While employed in the Welding Industry as a Repair Technician you will come across various terms (Buzz words / slang) that are unique to this field of work. The terminology is typically a mix of Electronic component, and Welder equipment phrases. Here are some common examples:

Bus Voltage: The internal Voltage that is chopped up in an Inverter based Power Supply to produce primary AC for the Main Transformer.

Buzz Box: A transformer based STICK Welder with AC and/or DC output.

Dig: Arc Control. Typically used when STICK Welding to describe an adjustable amperage control for low voltage conditions while welding. Helps avoid Sticking.

GMAW: Gas Metal Arc Welding. MIG mode of operation. A CV (Constant Voltage) welding process that melts and joins metal by heating them with an electrical arc that is created between a motor fed filler material (metal alloy), and a workpiece.

GTAW: Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. TIG mode of operation. A CC (Constant Current) welding process that melts and joins metal by heating them with an electrical arc that is created between a Tungsten alloy electrode, and a workpiece.

IGBT: Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor. A three terminal component used to control current delivery to the Main Transformer within an Inverter based Welder. It is also commonly used to create the AC waveform in an AC/DC TIG Welder.

MOSFET: Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor. A three terminal component used to control current delivery to the Main Transformer within an Inverter based Welder. It can also be used to create the AC waveform in an AC/DC TIG Welder, although IGBT’s are more commonly used.

OCV: Open Circuit Voltage. The no load Output Voltage applied to the Welder Output Terminals. It is usually between 50 and 100V DC (Welder dependent) when measured in STICK MODE.

PAW: Plasma Arc Welding. A CC (Constant Current) welding process that melts and joins metal by heating them with an electrically conductive Plasma column that is created between a Tungsten alloy electrode, and a workpiece.

PCA: Printed Circuit Assembly. A PCB with electronic components mounted on it.

PCB: A Printed Circuit Board is a bare board without any electronic components mounted (stuffed) on it. It consists of an insulative substrate material (usually Fiberglass) and a surface material (usually copper). The Welding Industry incorrectly uses this term to describe a PCA (Printed Circuit Assembly).

Rectifier: A component that coverts AC into DC. Normally configured as a Full- Wave Rectifier. Used to create the DC Bus Voltage (Input Rectifier), and to provide DC output from the Main Transformer (Secondary Output Diodes).

Spatter: Metal particles that are blown away from the Welding Arc. Not part of the completed weld.

SMAW: Shielded Metal Arc Welding. STICK mode of operation. A CC (Constant Current) welding process that melts and joins metal by heating them with an electrical arc that is created between a flux coated metal electrode, and a workpiece.

Stinger: A STICK Electrode Holder.

VRD: Voltage Reduction Device. A safety feature that can be enabled in STICK mode to reduce the OCV of the Welder in order to help protect the Weldor from Electrocution.

Welder: A type of Power Supply that provides a controlled output Current, or Voltage as appropriate to the welding mode of operation. When correctly utilized, it enables two or more pieces of metal to be electrically bonded together.

Weldor: An operator of a Welder. A person who welds Metal.

Whip: A STICK Electrode Holder, or a MIG Gun.

Workpiece: The piece of metal that is being electrically bonded to, through the process of Welding.

When you are going to test the performance of your circuit breaker, multimeter is a great supporting tool that you need to provide. This is a handy device that helps you to check the voltage in electrical circuits. Besides, it also helps you determine whether the tested circuit is using AC (alternate current) or DC (direct current). This certain tool will be very useful to help you check whether the circuit breakers in your system work in proper performance or not. Here are some simple steps that you can follow in using multimeter to check your breaker.

First, you need to open your circuit box. You might find some breakers here, so you have to determine which one that you are going to check first. Usually, each of those breakers powers your house in different portion. You can easily notice which breaker that handle which power by taking a look at the label. If you can not find this information, you should label your breakers right away.

Second, you have to turn off all the appliances and lights that are being powered by the certain breaker that you want to check. It is very important to prevent any serious problems such as damaged appliances and lights or even fire.

