EEVblog #874 - World's Oldest Electronics Hobbyist! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 28, 2016, 11:52:40 pm
content: 105yo Ted Wale still builds FM bugs in his lab, and carves his own PCB's (none of this etching rubbish!)Dave caught up with him in his backyard workshop in Cabramatta in Sydney.

author: M4trix
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 12:10:34 am
content: This video kinda encourages me. I'm nearly 49 and I always had a feeling that I'm reaching my maximum in electronics.

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 12:22:34 am
content: Well that literally brought a tear to my eye. Nice one Dave.

author: rrinker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 12:37:41 am
content: I can only hope to make it to that age and still have a sharp mind. What an amazing life - the things he's seen.

author: alexanderbrevig
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 12:43:28 am
content: Faaaaaantastic!

author: SL4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 01:51:20 am
content: I'm guessing no-one in his neighbourhood received VHF TV or FM radio...But who cares - good on 'im !

author: MK14
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 01:56:45 am
content: WOW!That is an amazing video.The combination of living to 105 (almost 106+, by the sound of it, in August) AND knowing such accurate stuff about electronics, such as 555's, 386's, 741's, BC547's, etc etc. Is REALLY impressive, for such a long experienced person.Almost 106, and he still climbs on his roof, and messes with Aerials on them!So when he was born, even valves/tubes were in their infancy, and cars had not been around for that long.He has an amazingly clear, recollection of electronics, at his age, wow!I would LOVE to see the extended video, BUT ...PROBLEM:It seems to say "CLICK HERE for an extended video", towards the end of the video.Time linked, here:https://youtu.be/4cU7zCx_liM?t=1464But the link, DOES NOT seem to be (currently) working. At least for me.

author: calexanian
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 02:08:07 am
content: We should all be so lucky to last that long and do what we love.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 02:10:24 am
content: Nice video.I did like the "No such thing as a moving coil voltmeter" quip.

author: Porto
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 02:13:10 am
content: Nice video with this old man, Dave!Lives through WW1 and 2, has seen the evolution of automobiles, airplanes, television, analog to digital etc. and obviously as sharp as an 20 year old!I wouldn't want to get to this age for the simple reason you experience all of your loved ones die and you keep surviving them... that would be too much for me.GREAT RESPECT for this man!

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 02:17:49 am
content: That's very Cool. He has one of our local hams beat by three years.

author: RobertoLG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 02:22:35 am
content: that is life refreshinggreat video

author: SNGLinks
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 03:08:33 am
content: I hope I'm as good as that in 35 year's time!

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 03:13:26 am
content: Quote from: Porto on April 29, 2016, 02:13:10 amSadly his son died the other week.

author: minionkevin
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 03:54:15 am
content: oh wow you found my grandpa's Australian twin. I remember i loved going and looking at all his stuff in the shed. thanx Dave you brought back good memories. i just wish i would have got all the stuff he made.

author: Dave
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 04:12:51 am
content: The man's mind is still incredibly sharp for that age. My grandma is 79 and she is nowhere near as sane as this guy. I think the old saying "use it or lose it" holds up pretty well here.I would complain that you were interrupting him way too much, at least in the beginning of the video, but I know it wouldn't change anything, so I won't.

author: mchamster
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 04:18:30 am
content: I am totally impressed.Anyone want to get in on a fund to get this man an Oscilloscope?

author: RobertoLG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 04:25:55 am
content: Quote from: minionkevin on April 29, 2016, 03:54:15 amhe looks like my granpa a bit too, and showing his instruments like a pro, a true electronics person

author: Dan Moos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 05:02:33 am
content: My favorite bit was him showing of his jars of "bits". Just yesterday my wife had said how funny it was that I collect all these "bits". I had to show her the video. She is pretty convinced she was seeing me in 50 years!

author: ornea
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 05:10:14 am
content: Plug packs, never have the right one. He's got that right. (why i finally decided to order a DP831)Great Video Dave.

