My Old Business Cards

Summary of Qualifications

Years of experience with a diverse background in computer science ranging from avionic and client/server systems to product applications, databases, and web development. Proven abilities in training/development, quality assurance, and strategic planning. Client-focused with strong relationship building and customer service/support skills.

Job Title Positions Held

Mar 2006 to Present/IT Consultant

LexisNexis a division of Reed Elsevier, Miamisburg, OH

May 2003 – Mar 2006/Web Developer
Dec 2000 – May 2003/Product Manager
May 1999 – Dec 2000/Technical Support Representative/Senior Consultant
Jul 1996 – May 1999/Technical Support Representative

Defense Electronics Supply Center, Kettering, OH

Aug 1994 – Jul 1996/Computer Specialist
Jan 1993 - Aug 1994/Automated Information Systems Specialist
Nov 1987 – Jan 1993/Electronic Technician
Sep 1981 – Nov 1987/Electronic Equipment Specialist

United States Air Force

Jan 1974 – Sep 1981/Avionic Navigations/Communications Systems Specialist

Accomplishments

Participated in moving hard copy contracts and technical data utilized for identifying electronic items in for testing by the Defense Electronics Supply Center Test Lab into a computer process. Prior to implementation of the computer program all hard copy contracts had to be reviewed and screened for testing and associated technical data had to be ordered. Upon implementation of the computer program efficiency was increased dramatically since the information could be sorted and reviewed via computer instead of having to sift through hard copy contracts.

Built a test bench mockup for testing of individual components of an airborne weather radar system manufactured by Bendix. Prior to the test bench mockup, fully serviceable components were being taken to Bendix for repair when nothing was wrong with them, costing bench and evaluation time to be charged back to the Air Force.

Participated in the modification of an avionic system aboard a KC-135 Tanker that was utilized to test the airflow around a B1 bomber via spraying water in front of the B1 during flight. The avionic system was modified from standard configuration to allow close proximity rendezvous of the KC-135 Tanker in front of the B1 Bomber.

Communication Skills

Oral: Communicated via telephone with employees of:

* Fortune 500 companies and Law firms to provide business-to-business premium-level support and consultation in resolving technical issues related to LexisNexis proprietary software and web site.

*all branches of the military services and federal agencies when discussing standardization of electronic devices utilized in the federal supply system.

*Defense Electronics Supply Center in support of computer workstations and servers in order to assist in resolving problems with software and/or hardware.

Written: Communicated via letters and/or email with:

*faculty and students to provide assistance with resolving technical and functional issues related to LexisNexis Web Courses, an online course management software.

*all branches of the military services and federal agencies during standardization of electronic devices utilized in the federal supply system.

*created Product Requirements, Developmental/Design, Testing, and Training Documents.

Proven Abilities And Results

Avionic Systems: Attained seven skill level in Air Force Specialty Code 328X0 and 328X1, Avionic Communications and Navigation Systems Specialist while in the Air Force. Authorized to ground and unground aircraft based on avionic systems operational readiness. Performed support and maintenance on over 33 aircraft systems on over 17 different types of aircraft. Maintenance included but was not limited to aligning, troubleshooting, and modifying aircraft and aircraft systems while assigned to the 4950th Test Wing at Wright Patterson Air Force Base and the 437th Military Airlift Wing at Charleston Air Force Base. Kept associated Technical Orders and Manuals for shop and aircraft maintenance up to date by inserting update changes and Time Compliance Technical Orders (TCTOs). Interpreted Aircraft and system wiring diagrams and schematic diagrams down to individual circuits during maintenance and troubleshooting process. Recommended modifications and updates when necessary to ensure safety and compliance with applicable Air Force regulations and Standard Operating Procedures. Performed Quality Assurance checks of work completed by others to ensure compliance with Air Force Technical Orders, Manuals, Checklists and Safety Regulations. Utilized Illustrated Parts Breakdown Manuals when ordering replacement parts to repair equipment.

Product Management: As a Product Manager provided support for electronic web course services for the LexisNexis law school market. Facilitated transition to LexisNexis Web Courses powered by Blackboard from Virtual Classroom powered by Web Course in a Box.

Project Management: As Department of Defense Electronic Item Standardization Project Manager correlated technical data on specific electrical and electronic parts and/or components. Compiled suggested standardization listings of electronic parts and coordinated approval via formal letters to each branch of the military services and civil agencies.

Problem Solving/Analysis: As a Product Manager provided support for electronic web course services for the LexisNexis law school market. Monitored, evaluated, and resolved customer reported problems.

Database Experience: Created, modified, updated schemas, report forms, performed data integrity checks, created/modified stored procedures and processed reports in Oracle, UNIX, Microsoft Access, SQL 2000 and dBase II, III, and IV database formats.

Network/System Administration: Performed Network/System Administration on IBM-36, MicroVAX VMS, Pathworks, Sun PC-NFS, UNIX, LINUX, Novell and Windows operating systems.

Software: Experience with Windows operating systems from version 3.0 all the way up to Windows XP SP2 operating system. Utilized and installed software applications ranging from Harvard Graphics up to and including Macromedia and Microsoft software.

Commercial Drivers License

I hold a commercial drivers license (CDL) class A with a Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) endorsement. I am licensed to drive a semi truck pulling up to three trailers across the North American Continent. I have driven a semi tractor trailer in all but seven states and into Canada. To learn more about this adventure please visit my trucking blog.

