Retired at 47 ...... what to do now ? Discussion thread - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2015, 04:31:09 pm
content: I effectively retired (VES) on Friday after 27 years serving HMG. I am only 47 and sadly suffer from M.E. after a period of serious illness. That will pass though.I have had a very full and enjoyable working life with many ‘adventures’ and experiences that are the stuff of ‘Boys Own’ magazinehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boys%27_OwnAfter such an enjoyable and interesting working life I am left feeling a bit like the lead Replicant in the film Blade Runner (a firm favorite of mine)I know that I have enough capital to last me until my Pension is paid at 60 and there are plenty of outstanding projects to keep me occupied for a while. I am left with the question of “what next?” though. I have extensive experience and a very decent skill set in electronics and mechanical engineering.I am a skilled component level repair and maintenance engineer in electronics, RF communications and mechanics. But I am not a skilled coder or whiz with programming modern microcontrollers. Some of the younger generation would consider me a Dinosaur as a result. I can build and repair stuff that many cannot, but that is only any good if there is a demand for such, and cheap Chinese imports often make commercial repair services something of the past.So to anyone on the forum with experience of leaving a long term role and going into semi, or full retirement……any gems that you can share with me regarding a heading to program into my ‘auto pilot’ I cannot work full time at the moment due to my M.E. but I feel that I still have more to give and, if careful, knowledge to share. Hmmmmm do I just go and work part time in a Charity shop, B&Q DIY shop or other worthy establishments ?This is really just a discussion thread as I would be very interested to hear other people’s experiences and thoughts. I am in a good position and very lucky to retire at 47 financially self-sufficient. But like in the Blade Runner video, I kind of feel like ….is this all there is before I die and what of my lost knowledge and experiences ?In another thread I discussed my early days in Electronics and the Electronics Emporium that taught me much.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/maplins-uk/msg620130/#msg620130Sadly such places are now rare so I cannot work at such an emporium as a specialist advisor giving help to others.I look forward to others thoughtsAurora

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2015, 05:09:17 pm
content: Consider doing consult work, you probably can pick up some that involves managing a team or other sort of job that calls for experience, not a knowledge of the intricacies but with a good broad experience.At present you probably can do thermal camera servicing, thermal leak checking and verification as a side job ( and you have enough stuff to be good at it) and you could make some pin cash off this.Would love to hear the memoirs, you could write it now, place in a safety deposit and only open it in 25 years when the original stuff becomes declassified. some might still need to wait 30 years, and some might only be something your grandchildren will get, but still get it down while you can remember, preferably written as well as audio or video as well. As most of the highly classified stuff I have read is incredibly dry, and often is just incredibly boring, having a personal note will be a good take on it. Pot Shards: Fragments of a Life Lived in CIA, the White House, and the Two Koreas comes to mind.

author: Howardlong
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2015, 05:19:37 pm
content: Had you thought about "inventing" something? We all have ideas, how about implementing one of them?

author: oldway
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2015, 05:53:03 pm
content: http://repaircafe.org/locations/repair-cafe-london/

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2015, 05:54:49 pm
content: @SeanBThanks for the thoughts. My memoirs are a definite no-no. I like my freedom@howardlongSadly being an inventor can be a very challenging role these days as Trevor Baylis found out. The Chinese manufacturer apparently made some small changes to his design and cut him out of the business. He is now totally broke and had to release the equity in his house to live.http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/9875026/Trevor-Baylis-Ive-wound-up-broke-despite-inventions.htmlDyson did better but then he is a very savvy businessman.Aurora

author: JohnnyBerg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2015, 06:01:55 pm
content: Learn sailing, buy a boat and sail around the world.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2015, 06:12:11 pm
content: Already thought of that....... colleagues who sail tell me I would burn through my cash reserves pretty damn quick and advised against a boat. I can repair ships Radars and electronic systems thoughAurora

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2015, 06:14:56 pm
content: Quote from: Aurora on March 01, 2015, 05:54:49 pmEventually. Consider the BallBarrow, and weep.

author: JohnnyBerg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2015, 06:17:21 pm
content: Quote from: Aurora on March 01, 2015, 06:12:11 pmOnce you're in a nice bay on your anker, you only need cash for water (not free on most nice islands), diesel, food and some change for the daily happy hour.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2015, 06:17:49 pm
content: Quote from: Aurora on March 01, 2015, 06:12:11 pmBoat (noun): A hole in the water you pour money into.Or as Stuart will say, a good way to make money as a boat chandler. I have known him long enough to say that both are true. You rarely get rich boaties, unless they have an income from elsewhere to pay for this passion.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2015, 06:26:03 pm
content: Quote from: JohnnyBerg on March 01, 2015, 06:01:55 pmwhy this stupid idea is soooo famous?1) sailing to learn navigation around hometown is fine.2) sailing to find treasure gold is fine.3) sailing to find lost tribe, find a lady, get married and settle there is fine.4) sailing to fish is a little bit fine (i still tend to advice my younger brother to just buy from market)5) sailing around the world is stupid.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2015, 06:27:27 pm
content: Quote from: Aurora on March 01, 2015, 04:31:09 pmDo whatever youwant, of courseIf you want to start to learn MCUs and coding, then start with the Arduino Uno or any of the many other boards based on the atmega328 MCU. IMNSHO if you are interested in low-level machine control type things, it is a better place to start than the RPi, since the software ismuchsimpler (no operating system) and the learning curve is gentle. (Minimum cost is ~£7 for an 8-pin version of the atmega328 that you just connect to a USB port.) Good ecosystem, lots of hardware, can use the free Arduino libraries and IDE or not, as you choose.If you are more interested in anything that is connected to the internet, then the RPi might be better, provided you are happy writing linux applications.QuoteIf you are a member of the IET or other professional organisation, you could become a mentor to youg engineers or schoolchildren.QuoteLearn to deal with it

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2015, 06:32:32 pm
content: Quote from: SeanB on March 01, 2015, 06:17:49 pmOld aphorism: if it flies, floats or f**ks, it is cheaper to rent than buy.Consider learning to fly gliders - surprisingly cheap, very social, addictive, dry (in both senses!), and above all - fun. Cost is ~£25/hour including instruction - because the club members do everything for free. They help you get in the air, you help them get in the air. Seehttps://www.gliding.co.uk/club-finderfor a local club.

author: JohnnyBerg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2015, 06:39:11 pm
content: Quote from: Mechatrommer on March 01, 2015, 06:26:03 pmYou're saying I'm stupid?

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2015, 06:44:05 pm
content: To Mecha it is, but he lives in a tropical paradise, war notwithstanding. From the lowlands sun is something to be treasured. Me I can walk to the harbour in 5 minutes, and the beach in 10.

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2015, 06:44:47 pm
content: Aurora, Do whatever you find fun, try new things, or things you've tried before but had little time to do before.The other thing I'd recommend is getting out of the house on a regular basis. It's far to easy to sit at the workbench, in front of the tele and forgetting what that big yellow thing in the sky really is.Quote from: JohnnyBerg on March 01, 2015, 06:39:11 pmSailing round the world isn't stupid, however suggesting to someone that is retiring with ME that they sail round the world is kinda dumb

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2015, 06:48:59 pm
content: Quote from: tggzzz on March 01, 2015, 06:32:32 pmwith all the sensible matters in the world... when i posted a video of bare naked live wire switched by relay activated by 12V SLA batt, everybody went o my farking dog that so dangerous you can kill someone for posting such advice, you (me) should be hanged blashphemy. consider again... when a glider is stalled up in the air... everybody still think gliders, parachute, bungee jump, cliffhanger and all those "sensible" matters including sailing around the world to find shark are.... "fun". i thought of building a electricity generating threadmill...

