When you meet me, You will see that the following is somewhat difficult for me to do. My Father always said that self-braggart was half scandal. I still (it’s been at least 40 years) have trouble letting others know my experience. But If I don’t tell then My Story won’t probably be told.
At the age of 10, I started playing a guitar, trying drums and picking around on pianos. I, also, was getting and opening anything that was ran by electricity. I remember the Macho-Status-Symbol game of bragging about how many transistors were in One’s new AM/FM radio. I got one, Well, I got 2. So, mine has 10! OoooH! Awwww! Then out come the ICs. Boy, then the bragging was about the manufacturer and the model number. Of course, I couldn’t wait until the item “died.” I would immediately “dissect” (tear it open). I remember having a fairly sized cardboard box of electronic junk below my little work area. Some of the things I repaired and some of them never got fixed. I remember visiting the local fix-it shop. Mr. Noah Gabbard would let me watch him work on things. He would tell me that if I continued to work on electronics that I would be far-sighted and not see with out the aid of magnifiers. Boy, was he ever right! I’ve got my work area well-lit and my trusty magnifying glass handy.
Around 15, I ordered a home-study course from Cleveland Institute of electronics. I finished most of the course. I continued to experiment with electronics and fix some and tear up some. I took mostly sciences, maths and physics courses in Farmington High School. After graduating I worked at Ben Franklins in the Toy department. I attended The University of Arkansas engineering College (failed this miserably – But I did learn about numeric controllers and Forth – a computer programming language). My College career was short lived. I later joined the Navy. I signed up for the Nuclear Program. Full of promises from the recruiter, I soon learned my Nuclear career was up to the discretion of the “real” Naval personnel not the #$%@ recruiters. I did get to become a Nuclear Reactor Operator with an Electronic background with a RADAR endorsement. I attended Basic training, Electronics A School, B School and RADAR school At GLakes, ILL. I then transfered to Vallejo, CA where I attended Naval Nuclear Power School. After graduating, They sent me to Idaho Falls, Idaho where I attended Naval Nuclear Propulsion Training. After successfully graduating, I was assigned to the USS Enterprise. I meet the USS Enterprise in Hawaii. The Navy was both a blessing and a curse. I did learn most every thing that I use today while in the Navy as a sailor. It wasn’t all disheartening. I did get to travel and see a lot of the world.
After leaving the Navy in 1980, I returned to Northwest Arkansas. My brother had a music store in Farmington so I started Southwind Repairs. Southwind was also the name of our country-rock band. We traveled the region playing music in many venues. I played guitar, bass and or piano. Whatever was needed at the gig. I had very interesting side jobs at this time. I worked for a Music Intrument jobber as a salesman and deliverer. I also work a while with the University of Arkansas Computer Services. I was still attempting to get a College degree. I was at that time in the Communications College.
About this time, I landed a job with a local vocational school in Springdale as the Advanced Electronics Instructor. I really enjoyed this experience. I taught advanced electronics, PLC programming, Micro-processor Controls and programming. We disassembled many a copier and made a conveyor system from the parts. While at the school, I would interface with employers
who were looking for prospective employees. One day, a representative from a company named NOVAR called for prospects. The short of it was that I interviewed and got the job.
Novar manufacturs computers designed to control Lighting, Refrigeration and Air Conditioners in big box retail stores. The local customer was Wal-Mart. I worked for Novar for nearly 12 years. My job included programming controllers, troubleshooting over the phone, training, installing. etc. After leaving Novar, I started HCI Controls, LLC. (www.hcicontrols.com) I actually put to practice the theoretical. I really gained lots of field experience. While, I was an installer, a company called Danfoss approached Wal-Mart to use their controls. I interviewed and was hired by Danfoss. I worked for Danfoss until I left to work with Northwest Energy out of Prairie Grove, Arkansas. By the way, 5 years later, I am back with Danfoss.
All this time I would do music gigs on weekends but mostly in my bedroom. Working for Novar and Danfoss allowed me to travel the world over. I was able to visit places like Jakarta, Buenos Aries, Mexico City, Torreon, MX, Mainland China, Canada. I have always like the travel part of my jobs. Since I started working, I would always pick jobs that included travel. So, after leaving Northwest Energy, I have worked for myself and started MyGEARStation.com. I have continued playing and Have a group called Total Legacy. I play at Cornerstone Word Alive in Springdale, Arkansas in the Praise and Worship Team.
My working career has been long and blessed. I have had many experiences both involving travel and electronics. I still enjoy Music, Travel and repairing Electronics – in that order, I’m sure :!).
So, hang around and check out the many freebies offered on my site. You can learn to play the guitar or the piano.
Thanks
Wayne Conduff
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