Mission Accomplished

When I worked in the shop at Wright Patterson AFB in Ohio my boss had indicated how it would be nice to have a floor mat next to the back door to keep people from tracking snow, mud, and water across the shop floor after they came in from outside. He mentioned how there were probably 30 mats in the building across the street and we had none. I went across the street and gathered up one of the mats and laid it in front of our shop door. One day that back door flew open and a guy reached in and took the mat. I yelled out asking the guy what he was going to do with our mat. He replied, "Put down a clean mat". Every week after that we got a clean mat laid by our back shop door.

Space Facilitator

Managed space for existing and new hires moving into the Marketing area of LexisNexis. Interfaced with vice presidents, directors, managers, and leaders in order to facilitate seating capacity for employees. Reported directly to the North American Legal Marketing Vice President.

Centers Of Expertise (COE)

Both as a Consultant and Senior Consultant in the technical area for LexisNexis proprietary software I served on Centers Of Expertise (COE) as a member and as a COE Lead. The purpose of the COE was to provide updated and historic information about proprietary LexisNexis software to technical customer service representatives so they could handle calls coming in from customers. COE members attended meetings with software developers on existing and soon to be released software in order to capture the information necessary for customer service reps to handle calls from customers. The information would be released in formal classroom training sessions and then stored in a knowledge base for customer service reps to use during calls.

Dedicated Trainer of Proprietary Software

I spent over a year performing training as a dedicated trainer in a classroom environment teaching LexisNexis Technical Customer Service Representative new hires proprietary software. The training included an overview, specific technical characteristics, installation/removal and troubleshooting techniques in order to handle customer calls when the customer called and asked for help with the software. There were multiple versions of DOS, Windows, Unix, and internet browser software packages that I taught. These versions were installable on stand alone and network computers and connected to LexisNexis via modem, private node, and/or the internet.

Computer Skills

LANGUAGES

ASP
HTML/DHTML/XML
VB Script
Java Script
ASP ScriptShell, C, Bourne

DATABASES

SQL Server 2000-2003
UNIFY 2000, Oracle

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Windows NT, 3.x, 95, 98, XP
Windows 2000 ServerUNIX, VMS, DOS, Macintosh


SOFTWARE/OTHER TECHNOLOGIES

Blackboard, Web Course-in-a-Box
Document Management Systems
Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2003
Microsoft SQL Enterprise Manager v8.0
Macromedia Dreamweaver v8.0
Microsoft FrontPage (All Versions)
Microsoft Office (All Apps/Versions)
Interwoven Teamsite, WebTrends

Awards, Training, and Education

Active Server Pages, 8/27/04
Oracle Developers Course, 10/2/92
Oracle SQL Plus, 6/15/92
Oracle Language Fundamentals, 3/6/96
PL/SQL Coding Techniques, 3/7/96
dBase IV, 9/22/92
Harvard Graphics, 10/10/90
PerForm Pro Filler, 5/7/93
Fuzzy Logic, 10/10/93

Please visit my awards, training, and education web site for further details.

Memberships and Associations

Life member of the American Legion.

IT Consultant

Information Technology professional with experience in product/project management, administration, and support of information systems/web development.

Maintain NCR cash registers, MSRs(Magnetic Strip Readers/Credit/Debit Cards), XP Workstations, and Hobart scales for a regional retail store in Moraine, Ohio.

Shared responsibilites with another individual in coordinating and installing 60 client workstations at a major retail store throughout Ohio.

Support of computers/servers, configuration of local area networks, communication modems, and wireless/wired routers and print servers.

Web development on multiple web sites interfacing with databases utilizing ASP, Java, Visual Basic, CSS, HTML, and Microsoft Enterprise Manager.

Web Developer

Provided web development and support for all web pages associated with http://www.lexisnexis.com. Placed predefined copy of material on web site provided by product managers. Created Active Server Pages that generated email notifications, populated data into database tables, configured online assessments, and created forms for data input from web site. Created, modified, exported and imported database tables. Developed and delivered documentation and training to LexisNexis eServices "On Call" personnel related to LN Web Courses System Administration. Interfaced with LN Product Development, third party contractors, and internal resources. Performed system administration for development and production installations. Monitored, evaluated, and resolved customer reported problems. Communicated directly with law school faculty end users when necessary to ensure customer satisfaction. Kept LexisNexis Customer Service updated on current issues related to LexisNexis Web Courses.

Online Course Materials Product Manager

Provided product management and support for electronic web course services for the law school market. Facilitated transition to LexisNexis Web Courses powered by Blackboard. Coordinated development of new features and functions of LN Web Courses. Developed and delivered documentation and training to LexisNexis Customer Support and law school sales force. Interfaced with LN Product Development, third party contractors, and internal resources to maintain a competitive edge over competition. Performed system administration for development and production installations and ensured an overall availability rating of the production system well over 99%. Monitored, evaluated, and resolved customer reported problems. Communicated directly with law school faculty end users when necessary to ensure customer satisfaction.

Technical Customer Support Representative

Provided telephonic support for worldwide LexisNexis customers. Assisted system administrators and users in setting up and troubleshooting proprietary software on various types of servers, workstations, and personal computers in all types of networks as well as stand alones.