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2015, 06:55:12 pm
content: If you are feeling stuck go on holiday. Lots of off the major tourist trap places that you can visit. You could even go to Daveland ( if you are not on a watch list already) for the touristy thing with ease. Just take 50ml of SPF30 sunblock to put on before you get off the plane, Pommy white burns easy, and is no fun.Mecha, I like flying, despite having been involved in 2 plane incidents. I just have a rule I do not fly in anything where I am the heaviest part in the whole plane. Thus I do not do paragliders or microlights. I lost a friend in a microlight ( drowned) and had a paraglider crash next to me and nearly drown. The other I was thinking this would be a good time to take up parachuting, and knew a guy who used to base jump. We thought he was crazy jumping off a 30m water tower.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2015, 06:57:42 pm
content: Quote from: SeanB on March 01, 2015, 06:44:05 pmit has nothing to do with where i'm at (i also have dream to own a boat but not for go round the world). but go round the world is for what actually? if to find treasure gold then its sensible, if to find shark its nonsense unless you want to eat the shark. its like asking someone, ok go in the car see that straight road? drive straight indefinetely... no purpose. if i want to own a boat, i'll make autonomous underwater robot to salvage whatever "useful" down there.

author: Rick Law
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2015, 07:25:00 pm
content: Do what keeps your mind active. If electronics can do it, do that. If not, find something (legal) of interest and do it.If it is your cup of tea, another one is volunteering and teach some kids who is interested in learning. This will keep your mind active along with giving something worthwhile (knowledge) to someone.Perhaps get politically active, heck, I think Britain (like any other place) can always use some positive change.Keeping the mind active and the outlook bright is what makes life worth living, I think.

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2015, 07:51:49 pm
content: I actually knew a guy who sailed a great deal (entered most of the oceans and seas of the world), and primarily financed his operating costs by repairing electronics gear on other yachts. Purchased a reasonable stock of the usual suspects (output transistors, fuses etc.) and just left a note with the harbormaster whenever he made a new port. He never ran out of money, but did eventually decide there were other things in life.Assuming that money really isn't an issue for you, just keeping interested, think about a product or service that doesn't exist in support of one of your hobbies or interests. I have not seen many where there is not something that can be done. There are few opportunities to get rich or even make a living, but plenty that will cover the costs of your development, even with a bit left over. You have the advantage of being able to take the time to really think through your item and do it right rather than rush it to the market, or try to beat an impossibly low price point. Recognize that if whatever you do takes off you will be shouldered aside, but that is just a chance to do something else.Being a consultant at a nearby Maker club or fair is another opportunity.I am a few years into my own retirement, and the list of things to do continues to exceed the time available. Same thing happened to my father. List grew until the day he died.

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2015, 07:54:57 pm
content: You have a luxury problem (except your illness which is terrible) I guess a lot of people would like to have your problemI am also 47 and I have to find ways to keep working till my pension at 68If you already have the filled bankaccount that is luxury my man, so to give a few starters: hobbies! Yeah they can cost a bundle but they don't have to. Find some hobbie association or start one yourself for youngsters. The young generation at this moment (a lot of them anyway) have no active hobbies anymore, they watch stupid videos at youtube, watch tv or play on the gamecomputer. Nothing active. Teach them the basics of electronicsMaybe even learn yourself with current microcontroller technology to get up to date.It does not matter what you do as long as it gives you a flow, a sense of meaning and there are plenty around there. For now just take a holiday let is all rest for awhile, even bore yourself a couple of weeks and let then the new inspiration come to you

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2015, 08:00:43 pm
content: Quote from: SeanB on March 01, 2015, 06:55:12 pmMy motto: never use your legs as undercarriage! But you don't in a glider, as I'm sure you are aware.Going 0-50mph in <5s, then climbing with your feet higher than your head is good fun - and that's only the first 45s

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2015, 08:11:34 pm
content: There is probably some part-time mileage in becoming the "go-to" guy that can fix and calibrate old, expensive thermal imagers, especially ones the manufacturers aren't interested in supporting.If you're interested in doing something for good rather than money with repair skills, it may be worth getting involved in / starting something like this locallyhttp://therestartproject.org/

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2015, 08:50:31 pm
content: Thanks everyone for the suggestionsI used to fly a 1930's designed glider called the Slingsby Kirby Cadet, and also the 'Tutor', when I was a teenager in the Air Training Corps..... it was a stringbag when compared to modern craft, but still gave a lot a pleasure and was pretty robust.My M.E. has put the brakes on any fast decisions and I need to concentrate on either conquering it or at least managing it well enough to work a normal day. I have had it for over 2 years but close friends at work thought the high stress loading associated with my role wasn't helping me. That was when Voluntary Early Severance (VES) became appealing. Others have got over M.E. and I intend to do the same. It seems to be an illness of the 20th & 21st Centruries.As many have said, I need to take some time out, relax and consider options later. I have had electronics as both a trade and hobby all my life so I will maintain that interest at the very least. I need to keep the old grey brain cells active and I love solving the puzzle that is a faulty piece of equipmentI could certainly set myself up as a company carrying out specialist repairs such as Thermal imaging Cameras but in other areas the large companies tend to go for support contracts rather than sending equipment to a lone specialist. It may be an option though and my previous employer is keen to keep in contact too. As has also been said, it is important to do something that makes you happy. Life is too short to waste on a job that either bores or annoys youIt has been really good to read the various comments and nice to see that anyone could be bothered to respondThank You.This forum is certainly somewhere I will maintain a presence. It is both good and bad for me .....good in that I have learnt much, and bad because it has cost me a small fortune over the years in equipment that I discovered here and then 'had to have'Its a great place to hang out though.My thanks to allFraser aka Aurora

author: Howardlong
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2015, 09:08:06 pm
content: Quote from: Aurora on March 01, 2015, 05:54:49 pmIt can be, but as I discovered a few years ago as long as you can maintain unique features and nurture a brand in a niche space, you can make it work, and I'm far from a savvy business man. Yes there will, eventually, be competitors if it works out. If you are of independent means, you have little to lose. I'm not saying it's all a bed of roses, far from it, but you learn an awful lot quickly, and the hard way, that's for sure! We're all different though, but giving up before I'd even started would probably not bode well!Are you looking for a pastime or something that pays? Or a bit of both?When I retired I learned to fly a plane, in fact, I was 47 like you when I started learning, it was one of those bucket list things, but I did fixed wing, and that is expensive, but not as crazy as rotary. I am not sure about your condition, but an aviation medical examiner will be able to help you there. We have a lady and a guy at my club who learned at the same time I did who're both well into their 80s, the fella doesn't have a current medical so has to fly with an instructor, but the lady bimbles around the skies as pilot in command no problem.But as tggzzz suggested, it ain't cheap, and gliders are a lot more reasonable in that respect.I am not sure if you've already have a ticket, but you could get you ham licence, that's a bit more down to earth, but it would give you something to do with your RF experience. Most of my ham radio stuff is satellite related, and I now design satellite comms payloads and groundstation equipment commercially as a result, but there are plenty of other facets. And you don't need morse code any more. i can just about read morse code, but you'd be waiting for a long time for me to decode a message.Anyway just some ideas, but are you more interested in something that pays?