author: engineer_in_shorts
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 10:07:30 am
content: i hope when i am near that age i have the same taste in art work O0

author: Barny
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 10:11:12 am
content: @mchamster:I'm in.Sad thing is that I found a old 20MHz oscilloscope in an dumster dive.But the kid's didn't wanted it.They didn't want i even for free.This old man would put it in good use for sure.The sad thing is that there is no link for the full version of this blog.Quote from: engineer_in_shorts on April 29, 2016, 10:07:30 amThis reminds me in the old saying of my grand father:God, you took my "being able too".Please take my "waning to" too. O0

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 10:50:58 am
content: Quote from: M4trix on April 29, 2016, 12:10:34 amI onlystartedat 49, so...

author: StuUK
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 10:54:09 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on April 29, 2016, 03:13:26 amYeah, not great outliving your kids. That's exactly what happened to my Grandad with my Dad dying at 65, my grandad was 98 and took it hard.

author: Radio Tech
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 11:11:29 am
content: Best video everSimply amazing.

author: deephaven
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 11:43:22 am
content: Great video, many thanks for making it, Dave.

author: kayvee
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 12:01:05 pm
content: Still really sharp for that number of yearsReally inspirational.Indeed, thanks Dave.

author: ZeTeX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 12:39:39 pm
content: I'm 15 now, I see him and he is so nice and good and I feel like a shit person for all of the things I done, while he is such a nice old guy.but somebody should tell him that there are auto ranging digital multi meters out there, better then using analog meters every time

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 12:51:00 pm
content: Quote from: ZeTeX on April 29, 2016, 12:39:39 pmThat's part of growing up ... and your realisation means you've taken an important step along that path.QuoteI'm sure they have ... and I will bet he has clearly informed them of his preference. Another thing, for somebody used to analogue meters, seeing a set of digits jumping around could be disconcerting. What he has does what he needs to do, so I'll be the last to push the idea of a DMM onto him.

author: Herr R aus B
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 01:06:40 pm
content: How very nice! This guy moved to his place when I was 2 :-) And so far I considered myself being on the elderly side ;-) I enjoyed this a lot! :-)

author: elex_enthusiast
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 01:19:17 pm
content: Pretty amazing how sharp his mind is at his age. Great video dave.. That is worth watching..

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 01:24:18 pm
content: First thought: great! no tubes! So there is still hope for people messing with 8 bit PICsMore serious: I hope I'll be like him -with teeth though- until I die. Some day I'll probably retire but I don't see myself stopping with electronics out of free will.

author: MK14
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 02:00:42 pm
content: I sometimes wonder, how interested/good, I will be in Electronics, as I get older. He has given me much hope, that I can continue, until I am 105/6, and maybe beyond. If I even live that long.Apparently, he was born, just about bang on, whentungstenfilament light bulbs, were first, invented.Quotehttp://www.enchantedlearning.com/inventors/edison/lightbulb.shtml

author: hammy
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 03:25:30 pm
content: Excellent! What a great guy!

author: 6581
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 04:36:19 pm
content: This is the kind of video why I keep coming back to Eevblog. Thank you so much Dave.

author: edy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 05:04:37 pm
content: Wonderful story that brought a smile to my face!I hope that he gets more visitors from young hobbyists who can learn from his wealth of knowledge and history. I wonder if he is an "elmer". Sadly we see too many older folks being discarded as obsolete and irrelevant when they can contribute so much more to society past that age of retirement. As well, their active involvement and "busyness" after retirement often contributes directly to their health and drive to keeping living. Very touching video....

author: fcb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 05:40:31 pm
content: He's only 69 in hex.