Worked with Windows NT 3.51/4.0, Windows 95/98, Novell 3.12/4.0, and Windows for WorkGroups 3.11 Workstations and Servers. Assisted System Administrators in the installation and setup of proprietary software to include connectivity through modem pools on a communication server and/or connectivity over the Internet. Assisted individual customers with the same for standalone computers. Assisted both with troubleshooting if necessary in order to complete the connection to worldwide information services.

Provided support for Technical Customer Service Representatives to insure Quality of Answer to Customers calling in for technical support. Insured training documentation was up to date on all Session Manager software products that operated on Windows, DOS, Unix, VMS, and MacIntosh operating systems. Reviewed information on call history to determine trends for training and to update a knowledge base system used by Technical Customer Service Representative while answering calls from Customers. Attended new software development meetings to offer advice and make recommendations on enhancements. Performed duties as a Field System Engineer when necessary for Customer onsite visits to assist in the installation/configuration and troubleshooting of proprietary software and its interfacing between all types of operating systems and network software. Monitor, rate, and provide feedback on calls being processed by Technical Customer Service Representatives who are working with paying Customers.

Provided formal classroom instruction related to proprietary software to new trainees entering into Customer Service.

Home Owners Association President

Participated as a member of the Board of Trustees in the position of President for two of the three year term that I held as a trustee in a home owners association. Responsiblities included managing the board, assisting in the selection/hiring of a property management company, ensuring the property management company handled owner issues and contractors appropriately. Ensured proper collection/dispersement of funds/fees provided from members of the association. Enforced bylaws of the homeowners association.

Computer Specialist

Utilized knowledge of Main Frame 3270 type programs/products to assist in the design/interface/production of an automated system to process work flow within the Test Facility at Defense Electronic Supply Center. Also assisted in the maintenance of 3,000+ workstations on Gentile Air Force Station's Defense Electronic Supply Center as a Computer Specialist. Maintenance included troubleshooting/repair/program as well as loading software as required. Interconnectivity was through an Ethernet connected via Sun PC-NFS 5.1. Was responsible for loading the PC-NFS Software onto the clients and getting them to connect to the server. Loaded Delrina Forms Software as well as many other types of Microsoft Software. Set up print drivers and printers for multiple types of printers.

Performed as System Administrator for a MicroVAX 3800 VMS system with Pathworks 5.1 serving as the Workstation Administration Software. Utilized Workstation Manager to remotely install, upgrade, inventory, maintain software on approximately 50 workstations from the server.

Assisted in the planning, development and implementation of an automated computer system strategically focusing on quality assurance testing of electronic parts for the Electronic Product Testing Facility at the Defense Electronics Supply Center (DESC). This computer system was set up in Oracle on a MicroVAX 3800 originally and included data feeds from the Standard Automated Material Management System (SAMMS) and the Defense Integrated Data System (DIDS) which identified electronic items that were being purchased via contracts through the Procurement/Contracting division of DESC. Detailed technical information, contract information, warehouse information related to inventory control, and quality assurance procedures and guidelines for testing were implemented into this system taking into consideration detailed in depth Defense Logistics Agency and Department of Defense quality assurance practices, procedures, and guidelines related to inspection, production, and related areas as applied to a broad range of complex products, their characteristics, manufacturing methods, and special processes as they are related to functional parts and subassemblies.

Automated Information Systems Analyst

While classified as an Automated Information Systems Analyst I performed resource stewardship working as the Quality Assurance Directorate’s Automated Data Processing (ADP) Monitor at the Defense Electronics Supply Center. I reviewed and verified upgrades to computer systems to comply with state-of-the-art technology related to software/hardware requirements which involved creation/evaluation of SARDs(System Acquisition Requirements Documents). SARDs are the final instrument to justify the acquisition of equipment once the technical expertise was applied in preparing economic analysis, technical specifications, benchmark specifications and audit/verification procedures required in support of ADP and telecommunication acquisitions was completed. I troubleshot, repaired, and programmed existing computer systems and determined requirements for new computer systems and/or programs.

Provided technical assistance, advice, and consultation to ADP personnel within the organization as well as other organizations in the area of ADP and/or telecommunications systems, networks and PCs relative to problem analysis, application of various ADP design and development techniques, system methodologies, processing procedures, and current configurations, capabilities and limitations. Prepared detailed plans, performed technically difficult tasks, coordinated scheduling, and assured quality tests were accurately conducted whenever upgrades of system software, hardware or telecommunications equipment was required. Analyzed and evaluated proposed system changes for technical accuracy and essentiality.

Test Lab Annual Report Chairman

Chaired the preparation of the Electronic Quality Product Test Facility Annual Report which included an overview and evaluation of the effectiveness of the test facility in deterring counterfeiting and failure to comply with contractual specifications of parts purchased by the Defense Logistics Agency.

Electronic Technician

Reviewed test plans for items purchased through Defense Logistics Agency’s Defense Electronics Supply Center to determine feasibility for testing in accordance with contractual requirements and specifications. When I determined the Product Test Facility had the capability to perform testing on electronic components I selected the items in for testing via the test facility to ensure contract compliance via manufacturers and vendors. Applied requirements from Military and Electronic Engineering standards to ensure quality assurance. Sampling plans were carried out in accordance with MIL-S-19500. Performed quality assurance audits on the test facility to ensure the testing was performed in an environmentally approved room with proper temperature and humidity controls and when necessary that clean room environments existed. Also performed quality assurance audits on test personnel to ensure all testing requirements/procedures were followed and the test equipment used for testing was within calibration requirements.