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2015, 09:11:18 pm
content: If you do not have to go to work, you will have a lot of time to become rich.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2015, 09:41:57 pm
content: Shame about the OP's ME; I sort-of hoped it wouldn't be a complete impediment. BTW I've seen a T21/Cadet being looped - must have scared the bejaysus out of the woodwormQuote from: Howardlong on March 01, 2015, 09:08:06 pmAnd, most importantly: fun. You don't know what's going to happen on your next flight: you might thermal with buzzards, or get to 10k-20kft (UK record 37kft), or go for 300-1000km (normal-unlikely!), or you might just get spat out of the sky. Example annual refresher flight... See buzzards while waiting for launch hope they'll show us where lift is, 45s later at altitude dig so in a wing to do a 180, but fail to find them. Blunder into a thermal and rise to 2kft and a red kite whizzes past. Since it is the first we've seen, do another snappy 180 and take 30s to overtake it at a distance of a couple of wingtips. Do a spin and recover, instructor takes control, puts me into the entry to a chandelle at a really stupid position, hands me control and tells me to land safely. A grand total of 7 minutes longIt is reputed that the glider->powered transition brings two problems - remembering you can fly straight and level, then trying to stay awake when flying straight and level.

author: Howardlong
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2015, 11:20:37 am
content: Quote from: tggzzz on March 01, 2015, 09:41:57 pmThere is a third one, trying to keep out of the way of gliders, but at least that's a reason to stay awake!

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 02, 2015, 11:27:32 am
content: Quote from: Aurora on March 01, 2015, 04:31:09 pmSurviving on the pension at 60 would suck, a lot. At least in Australia.I wouldn't blow your wad doing nothing until you hit 60. Find something you enjoy that brings in some income.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2015, 11:49:10 am
content: Quote from: SeanB on March 01, 2015, 05:09:17 pmI agree. I would start working as a consultant. Not having the care about the finances could allow to only pick both interesting and well paid projects (or skip the well paid part).

author: Zucca
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 02, 2015, 03:09:50 pm
content: Just follow your passion, and we know you have tons of passion because all your posts were beautiful a big help for this community.Personally it was always a pleasure to follow you here at the EEVBlog.We all have a heart which works, just follow the direction is pointing to.I don´t want to talk about feelings, just look at your reality and (maybe) think less, I am sure there is something is your life which is calling you.IMHO when I think too much I am probably in the wrong path, life at the bottom is an easy thing.This is just my personal experience, nothing more and nothing less. I am sorry if I have irritated someone by writing this, it was not my intention.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2015, 03:43:15 pm
content: Quote from: Howardlong on March 02, 2015, 11:20:37 amAnd not to (illegally) rely on electronic maps which don't show winch sitesAnd not to be so occupied with fiddling with engines/radios that you are "heads down" when you need to be heads up looking out the cockpit

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2015, 05:21:56 pm
content: take a pair of swim trunks, sunglasses and flipflops and a few t-shirts and book a plane to Maui or tahiti or the maldives and go relax for a few weeks.then you will have a clearer mind and can start thinking about maybe doing some consulting work

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2015, 05:27:07 pm
content: Quote from: Aurora on March 01, 2015, 04:31:09 pmThis is an international site. Don't assume familiarity with your local context.

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2015, 06:28:31 pm
content: Come on Zapta, you have to have watched a Bond flick or two. Even this low brow west coast yank can translate.VES (Voluntary End of Service)HMG (Her Majesties Government)On an international site like this it behooves us all to handle BOTH sides of getting along. a. Try not to use too much local lingo. b. Try to understand other culturesI don't happen to recognize M. E., but then it is really none of my business. I hope he is able to recover from whatever it is, and have fun in his retirement.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2015, 09:16:48 pm
content: Thank you everyone for all of your continued comments.Common sense and good ideas are here aplenty. Thank youI will 'panic slowly'It is time to rest and recharge before making any decision about what to do moving forwards. I knew that the membership of this forum would have some wise words to consider and I was not disappointedApologies for using short form references that are UK Centric. I originally provided my employers name but then thought better of it as it isn't that relevant.M.E. is Myalgic Encephalopathy also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndromehttp://www.meassociation.org.uk/about/what-is-mecfs/Not wanting to turn this into a medical thread but some readers may be interested to hear what happened to me as it is becoming more common and is still not well understood by the medical profession.1. I caught a cold / flu type Virus2. My immune system kicked in and I recovered in a week.3. My immune system failed to disengage and went on to attack the soft tissues in my joints.4. Rushed to hospital with suspected Septic Arthritus. (a potentially fatal illness). Disproved in Hospital5. Many tests and blood tests later and the medical profession eventually identified Erythema Nodosum and I had a very severe case of it affecting many parts of the body.http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/erythema-nodosum-pro...... the auto immune system misfires and attacks healthy tissues that it mistakenly identifies as foreign bodies or a Virus. Masses of medication and several months later, I conquered the Erythema Nodosum (EN). The medical profession say that the EN is a symptom but they could not identify the cause of the immune system misfire. My case was fully documented as it was unusual in its severity and the fact that my own immune system had done so much damage to healthy tissues before being 'restrained' by medication.6. I thought I was all better but within a month I had weird symptoms of something else. No energy, pain all over the body, poor sleep, fuzzy mind, any exertion causing total collapse needing prolonged rest....plus lots of other nasty stuff that I will not bore the readership with. Masses of blood tests and many months later, and the medical profession declared me a sufferer of M.E. aka Chronic fatigue Syndrome (CFS), likely caused by a Virus. No virus has been identified to date though. I was even tested for PARVO VirusThe Erythema Nodosum required treatment with some pretty 'toxic' medication and that may also have contributed to the M.E. we just do not know.All this happened over the past four years and I have only good words for my employer as they really put some effort into keeping me working within my capabilities. I had a very responsible job making important decisions that affected the whole organisation, yet they kept me on as I produced the goods. It was my decision to effectively retire this year as my M.E. is not improving and the best treatment is rest, relaxation, plenty of good food and fresh air. No one can predict when the M.E will pass and I will return to normal.As I say I do not want to turn this into a medical thread but some of you may not have been aware of what M.E is and how flippin awful it is. It does not discriminate, it can hit any one of us just because of a simple Virus or period of illness. It is very surprising and worrying that M.E appears to be becoming much more common these days and no one knows its causation mechanism or why it is affecting people who are otherwise healthy. If you ask around, it is not uncommon for colleagues to have family members or friends with M.E. All a bit worrying really.My sincere thanks to all who have offered suggestions and especially to one forum member who has made a very interesting comment regarding Vitamin B12 and its possible involvement with M.E. A matter I will take up with my doctor next week.I truly hope none of you ever suffer from M.E. (CFS). It's no fun.Fraseraka Aurora

author: bookaboo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2015, 10:20:44 pm
content: With the rapid expansion of Thermal Imaging I'd expect your skill set to be an asset. I've seen a few industrial applications of Thermal Cameras popping up (mostly on production lines with explosive vapours), add that to the cheap sensors that are becoming available for OEM integration, there's a consultancy business in there somewhere.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 02, 2015, 10:23:22 pm
content: Aurora, I looked up M.E. yesterday. Very scary. The most important thing you can do right now is heal. You have the resources to take as much time as you need. Be 'aggressive' in your rest, relaxation and rejuvenationThere isn't even a need to panic slowly. If it takes a month, it takes a month. If it takes a year, it takes a year. Just make sure you have a clean bill of health. Design and build some simple projects for yourself/ friends/family, get a stack of books from your favorite authors, and, of course, spend hours here at the EEVBlog.I hope and pray you will be back on your feet in no time.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2015, 10:47:53 pm
content: Thank you for the kind words. Much appreciated.Fraser

