[BC] Old Farts

[Dave Dunsmoor]

>     I think it is the responsibility of the old guys (like me
> now) to put out the effort to prove our value to the younger
> folks, so that they'll want to work all night for free to
> learn anything they can (just as I did, back in the day).
> Part of the formula of disrespect is a reverse age
> discrimination on the part of some of us older windbags.
> You gotta give to get respect.
>
> Grady


I certainly appreciate the time spent by "my Elmer", John Valker, W?GH, (SK)
in my early years. Especially the time he talked me through what was at the
time
a most puzzling problem about 1/2 hour before Saturday morning sign-on after
I'd been up all night fussing with a cantankerous old BC5P.

I recall thinking several times that if I were ever as capable as John was,
it would
be a long day. He was good with tube gear, transistors and analog and
digital IC
circuits. It was a case of understanding concepts, then studying the
differences
in technologies. He had a knack for simplifying things that initially seemed
to be
complex. There is no substitute for careful thinking in this business. That
I learned
from him and others over the years.

I owe it to not only the ones who follow me, but to also myself to continue
the
practice, and it's usually quite satisfying to do so.

Dave Dunsmoor