Third, you need to think about your safety. Put a pair of rubber-soled shoes on and make sure that the area near your circuit box is completely dry. Besides, you should also be very careful off puddles that you might find on the ground. Mop them right away and make sure that the floor or ground is really in dry condition. You really need to check the surrounding environment before testing your breaker in order to prevent the risk of electrical shock.

Fourth, you need to unscrew the metal frame around your breakers. Simply use your screwdriver to unscrew it and you can set it aside. Behind the metal frame, you will find wiring that run through the breakers and also the breakers themselves.

Fifth,you can set your multimeter to Volts AC. Mostly, wiring systems in home use alternating current, so the Volts AC setting let the multimeter to read the current correctly. DC is usually used in testing the voltage of battery-powered electronics.

Sixth, you have to touch one prong of the multimeter to the terminal screw of the breaker. Then, you can touch another prong on the breaker to the ground screw. Your multimeter will give you the readout on how much electricity that flows through your breaker. The ideal readout will be either 120 or 240 volts. If your meter does not read anything, you need to immediately replace your breakers well.

It is not that difficult, right?

Well you worked hard for that Electronics Degree now its time to put it to good use. There are so

many different aspects to the world of Electronics and each of them requires some type of specialized training. Yet the specialized training you received will mean nothing to you if you don’t have the specific tools tailored to the Electronic work you decide to do. These specific tools will make your more efficient and will make the service you provide to your customers much more professional.

Telecommunications has become the Industry of today. It requires a special knowledge and specific Telecom Tools and Tool Kits to perform the job properly. One thing you should understand, the money that you spend now on the right tools, will only enhance your reputation and the work that you do in the future.

Telecom installations require specific types of tools and that is what I will focus on in this

article. One of the most important items that you will find in a Telecom Tool Kit is referred to as a

“Butt Set” or a “Linesman’s Handset”. The Butt Set looks very similar to the handset from your telephone in your home or office. The Butt set allows the Telecom Technician to troubleshoot phone lines by checking for dial tone and other functions. The Butt Set has a key pad that even allows the technician to dial out on the line that is being tested. You will also notice that the Butt Set has two leads extending from the bottom of it with alligator clips on the ends. These alligator clips allow the Telecom Installer to connect the Butt Set anywhere the Telecom Installer may find necessary during the installation or repair of Telecommunication Equipment.

The Butt Set is only one important tool that you will find in a Telecom Tool Kit. You will also find what is referred to as a Tone Generator. The job of the Tone Generator is to produce a tone, something like the dial tone you here when you pick up your telephone. The technician will inject this tone into one of the telephone lines being tested and use this tone to help trace wiring routes or even breaks in the wires. You will find the Tone Generator to be an invaluable tool when working in situations where there is no dial tone present.

A Punch Down tool is also something necessary to have in your Telecom Tool Kit. The job of the punch down too is to make the connections on the terminal junction. You should make sure that your Punch Down Tool has exchangeable blades, you will find this to be an extremely important feature of your Punch Down tool.

Some other tools you might expect to find in a Telecom Tool Kit are a set of Needle Nose Pliers,

Wire Cutters, Crimping Tool, Wire Stripper and a good set of Screwdrivers with exchangeable blades and rubber grips. You should consider having a receptacle tester for GFCI outlets. You will find this tool an important asset to your Telecom Tool Set as you will most likely run into locations where these types of receptacles are present or are code in new construction when adding new Electronic devices and outlets. You may even want to consider adding a Professional Multimeter to your Telecom Tool Set as well.

What makes all of these tools invaluable to you and within your reach is a quality Tool Belt and Pouch. The Tool Belt will allow you to have your Butt Set, Tone Generator, Punch Down Tool and other Telecom Tools right at your finger tips. Most Telecom Installers are generally moving around from location to location on the job site, so it only makes sense to have your tools at your side versus in a Tool Box. A good Tool Belt and Pouch will make your work easier and much more efficient. So take the time to choose the best way to carry all of your Telecom Tools. The right Tool case or in this case the right Tool Belt and Punch will make managing your tools that much easier.