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2015, 01:45:14 am
content: Quote from: CatalinaWOW on March 02, 2015, 06:28:31 pmsame here but it seems it affected everything discussed here. first i thought its a "Mechanical Engineering" but it didnt add up, so there's Google luckily the abbrv is easy to find. the symptom is temporary memory loss and muscle pain... man i sometime have those, i can forget my friend's name for a moment, i hope it only got to do with how i trained my brain to work, i usually deal with logic so maybe linguistic is easily forgotteni have muscle pain too but that i also hope due to i lifted heavy item when i moved home 3 years ago and aging.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2015, 01:58:52 am
content: Quote from: Aurora on March 02, 2015, 09:16:48 pmeat healthy food, herbs and all, exercise healthy lifestyle (like dont go out round the world or paragliding and err dont consume more viruses) and most importantly, keep the peace of mind.... "submission and let go of all your possesion" (jedi advice). dont rely too much on technological advancement you may turn into lab rat. i heard several cases where person are ok and healthy like nothing before diagnosis, but when diagnosed positive cancer, their psychology went down hill at freefall speed, plus with chemotherepy and all this chemical pills, they died faster then they should...

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2015, 09:18:10 am
content: Quote from: nctnico on March 02, 2015, 11:49:10 amI'm not sure I would under the circumstances... at least, not unless you can be very selective about what you work on, and with whom.I've been doing it full time since the middle of last year. It can be an absolute blast; cool projects, great people, decent money. But it can also get very stressful and time consuming, and you never really know when something is going to put a spanner in the works.In short, it's been anything but relaxing. My dream of working a 3 or 4 day week on fun stuff only was shattered before it even began!

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2015, 10:00:37 am
content: Quote from: AndyC_772 on March 03, 2015, 09:18:10 am^^^This^^^ when a customer wants something they are going to be far less forgiving than an employer.I recommend fishing, or bird watching, and eating well, and walks in the woods, and good company. Plus of course, some electronics for fun.

author: vk3yedotcom
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2015, 10:11:48 am
content: Maybe, to keep your interest in, volunteer as a broadcast technician for a community radio station, or instructor for a ham radio club.Here in oz we have Technical Aid for the Disabledhttp://www.tadaustralia.org.au/which, to quote from their Victorian site:volunteers apply their technical knowledge to build equipment solutions that enable people with disabilities to achieve their goals.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2015, 01:25:13 pm
content: Again,my thanks for the suggestions and comments. It has been great help to have others air their thoughtsI have sat in a lovely sunny conservatory today and considered next steps. My plan follows :1. Stop feeling sorry for myself. I don't usually but the news that Leonard Nimmoy (Mr Spock) died on Friday seems to have triggered some negative thinking. I am a fan of the original Star Trek series and was sad to hear of his death.2.Stop trying to run before I can walk. I 'retired' in order to regain my health. That will take time and plenty of rest. No need to vegitate though. There are still plenty of low impact activities that I can engage in.3. Get out and about and enjoy the break from the 'rat race' Its a luxury that many would give their right arm for ! I have worked hard for 27 years and maybe a break is just what I need. I live on the very edge of town with fields all around me and a lovely river nearby containing much varied wildlife.....time to enjoy it. I am also going on a Fred Olsen cruise to Norway in June. I love Noway and its people and have cruised around the coast many times. Very relaxing and you can do as much or as little as you desire whilst enjoying the views and good food.4. Investigate possible activities and/or remedies that may assist in my recovery from M.E. It is a challenging illness but that is no reason to give up. I don't when I am repairing equipment so why take that attitude with myself5. When recovered to a point that I can do a full days work for at least 3 days a week, make contact with my previous employer and investigate whether they have any work that they would like me to assist with. They have already said that they want to keep in touch and did not want to lose my skillset. They were a great employer and rare these days.... I was able to change roles every three years if I desired. I became a specialist is certain interesting topics however and fortunately my skillset is in great demand these days. Th difference will be that I will work on my terms as a consultant rather than being part of the 'service'. We used to buy in talent all the time so who knows?6. If I cannot get enough work from my previous employer I shall investigate other part time working opportunities such as technical support roles, specialist repair services working from my lab, or even a role that is not technical if that suits my needs at the time. Milton Keynes is a few miles away from my home and a hotbed of technology companies. We also have a new inshore Marina nearby and I may even be able to get some freelance work repairing the boats electronic systems. I already have eight Raytheon small boat Radar systems sitting in the shed to practice on ! (I was trained as a Radar Tech in the late 1980's)7. Most important of all will be to concentrate on what is right for me and my family. I have nothing to complain about really. My wife is a true angel and I have a nice house with a newly built sunny conservatory and three adorable cats for company and relaxation (adorable to me anyway). Stroking a cat is very therapeutic and relaxing you know8. When able I will engage in old and new interests, other than buying masses of weird surplus equipment off of ebayMy wife is patient but there are limits and she wants me to sort out what I already have before adding more to the collectionWell that is my plan, it may change somewhat but at least I have a heading to steerThanks again all.Fraser

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2015, 01:31:11 pm
content: Quote from: Aurora on March 03, 2015, 01:25:13 pm1) Train cats to do something cool/cute2) Make viral cat Youtube video3) profit!

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2015, 02:03:27 pm
content: Now there is an idea !

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2015, 02:45:07 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on March 03, 2015, 01:31:11 pmContrary to common belief that is actually possible. My sister managed to train our cats to sit up nicely next to each other (and not use their paws+nails to just grab a piece of cat candy from your hands).

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2015, 03:54:12 pm
content: Sorry guys but training cats in combination with electronic engineering I get spooky thoughts about electrical shocking the cat till it does what you wantI have had dogs and since 5 year two cats, I do not believe anymore you can train a cat, if there is one ego-centric absolutely non conforming or listening animal that just does what he wants on this planet, yup it is a cat.

author: BillyD
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2015, 04:10:19 pm
content: Quote from: Aurora on March 03, 2015, 01:25:13 pmI immediately pictured a Bond Villain, with the obligatory cat on his lap!

