ElectricMotorcycleForum.com

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: NoiseBoy on December 17, 2013, 04:46:55 AM

Title: What do you do? (In and out of work)
Post by: NoiseBoy on December 17, 2013, 04:46:55 AM
This is somewhat off-topic but I was wondering if Zero/EV owners tend to be more technically orientated than general motorists.  The posting on this forum would suggest they are.  So, what do you do when you aren't riding your Zero?

I'm currently working in the local hospital but previously I qualified as a sound technician, mostly outside broadcast related and I now do field recording as a hobby.  However the vast majority of my spare time is occupied with Amateur Radio so I'm going to put myself in the 'Technically Minded' category.

What about the rest of you?
Title: Re: What do you do? (In and out of work)
Post by: Richard230 on December 17, 2013, 05:47:24 AM
I am a retired city engineering employee.  4 years in the Air Force, 4 years working for a private civil engineering company and 35 years working for a municipal engineering office, from which I retired with a generous government pension that allows me to indulge myself buying the latest electric motorcycles, after owning 38 IC motorcycles over the past 51 years.  I have had enough of those and am moving on to something better.  :)
Title: Re: What do you do? (In and out of work)
Post by: Doctorbass on December 17, 2013, 06:58:30 AM
I am interested in teh Zero because i began by building couples of great overpower ebicycles in the past and managed to make some speed record in 2009 in ebike. I've always been playing with electronic, diy lasers show , DIY loudspeakers and subwoofer ( car and home) and ebikes sicne about 8 years. I built electric motocross and helped for the E-GSX-R1100 conversion for a friend
I never touched any motorcycles unless of the gas powered one in my motorcycles licence class and then my Zero.

The Zero is for me the way to keep playing with electronic and comute at low cost.

My actual hobby today are still to play with electronic, acoustic, lasers and E-motorcycles and ebikes. 

In my garage there are some diy high end real bandpass, vented and horn loaded subwoofers, diyt bookself speakers, diy crossovers , high end SPL meter/RTA, computers, Zero, ebikes, e-trikes, DIY RGB laser show projector, alot of lithium cells and battery and all the related professional testing tool.

At work i'm working  as high senior technologist on many projects related to optics/laser for aerospace and military and commercial purpose. I've worked on some  mid and long wave thermal camera that are looking at us onboard a satellite above our head right now, lidar, high tech glasses for partial-blind persons, Solar simulator source for future solar panel in lab testing and qualification and 3D microscope  with sub micron resolution for a MARS Rover ;)

It's a pretty great job i have! and i'm really proud of. 

Doc


Title: Re: What do you do? (In and out of work)
Post by: benswing on December 17, 2013, 08:53:37 AM
Job: Teach High School Physics, Sustainability Coordinator (helping the school go green)

Fun: Semi-professional swing dancer (I throw girls over my head), I like to hike and ride as often as the weather will let me.  I've been known to play volleyball and tennis, do amateur photography, rock climb, SCUBA dive, ski, and take road trips, too.
Title: Re: What do you do? (In and out of work)
Post by: hamr1 on December 17, 2013, 12:27:54 PM
Hi I am currently retired.I first got interested in motorcycling at the age of 5 (my father built gp bikes in the garage at home Winning the lightweight gp and open tt 3 days later (NZ)He said he payed the best rider he could afford to race his bikes
He also did a lot of work later on speedway and sidecar engines mainly gs1000
I went on to race myself moto x then drag racing
I was a fabricator for 35 years and built a roadracing bike and a top bike with the guys I worked with (theres).I also dabbled in a few race cars around this time
I moved interstate in australia to canberra and worked in  motor vehickle dealerships  there and back in brisbane for 5 years mainly workshop but did a stint as a service advisor for ford
returning to fabrication for a year before being run over on the first zx14
Lately I have been working mainly in modifying programmes and engines in late model road bikes and cars which got me interested in electronics 06 gts commodore gsxr 600 ,1000 another 1000 a zx 14 now my current zx14

Title: Re: What do you do? (In and out of work)
Post by: Justin Andrews on December 17, 2013, 03:40:00 PM
I'm an audio programmer for a software games company.

