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Thread ID: 90912	2008-06-20 00:27:00	Qualifications for Techs	gary67 (56)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
680441	2008-06-20 23:10:00	I'd have thought that given the generally poor state of electrical knowledge shown on this forum, and the tightening up of electrical regs especially on who can do what for reward, it would make eminent sense for anyone wanting to go into servicing of electrical appliances such as computers to go for an Electronic Service Technicians qualification in electronic servicing.	Terry Porritt (14)
680442	2008-06-21 00:45:00	I'd have thought that given the generally poor state of electrical knowledge shown on this forum Think about that comment you made for a second. One reason that electrical suggestions are NOT made is quite simple - you don't go telling the average person who asks for help to start playing with that sort of process. It's actually a safety issue, and that's why people here don't suggest a person starts playing around with items that can potentially be a death trap. Just because the suggestions are not made doesn't mean the tech's like myself don't know about it, and some of us do actually have the qualifications and do know the dangers - hence not suggested to the "Average User"	wainuitech (129)
680443	2008-06-21 01:23:00	I was making a generalisation, not pointing in any specific direction, so I did not intend to cause offence. It is an an observation over the 30 odd years I've been here, that electrical knowledge and theory does not seem to be all that well taught in New Zealand. Many of the queries on PF1 seem to bear this out.	Terry Porritt (14)
680444	2008-06-21 03:54:00	I'd have thought that given the generally poor state of electrical knowledge shown on this forum, and the tightening up of electrical regs especially on who can do what for reward, it would make eminent sense for anyone wanting to go into servicing of electrical appliances such as computers to go for an Electronic Service Technicians qualification in electronic servicing. Hmmm. What would I do with it? Most of us techs are basically "card jockeys", that is as far as hardware repairs go, we swap out dead bits, including power supplies. While I could replace a fan in a PSU, I don't. Most of the ones I see with knackered fans are rubbish PSUs anyway I recommend replacing them with a decent one. And what else is there? I'd sure not soldering motherboards or anything.	pctek (84)
680445	2008-06-21 05:27:00	Hmmm. What would I do with it? Most of us techs are basically "card jockeys", that is as far as hardware repairs go, we swap out dead bits, including power supplies. While I could replace a fan in a PSU, I don't. Most of the ones I see with knackered fans are rubbish PSUs anyway I recommend replacing them with a decent one. And what else is there? I'd sure not soldering motherboards or anything. Well, probably at your time of life :) it probably isn't necessary for just computer servicing, unless it is deemed otherwise by the EWRB at sometime in the future................but.......... for someone starting out, are they going to be content with building/servicing PCs for the rest of their lives? Who knows, within 5 years, PCs as we know them may be quite different, just sealed black boxes or something like that with nothing to build or service. Then what about servicing and repairing peripherals? I know CRTs are now passé, but strictly speaking repairing these for reward would need EST (A) An electrical qualification like Electrical Service Technician A would open up a whole wider field of possibilities to someone starting out on a career. Actually Wainuitechs response to my post was rather tangential, in that it actually reinforces what I said about a) going for an electrical technicians qualification... and b) withholding knowledge :) The average NZ man in the street, regards matters electrical/electronic as fearsome dark arts, knowledge of which is withheld by the high priests of EWRB and their practitioners and not passed on unless certain rites are entered into. Contrast this with how it used to be in the UK where there was a plethora of DIY mags telling Mr average how to rewire their house, install 2 way lighting, replace a water heater element, install central heating etc etc. Thousands of kids buying Camms Comic, otherwise Practical Wireless, all building their own mains powered valve radios and scopes etc. The regs. have changed there now too, but that is because most likely of the vast influx of third world immigrants. www.ucol.ac.nz www.ewrb.govt.nz Quiz: for the younger ones :) OK no cheating, no looking up, write down Ohm's Law, and the expression for the resistance of a length of wire in terms of dimensions and resistivity. What is power factor, what is the difference between VA and watts?	Terry Porritt (14)
680446	2008-06-21 05:34:00	Well, probably at your time of life :) it probably isn't necessary for just computer servicing Then what about servicing and repairing peripherals? I know CRTs are now passé, but strictly speaking repairing these for reward would need EST (A) The average NZ man in the street, regards matters electrical/electronic as fearsome dark arts Contrast this with how it used to be in the UK where there was a plethora of DIY mags telling Mr average how to rewire their house, install 2 way lighting, replace a water heater element, install central heating etc etc. Thousands of kids buying Camms Comic, otherwise Practical Wireless, all building their own mains powered valve radios and scopes etc. Smartass. I like PCs, I do PCs, I couldn't care less about rewiring the house or pulling old CRTs apart. Whats all that got to do with the guy asking if he should get quals to fix PCs? He didn't ask about becoming an electrician, or a plumber and changing hot water elements either. Maybe if he wants to go work for Intel but even then a degree in programming would be more useful than an electrical cert. And for your information I was sent on one of those courses once. It bored me ****less.	pctek (84)
680447	2008-06-21 06:17:00	Where did I say electrician (or plumber for that matter) ? I said Electrical Service Technician. I'm glad you enjoy what you do, but someone near the start of their career should not take it amiss if an old fogey like me advises wider horizons, and tries to see beyond the immediate.	Terry Porritt (14)
680448	2008-06-21 06:23:00	I'm not necessarily going to do it full time anyway, was just asking for some advice/clarification and by the way I'm early 40's have already had a successful building career	gary67 (56)
680449	2008-06-21 06:26:00	I'm not necessarily going to do it full time anyway, was just asking for some advice/clarification and by the way I'm early 40's have already had a successful building career Oh dear, then I take it all back :)	Terry Porritt (14)
680450	2008-06-21 06:29:00	I wasn't going to bother replying, but since reference was made to my comment - I stand by what I said before, AND as Pctek also mentioned in an earlier post - But I'd recommend getting the EXPERIENCE first . And I mean practical real experience not just messing about with your home PC . Simply put, Yes having experience and knowledge is a good thing when you do this for a living BUT going back to the original comment - I'd have thought that given the generally poor state of electrical knowledge shown on this forum A PUBLIC forum, is NOT the place to be handing out advice of that nature - I would say everyone here is being responsible in not advising on doing certain actions regarding electrical work, as it could (would) in some cases case personal injury to the person concerned . Remember where we are - and types of questions being asked, people asking for help on a public forum . If electrical repairs are required I have seen it suggested to be taken to a trained technician . Back to gary67's original question - If he wanted to actually repair damaged components, then you really do need to have proper training in that field . Regarding Quals, on one of the courses I did ages ago, one of the many sections they went right into how a CPU actually works, Eg:With all the millions of microscopic transistors, Gates etc . BUT reality check time - you cant take a CPU apart and repair it so whats the point, if its stuffed replace it . While it is good to have the knowledge regarding the quiz, all the Ohm's Law, resistance etc, blimey - I cant remember the last time I actually needed to even remember all that, or in that case actually needed it . Edited- Make Mental note: Gary67 is a builder - if building project needed because the better half wants something built - ask for advice:thumbs:	wainuitech (129)
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