The men in our lives are always some of the hardest to shop for when it comes to Christmas gifts. Either they go out and buy whatever they want for themselves throughout the year, or they already have everything that they need and struggle to give you suggestions about what else they could possibly want. When thinking up Christmas gifts for guys, you need to take cues from their hobbies and interests and sometimes think a little bit outside the box for the perfect Christmas gift. This list might help drum up some ideas about what the guys in your life would love for Christmas this year.

Sports Jerseys or Tickets

If you know a guy that loves sports, chances are they can never have enough stuff from his favorite team. Some suggestions would be his favorite player’s jersey, tickets to an upcoming home game, or merchandise from his favorite team such as beer mugs, baseball hats, coasters, cell phone covers and things of that nature. Bonus points for finding wrapping paper in his team’s colors.

Computer and Electronics Accessories

Every guy surely has at least one computer or electronic device that they can’t live without. Give him something to use with his electronics this Christmas that will increase their usability or prolong their use. New headphones, computer bags and cases, tablet cases, iPhone covers, remotes and chargers are just some ideas for the tech guy in your life.

Clothes

If you know the guy well enough, clothes and accessories can make excellent Christmas gifts for guys. Guys tend to only shop when it’s a necessity, so surprise him with a new sweater, jacket, sunglasses, watch, belt, hat or other clothing item that you think he would really love. Always get a gift receipt, just in case he isn’t crazy about the exact color or style you select.

Experience Gifts

Perhaps the best gift for a guy that has it all is no gift at all – no physical gift, that is. Experience gifts are the new go-to item for people that are tough to shop for. You can select any number of experiences to gift, such as learning how to fly a plane to cooking classes. These gifts range in price from extremely affordable options to luxury packages, so there is truly an experience gift perfect for anyone.

Tools and Equipment

The handymen in our lives need tools and equipment to keep their projects going, so what better gift for a handyman than products for home repair and maintenance, camping and other manly pursuits. Find out what tools your handyman needs to avoid buying him a duplicate and make the present extra special by also getting him a special carrying case or some other accessory that would complement the tool or equipment.

Toys for Boys

No matter the age, all men love a great toy. With the high-tech options on the market today, it’s easier than ever to pick up a fun and useful toy. If you’re buying a gift for an outdoorsmen, pick up a handheld GPS. If you have a weather tracker in your life, get an indoor digital weather station. Just make sure to give him batteries along with the gift so that he can open and use it right away.

Have you given much thought to Fukushima?

I did the math a while ago on how many picocuries per liter of I-131 showed up in the Boise rain water. By my math the 16 days that radiation was present exposed people to as much as 27k years of radioactivity.

242pci/l officially recorded By the EPA and at 3pci/l we get one years worth of Mrems, that’s by day. the lifespan of the radioactivity of I-131 is 18 days 2 days give or take to get here from japan via the jet stream, giving us 16 days of exposure.

Here’s the equation, the EPA suggests a maximum exposure of 4 mrems per year, Iodine 131 emits 4 mrems at 3 pci/l, per hour x 16 days.(note the 4 Mrem a year could possibly be an hourly rate making Fukushimas fallout exposure less worrying but overall long term effects of inhaled beta rad particles can be quite serious. Beta radiation doesn’t penetrate the skin but it can penetrate wounds and be inhaled.)

Its not an immediate threat but its worth considering, Earthquakes and volcanoes are spouting off like never before so before a plant meltdown hits critical mass wouldn’t it be wise to have a safe place to chill those 16 days?

We can build it and design it or let you design your own, from metal tank shelters to connex shelters, we have the boxes, tanks and steel needed for any project. Emergency shelter sales grew 1000% this year due to concerns over the middle east and natural disasters like the quake that hit Fukushima. While we agree that paranoia is ridiculous, peace of mind is priceless.