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2015, 05:56:25 pm
content: sunny conservatory seems to do wonders eh ...i told you : get your butt on a plane to the Maldives. Swim shorts, t-shirt, flipflops and a pair of sunglasses is all you need.i guarantee you will have much better look on life.Club Med Kani for example. I've done that like 7 times. After a few days there you don't even remember what day of the week it is. And you don't give a rats ass about what happens in the world.Some people complained the first day they arrived there that there were no newspapers and no TV. after a few days the moaning stopped.Funny thing : when a new load of vacationers arrived and moaned about no tv or newspaper, the ones from the week before went : ah shut up about the tv or newspaper. we don't want to hear what is happening 'out there'.Everyone there leaves happy.

author: olderelectronube
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 09, 2015, 04:22:21 pm
content: 4. Investigate possible activities and/or remedies that may assist in my recovery from M.E. It is a challenging illness but that is no reason to give up. I don't when I am repairing equipment so why take that attitude with myselfLook at building yourself an EMEM device: A neon/argon plasma bulb driven by automobile coils with a transistor triggeredby a square wave frequency generator. (An over simplification of the device), just an idea, it has helped many.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2015, 06:59:21 pm
content: @Olderelectronube,I Googled the EMEM/Rife machines.... As an RF engineer it is interesting reading. Thanks. I could knock one of those up in an afternoon with my component and equipment stocks.Fraser

author: ijchan223
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2015, 08:16:55 pm
content: just make youtube videos

author: olderelectronube
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 09, 2015, 08:34:27 pm
content: "I Googled the EMEM/Rife machines.... As an RF engineer it is interesting reading. Thanks. I could knock one of those up in an afternoon with my component and equipment stocks."Good Luck! Google "electroherbalism" for suggested frequencies and other info.

author: daybyter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2015, 11:18:43 pm
content: Start an online shop?

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2015, 11:44:18 pm
content: With the mountain of kit that I have in the attic, garage and lab, I already intend having a serious clear-out and release some of the money invested in much of it. My neighbour actually thought I used the garage as a stock room for a shop as everything is neatly boxed and filed on shelving. The sorting through of my equipment inventory is my first retirement task and its just like Christmas when you open a box to reveal an interesting item that you forgot you hadLots of such items under that heading me thinks. I often bought 'one and a spare' and in some cases, 'one and many spares' ! I have rarely sold my equipment, but that will change in order to release space. I have hit the maximum storage capacity of my house ! If I like selling kit, I may branch out into buying and selling such as a small income earner whilst I recover. Repairing and aligning kit is therapy in itselfFraser

author: daybyter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2015, 01:44:49 am
content: Same here. I want to create my own shop as an exercise.

author: olderelectronube
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 10, 2015, 06:49:12 pm
content: Regarding your health... Were you ever tested for Lyme disease? Your symptoms sound similar to mine and many othersafflicted by this insidious tick borne illness. I notice you mentioned living near the country and various animals.A great place to pick it up.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2015, 07:45:48 pm
content: Thanks for the suggestion.If I am honest, I lost track of the blood tests. I had a great many over a 6 month period. I have a review with my Doctor on Thursday and will discuss with her. I am going to ask for a review of my case, as in the UK at least, it appears that once the Doctors have agreed on M.E. as a diagnosis, all investigations stop. They simply do not understand the illness or its causation.Fraser

author: olderelectronube
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 13, 2015, 07:30:57 pm
content: Fraser,I don't know about the details of your condition beyond what you posted, but regardless of what they are,and your future diagnosis, it is my opinion that the EMEM device coupled with the proper frequencies will help you.Lyme disease can be very hard to diagnose. I am not a doctor. I just know of my experience with using this deviceto get better over the last eight years. It has been nothing short of miraculous. I am not trying to sell anything.Just doing my little part in this world to help someone else.Andy

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2015, 07:40:05 pm
content: Andy,Thanks for taking the time to offer your advice.Much appreciated.Doctor is starting another barrage of blood tests to see if she can discover any issues. B12 is being specifically investigated. All options are open and will be explored.Best Wishes to all who have commented ion this thread and by PM. This is a good community.Fraser

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2015, 08:15:49 pm
content: This suggestion may sound strange, but if you want to do something completely different, have you considered large-format photography? The process requires slowing down and perfecting the setup before triggering the shutter. No electrons need be involved (outside of the chemistry).

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2015, 04:29:01 pm
content: Aurora, now that you are retired maybe you can provide more details about that bulk deletion of FLIR related posts. At the time I assumed it was employment related and understood it as such.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2015, 05:11:23 pm
content: I was a Government employee.FLIR are involved in Military contracts.Involvement in any form of hacking (White or Black) not permittedRecommended to delete all my posts in that threadRecommendation complied with.Postings not detailing hacks authorised.Life goes on.Hope that clears the matter up.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2015, 05:44:20 pm
content: @ Zapta,Off Topic but may be of interest to other members of this forum.....I have been a member of this forum for several years and hope that my postings have been of assistance to some. I try to assist when possible and resist poking fun at those who either ask 'daft' questions or try to start an argument. As Thumper once said...."if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all"I also follow a policy of 'Do no harm' these daysWhen I had to delete my postings from the E4 thread way back when..... I was immediately targeted by some members of the forum with criticism and vitriolic abuse, both public and by PM. That was not a happy time for me due to serious illness and almost lead to my departing the forum. One or two very kind members guessed that the posts had been deleted for very good reason and were very supportiveI was asked to remain a member of the EEVBlog forum and I agreed as I like to help others....its in my character. In my career I have been a practitioner, instructor, Manager and specialist adviser.Since that sad event I have been quite active on the forum and have provided both public and private assistance to members. I have sent guidance, otherwise unobtainable documentation/equipment and even provided component level diagnostics. In all but a very few cases I have not received any thanks for my help. Not that I was looking for such, but it is sad when human kind are quick to criticise and abuse, yet slow to thank for help receivedThat is the modern world I suppose. This forum is an interesting study in human communications and interactionBest not taken TOO seriously however.I have decided to lower my profile on this forum as I need to concentrate on other matters and getting on with life. I will still sit in the background though. This is still a most excellent forum.Aurora

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2015, 07:10:38 pm
content: Fraser, never seen an unkind word from you ever, that is true. you are very helpful here, even if you had to do some pruning of stuff that you were loath to do, and that is sad. But you do have some very good skills at explanation, so please stay around.

author: olderelectronube
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 15, 2015, 02:37:47 pm
content: Perhaps you could write an electronics tutorial series for kids/newbes. I'm sure it would be a hit.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2015, 06:14:40 pm
content: I have been a professional instructor in my job and understand the rewards that it can offer. Sadly it is also a very draining experience as I commit 100% to the students. Not possible for me at the moment due to the M.E. I cannot write a book or technical guide at the moment due to employer limitations on such, even for generic technical topics. Maybe later.With regard to photography.... I am very interested in wildlife and use unusual technology to study it. I have decent binoculars, cameras, optical microscopes, thermal imaging cameras and even X-Ray camera technology suitable for the task. I love wildlife so will be enjoying that which surrounds me whilst taking nice relaxing walks in the countryside. As to large format photography...... well that will need to wait a little until I master the other imaging technologies, composition etc. Good idea though as studying nature can be very enjoyable and relaxing.Thanks for the ongoing suggestionsFraser