Information collected from the test results of items tested via the Defense Logistics Agency’s Defense Electronic Supply Center’s Test Facility was passed on to field quality assurance agents in order to tighten inspection at vendor/manufacturing locations where items did not meet specifications delineated in contracts under which the items were purchased. All items purchased via the Defense Electronic Supply Center were under the cognizance of the test facility and had the chance of being inspected by test facility personnel prior to entry into the Federal Supply System for distribution to customers. As an agent of the test facility I had the power to freeze stock while the items received under a particular contract were being tested for compliance.

Selected items for testing in the electronic product test facility through the review of contracts let via Defense Electronic Supply Center’s procurement division. This included a thorough review of manufacturer methods, special processes, functional parts and subassemblies of complex products up to and including antennae assemblies and sub assemblies. The entire stock controlled under the Defense Electronics Supply Center (DESC), including all stock classes handled via DESC were subject to be called in for inspection via me. Not only did I make requests for items to be tested from contracts that were let, I made requisitions for samples of stock already in the warehouse to be tested to ensure Stock Quality Assurance.

Review purchase contracts to identify items for random testing to ensure purchased items complied with applicable specifications. This involved collection and review of contract specific technical drawings, specifications, and commercial catalog data in order to identify the electrical and physical parameters of each line item identified on each contract and making the determination whether or not the electronic product test facility had the capability to test the individual component. When I made the determination that the item could be tested, I would create a test package which included the contract, technical specifications and drawings, and then key pertinent information into an IBM-36 Mini using a 3180 terminal which created a project number for tracking through the test facility. Performed routine Quality Assurance inspections to ensure test lab personnel were following testing procedures in accordance with contract specific technical drawings, commercial data, and applicable Engineering and Military Specification Standards.

Electronic Equipment Specialist

I worked in the Item Standardization Branch of the Technical Operations Directorate of the Defense Electronics Supply Center when it was located in Kettering, Ohio, near Dayton.

I performed Item Reduction Studies in accordance with DOD 4120.3M, which included collection, review, and correlation of technical data which included drawings, commercial data, military specifications and standards, engineering support agency documents(Form 339), 616 Standardization Request Forms from Technical Services, on specific electrical and electronic parts and/or components, performing a complete technical review to establish electrical, physical, mechanical, functional, and environmental characteristics of individual electronic items. Compiled suggested standardization listings of electronic parts and coordinated approval via formal letters to each branch of the military services and civil agencies who purchased supplies from the Defense Logistics Agency.

Defense Electronics Supply Center Jobs

I started work as an Electronic Equipment Specialist for the Defense Electronics Supply Center (DESC) when it was located in Kettering, Ohio. DESC is part of the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) which is part of the Department of Defense (DOD). This was my entry point into civilian federal service. I began as a General Schedule (GS) employee at the GS-7 level and moved into a GS-9 position within one year. Within three years I attained the level of GS-11, which I held for eleven years in multiple federal job classifications listed below.

1670 Electronic Equipment Specialist
0856 Electronic Technician
0334 Computer Specialist
0301 Automated Information Systems Analyst

I have delineated my skills in each of these positions in other entries in this blog.

Assessments, Opinions, and Observations

Quoted assessments, opinions, and observations about me.

The ones listed below are from Air Force performance appraisals.

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Staff Sargeant Smith periodically performed the duty as Non Commissioned Officer In Charge (NCOIC) of the Navigation Shop. He displays the character of a much higher ranking NCO in supervising and maintaining the shop. During his supervision all required duties were performed in an outstanding manner and he maintained a highly efficient work force which completed all maintenance tasks with the utmost of quality and quantity. SSgt. Smith can be relied upon to complete any task assigned and he extends the extra effort to do it in an outstanding manner. He is a resourceful individual and eagerly offers assistance whenever possible. When the opportunity arises he should be placed in a position of higher authority and responsibility.

Thomas Reid, WS-12
Chief Navigation Shop

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SSgt. Smith makes the NAV shop gel. His leadership there reflects in a direct labor utilization rate of over 90 percent, as reflected in monthly maintenance summaries. That high productive labor rate insures a shop backlog of near zero. We need this caliber NCO in the highest leadership roles. Promote.

Elmer Mallette, JR, Colonel, USAF
Deputy Commander for Maintenance

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SSgt. Smith has demonstrated important leadership ability and significantly, he has shown that he desires to supervise and lead. We count on him to train the new airmen being assigned and to guide them to the same degree of proficiency and to the same level of professionalism he has achieved himself. Recommend this outstanding NCO for early promotion.

Daniel Furlong, Lt. Colonel, USAF
Commander

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SSgt. Smith was assigned to the position of Shift Supervisor, a duty normally reserved for higher ranking NCOs. Production, both quantity and quality had shown a marked increase within a very short time. There was a noticeable increase in morale among workers on his shift, both civilian and military. He strives for perfection in all tasks that he undertakes. His quickness to assume responsibility and his mature judgement are in constant evidence in his duty performance. SSgt. Smith has completed his seven level career development course in the minimum amount of time and achieved the highly commendable score of 96% on the final test. In addition, he has satisfactorily completed the Air Force Supervisor's Course. He actively supports and emphasizes the Equal Employment Opportunity and Treatment Program. I recommend that he be promoted well ahead of his contemporaries.

John T. Weigelt JR., TSgt, USAF
Avionic Navigation System Technician

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The drive and skill of this NCO are most commendable. His strict insistence on "quality first" is a trait not often found in his peers. His total dedication to his chosen profession mark him as one who will succeed in any endeavor. I urge that he be promoted as soon as possible.

