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On a Roll with RoadTests and How To Benefit from Participating in the RoadTest Program

rscasny

I recall prior to the COVD-19 pandemic, we were launching roadtests all the time. I think in 2018/19, we launched around 50 roadtests. Then COVID-19 came. We slowed down considerably more due to delays in getting roadtest products than anything else. 

Last year, the delays lessened, but this year (2023), I seem to be getting products easily and before I launch the roadtests.

So I am really interested in having members who really want to do a roadtest and who have the time to do one to take a look at our roadtests.

I really try to launch roadtests for different skill levels: from the hobbyist to the expert. 

I think roadtests are a good place to learn something new. (And, yes, be challenged sometimes by the technology at times). 

I make an effort if roadtesters need help to get it for them.. Likewise, if roadtesters found a roadtest difficult, I bring that back to the sponsor. So, roadtesters provide a valuable service. 

I realize that people have busy lives, with family commitments, kids, or even a new job. And not everyone can do a roadtest.  But for those members who have room in their lives, I think doing a roadtest has satisfying personal and professional benefits. 

If you haven't roadtested before, take a look at the enrolling roadtests.

If any of our experienced roadtesters have the time to respond, it would be good to tell new roadtesters how you (personally or professionally) benefited from participating in the roadtest program

Cheers.

Randall Scasny

RoadTest Program Manager

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  • I am fully sympathetic with Gough's predicament.  I too have a bit of Road Test addiction.  I have found that developing a good road test can extract many hours out of a limited pool of free time, including the time required to devise and write a solid application.  The competition to be selected is pretty intense, especially for the higher end test equipment tests, but the reward in terms of skill development is worth the effort.

    I have always enjoyed writing and I have always been interested in measurement technology.  I have been told that at the age of 2 I was fascinated with my fathers light meter, and so it began, a life long fascination with instruments that quantify physical phenomena. 

    Before I retired one of my responsibilities was to evaluate and select test equipment for polytechnic student labs and for research and development labs. Participating in the element14 road test program gave me valuable insight into the performance of equipment from vendors that I hadn't dealt with before. This experience informed some of my equipment purchase decisions.

    Now that I am in retirement, I see the element14 road test program as an opportunity to stay up-to-date on equipment trends.  Also, over my 11 years of participation, I have been fortunate in being occasionally selected (about 25% of the time I make an application)  enough so that the program has helped me build a very well appointed test bench.  Just under half of my current test equipment was acquired from Road Test competitions, and three instruments on my bench I bought after reading other members Road Tests.

    Over the years I have encouraged other electronics professionals I know to get involved in the program. So far I have convinced four professionals to join and submit Road Test applications.  As a testament to the level of competition involved in being selected for a Road Test, only one of my friends has been successful in winning a Road Test.  He is now hooked on the Road Test program as well.

    The element14 Road Test program is pretty awesome.  The time commitment can be daunting, but if you enjoy writing, have a strong ability to stay focused and remain committed to goals, this program can be very rewarding.

    Mark

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  • I am fully sympathetic with Gough's predicament.  I too have a bit of Road Test addiction.  I have found that developing a good road test can extract many hours out of a limited pool of free time, including the time required to devise and write a solid application.  The competition to be selected is pretty intense, especially for the higher end test equipment tests, but the reward in terms of skill development is worth the effort.

    I have always enjoyed writing and I have always been interested in measurement technology.  I have been told that at the age of 2 I was fascinated with my fathers light meter, and so it began, a life long fascination with instruments that quantify physical phenomena. 

    Before I retired one of my responsibilities was to evaluate and select test equipment for polytechnic student labs and for research and development labs. Participating in the element14 road test program gave me valuable insight into the performance of equipment from vendors that I hadn't dealt with before. This experience informed some of my equipment purchase decisions.

    Now that I am in retirement, I see the element14 road test program as an opportunity to stay up-to-date on equipment trends.  Also, over my 11 years of participation, I have been fortunate in being occasionally selected (about 25% of the time I make an application)  enough so that the program has helped me build a very well appointed test bench.  Just under half of my current test equipment was acquired from Road Test competitions, and three instruments on my bench I bought after reading other members Road Tests.

    Over the years I have encouraged other electronics professionals I know to get involved in the program. So far I have convinced four professionals to join and submit Road Test applications.  As a testament to the level of competition involved in being selected for a Road Test, only one of my friends has been successful in winning a Road Test.  He is now hooked on the Road Test program as well.

    The element14 Road Test program is pretty awesome.  The time commitment can be daunting, but if you enjoy writing, have a strong ability to stay focused and remain committed to goals, this program can be very rewarding.

    Mark

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