author: nixxon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 06:27:48 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on April 29, 2016, 03:13:26 amThat is sad. I hope his son at least was a grand grandpa in his 80's.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 06:59:13 pm
content: Everybody does die, just as you get older you start noticing the rate increases. Seems like everybody I know is dying or dead, mostly of cancer. Centuries ago you dies of other things, like disease, injury, war or famine. Now there are cures for many diseases, there are antibiotics and the revolution of biological life causing illness, surgery and anesthesia along with blood transfusion and such for surgery, relatively good levels of peace leaving people to get older and live longer.Sadly as you age those things that were once rare, dementias and cancer, seem to be on the rise.

author: MobileWill
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 07:11:44 pm
content: This was great. I always wonder how I will be when I am older and if I will still being doing electronics. I can't image not working with them. This is great encouragement.

author: mathsquid
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 07:57:45 pm
content: Quote from: ZeTeX on April 29, 2016, 12:39:39 pmPretty much everyone feels that way about some things that they've done. LikeBrumbysaid, it's part of growing up. Don't beat yourself up. Just learn from your mistakes and forgive yourself.

author: D3f1ant
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 08:03:27 pm
content: Nice pictures on his wallWhat an amazing man, must be awesome seeing technology change over such a long lifetime.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 08:37:05 pm
content: Quote from: D3f1ant on April 29, 2016, 08:03:27 pmThat reminds me of my grandfather (who was born later than the man in Dave's video BTW). He once noted that he drove around in the very old cars they had on display in a car museum. Same for steam powered locomotives.

author: EPTech
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 08:50:33 pm
content: This man is my new idol! What a great guy. If I ever get to Australia (one of the destinations on my dream holiday list) I would go visit him and let him talk for hours. His enthousiasme is invigorating.Also I wish to convey my condolences for the death of his son. Must have been tough on him being so sharp and fully aware of that.Great video Dave. Brought me a lot of joy. thanks.

author: jancumps
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 09:01:11 pm
content: There's hope for my kids. My dad, now 73, is an electronics engineer.He passed the microbe to my brother and me.This was a great episode. Thanks.

author: jnissen
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 09:21:43 pm
content: Great Video. An inspiration for sure. I know you likely got as much of a kick seeing his stuff as he did showing you! Perhaps you can volunteer to climb the roof for him to adjust the antenna in the future!

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 10:56:31 pm
content: A follow up that would be awesome - bring him back to EEVblog labs and let him loose !!!!

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 30, 2016, 12:06:03 am
content: Quote from: digsys on April 29, 2016, 10:56:31 pmPart of me is intrigued as to what his reaction would be to some modern kit. Although another part of me would not want to make him uncomfortable.I wonder, too, if he has an opinion about being a Youtube/internet star?

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2016, 12:14:13 am
content: I bet he would love a frequency counter.

author: M4trix
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2016, 12:16:26 am
content: Quote from: Brumby on April 30, 2016, 12:06:03 am+1Good point.

author: bills
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2016, 01:29:11 am
content: Quote from: M4trix on April 30, 2016, 12:16:26 am+2I think Dave handled that part very well.Although it would be interesting.

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2016, 03:16:43 am
content: I really do think we should give him some basic, modern equipment. Nothing fancy, but we really must do this. A basic multimeter and frequency counter (my UT61e has a basic freq counter in it) and a basic used scope. Why not? if so, I'm in for $20 towards this, hows that.This is a good example, of how electronics brings joy to people everywhere and keeps the mind sharp.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 30, 2016, 03:18:11 am
content: Quote from: cdev on April 30, 2016, 03:16:43 amI admire the sentiment and would not be against the idea at all - but I wonder how it might be received?

author: RobertoLG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2016, 03:37:37 am
content: that would be a real nice gesture guys

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2016, 03:38:09 am
content: More on Ted Wale- Awwwwww!He's an artist-Passion for art keeps 104 year-old Cabramatta artist Ted Wale younghttp://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/south-west/passion-for-art-keeps-104-yearold-cabramatta-artist-ted-wale-young/news-story/3344971c8ec2cee4ccf3b2552ee0ad46He was honored recently by his community:http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/news/centenarian-ted-wale-leads-the-australia-day-honours-after-being-named-fairfields-citizen-of-the-year/news-story/a476555f26b20dd82d61de0fa7a3c01dhe's a trade unionist and he's the oldest member of the Labor party,http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/south-west/cabramattas-ted-wale-the-oldest-labor-member/news-story/2749e036896d8147ba371de28f69d301he's got a great smile!So, this is the secret to living a long life, stay active in projects..

