Name: Peter Oakes.
Member Bio:
Working in the electronics and Software industry for over 40 years now, I was trained in Industrial Electronics with much experience in Test and Measurement as well. I spent the first part of my Career with Electronics companies but this slowly evolved to over 90% software. I design large scale systems for Government and various Industries. For the last few years I have circled back to my roots in Electronics and now work full time creating online content to share my knowledge with anyone that is interested (For free). The areas of my publications are Motion Control, Industrial and Home Automation and Test and Measurement reviews and numerous electronics projects crafted to explain the engineering principles behind each of the topics.
Q&A:
Please answer these questions in no more than 50-75 words per question
How did you find the element14 community?
Way back when my son entered university, he was having issues with a Raspberry PI he needed to use for course work. After searching around for answers and not finding any that satisfied me, the best source of somewhat helpful info was Element14. I decided to diagnose and resolve my son's PI problems myself. In order to help others with the final findings I posted it back to Element 14. I enjoyed this greatly and decided to participate fully and then I was hooked 
What is your earliest memory involving electronics or engineering?
Ripping apart and attempting to re-build electronic products (Tape recorders, Radios etc ) in my bedroom as a pre-teen. I eventually was given an electronics kist as a gift, the kind with the bed of springs, I was fascinated with all the different things I could build with a few parts. I learned very early on, if you want an oscillator, build an amplifier, if you want an Amp, build an oscillator , of course now with years of additional experience I can build the right thing when I want, although the occasional identity crisis pops up with the odd amplifier design.
Who is your biggest engineering inspiration?
I would have to say my Dad was initially, he was a tool maker and would encourage me by making parts in his spare time at work to use with the electronics kit like a Morse Key Tapper. In general though I just simply have a fascination with engineering, not just electronics, but fabrication, motion control etc. If i had to pick a person now, it would posthumously be Bob Pease.
Name a book, blog or paper that everybody in your field should read
Aside from Mine , https://www.youtube.com/thebreadboardca. But seriously I would have to refer to a great man, Bob Pease https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Pease and his many publications, this guy knew his Analogue electronics and even better knew how to explain it to anyone so they can understand. He will be missed in the world of electronics
What would you like to see more of on the element14 community?
More giving, less bickering, the community is dominated by a relatively few community members, mainly TMs and TMs in the making , and this is great, they provide excelent content and knowledge, I am proud to be a part of that. but there is so many members that have a hard time understanding that the few of use active and helping are doing it for free in our own time and often show little or no appreciation (Members, not E14 staff)
Words to live by:
There is nothing you can't do if you are determined and willing to try (Gender differences aside), there are many things I knew nothing about a few years ago, but with the resolve of a bulldog and a determination to not be beat. I learned them. My wife used to ask me if I could do something (The something is irrelevant), I would pretty much always say yes, then when she would see me researching it, would ask "I thought you said you could do this", I would answer Sure I can, I just have to figure out how first. Now she asks if I have done something before . The point is, if you want to do something, the only obstacle is you!, Find a way.
My top maker tip:
Document and Backup everything. by seeing where you have been you can avoid looping around and repeating the errors. Don't be afraid to try something, everything is learning, if it worked first time you would not learn as much.
My favourite Project
I think there are two, one from the past where I designed a complete Tandy TRS80 Memory and video expansion (Before there's was released) for my boss, worked great and I was only 18 at the time. (1976 ish). More recently it would be My CNC project where I designed and built a complete CNC Router system (Again a tutorial platform)
Makers on Makers
Wow, it is tough to pick just one... but if I have to then Jan Cumps, he is very giving and knowledgeable in electronics and is an avid community member. I struggle to keep up with his enthusiasm and wonder if he ever sleeps. he is the epitome of a good community member and Top Member.