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2015, 06:35:35 pm
content: I have some wildlife by me, came walking in to visit and get food. I picked this one up a few weeks ago as a squab that fell out of the nest, and now it is a lovely bird, just too used to humans and I am trying to get this one to vanish out into the world. Windows are open, it is free to fly around the house and it is a teenager. After sitting on the PSU it wandered around and I had to put it on it's perch for the night.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2015, 07:02:01 pm
content: Massive Awwww from meThanks for being so kind to the little birdIt looks like a Dove ?Many believe in letting nature take its course, but I am a big softy where animals are concerned and will always render assistance where possible and appropriate. I have rescued many exhausted racing Pigeons that have lost their way. Their owners have always been pleased to get their beloved bird back.Good luck encouraging your little bird to spread its wings and enjoy the outside world.Fraser

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2015, 08:14:00 pm
content: Common wood dove, very shy normally. This one was around a week old when it and it's sibling fell out the nest. Sibling did not survive, died next day, but this one did not, and eventually I stopped feeding and placed it in a box with food and water for a week, so that it started to eat for itself. I have woken up some mornings with it sitting on my head contentedly, and then I find the "present" on the pillow.I feed it some cheap mixed soup grains, which are quite nice, and the milled wheat, lentils and dried peas are good for the bird. Growing up it was fed Pronutro cereal with milk, it was quite fond of that, very demanding of feeding. Baby box was the standard one I use for all birds, a polystyrene foam pack that originally held KFC...

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2015, 08:25:55 pm
content: Thanks for the 'feel-good' story. Lovely to hear such in these dark days of international tension and violence.Best Wishes to you and your little Dove.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2015, 04:11:59 pm
content: For anyone who might have on interest in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and B12 levels..... my comprehensive blood tests have returned a very low B12 level requiring action by the doctor. I had blood taken Tuesday and a phone call Wednesday saying I needed treatment. Not bad for the NHS. Even the Chemist was surprised at the low level. The acceptable NICE range is 150 to 900. Mine is 158, so pretty much at the bottom of the range. Low B12 is known to be an important issue with M.E (CFS) sufferers, hence my doctors concern at the 158 result.In case it helps anyone else in my situation with CFS, my results were:B12/folate (Xalqs)Serum vitamin B12 level (XE2pf) 158 ng/L [150-900]Serum folate level (42U5) 5.8 ug/L [3.1-19.9]Serum ferritin level (XE24r) 87ng/mL [15-400]3 weeks until I can see my doctor for injections so I am on tablet form B12 at the moment. Lots of info on safe B12 doses on the internet. I am going with 50ug a day to see what happens. B12 is available without prescription in the UK but the doctors can use better supplements where appropriate.http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/vitamin-b12/dosing/hrb-20060243So if anyone else suffers with fatigue issues.... I suggest a B12 test, if you are able to get one, in order to eliminate that possible contributing factor.Aurora

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 26, 2015, 08:39:20 pm
content: I don't have CFS but I am mildly anemic and my B12 runs a bit low. I supplement OTC iron and B12. There was a point where B12 was low enough that I had to do a once a month injection for 6 months. Luckily, stepdaughter who lives at home with granddaughter is a medical assistant. She is also very good with needles, no pain at all.I do feel it if I skip the supplements for a few days so I second Aurora. Get checked, it is worth it. I used to be non compliant about things like that but having a wife and stepdaughter who are medical assistants, it's not worth disobeying SWMBO. It's easier to just do it than catch grief from 2 sides.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2015, 08:52:47 pm
content: I learned how to do both options with that needle......... As I used to get regular injections I had a lot of people practise on me, and when the new medic approached with that look of inflicting pain I would gently remind them of 3 things. 1- I will wake up, 2- your boss, who can be an absolute dragon lady if she so chooses, does like me, and 3- I know where you live. I never had to act on any of those. I learnt a lot from her.I did see her give an injection, and from the yelp of pain from him I knew it hurt like the dickens. She was solicitous, like a wolf auditioning a herd of sheep, and asked if all was well. Then suggested that next time he does not drink like a fish the night before, as she had been to the same party. It hurts when you take that ampoule out of the fridge at 4C, and put it in with a large needle fast and without any site preparation aside from a swab wipe. Especially when you do 2 and balance the load by turning the other cheek. The B complex injection is great though. Really peps you up.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 27, 2015, 11:57:05 am
content: In the cheeks? Wow. I stepdaughter gave me my injections in the upper arm. She has a very good touch. I never felt any of the injections, even as I was watching her put the needle in. These were also small gauge needles, I think 18 or 20 gauge. I didn't really even notice the cold temp of the liquid.

author: janaf
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2015, 03:20:23 pm
content: Quote from: SeanB on March 15, 2015, 08:14:00 pmYou should look up "My Life as a Turkey" / Joe Hutto! Highly recommended!

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2015, 05:03:29 pm
content: Quote from: GreyWoolfe on March 27, 2015, 11:57:05 amCheeks = Gluteus Maximus, otherwise known as the posterior. Where you do intramuscular injections, and need a larger muscle than your bicep because of the volume. Where the doctor/nurse puts the injectable porridge that is penicillin for severe infection. That always hurts.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gluteus_maximus_muscle

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 27, 2015, 09:41:40 pm
content: I knew you meant the buttocks, as Forrest Gump would say. I don't care for shots there, I much prefer the arm. It doesn't seem to hurt near as much as the posterior.

author: Michaela Joy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2015, 02:23:25 pm
content: @Aurora: I'm not sure if anyone has said it already, but as a fellow veteran (USAF), I just wanted to say Thank You for your service.You were and are part of a special breed of people; those who sacrificed and served. Never forget that.With that said, don't give up trying to find answers for what is ailing you. A positive mental attitude is your best ally right now. Another member here mentioned Lyme disease.It's definitely worth looking into. In the USA, it's rampant; two of my siblings and three of my friends have it, all with varying degrees of pain and fatigue.The answers that you seek are within you. Love yourself, pamper yourself, try new things (within the bounds of your own limits) And most importantly, enjoy every second of life.In New York City, we had a Disk Jockey named Harry Harrison (WCBS FM - R.I.P.)He used to open his show with a line, which, to Me, rings true."Every day should be unwrapped like a precious gift."Warmest Regards,:MJ

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2015, 01:38:54 pm
content: Minor update from me.....No change in CFS at the moment but on the technical front.......1. I have recently bought another FLIR PM series thermal camera as the price was too low to resist. I will give it my usual service and tidy up any rough edges from use. Lovely bit of kit though.2. I had a splurge on Microscopes over the last few weeks as well. I now have a decent stereo zoom on a boom mount plus a new video microscope with C mount for my professional Panasonic 3CCD camera. I bought some other very nice microscopes but will not bore you with details/pictures unless there is interest.3. A Gendex Oralix 65S Dental X-Ray machine is also awaiting my attention and experimentation but that will have to wait as my Faxitron Cabinet X-Ray is meeting all my present needs and more3. On the interesting reading front I have purchased The Art of Electronics Issue 2 (used) and the new Issue 3. It seemed a good idea to have both. I also purchased and excellent book on PCB reverse engineering from fellow EEVBlog member Ng Keng Tiong. Finally I tracked down a used copy of the Modern Electronic Circuits Reference Manual. I always had a copy on my bench in my early days at work and found it useful. Plenty of great reading material to relax with over the summer4. Now a potentially contentious purchase. I learned to program the MC6502, MC6809 and Z80 processors when at school and Maritime College in the 1980's. Assembly language and Basic were the order of the day but I did do some hard core 8 bit machine code programming as well. That was long ago and the brain has addled somewhat over the intervening years. In order to wake up the dormant brain cells (if there are any left) I have decided to start with microcontrollers at the the simplest level, namely with an Arduino starter kit. I am aware of the arguments for an against the Arduino and RPi but need to start somewhere and this seemed a gentle intro to suchI shall likely move onto RPi if the application demands such but PIC is in my sights when I have mastered the Arduino and its ATMega family of chips. For me it is more a case of coding to achieve a desired result rather than coding for the fun of it alone. Once I move onto the PIC chips I will feel that I have the required tools to achieve results in a decent time frame. We shall seeIf I can't master the simple world of the Arduino, I will know not to bother with PIC programmingWell that is all for now. I wish you all a very good summer of fun and frolics with electronics and computing.Fraser