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2016, 04:51:47 am
content: So I would give the guy this.From one Electronics Hobbyist to another, Grettings from Canada.Maybe Dave could print out this thread and take it to him with greetings from all over the world.

author: RobertoLG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2016, 05:06:39 am
content: Quote from: pickle9000 on April 30, 2016, 04:51:47 amthat sounds like nice idea, I send greetings from brazil

author: German_EE
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2016, 07:47:26 am
content: I also like the idea of Ted visiting the EEV Blog lab, maybe invite Doug Ford along as well because there's not much difference between a bug and a wireless microphone. As for replacing his analog meters with digital, maybe not, analog gear has served him well over the years and maybe it's too late to change.One more thing, Ted would have been about 1 year old when RMS Titanic set off on her maiden voyage so this moment in history would probably not be remembered. He will however have a lifetime of other stories.

author: 6581
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 30, 2016, 02:48:29 pm
content: Quote from: cdev on April 30, 2016, 03:16:43 amAnd/or The Art of Electronics 3rd edition?

author: chris_leyson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2016, 04:12:22 pm
content: What a wonderful man, thanks Dave great video it brought a tear to the eye and it made my day. Thanks Ted

author: photon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2016, 07:09:38 pm
content: He seemed proud of the fact that he makes and uses his own charcoal for drawing. Now that is old! AFAIK charcoal and inks made with it go back to the 23rd century BC in China. AFAIK, the first written word was made using it on a bamboo paper in China.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2016, 04:00:42 am
content: Enjoyed it. Thanks.

author: switcher
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2016, 12:32:19 pm
content: Respect. This guy has seen it all, and done it all, before any of us were born.Proof positive, that you don't need a Fluke 87V, and five grands worth of brand-new test equipment.There's no substitute for experience.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2016, 02:43:50 pm
content: Living proof that lead is not as poisonous as the RoHS crowd make it seem.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2016, 08:18:27 pm
content: Quote from: amyk on May 01, 2016, 02:43:50 pmNor the fumes from soldering flux.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2016, 11:39:21 pm
content: Quote from: amyk on May 01, 2016, 02:43:50 pmActually lead free is about lead not ending up in land fills. During soldering none of the lead gets into the atmosphere! Melting isn't boiling.

author: apis
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2016, 12:56:27 pm
content: RoHS limits the use of mercury, cadmium lead and hexavalent chromium (and a few other chemicals like brominated flame retardant) to prevent them from accumulating in landfills and leaking out into the rest of the environment.

author: fvdpol
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 02, 2016, 08:43:49 pm
content: +1 for donating some test equipment. Looking at the current multi meters and power supply I think this should not be some (even basic) digital scope, but a really basic cro. None of that digital rubbish :-). (Well, maybe a freq. counter would fit... albeit digital al least without a microprocessor)

author: Dave
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2016, 05:02:39 am
content: While I admire your intentions, do you guys honestly think this guy wants to learn how to use modern day test equipment?

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 03, 2016, 05:12:03 am
content: Quote from: DaveYou obviously haven't been a male for very long. 99% of the males here collect things for the sake of it, you can NEVER collect too much.Like the old addage goes .. *he who collects the most stuff before he dies .. WINS :-)

author: HackedFridgeMagnet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2016, 05:26:06 am
content: Yes I would like to see what he makes of a digital scope, probe around his FM Bugs, tweak the coils see what he makes of any changes.

author: nolefan
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2016, 05:08:17 pm
content: Love seeing this. So inspiring. Doing what he loves even at that age. Thanks Dave!

author: tindel
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 11, 2016, 03:53:23 am
content: @EEVBlogI've thrashed you on a couple videos lately for how awful they've been - so... Gotta give credit this is one of the coolest videos you've made. 105! WOW! I hope I'm so lucky!