My day to day work mostly revolves around writing software that analysis and breaks down recordings of car engines in tiny fragments and then allows these fragments to be used to re-synthasie the engine sounds dynamically in real time. Not surprisingly this sort of tech is applicable to EV vehicles where the manufactorer want to have an ICE engine sound play (its being looked at by a couple of companies who I am not allowed to name)

Outside of work, I generally muck about with 3D printing and embedded microprocessor stuff such as the ubiquitous ardiuno platform.
I'm also not too bad at sheet metal working, as my other hobby is making medieval armour.
Title: Re: What do you do? (In and out of work)
Post by: BrianTRice@gmail.com on December 18, 2013, 02:33:54 AM
Job: Software Developer (Tableau, data visualization and analytics UIs, web/mobile/backend). In the past, I've worked at a variety of types of companies mainly as a consultant or contractor.
Fun: Programming language design, open source, motorcycle trips (NZ next month!), hacker/maker space contributor, and a mentor for maths/philosophy/programming, etc.
Title: Re: What do you do? (In and out of work)
Post by: eyeinsky on December 18, 2013, 04:51:02 AM
HI Guys

I agree that most people are tech orientated. I've seen some of Doc stuff, visited him for a short while last month. Lots of cool stuff there.

As a aircraft mechanic I currently manage the maintenance on some corporate jet for my employer. Started down the road of EV with RC helicopter and airplanes. Currently operate different UAVs for Arial photography and video. Most as hobby level, check out my web site 

http://www.elevationaerialoperation.com/ (http://www.elevationaerialoperation.com/)

I am work on some alternative power sources.  Here's a power plant I've started this winter.

http://s204.photobucket.com/user/eyeinsky/story/20093 (http://s204.photobucket.com/user/eyeinsky/story/20093)

Great Sharing here with you guys

Thanks Jerry

     

Title: Re: What do you do? (In and out of work)
Post by: SK on December 18, 2013, 06:18:30 PM
Job: Computer Network Engineer  8)

Off the Job: I like to ride my 2013 Zero S when not hiking, camping, SCUBA Diving, sampling delicious beers or studying to be a better Computer Network Engineer.
Title: Re: What do you do? (In and out of work)
Post by: kensiko on December 19, 2013, 06:37:04 AM
I'm an electrical engineer, I work from home. Out of work I take care of my 4 month baby boy for now. It takes pretty much all my spare time.
Title: Re: What do you do? (In and out of work)
Post by: WindRider on December 19, 2013, 09:00:44 AM
I am a wireless network engineer.   It seems that Zero Marketing should target engineers in their marketing efforts!   Everyone on this forum has a propeller hat.

C'mon:  any diesel mechanics lurking here??   No, didn't think so.....
Title: Re: What do you do? (In and out of work)
Post by: protomech on December 19, 2013, 10:45:53 PM
Software engineer. Used to work on test software for military avionics hardware. Now I write software to improve orthopedics implant outcomes.
Title: Re: What do you do? (In and out of work)
Post by: BSDThw on December 19, 2013, 11:17:47 PM
I'm an electrical engineer for HW and SW. Have developed Solar chargers, stand alone inverters and the last 4 years grid inverters. Mainly I write the power regulation software. (Therefore I dig the Sevcon :)))
My horse eat up most of my time - before I did a lot rock climbing and scuba diving. Nowadays I have to decide "what" I ride ;D
Title: Re: What do you do? (In and out of work)
Post by: kingcharles on December 20, 2013, 03:55:30 AM
I work as a voice network architect at a Dutch cable company. My background is in electric engineering but I always worked in the telecoms sector. And I am addicted to technology...

