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  • Author Author: marsmen
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SmarterLife Challenge - When things look like they approach a 1 or a 0 …..

marsmen

….I take the limit.

 

I got a 4.0 in my programming class a few years ago for C++. I've tried self-teaching and getting into programming in the past. I even had a job where I designed 100% of the LabVIEW architecture and developed 50% of the code to test new power supplies that are going to the International Space Station.

 

In the end, I'm not a programmer.

 

Although I've dabbled, can read through C code, pencil to paper the flow and building blocks, understand a lot of what is going on and how to test, I'm simple deficient in C programming.

 

I love engineering. I love problem solving, design verification, failure analysis, and new product development. I feel that I can design and develop all the mechanicals for my project. I also feel the same about the electrical side. When it comes to the final code script, I feel blocked. My friend assisting me is also in the same boat.

 

The awesome thing about engineering, as I stated earlier, is that it's about problem solving. So, this evening, I've a co-worker who programs coming over to assist (bribing him with beer). I learned a long time ago "don't buy diamonds from a brick mason". It means, let the experts be the experts. Need electro-mechanical solutions, I'm the guy. Need 1's or 0's, it approaches my limits, get a programmer.

  • Thank you both!!!

     

    In machining class, I once spent 40 minutes and re-read the same section of book 5 times. During this time, all the other students read it once and went out into the shop and started machining. On a shelf were some very dusty Beta tapes. One was for the section of reading. I watched it once, then went and machined the part faster then my co-students.

     

    Important to know one's limitations. I've spent a long time getting to know myself better (I'm an INTP with ADD/ADHD and O+ blood type) so that I can find better paths for me to learn, explore, and live. As someone with a learning disability, I've learned to use it as my super power. I also know when others are intolerant of me (like getting 4 out of 10), that I just need a different fit to find success (like PSoC).

     

    Tonight, the coworker came over and in an hour we slammed through it. We know exactly how to attack this monster and move forward. I'm guessing, worst case, we'll only need 4-5 hours to program this and that includes some troubleshooting. If true, I get to spend holiday in my home fab shop (i.e. the dining room which has a work bench, bandsaw, and drill press in place of a dining table!).

     

    XD

  • Well Done Jim!

    If you're not too careful you'll probably learn something from your co-worker as well!

     

    Getting a 4 (out of 10) in microcontrollers is an experience I can relate to. I got that too, it's one of the subjects that I never passed... I just didn't get how ports and registers and interrupts worked.

    Then someone in a company explained it to me, and it suddenly became completely clear. I still remember that when teaching others about microcontrollers image

  • Hi Jim,

     

    As dirty Harry once said "You have to know your limitations!" 

    There are many things that I can do, but there are also many things that I cannot.

    Knowing when to get someone with better skills is the mark of someone who knows his limitations.

     

    DAB