[R-390] re: Safety and PFY-EEs

[wli]

Hi

Recently, I have been tutoring a newbie. He has been an office type for over 30 years shuffling papers, and was intrigued to learn more about my hobby as a future *retirement* activity. His interest was triggered by an evening cruising through the international SWL bands on the R390A. 

In regards to the *new* solder, I suggest stockpiling a few rolls of the old Ersin Multicore 60/40 tin-lead 5-core rolls seen at hamfests. Three pounds will last us decades. 

After many hours, he can solder moderately well, but still has a hard-time understanding simple  concepts such as layout and mechanical alignment. After a while, I realized that he does not think in three-dimensions... something that Tisha's newly minted PFY-EE's clearly lack as well.  

I was astounded to see how today's adults have NO concept re electrical  and mechanical safety. Since *shop* is no longer taught in schools (under the mistaken belief that their  students were all gifted and destined for careers in politics and finance), today's adults are woefully ignorant of the basics.

So my plea to all of us is to teach our kids and grandkids the rudimentary basics of doing stuff with our hands..   something sadly lacking in today's educational system.

Thanks

W. Li