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 11, 2016, 06:09:10 am
content: Quote from: tindel on May 11, 2016, 03:53:23 amOK, dare I ask why they were awful?Were they actually badly produced? or you simply didn't like the topics?

author: tindel
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 12, 2016, 02:02:07 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on May 11, 2016, 06:09:10 amThe one where you bitched about the Pickit2 for almost an hour comes to mind - #841 - awful. I recall pointing that out on the forum as well... I thought I was maybe a bit harsh - but it was a low point for sure.This one was great though. Who doesn't like hanging out with an old codger with a a bunch of handmade soft-core porn on the walls while he tells you all about his FM transmitters?

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 12, 2016, 03:13:09 am
content: Quote from: tindel on May 12, 2016, 02:02:07 amSo your example isonevideo?That video was areal time experienceI had with the product. I do videos like that occasionally. You don't have to like the format, that's fine, but please don't trash them as "awful" just because you don't like the format or the result of a real experience. Other peopledolike that format.It's not like I deliberately made that video to show how crap Microchip are or something like that, I was doing ironically what this blog was originally intended to do and that is to blog my experience with something. The way things happened in that video is just how they happened in real life as I was debugging a product.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 12, 2016, 04:01:36 pm
content: On the PickKit2 video, I felt Dave was pretty open and honest about his experience - and one that I'm sure many, if not all, of us have encountered at least once.Yes, he had frustrations. Yes, he had a dummy spit or two - but anyone watching who didn't have any advanced knowledge of the PickKit2 (such as myself) could understand the battle. You might also recall that when Dave found out the 'secret' that he was quite open in sharing that.Software version compatibility issues, such as he experienced, are a last century subject. We really shouldn't expect this sort of thing in a modern day bit of kit. So when these thingsdoraise their ugly head, you get the same reaction as Dave ... He just had the pluck to publish it - whereas I would just sit quietly and reflect upon my experience in the safety of my solitude.

author: tindel
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 12, 2016, 10:56:32 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on May 12, 2016, 03:13:09 amJesus Christ... I come here to post something good and we get off onto something bad.Whatever - Ted rocks, microchip continues to suck - I tried to be nice and bring some stoke and was denied - again... on with my life.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 13, 2016, 03:07:43 am
content: Quote from: tindel on May 12, 2016, 10:56:32 pmYou bought it upQuoteYou bought up that my videos were awful. That's not being nice, it's taking an off-topic cheap shot, and you are surprised when you get called on it and the thread sidetracked?

author: bills
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2016, 04:20:25 am
content: Has any thought been given to give this awesome guy some later test gear?Or is well enough well enough.Thanks Dave I hope at that age I am still going at it ( if I reach that age )bill

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 13, 2016, 04:38:14 am
content: I am in two minds about offering him any test gear.He is obviously very well aware of the fundamentals of the moving coil meter and has several examples of some really old school kit - and it works for him. Giving him something could send a message that might be taken as a put-down on the gear he has known and used successfully for decades. It might also be something so confusing or difficult to drive that he just wouldn't use it.If it were up to me to organise a bit of kit to present to him - I'd ask him what he might like and take it from there...

author: MickF
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 13, 2016, 08:30:58 am
content: Dave, I think you are right, modern test gear would not be wise, what about a tour through the Lab, you maybe able to arrange a community group to assist.Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 07, 2017, 07:32:14 am
content: Sad news, Ted passed away last week, aged 107http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/macarthur/tribute-for-australias-3rd-oldest-man-and-true-local-legend-ted-wale-107-following-his-death/news-story/5343c7969343fd54bc60d80e7ca346f0

author: eln
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 09, 2017, 05:31:25 am
content: RIP