My classical training is with vacuum tubes - yep, tubes. Personal training started when I was in Cub Scouts and learned the basics. It also helped that my father was an electrical engineer.

During my first year at Jr College, I took a course for Digital Logic. The instructors lost the manual that went along with the student handbook and they were unable to "grade" me. I was allowed to take the entrance exam at Sperry UNIVAC and received one of the highest employment entrance rankings they had. I was asked to fill out the rest of the job application paperwork, but was not 21 years of age yet.

I started working with integrated circuits and obtained the entire National Semiconductor reference library to study. (fun reading material)

Several years later, I applied for a job at EMI Medical CT Scanner Div, USA and was hired. I quickly became one of the best repair techs and leaderman for a department of 20ish. I've had training from Motorola Microprocessors, GE CT Scanners, Data General Computers, Pantak HV, Delta HV, Ismeca packaging machines, Dicing Saws, Arburg Mold Presses, Cincinnati Milacron Mold Presses, Think 'n Do software and others.

15 years later, I was hired by Littelfuse, Inc. in Des Plaines Illinois where I did general repairs on over 70 different types of machines, programming on GE PLC's and Think 'n Do software for real time production machinery. I also worked with companies like Paragon and others to create user programs for in-line assembly machines and dial tables.

I worked there for 15 years starting as Grade 2 Electrician, quickly rising to Grade 4 (top). Also, 14 of those years as 2nd/3rd shift Union Steward and committeeman, contributing to 5 general contracts and 1 W.A.R.N. finalization when the company sent its manufacturing to Mexico and overseas.