Name: Don Bertke
Member Bio:
Please provide a 50-100 word summary of your career and engineering background
I spent 35 years in the aerospace industry working on many very advanced projects. My range of experience covers nearly every scientific field and most ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum. I have a very broad interest and knowledge in science with extensive analysis in image, multispectral and hyper-spectral analysis. I have also worked on a wide range of embedded computer applications including integrated search and rescue systems.
I am currently working on a series of books where I present a simple approach on how the universe works. I will soon publish "Reverse Engineering The Universe," where we expand on The Only Needed (TON) Particle Theory and why we feel it is a valid solution to Albert Einstein's Unified Field Theory. We are also working on a new view of the Periodic Table, where we show how our new atomic model better explains how atoms are made and what is really inside them.
Q&A:
Please answer these questions in no more than 50-75 words per question
How did you find the element14 community?
I saw a video by Jeri Ellsworth and she hyped the community as a place for engineers to go. So I went, found a nice group of interesting people and have stayed around all these years.
What is your earliest memory involving electronics or engineering?
Getting zapped by a well pump when I was about five years old. After that, lightning and science always fascinated me. So I went to electronics technician school and embarked on a wonderful carrier.
Who is your biggest engineering inspiration?
Greg Morris on the original Mission Impossible TV show. He used technology to solve problems and got me hooked.
Name a book, blog or paper that everybody in your field should read
My new book "Reverse Engineering The Universe." I explain most of what current science cannot.
What would you like to see more of on the element14 community?
Difficult question. I am not your average type of member. I am here to help mentor and provide help. My days of trying to lead people into the future is limited because my focus is beyond just the community.
Words to live by:
Please provide a quote that inspires you or sums up your approach to engineering in some way. This can be a personal quote or a quote from a personal or professional inspiration
Always tell the truth regardless of the consequences. Some people will hate you, but they will all trust you!
My top maker tip:
Please share your favourite Design Tip in no more than 40-50 words.
The planning process is everything. If you rush off and do before you think, you will always fail.
My favourite Project
In no more than 100-150 words, please describe a project you have undertaken that you are particularly proud of. This could be a submission for an element14 design challenge or a personal/professional project.
I integrated a Doppler radar system and forward looking infrared camera into an inexpensive but effective search and rescue system. I do not know how many people have been saved, but if it was just one, I am happy.
Please also provide a photo of this project if available.
Makers on Makers
Please nominate a member of the element14 community whose work you find interesting or inspiring. Tell us why this member of the community stands out to you in no more than 50-75 words.
Very tough question. Shabaz and Jan Camps have been doing excellent blogs. Then there is a bunch of others who also do good posts. I am just too eclectic to have just one favorite.