author: bookaboo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2015, 10:21:37 am
content: Good to hear positive updates from you. I don't see anything wrong with starting out with an Arduino. I've never actually even touched one and until recently most of my programming work was modding and amending ASM for PIC55 and PIC54 so I'm int he "old school" micro camp, despite that I've never understood the hate and I'm sure you will use it as a quick springboard into interesting projects.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2015, 10:42:28 am
content: Well I have held off on the Arduino idea. Having read more about the product I am not certain that it is what I need. I am now leaning towards learning to program PIC chips instead as they are closer to my past experience than the Arduino 'Sketches'Any recommendations on which PIC dev tool to buy ?.....Pickit 2 or 3 seem the obvious candidates.Dave didn't like the Pickit 3 though. I will do some searching on teh forum as I feel sure this will have been covered before.Best WishesFraser

author: bookaboo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2015, 11:36:14 am
content: I've been using the "Real Ice" which I'm fairly happy with except for it's occasional reluctance to start in the mornings (plug in USB and plug out again every time!!!). That may be a bit above budget and spec for hobby use, I have no experience with PICKIT3 except to say that it works for updating code in the field, I have no practical experience using it as a debugger.When making the jump to C I did find this dev board really useful, there's plenty to play with out of the box and you can hack on your own add ons, it also has various PIM headers for different devices. I've been using the 24F range which is packed full of features and peripherals, it's pretty easy to migrate from 12x and 16x PICs as many of the registers are similar.You may find something more specific to a particular application but this is the one I like:http://uk.farnell.com/microchip/dm240001/pic24-explorer-16-dev-board/dp/1146554I believe these demo boards are all PICKIT3 compatibleThis book is also pretty useful, luckily for me several of the chapters meshed with exactly the projects I was undertaking. It wouldn't be good as a general reference guide, it's more of a walk though various projects using the peripherals on the Explorer 16http://www.amazon.co.uk/Programming-16-Bit-PIC-Microcontrollers-C/dp/1856178706http://blog.flyingpic24.com/programming-16-bit/The usual caveat applies that your choices may be application specific but I can only comment on what I've used. Likewise there may be options other than Microchip but I'll leave for others to comment on that also.

author: ptricks
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2015, 12:49:54 pm
content: Quote from: Aurora on April 13, 2015, 10:42:28 amIf I had the cash I would go for the easy PIC fusion board, has everything you could want.http://www.mikroe.com/easypic-fusion/Uses the Mikroe compiler that is very well supported and easy to learn.About what to do after semi-retirement , have you considered teaching electronics to senior citizens ?I gave it a go and you wouldn't believe the excitement they had , learning something they thought they never could.

author: rolycat
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2015, 01:11:02 pm
content: There's a recent discussion of PIC programmers on the forumhere.I have a PICkit 2 and a 3. The 2 has some extra capabilities, but I find the 3 is a better choice for integration with MPLAB and complete chip support. Mostly it just works.

author: bookaboo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2015, 01:36:44 pm
content: Forgot to mention that one major plus of buying Microchips higher end emulators and kit is that the customer support is incredibly good. I used to have an ICE2000, I damaged it and a daughter board through my own mistake. Despite coming clean to support about my error I received a service exchange unit the next day, after 8 years of use it failed again (not guilty this time) and I got another one free.

author: Howardlong
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2015, 02:53:38 pm
content: I would be a little wary of non-Microchip stuff for PIC, you will almost inevitably end up being drawn into a third party vendor's tools.The PICkit 3 is OK, I think that the things that were lacking back when Dave did his piece have largely been addressed.There were some problems with PICkit 3 on MPLAB X even as recently as about eight months ago to do with Eclipse/Java/USB, but these seem to have been addressed too now, just make sure you get an up-to-date MPLAB X.You can also get several Microchip boards with debuggers already integrated onto them like the Microstick series.

author: dadebonz
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 13, 2015, 02:58:57 pm
content: I am disabled and collect ssd. I buy broken laptops, cellphones etc on ebay and craigslist fix them then resell them. I enjoy the art of trouble shooting and make a bit of cash to boot. Good luck.

author: m100
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2015, 03:09:48 pm
content: Do what you can now before you get too old to do it.Thats all

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2015, 10:48:01 pm
content: Well I took the plunge into learning to program PIC chips....I was going to buy the Microchip Pickdem (Pickit3) kit from Rapid at £105 but stumbled upon an ebay seller offering the earlier version Picdem containing the Pickit2 at £50. I went with the cheaper option as the only difference is the Pickit versionhttp://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Picdem-Lab-Development-kit-with-PICkit-2-/331137221446?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item4d19510346Then I stumbled upon an Ex university student selling his complete Pic programming course equipment on ebay. The set comprises a Pickit2, 2 populated development boards, several Pics and three books by Chuck Hellebuyck. On Amazon the books are around £25 each !Auction contents:Pickit 2 debugger1x low pin count development board1x 28 pin development board2x 28 pin unpopulated development boards3x 16F886 microcontrollers1x 16f690 microcontroller1x 16f1938 microcontroller1x 18f26k22 microcontroller1x USB cable3 x Training books by Chuck Hellebuyckhttp://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161670723709?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AITAt £50 I thought it good value.So for £100 ($150) I have plenty of material to begin my expedition into Pic programming. I can buy the Pickit3 unit later if I have the need.Wish me luckFraser

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2015, 10:48:29 pm
content: Quote from: Howardlong on April 13, 2015, 02:53:38 pmAnd a potential issue is that when new chips come out ( and Microchip do that a LOT), third-party programmers may take a while to support it.Amusing aside : Microchip themselves got bitten by this - for their factory programming service, they use a 3rd-party automated production programmer. When the PIC10F322 came out, it took something like a year before they could offer programming via their own service! (and the device was so cheap that third-party programming services cost more then the device)