Alfred Lapolla JR., SMSgt, USAF
NCOIC Radar Shop

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Below are comments about me from my LinkedIn profile.

I had the pleasure of teaming up with Rick in coordinating and installing 60 client workstations at a major retail store throughout Ohio. Rick ensured these installations were done on schedule and to the customer's satisfaction. I would recommend Rick for technical project opportunities and welcome the chance to work with him again.

Barrie Rankine, IT Professional and Technical Project Manager Consultant

Rick was one of the first individuals I came into contact with when I started my job at LexisNexis in the eServices department. I was impressed by his tribal knowledge which he never held back. He was always willing to share and help others understand. He is a very communicative and amiable individual who believes in sharing knowledge which makes him an outstanding team player. He would be an asset to any employer.

Pawan Kakar, Sr. Web Developer, LexisNexis

I worked with Rick when he as overseeing the adoption of web-based course materials for Lexis. Rick was always responsive and clued-in and made our mutual efforts successful.

John Mayer, Executive Director, Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction

Rick was attentive to all my questions, completely understood his product, and was able to quickly resolve our concerns.

Deb Quentel, Director of Curriculum Development & General Counsel, Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction

Rick's work for the Marketing Department at LexisNexis (during my tenure) was professional and contributed to the successful launch of new products and services. He was a dedicated employee and a strong team member.

Larry Thompson, Sr VP and Global Marketing Officer, LexisNexis

One of the most significant assignments that I did while I worked at Blackboard Inc was customizing the Blackboard platform for LexisNexis. Rick Smith was the manager at LexisNexis who worked with us on ensuring that we got their requirements "right" and that we achieved the highest level of quality possible. He was detail oriented and communicated with us as though we were part of his team at Lexis. That helped our moral and productivity. That project was completed on time and on schedule, thanks to Rick's excellent schedule and project management skills. I recommend Rick for other technical project management opportunities and I welcome the opportunity to work with him again.

Ussama Baggili, Principal Consultant, Blackboard Inc.

Air Force Basic Electronic Development

Below is a list of the basic electronic areas I learned during my technical training with the Air Force. You may view a college transcript of these courses along with other courses I received credit for while in the Air Force from the Community College of the Air Force by visiting this link.

I. DC Principles

1. Safety and First Aid
2. Electronic Mathematics
3. Principles of DC
4. Multimeter Use
5. DC Resistive
6. Voltage Dividers
7. Troubleshooting and DC Resistive Circuits

II. AC Circuits

1. Alternating Current
2. Capacitors and Capacitive Reactance
3. Inductors and Inductive Reactance
4. Transformers
5. Electromechanical Devices

III. RCL Circuits

1. Series RC Circuits
2. Series RL, and RCL Circuits
3. Series RC, RL, and RCL Circuits
4. Parallel RC, RL, and RCL Circuits
5. Series Resonance
6. Parallel Resonant Circuits
7. Series and Parallel Resonant Circuits
8. Parameter Changes in Resonant Circuits
9. Transients
10. Filters
11. Coupling Circuits
12. The Oscilloscope

IV. Semiconductor Principles

1. Principles of PN Junctions
2. Transitors
3. Amplifiers Principles
4. Selected Solid State Devices and Integrated Circuits

V. Solid State Power Supplies and Amplifiers

1. Solid State Power Supply Rectifiers and Filters
2. Filters
3. Voltage Regulators
4. Troubleshooting the Half Wave Rectifier
5. Power Amplifiers
6. Narrow Band Amplifiers
7. Wide Band Amplifiers
8. Saturable Reactors and Mangetic Amplifiers
9. Synchro Systems

VI. Solid State Wave Generating and Wave Shaping Circuits

1. Principles of Wave Generation
2. Sine Wave Oscillators
3. Pulsed Oscillators
4. Blocking Oscillators
5. Multivibrators
6. Time Base Generators
7. Limiters and Clampers

VII. Principles and Applications of Electron Tubes

1. Electron Tube Characteristics and Diodes
2. Triodes
3. Multigrid Electron Tubes
4. Special Purpose Electron Tubes
5. Electron Tube Audion Amplifiers
6. Electron Tube RF Amplifiers, Cathode Followers, DC Amplifiers, and Triode Limiters
7. Thyratron Sawtooth Generator, Phnastron, and Electron Tube Series Voltage Regulator

VIII. Transmit and Receive Systems

1. Hetrodyning
2. Modulation
3. Demodulation
4. Transmission Lines
5. Antennae
6. Systems
7. Schematic Interpretations and Troubleshooting Techniques

IX. Microwave and Soldering

1. Waveguides
2. Cavity Resonators
3. Klystrons and Traveling Wave Tubes
4. Parametric Amplifiers and Magnetrons
5. Soldering Tools and Materials

Various Air Force Positions/Experience

I held several positions during my Air Force tenure which have specific skill sets associated with each position. Below is a detailed description of each position along with the responsibilities and duties I performed.

Non Commissioned Officer In Charge (NCOIC) of the 4950th Test Wing's Navigation Shop at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Insured all other duties within the shop were performed in accordance with applicable Air Force Regulations and in accordance with the local union contract. Shop duties and responsibilities included overseeing the monitors of consolidated tool kits, repairable assets, on-the-job training (OJT), technical orders, production inspectors, shift chiefs, and quality control of completed jobs aboard aircraft and shop equipment. I supervised and wrote/approved performance appraisals on 3 WG-12s, 4 E-4s, and 4 E-3 personnel .

