots of manual; mucking out horse stalls, bucking hay bails, picking all sorts of fruits and vegetables, cleaning restrooms, etc. Back in the day one did what one had to to survive. I was never eligible for any government handouts. But that is probably just as well, as I could have ended up being a couch potato and missing out on some truly great (though not necessarily pleasant) experiences.
- Some Electrical Experience: Started simple making power cables for carnival rides, and ended up winding electric motors for a while.
- United States Coast Guard: Non rate for a year and sent overseas (yes in the Coast Guard) doing non rate things (see first bullet point above). Went to Electronics Technician A school in New York. Did some more overseas, ship board and field technician work.
- Advanced Electronics Training: Engaged in some advanced Electronics training, and received my Associates Degree in Electronic technologies.
- Teaching: Received training in both course design and being an instructor. Taught basic AC and DC theory. Advanced to module training, and eventually full system training. Also started working with computers; PDP8, Kaypro, Osborn, and the like (mainly writing/editing simple single function programs and creating databases).
- Further Training: Going to school part time while working full time, got my BS in computer science.
- Management: Ran remote electronics support shop managing field service technicians for the local area. Moved up to a centralized support depot where I learned about warehousing, and large scale module repair operations. Learned all about ISO 9000 certification. Also decided I did not really like management that much.
- Project Management: Basically adapting new technologies into existing products, and/or increasing functionality and life expectancy of existing products.
- Systems Engineer: Service side of projects creating, designing, building, training, fielding, and retiring various product lines.
That’s about it. It has been a long road, close to forty years. During that time I have sailed on pretty much every major waterway, stood on every continent (and sub continent). I have also worked in some pretty interesting environments; like repainting strobe lights on top of a thousand foot tower, changing antennas on a ships yard arm in Antarctica, repairing radio systems on remote island, etc, etc.
Its been an interesting ride over the years. The journey has take a physical toll, but it has been a great time and I would not change a thing.
Now days I am creating content and living in the Philippines most of the time (except when traveling). And nos I do things because I want to do them, and not because I am working for someone.