I have been riding a Vectrix on my commute to work for the last 4 years. Almost bought a Zero last September but am now no longer sure what to buy as maybe the Brammo is coming to Europe also.
Title: Re: What do you do? (In and out of work)
Post by: s-miller on December 22, 2013, 04:48:36 AM
Hi everybody.
I am a professor. I teach mechanical engineering.
My school website :
http://lyc-durzy-villemandeur.tice.ac-orleans-tours.fr/php5/?var_mode=recalcul (http://lyc-durzy-villemandeur.tice.ac-orleans-tours.fr/php5/?var_mode=recalcul)
I also work as an engineer for building special vehicles.
It's a great pleasure to communicate with the people here.

METISS JBB (Suzuki GSXR 1000 engine)
(http://i949.photobucket.com/albums/ad340/s-miller/dsc_0810_zpsfd94eb53.jpg)

GYROJET Mecatwin (Triumph Rocket 3 engine)
(http://i949.photobucket.com/albums/ad340/s-miller/gyrojetr_zps4dfbca86.gif)

LUCIOLE H-KER (electric prototype with Honda 125 RS gearbox)
(http://i949.photobucket.com/albums/ad340/s-miller/111202_LUCIOLE_B2web_zps0af3a199.jpg)

WHOOP (electric 3-wheel prototype)
(http://i949.photobucket.com/albums/ad340/s-miller/DCP_7788_zpsc54cfc8a.jpg)
Title: Re: What do you do? (In and out of work)
Post by: Bakersbread on December 22, 2013, 09:46:29 PM
Work: salesman for pepsi , own carpet cleaning business. Old work history long time in car and home audio(pretty much anything you want to do to a car or house.) Went to college to study auto mechanics
Fun: die hard motorcycle guy. Playing with auto meant thing electronic.
Title: Re: What do you do? (In and out of work)
Post by: colevalleydave on February 18, 2014, 05:29:19 AM
As a newb I enjoyed reading this string  - gave me context on who was answering my other post.  As a 30-year rider of anything with 2 wheels I continue to tell people that electric bike riders are the most helpful and collaborative bunch on the internet...

To add:  I'm the Senior Vice President of Strategy at Habitat for Humanity International.  We're a US$1.5B annual operation in 70+ countries and the 6th largest homebuilder in the US.  We have a passion for green building and all things energy-efficient.  http://davemcmurtry.com/ (http://davemcmurtry.com/) 

Nice to meet you all...
Title: Re: What do you do? (In and out of work)
Post by: NoiseBoy on February 18, 2014, 04:20:44 PM
Good to have you on board Dave, that's an amazing bio on your web page.  You probably have some useful insights to offer on the business related discussions about how zero/brammo/mission etc. are doing things.

I am hoping to convince the largest local developer here in Jersey ( Which I bet isn't blue on your map  ;) ) to offer the option of charging points in their car parks and garages but finding the right contact is always difficult.
Title: Re: What do you do? (In and out of work)
Post by: colevalleydave on February 19, 2014, 08:16:24 PM
Thanks Noiseboy.  I'm definitely more "business-oriented" than most of the techies on these boards so I'm learning a ton more than I'm returning.  I studied computer science in undergrad but haven't written a line of code in decades...

Ha!  Jersey is a great place.  Habitat is doing a ton of work there in various counties supporting the Sandy cleanup efforts.  Great people, both homeowners and volunteers!
Title: Re: What do you do? (In and out of work)
Post by: Mike Werner on February 19, 2014, 11:53:24 PM
I started work-life as a 737 pilot until my license was revoked on a medical. Worked a few years as a stringer for world's largest press agency and then spent a long time working in the airline industry as a supplier of electronics. Then in 2001 I left and started my site on motorcycles and started getting more and more writing gigs from bike, technology and travel sites & magazines which is what I do now full time. That allows me to ride new motorcycles and play with cool gadgets. In fact, I bought my Zero DS after writing a review/test.

