Happenings at the Works

Site updated, projects added

nospam@example.com (Ralph Iden) — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 21:13:01 -0600

It has been a busy summer thus far, but I've gotten around to posting some of the projects that have been built over the years. So much to do and so little time! There are still a number to document, and some of the project entries need more detail and will be expanded as time permits.

How Creative Widget Works Came About

nospam@example.com (Ralph Iden) — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 00:19:49 -0600

So what’s with the name “Creative Widget Works”? Good question. When I was looking for a name to call my collection of electronic projects and tutorials, I kept thinking about widgets, and the role they have played in everything from aviation to the Internet. It only seemed fitting to incorporate widgets into the site name as they form such an integral part of life, as we know it.

My association with widgets has been a long one. As a teen, I developed a keen interest in all kinds of widgets, especially the electronic ones. Holding an amateur radio license, Extra Class, I have always enjoyed tinkering with circuits, and have designed many projects that incorporate all manners of widgets. In the early 1980’s, I was particularity proud of a Z-80 based repeater controller that I designed and built. It featured natural speech synthesis, was able to remotely control 6 transmitters and receivers, and it rivaled anything available commercially. I spent a number of years in the electronics field, first in automated test equipment, and later in two-way radio.

My electronic widgets were placed mostly on the back burner, and replaced with software widgets when my focus changed to software development. I began with a retail computer store, which was, for all practical purposes, a very big mistake for me. I wanted to focus on custom software solutions, but needed walk-in revenue to generate cash flow. It is very difficult to stay afloat in the retail electronics business, and everything was stacked against me as a small time operator. Still, amidst the pain and stress on my marriage, I emerged a wiser individual. I closed the retail store, and moved to more steady employment as a software developer for others. Over time, I was able to pay off my business debts. I did a 11 year stint developing software for the health club industry, and my current position is a principal developer for major company that is a leading provider of integrated applications for the management of K-12 resources.

Over the years, I have designed and created some wonderful software including something called a Zone Integration Server (ZIS), a key component in a data sharing framework for schools and educational institutions. Now my hardware roots are reasserting themselves, and I have gotten back to my hardware widgeting. This site is the result.

Welcome

nospam@example.com (Ralph Iden) — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 23:49:35 -0600

After a very long gestation phase, the Creative Widget Works site is being updated. I have been gathering the project notes, photos, and schematics from my past projects, and I will be posting them a few at a time as time permits. I have learned a great deal from the work of others, and by their willingness to share their knowledge. I hope that these projects will be as instructive to others.

I have also been thinking about blogging, and if it would be a useful addition to the site. The answer to that question isn’t clear at the moment, so we’ll give it a whirl and see what comes out the other end. My work to date has focused on a “just the facts” approach, so this blog will be outlet to share my personal thoughts and opinions about life, the universe, and everything. As with most things in life, your mileage my vary.