[SOC] [OT] Blast from the Past

[Ian C. Purdie]

My beautiful twin grand-daughters purchased for me, and my best friend, from the
local $2 shop two ties [wear around the neck] with a Christmas motif.
All Electronics included.

Reindeers with eyes which flash on demand when you push a button etc. etc.

Put's me back to around about 1980 when my then Sales Manager took an order to
purchase 100,000 of these new LED's with controllers embedded. They were
National's FRL XXXX. Can't think of the exact number. 4494? FRL4494?

I do remember these flashing LED's cost me 33c apiece or $33,000 back then in 1980.

Our "client" had this brilliant idea he would purchase legitimacy 100,000
"KISS" badges, drill a hole in them, place the LED and a rough switch which
contacted with the then new technology of cell batteries. 1V5 volts. Watch type.

"KISS" was all the rage then and touring Australia.

Of course this entrepreneur knew nothing about electronics, he simply hired 15 
year old kids off the street to complete his mission. They knew nothing, he knew 
nothing, he purchased 100W soldering irons from the local hardware etc. etc. The 
15 year old kids were his assembly line with 100W soldering irons.

To end a boring tale? Back in 1980 I had no choice but to write off that 
$33,000. Cheaper than fighting a lawsuit.

Today?

He was a man before his time, just didn't know how to implement technology 
successfully for his dreams and aspirations.

So, I look at these two ties, the same intent, perhaps better technology, even 
at a cost of $33,000 to me I still admire the man.

Never met him BTW. But I respect him as a "goer"


72/73's

Ian C. Purdie
Budgewoi N.S.W. Australia - Co-ords S33?14', E151?34'
VK2TIP "I'll give ya the TIP mate" QRP-L #1978. SOC #171 FP#91
http://www.electronics-tutorials.com/