We wont say anything to add to the conspiracy theorists monologue But if you dig a hole, put a connex box in it, cover it with a steel reinforced concrete lid, make some stairs and cover it with 2 ft of earth, and have a secure entry; you have a root cellar, convenient underground storage for yard tools, a cool place to hang out when its hot, a shelter for electronic equipment from the potentially damaging effects of coronal mass ejections and more.

The federal government has spent a lot of time putting ads on the television telling people to have an emergency preparedness kit, well a simple shelter as mentioned above is one heck of an emergency preparedness kit.

A few years ago a man did exactly that with a connex box for around 16 thousand dollars; for all its uses I would call it money well spent. He turned his into a very nice wine cellar. The uses of a secure underground shelter are numerous and extremely handy, and dont have to cost you a fortune.

we can provide water storage with totes or tanks for your shelter. Totes have a poly bladder that is about 1/4 inch thick that has an industry standard sized valve that could be easy to plumb in to your shelter and from 275 gallon to 330 gallon its steel caged modular design could be the perfect water redundancy addition if you need the feeling of security that comes with an emergency shelter.

A well built cellar may add value to your home aside from safety security and out of sight storage. Another cool thing you can do is air duct from the storage to the house with solar powered fans and lower summer cooling costs. If you go beneath your area’s fostline the air will be above freezing in the winter, and possibly useful for other areas.

I am a recent college graduate and I am forever on the lookout for good gift ideas for my friends in the armed forces. On one hand, these soldiers are brave and noble. On the other hand, they are also in their 20’s, just like me i.e., not used to not having the comforts of home or the thrill of a good time. I wish to let you know my own gift idead for my friends in the troops. I hope you will be able to utilize these ideas to assemble a good gift basket for military overseas .

Gifts for the troops ideally fit into three categories: useful, fun, and good for bartering. Try to include at least two of these three categories in any box you send; a box full of nothing but “toys” is great, but doesn’t help keep a soldier’s feet warm; similarly, a box full of practical items might be appreciated, but it’s no fun to share with one’s buddies in the platoon.

Good useful items to include might be personal hygiene products such as dental floss, soap with soothing ingredients such as coconut oil, aloe or lotion. A favourite deoderant or toothpaste would be highly appreciated as would some soft wash clothing items. From a practical point of view; new underwear, socks, undershirts, bug repellant and air freshener would be good and welcome things to include. Do remember however; it would not be such a good idea to send food.

Our troops love fun things, too! For fun gift ideas to send to our troops , small electronic devices like iPods (load it with music before you send it!) and inexpensive digital cameras (with extra memory!) are a great idea. Platoons often have a lucky guy whose family sent a portable DVD player; movies and television series are great diversions. Also, don’t forget “real toys” like baseballs and frisbees.

You can express your thoughtfulness to your favorite soldier by sending them items that can be bartered. For example, tobacco, used by my own grandfather in World War II, is still a great bargaining chip for soldiers who are looking for somebody to take over a shift or share rations with. Discreetly packaged men’s magazines will also be welcome. However, remember that you cannot ship certain items: liquor, drugs, and ammunition should not be mailed, especially internationally.

Do you have any good ideas that a service member such as a lieutenant, sergeant or a captain would appreciate? Create and send them a gift basket and boost their morale. Sending letters and photographs are always welcome and tells them someone back home is thinking of them. Whatever you decide to send, check the regulations for what is allowed to be sent to them.

You should have all of your home appliances running through a surge protector of some kind. It’s an easy form of protection against the crippling effects of power surges and is the number one line of defense for safe guarding electronic devices and the sensitive components within them. You can provide protection for your entire home by installing a whole house surge protector at the breaker box, but internal surges can rise and still hurt your equipment beyond the protection of a whole house system.

It is better to install both types, external protection, as mentioned above; and point-of-use protection, which is a single surge protector that plugs into an outlet. In the event of a lightning storm, your external protection can’t stop a direct blast of lightning as the surge will be too much for it to absorb. But the surge can filter out throughout your home and the threat can be lessened at an individual appliance where single surge protection is used.

