New to this forum

Hi, my name is Svein Arne. I am new to the forum although I have been watching Bill's videos for a while. Live in Norway and are waiting for spring to arrive with warmer weather.

Educated as a mechanical engineer, worked as a process engineer for over 30 years. Before going to university my dream was to become an electro or computer engineer, but my grades where not sufficient for that. Never regretted the mechanical engineer education though.

Have been interested in electronics since I was a young kid. Has been a bit on and off for many decades. Have also played a lot with computers, building, modifying and testing different operating systems (Windows, Linux, Haiku, RiscOS …). The last 10 years I found the microcontrollers/mini-computers interesting. They remind me somewhat about the first simple 8 bit computers you connected to the television back in the 1980’s. I have had Raspberry PI’s for over 6 years now on my cabin sending me daily pictures, temperatures and humidity so that I now everything is ok. Used Arduino microcontroller for logging of temperatures, sun intensity, power and current draw. Also modified two fridges with Arduio, screen and Dallas 18B20 temp. sensors, for better temperature control and longer life (spare parts not available).

On the electronic side it is more basic. Smaller control circuits and small signal amplifiers. Have also replaced some capacitors in an old tube radio, which made me move into the electronics again. Did not do everything correct, I have learned, but that can be corrected.

Also have equipment for making my own circuit boards, using the laminator transfer method (print by laser printer to dedicated paper and transfer the print to the copper layer by a modified laminator, and then etching the board).

Other hobbies have been model sailplanes, boats and cars. And for the ones of us having a house, like myself, this is a big maintenance item with garden, painting, cutting, repairing, keeping you busy – you know the drill.

Looking forward to following Bill’s videos and talk to you on the forum.