Ken's Classic Trax

In my “real” life I was an award-winning* electronics design engineer, and I am still an electronics hobbyist (as well as having many other nerdy interests). I am also adept with 3D design and print, and with many aspects of computing and the application of computer technology to real-world problems.

Several dance-related organisers currently benefit from my technical know-how, and I might be able to help you with anything from computerising your music library to building custom cables or adapter boxes, to advising on an entire audio system specific to your needs.

I also designed my logo and made my banner, and hand-crafted several websites (including this one), so there’s very little I can’t do, if asked.

Custom-made audio jack:

Example: mixers are commonly a jumble of cables. Before:

...and after:

You often can’t get exactly the right cable commercially. Well, tell me what you need and I can make it for you.

If you need to ensure signals are not clipping (sounding harsh because the maximum voltages are being exceeded), I can bring measuring equipment to determine the limits, and build any adapters required for signal level conversion. A few of my adapters:

There’s nothing to lose by asking, just ping me a line.

* “Award winning”? Yep. “Internationally award winning”, even. It seems you get nowhere if you don’t blow your own trumpet, so...

While working in the British defence industry, in 1987 I was part of a team sent to Ottawa for 6 months as a business liaison. OK, no awards, but it was like a paid holiday in Canada!

In the ’90s, working for a company specialising in image processing electronics, I entered a design into a Europe-wide competition sponsored by a major IC manufacturer, and ended up winning it. My prize was a write-up in that year’s design manual, and a trip for two on Concorde with a weekend in New York. I saw Cats on Broadway!

Back to the defence industry, in the early 2000’s, I got called in when a project to upgrade a missile test range ran into difficulties. At the successful completion (including a site trip to the Outer Hebrides), I was one of two people nominated for a company award. Unfortunately there was no cash involved, because our arm of the company was being closed, but I received a trophy in the form of an engraved pewter “quaich” – a Scottish ceremonial cup.

Jean needed (nay, demanded!) more and more attention in her declining years, so in the end I gave up trying to juggle caring with career. Once that was over, there was no way back for me, and anyway – I was exhausted. With enough to get by on, I let ballroom take over my life, and the rest is history...