As for your external protection, it may be destroyed by a lighting blast and in that case, will need to be replaced. However, if the strike was at a distance and a surge is caused by affected underground lines, then you will have nothing to worry about as that is exactly what external surge protection is made for. It will protect your home at the point of entry, either at the power meter or on the internal line side of your breaker box.

While that is a lot of information to absorb there is still the matter of choosing the right protection for your appliances. If you look through any surge protector reviews you will see countless types of surge protectors for every kind of appliance. The first and foremost rule on choosing the right protection is to know the difference between a 6 outlet surge protector and a power strip. And the answer you are looking for is simple: a power strip does not protect you from power surges.

A power cord will only provide you a way to plug a lot of appliances into your wall outlet and expose them to surges in electricity. While the two can look the same, only one will benefit you. This will be the one with a Joules rating on the package. This will be the surge protection device that will save your electronics and still allow you to plug a lot of appliances into your wall outlet.

Joules is simply the measure of power that can be absorbed by an appliance surge protector.

A wood burning stove is a variant of a fireplace that is made of metal for the intent of burning wood and other similar biomass products. The history of wood burning stoves dates back to 1642 at a foundry in Lynn, Massachusetts. The first stove was made of cast iron plates. In 1744, a revolutionary patriot by the name Benjamin Franklin took on the original idea to develop his own cast iron stove. His stove out shined the efficiency of previous inventions and is still a commonly used stove to date. In the next two centuries, the concept of a closed firebox with a controllable air intake was the most common design. During this time pot-belly, convoluted Alsatian cylinder pattern stoves emerged.

The Rumford fireplace was constructed around 1796 and it was the pioneer stove to angle the hearth of the fireplace with bricks, and also control the choke of the chimney so as to draw smoke upward faster. By reducing the width of the chimney the updraft was increased, thereby eliminating the feeling of smoke that floated in and around the fire place causing air pollution. In 1900, an American and British spy called Benjamin Thompson invented the first metal wood burning stove that was suitable for use in castle kitchens.

The oil crisis in 1970 saw wood burning stoves adapted for use in the kitchen and the stoves evolved to meet new efficiency standards. In 1988 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued regulations that triggered innovative designs which incorporated long burn times and low air pollution levels. Modern versions of these stoves feature airtight construction which utilizes aluminum, cast iron and steel parts. The stoves also have firebrick linings to prevent heat loss and catalytic converters for burning waste fumes. Modern stoves are mostly rectangular boxes or chambers with a thick door. They contain adjustable grates which can prevent, or allow air flow for controlled burning. These stoves have a chimney at the top. The part of the chimney that links it to the base is wider than its neck to prevent blockage. This design makes the stoves very efficient and more environmental friendly.

There are 3 types of modern stoves that use wood or wood biomass products for fuel which include airtight stoves, pellet stoves and metal box wood stoves. Box wood stoves contain the fire in a metal box and have a loose door designs. They are the cheapest stoves and are not as airtight as the other types. The second type is the airtight wood burning stove. These are an improvement over the box stoves and have a completely closed fire box, and a door that is made from materials that make it totally airtight. These stoves have an automatic or manual method of increasing or reducing airflow to the stove to regulate the heat output of the fire.

The third type is the pellet stove. These stoves burn compressed wood or biomass pellets to provide heat for residential or industrial spaces. Fuel is fed from a storage container into a burn-pot area to create a constant flame that requires minimal or no manual adjustments. Fuel is regulated by an electronic timer and sensor. The first miniaturized pellet stove emerged from Washington State in the 1980’s. These stoves can be either stand alone units or fireplace additions vented into an already existing chimney. They are made from large conductive steel or cast iron pieces with stainless steel to enclose circuitry and exhaust areas. In most states pellet fuel us exempted from sales tax. Wood burning stoves are highly efficient and have very low pollution levels.

The purchase price of most wood burning stoves or pellet stoves will allow the buyer to claim a tax credit on US income tax returns.