Performed duties as Due In From Maintenance (repairable assets) Monitor and Production Inspector. Involved maintaining records on repairable assets drawn from supply by shop personnel to repair aircraft systems. Traced the repairable assets through the stage of repair cycle within the shop, assuring quality workmanship by physical inspection of completed work prior to returning the asset back into supply. Kept supply informed on a daily basis about the current status of every repairable asset cycling through the shop.

Performed duties as Technical Order Monitor. Involved reviewing and maintaining approximately 150 of the shop's avionic systems technical orders in current, clean, and serviceable condition.

Performed duties as OJT Monitor insuring military personnel assigned to the shop were receiving timely required training in order to achieve and maintain their required skill levels by reviewing and maintaining military OJT training records (623s).

Worked as a shift supervisor to ensure work to be accomplished was performed in accordance with regulation, code, and standard operating procedures. Review completed paperwork submitted by employees for accuracy and completeness. Compiled and reviewed reports to ensure manning levels were maintained via ensuring effectiveness and utilization of manhours. Supervised and wrote/approved performance appraisals on 2 WG-11s and 1 E-4.

Avionic Test Equipment Knowledge

Below is a list of test equipment that I used to troubleshoot, repair, and align avionic systems both in the shop and on the flight line while performing my duties as an Avionic Navigation/Communications Systems Specialist in the Air Force. In addition to this list I also helped to test an IFF transponder test set developed by Teradyne before it went into production. The test set was advanced from the old UPM-123 because it could be hand held, could be used like a radar gun and the IFF codes could be uploaded in the shop, eliminating the need to carry a KIR along. The nomenclature for the test set was AN/UPM-424.

1. Sierra Signal Generator TS-3046/APM-351
2. Sierra Decoder Encoder Test Set TS-3047/APM-352
3. Sierra Radar Test Set TS-3048/APM-353
4. Sierra Fault Locator Test Set TS-3049/APM-354
5. Sierra Sone Marker Set AN/TPN-27
6. Sierra Test Adapter TS-3557/APM-354A
7. Collins VOR/ILS Marker Beacon Test Set 927Q-4
8. Collins VOR/ILS Test Set SG-13
9. Harris & PRD Electronics Tacan Test Set AN/ARM-135 & 135A
10. Bruno-New York Inc. Multimeter PSM-6
11. Hoffman Tacan Test Set ARM-25
12. Technical Industrial Associates IFF Test Set AN/APM-123
13. Hewlett Packard Time Domain Reflectometer 1415A/with 140A Oscilloscope
14. Collins Radio Altimeter Test Set 980N-1
15. Echo Box TS-488/UP
16. Simpson AC/DC Volt-Ohm Meter 260
17. Western Reserve AC/DC Digital Voltmeter 320A
18. Hewlett Packard AC/DC Digital Voltmeter 3440A
19. Fluke AC/DC Differential Voltmeter 893A
20. RD Instruments AC/DC Volt-Ohm Meter 1600B
21. Daven Company Electronic Multimeter ME-6D/U
22. Holtzer Cabot Insulation Test Set PSM-1 & 2
23. Hewlett Packard Power Meter 431C
24. PRD Electronics Power Meter 686A
25. Hewlett Packard Electronic Counter M54 5345M
26. Textronix Oscilloscope 453, 585A, & 545
27. Hewlett Packard Oscilloscope AN/USM-339
28. Hewlett Packard Signal Generator 606A, 608D, & 618C
29. O.E.Szekely & Associates Signal Generator SG-1A/ARN
30. Boonton Radio Corporation Signal Generator SG-2/GRM-4
31. Kepco DC Power Supply SM-7
32. Telectro Industries Power Supply PP-348/ARN
33. Telectro Modulator MD-83A/ARN
34. Lewyt Manufacturing Radar Test Set TS-739B/UPM-10
35. Hazeltine Spectrum Analyzer TS-148/UP
36. Collins Radio Test Set 476U-2
37. ITT Loran Test Set TS-2485/APM-251
38. ITT Loran Test Set TS-2488/APM-250
39. ITT Loran Power Supply Testor TS-2487/APM-252
40. Packard Bell Transponder Test Set AN/UPM-137
41. Sentinel Electronics Transponder Test Set TS-2681/APM-239A
42. Hazeltine IFF Test Simulator AN/APM-245
43. Bendix ADF Test Set DFT-73AA-1
44. Hoffman Tacan Test Set HLI-103C-312
45. Lockheed Nav Select Panel Testor 3560030-101
46. Hazeltine Transponder Fault Locator ME-358/APM239A
47. Honeywell Radar Altimeter Testor UG2181A1
    

Aircraft Systems I Maintained/Repaired

Maintenance and repair included troubleshooting avionic systems to identify the faulty component on the aircraft to working on the individual black boxes in the shop. During shop repair I would troubleshoot and identify the problem down to an individual electronic component using test equipment and what I had learned during my technical training. Once I found the faulty component by analzying the circuitry, I would remove and replace it with a good component and then perform an alignment of the black box before returning it to serviceable status and to supply for reissue to repair another system on another aircraft at a later point in time.

Below is a listing of aircraft systems that I have maintained/repaired and aligned.

