Mark's Electronics Blog

Here is a little about me.

I am an electronic hobbyist from way back. I attended a 2 year vocational course in electronics in the early 80’s but my interest in electronics precedes even that. I worked in the industrial instrumentation field for 20 years. My current job is in management but I still run a home business repairing a proprietary PLC platform for industrial equipment.

My first exposure to a computer was a heathkit 200 running Benton Harbor Basic. This was the first language I learned to program in. My first personal computer was a Radio Shack Color Computer. I worked for Radio shack for 3 years by the way, doing computer installs, repair and sales.

I have migrated through many micro controller platforms. Some that I have used  are Basic Stamps, OOPIC, aTTiny, Phidgets, Cubeloc and now the Arduino. My largest build to date was a complete distributed I/O control system with over 300 I/O points and PC based supervisory control for a hazardous waste incinerator. My largest hobby build to date was an autonomous obstacle avoiding robot. It consisted of 2 micro controllers, 6 servos, infrared scanning and ranging, video feedback, sound activation and a lot of  fun learning. I have many other small builds from Internet SPA PH monitor to PC tablet based automotive integration. I have never done a very good job at recording my builds. The purpose of this Blog is to correct that in the future and hopefully build a network of friends to share experiences and knowledge with.