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2015, 10:51:08 pm
content: Oh and by the way, don't bother with the higher end 8-bit PICs - the 16 & 32 bit devices offer a lot more bang for the money, and many are available in DIP.Also the free versions of the 16 & 32 bit Microchip compilers are a lot less sucky than the free 8-bit ones.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2015, 11:00:36 pm
content: @MikeThank you for all the advice, much appreciatedI am looking forward to getting back into programming after all these years. Very different to working on a Z80 research machine and CBM PETFraser

author: Howardlong
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2015, 11:19:50 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on April 13, 2015, 10:51:08 pmThe same applies when going 32 bit, I moved to PIC32MX230F032B over PIC24FJ64GB002 about 2.5 years ago when I had to redesign a product due to non-availability of another device, the PIC32s were (and still are) slightly cheaper. Those low pin count PIC32MX1xx and 2xx are pretty much my goto MCUs these days for quick breadboarding, but I don't think the PICkit 2 supports anything in PIC32 other than the very earliest devices (PIC32MX3xx/4xx).The 8 bit compiler does indeed have some interesting features, sometimes it just refuses to compile with a useless error, but it still amazes me what can be achieved even in those super low end 10F and 12F chips.

author: rolycat
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2015, 12:01:40 am
content: Quote from: Aurora on April 13, 2015, 10:48:01 pmGood luck!If you do decide to get a PICkit 3, you don't need to pay anything like £100 for it.CPC have thestarter kit, including the PICkit 3 itself, a low pin count dev board, two 20-pin PIC chips (PIC16F1829 and PIC18F14K22) and a USB cable for £46.80 including VAT and delivery.The PIC18F14K22 is a useful low pin count chip for learning/experimenting - it has 16K of program memory, UART, SPI and I2C peripherals, 12 channels of 10-bit A/D, 2 comparators and even a built-in 555 timer. It also operates at 5V and requires fewer support components than the 16-bit PICs. And it's cheap - typically well under £2 for single items in DIP.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2015, 07:51:51 am
content: Quote from: Howardlong on April 13, 2015, 11:19:50 pmYes, though if you don't need the power of the PIC32, the PIC24s have the advantage of more flexible pin mapping, which makes PCB layout very easy.I've only ever used the 32MX1xx PIC32s, and although they have some flexibility in pin mapping, if you're using a significant number of peripherals, you have to be very careful about juggling pin usage to ensure you can us them all (and what's up with non-mappable SCLK?).The relatively new PIC32MX170F256 has an unusually large 64K RAM - I don't think there is anything else from anyone in a 28 pin package with that much RAM.The really nice thing about the Pic24's, is that all you need to do is make sure that all peripherals use an RP pin and anything that needs a pullup uses a CN pin.Also the 32MX1 pullups are broken, however you do have pulldowns as well.

author: Howardlong
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2015, 08:38:11 am
content: Yes, you really need to sit in a quiet room for a while with the appropriate pages printed from the DS to figure out the pin remapping for the PIC32MX1xx/2xx for a given project.I was not aware of the pull up problem. I am aware of a nasty problem when using either I2C module and its effects on other GPIO pins and dramatic increase in current draw unless you disable the slew rate control. The old errata versions only referred to I2C1 but it affects both I2C modules, and it refers to it as an I/O problem not as an I2C problem, and does not mention the excessive current draw. I note newer errata discuss the fault on both I2C modules, and also that later silicon has this fixed, including all 170/270 models. A shame the '170 and '270 aren't supported directly by the old MPLAB IDE, I still prefer it to MPLAB X despite its character traits, it's much faster for a start.

author: deephaven
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2015, 08:50:22 am
content: Before designing with or programming a PIC, always carefully read the errata sheets for the particular chip and revision you are using. The programmer will tell you what revision the chip is when it connects. This will save hours of head-scratching when you device doesn't seem to be working the way you expect it to.Having said that, I think PICs are great and you'll have a lot of fun with them.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2015, 11:12:10 am
content: Again, thanks for all the helpful comments and tips. It would appear that I am about to enter the very interesting world of PIC chipsIt is long overdue though as my colleagues have been programming them for many years. I was just a bit scared of "teaching an old dog new tricks" I suppose. So many times I have been told "that is an easy task if you use a PIC" and I have not had the skillset to use that good advice2Very much looking forwards to getting stuck into this field of electronics/microcontrollers.Fraser

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2015, 11:29:06 am
content: Quote from: deephaven on April 14, 2015, 08:50:22 am.. and don't forget to re-read if you subsequently use it for a different project - classic fail is to re-use a part because you're familiar with it, and encounter issues with peripherals that weren't used in your original design, so you ignored them at the time

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2015, 11:30:00 am
content: Quote from: wilfred on April 14, 2015, 08:47:46 amIt's in the errata - they don't pull up high enough to guarantee a high level.

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2015, 01:19:01 pm
content: Bugs in the chip I canalmostforgive. What I can't forgive, is a bug in the data sheet, which gets documented in the errata, and then subsequently not fixed.So, we still have the wonderful situation where an inexpensive, useful PIC24 device has two of its pins swapped in the data sheet symbol, and the corrected symbol is included in the errata.WHY HAVEN'T YOU UPDATED THE DATA SHEET, MICROCHIP?THIS ERROR IS OVER A YEAR OLDI found another bug in the data sheet myself, which despite confirmation from Microchip, isn't even in the errata

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2015, 08:03:37 pm
content: It's a feature...... Undocumented granted, but still a feature

author: LaserSteve
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2015, 08:56:23 pm
content: Its a tough job to get, but Aurora should do what I do. I'm a research and instrumentation technician for a university.Benefits: Possible Second Pension , work with interesting students, teach the odd student, work on insane projects and have access to a machine shop. On most campuses you get to take a few credit hours per semester, free. Your children and spouse go to school at greatly reduced cost. Pay is mediocre, but I do not know a single university tech without the odd side project or who has not been asked to join a start-up part time. The profs usually do not know the hardware side and are grateful for anything you can do for them. Try for a Physics or Electrical Engineering department. Third choice would be mechanical engineering followed by biology. Avoid chemistry, they usually do not need much hardware unless they have a laser lab.I'm sure the UK is a bit different, but over here, military electronics experience puts you to the front of the line for this position..Most large research hospitals also need skilled technicians.On any given day I might be working on a stirrer motor, or diagnosing a femtosecond laser system. I generally have to learn the student's research projects better then they do.... I get to design apparatus. While I'm not Ex-mil, I was trained by a defense contractor, so the powers that be are happy with my skill set.* Did I mention the female grad students flirt with you, simply because you generally are not drooling on them?Steve

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2015, 09:04:30 pm
content: QuoteAVR documentation is awful too. I don't understand it. By contrast I reported a long standing technical error to Fairchild in their LM78xx datasheet (a design equation was wrong) and they responded the same day and were very grateful and released a new datasheet within the same working week.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2015, 05:39:22 pm
content: Well its time this old dog learnt some new tricks, namely programming PICs in 'C'.I now have my complete PIC 'lab' with which to experiment and learnPictures attached.I bought the 'usual suspects' for such a learning activity, but added the Mechatonics lab as an addition, as I will want to practice interfacing with displays, motors, sensors and all manner of input devices. I also purchased the mTouch lab kit as it included the PICkit Serial analyzer, three populated PIC boards and a variety of touch sensor pads. Not bad at £30 for a brand new kit. I wanted the PICkit Serial analyzer anywayNone of these were bought through official channels like Farnell, yet they all have labels showing they originated from Farnell of Radio Spares. All came from ebay as either used or new old stock. I saved a small fortune on the normal retail prices, which is good for my hobby budget.Time to start reading the beginners guides and learning about PICs and 'C'Fraser