1. AN/APN59B() Radar
2. AN/ARN118 Tacan
3. APX-64, APX-72, MARK XII Identification Friend Foe (IFF)
4. AL-101 Radio Altimeter
5. RDR 1100, 1200, 1300 Bendix Weather Radar
6. AN/ARN131 Omega
7. AN/ARN-6, DFA-70, DFA-73 Automatic Direction Finder (ADF) Radios
8. 51R-6, 806A, 51V-4, 51Z-3, 51Z-4, 51V-3, 51X2B, 344B-1, DGS-20, ARN18, ARN32, ARN67, ARN-127, ARN-12, and ARN-14, Variable Omni Range (VOR)/Instrument Landing Systems (ILS)
9. APN-171, HG9025, SCR-718 Radar Altimeters
10. APN-70, APN-157 Loran
11. ARC-164, ARC-34, 17L/51X2B Radio
12. AN/APN-169 Station Keeping Equipment (SKE)
13. AN/ASQ-15, AN/ASQ-70 Pressurization Systems
14. AN/AIC-10, AN/AIC-18 Intercommunication Systems
15. C-141 All Weather Landing System (AWLS)
16. Carousel Inertial Navigation System (INS)
17. APS-113/RDR-110 Radar

There is another entry in my blog to reflect individual components of each of the systems listed above. There are additional systems that I have worked on that are not listed above, however I did not keep track of all the systems I worked on.

Aircraft I Maintained/Repaired

While stationed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio I had the opportunity to worked on non standard aircraft including some of the prototype aircraft that were used as a mockup for the actual production aircraft. It was interesting trying to find the avionic systems in the prototypes and modifed aircraft because they were not always in the same location as in the production aircraft, so one would learn the individual aircraft when working on them.

There were four primary bases that I was stationed at during my 8 year Air Force tenure, Lackland Air Force Base (AFB) near San Antonio, Texas for basic training, Keesler AFB near Biloxi, Mississippi for technical training, Charleston AFB, South Carolina for my first assignment and then Wright Patterson AFB near Dayton, Ohio for my second assignment. Although I was stationed at Charleston and Wright Patterson Air Force Base I still traveled on temporary duty (TDY) assignments to other bases around the world to maintain different types of aircraft.

Below is a listing of aircraft that I have maintained/repaired the avionic systems and helped with various other maintenance activities like refueling, changing tires, checking engine oil and performing periodic inspections.

Military cargo aircraft, C-130/AC-130H, C-130A, C-130E; C-135/EC-135N, NKC-135A, NC-135A, C-135A, C-135B; C-141/C-141A, and NC-141A. Helicopters, UH-1F, CH-3E, and CH-53. Trainer aircraft, T-39/T-39A, NT-39A, T-39B, and T-37B. Fighter aircraft, F-4, F-14, F-15, and F-16.

Avionic Navigation/Communication Systems Specialist

I really wanted to be a navigator or a pilot but my vision prevented me from becoming a pilot and to be a navigator I had to have college, which I did not have, or be appointed to go to one of the military acadamies. I went the route to try and get appointments from congressmen but was unable to get any of them to agree to appoint me. So I went the route of enlisting. I had taken the entrance tests during my senior year in high school and scored high in electronics. I enlisted through the delayed enlistment program with my enlistment to start in the fall of the year I graduated from high school. I graduated high school at 17 years of age and had to wait until after my birthday in October to head off for basic training. Basic was normally six weeks long in the Air Force but ours was cut short by one week so we could get home for Christmas and then on to our next duty station for technical training.

I had joined to become an Avionic Navigation Systems Specialist which holds the Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) of 328X1. During my eight year tenure in the Air Force I made the seven skill level of this specialty along with the seven skill level for the related field of Avionic Communications Systems Specialist which held the AFSC of 328X0. The X in the AFSC delineates the skill level of the person holding the skill, starting with the number 3 being semi-skilled, 5 being skilled, 7 being advanced skill, and 9 being the best skill. I was dual qualified as both a 32871 and 32870 skill set in a supervisory level.

I maintained and repaired over 30 aircraft systems on over 17 different types of military aircraft, both on the aircraft and in the shop. These systems and aircraft are identified in another entry in my blog.

Joining the Military

I came from a family of four brothers and three sisters and my father worked for the railroad as a trackman, foreman, and finally as a welder's helper just before he retired. My mother stayed at home and took care of all us kids until later in life when my father retired and then she took on some light house keeping for a neighbor. There was not much money for them to send their kids through college and I had not thought about financial aid at the time. All of my brothers before me joined the military and it just seemed like the right thing to do. I could get my college paid for via GI Bill so I signed up to join the Air Force. The rest of my family, including my father were Navy. I had one older brother who joined the Army and I wanted to be different, so I joined the Air Force.

My First Job

My first job was as a dishwasher for a restaurant when I was only 13 years old and I have never been without a job since then, until now. I would always leave one job on a Friday and go to the next one on a Monday, or leave a job one day and go to work on the next job the next day. I always provided the standard two week notice before leaving a job.

The dishwasher job consisted of clearing the food off the dishes into a garbage disposal, putting them into racks and then running them through the dishwasher, taking them out on the other side of the dishwasher and then drying them and put them back in place for their next use. I also had to take the filters down from above the grill and run them through the dishwasher and help wash pots and pans for the cooks. There were times when it was busy the I had to go out onto the floor and help the bus boys clear the tables and carry the bus trays back to the kitchen to the dishwasher to be washed.

When I was caught up with the dishes I would help the cooks prepare food, like salads, prepping potatoes for baking, and bringing up stock from the stock room to the kitchen to resupply the kitchen.

Pass the Salad

When I worked in the produce area of the stores I had worked in; I prepared the produce for sale into smaller sections from the bulk produce that came into the store via truck. I remember the smells and will never forget the smells when the produce that came in mixed with some bad product. It is debatable which smells worse, a rotten watermelon or a rotten potato. They both smell pretty bad. It was my job to separate the good from the bad and to clean and package the good product to sell on the sales floor. I cleaned and prepped everything that you see in today's produce areas of stores, of course today much of it comes in prepackaged and prepped, unlike years ago when it was all shipped bulked and had to be repackaged by the produce clerks.

I remember reaching into a box of bananas and saw something jump over my shoulder, which really freaked me out because I did not know what it was. When I found it, I was able to identify it as a katydid. Another time there was a rat in the produce room that I had to chase down and get rid of, otherwise it would have eaten on the produce and possibly make someone sick. That was freaky when I saw the rat run across the floor in the corner of my eye.

During the holidays I would make fruit baskets to order and create samples to put on display. I was surprised how many of these we actually sold. A lot of people buy them.

I learned what the different types of lettuce, apples, potatoes, cauliflower, and other fruits and vegetables were, from pomegranates to kiwi fruit and many other types of produce.

I think the most embarrassing part about the produce job was the fact the smells from the produce became attached to your skin on your hands and when you were around people they would start saying things like I smell celery, or onions, or potatoes. Even though I would wash my hands and put lemon juice on them to kill the smell of the other produce smells, the smell of the various produce would still linger.

I did learn a lot about scales, packaging and weighing items, dating and pulling old produce items from the sales floor for disposal, and inventory control.

Industrial Arts Major

During my three years of Industrial Arts courses in high school I learned how to work with wood, metal, leather, and other miscellaneous materials to make useful items.

Tools I used to create the items included wood and metal lathes, wood planers, circular, table, and band saws, hand drills and drill presses, rivet guns, calipers, micrometers, compasses, squares, punches, and many other common hand and power tools.

I created leather billfolds, wallets, purses, belts, key chain straps, and several other types of leather products. I used design tools to stamp decorative designs onto the covers of the wallets, billfolds, purses, and belts. I laced them together with leather lace.

I designed sketches and layouts, calculated board feet to determine the amount of wood necessary to build different projects and built a medicine cabinet, tooth brush holder, book shelf, cabinets, checker/chess board, tables, lazy susans, and many other wood craft items.

I created blue prints for houses and built a model home structure representing a scale model of an actual home that could have been built from the model.

Electronic Maintenance and Repair

Electronics peaked my interest. I was amazed at what could be done with electronics and was bound and determined to learn how to work on and fix electronic gadgets. I started by playing around with electrical wiring, setting up an extension cord with a switch I could use to turn off/on my TV from my bed. This was before remotes were popular and as abundant as they are now. I moved on to working on car stereos, speakers, and fixing old radios, TVs. I eventually wired my parents' house with speakers to play music throughout the living areas of the house from one radio. My mother was amazed when she found out that I could also record back from the speaker into my tape recorder which prompted her to remove the speaker wire from their clock radio in their bedroom. I never thought of recording them while they were in their bedroom. Who wants to hear their parents in their bedroom anyway?

I took an old stereo that someone was getting ready to throw out because it would only play audio on one side and fixed it. I examined the circuitry to find a loose wire and resoldered it. That was a nice stereo.

My interest in electronics inspired me to play around with and learn a lot of things that I may not have learned if I had not been as curious and intrigued as I was. I believe this interest is what helped me score so high in electronics on the military tests I had taken when I joined the Air Force.

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair

My mechanical abilities with bicycles rolled over into my ability to do maintenance work on my own automobiles. During my later teen years I had repaired and replaced brakes, shocks, mufflers, wheels, tires, and overhauled engines. I did my own tune ups and took care of all the maintenance on my vehicles as well as my parents' vehicles. I even bought a wrecked vehicle to get the engine out of it to replace a worn out engine in another vehicle my dad owned. My dad was happy that I got his car running again and was impressed with the good job I had done.

Bicycle Maintenance and Repair

When I was a kid, about ten years old, I started to get into bicycle maintenance and repair with a close friend, Stacy Wills. I had taken an interest a few years earlier when my cousin was working on bicycles. I watched him take them apart and put them back together just to learn. He was told to do this by my Uncle, explaining that merely taking the bikes apart piece by piece and remembering how they go back together, one could learn how to fix bicycles. Well, I followed in his footsteps because by the time I was done, I could tear down and rebuild almost any bicycle around. In fact, my friend, Stacy, had a bright idea to find old bicycles that people had disposed of and take off all the good parts to make other bicycles. So we went about collecting old discarded bicycles and bought other bicycles that people did not want any longer. We set up shop in an old garage that was out back of Stacy's house and we both worked together fixing up bicycles and then selling them. We had quite a collection of old bicycles that were refurbished and ready to sell. Finally one day Stacy's Dad told him that we could no longer do the bicycle venture so we sold off all the bicycles. My friend and I talk about that to this day and wonder what would have become of us if we would have continued refurbishing bicycles. My sister even took note and has mentioned it a time or two in the past several years.