For fun: read above.  8)
Title: Re: What do you do? (In and out of work)
Post by: TargeT on February 20, 2014, 01:49:46 AM
I've been in the IT industry for 15 years, currently the infrastructure manager for the Virgin Islands National Guard, I also own my own business down here www.cruzancowgirls.com (http://www.cruzancowgirls.com) (guided horse tours of St Croix in the USVI).

 I'd consider myself a technical person by trade, by hobby I used to race cars and have owned quite a few 4 wheel toys, I grew up racing bikes at tiny tracks in Oregon and since I moved to the USVI I was happy to pick up another bike, so far I have only missed 2 days due to rain since owning my 2013 FX... and everyone on the island loves the bike, I own the loudest and quietest street legal vehicles on St Croix... haha
Title: Re: What do you do? (In and out of work)
Post by: NoiseBoy on February 20, 2014, 02:26:23 AM
Thanks Noiseboy.  I'm definitely more "business-oriented" than most of the techies on these boards so I'm learning a ton more than I'm returning.  I studied computer science in undergrad but haven't written a line of code in decades...

Ha!  Jersey is a great place.  Habitat is doing a ton of work there in various counties supporting the Sandy cleanup efforts.  Great people, both homeowners and volunteers!

Not New Jersey! The original Jersey in the English channel.
Title: Re: What do you do? (In and out of work)
Post by: colevalleydave on February 20, 2014, 04:06:19 AM
Oh, right - sorry NoiseBoy.  Disregard that classic Yank geography faux pas...  In which case I haven't done any work on your Jersey but I did spend a rather epic surf weekend there a few years back.  The swells were second only to the beer flowing at Watersplash!
Title: Re: What do you do? (In and out of work)
Post by: NanoMech on April 13, 2014, 07:00:16 AM
Lots of engineers among us! I’m a nanotechnologist and founder/CTO of several materials science, NFC payments, and uncloneable function nano-cryptography companies. I enjoy underwater photography, flying helicopters, and have raced my sailboat on the Pacific Cup.

My eBike project, as an Angler Wrangler Demolition Co hardhat diver, is to modify my 2014 Zero DS into a plasma lure for attracting the sexually rapacious, nefarious, and heretical Angler Fish with the goal of removing it from the species roster of aberrational evolution run amok.
Title: Re: What do you do? (In and out of work)
Post by: Richard230 on April 13, 2014, 07:41:25 PM
Lots of engineers among us! I’m a nanotechnologist and founder/CTO of several materials science, NFC payments, and uncloneable function nano-cryptography companies. I enjoy underwater photography, flying helicopters, and have raced my sailboat on the Pacific Cup.

My eBike project, as an Angler Wrangler Demolition Co hardhat diver, is to modify my 2014 Zero DS into a plasma lure for attracting the sexually rapacious, nefarious, and heretical Angler Fish with the goal of removing it from the species roster of aberrational evolution run amok.

NanoMech is also a "wise guy".    ;)
Title: Re: What do you do? (In and out of work)
Post by: NanoMech on April 16, 2014, 08:52:56 AM

NanoMech is also a "wise guy".    ;)

Haha, although all true, with admitted embellishment of part of the last paragraph, specifically regarding removal of the Angler fish (t was meant to be an extreme perspective). I have taken many photos of Anglers off Indonesia, they do have an extraordinary life-cycle, and I am an extreme diver when not enjoying other hobbies/avocations. The bike does have plasma generators and, well,,, how about we meet up in several weeks and you can report on the accuracy of my report! Onward into the Summer!
Title: Re: What do you do? (In and out of work)
Post by: biolife on April 25, 2014, 10:29:57 AM
I'm one of the younger guys around here I guess! Turning 25 this year, so my professional career hasn't lasted quite as long just yet. I'm not a programmer, but spend a good amount of time interacting with developers while doing project management/marketing for an online language learning site. Been working here for near 4 years now and it's a lot of fun.

For fun, I've been learning Korean for around 7 years now and have travelled to Korea six times since then. I've also been singing for quite a few years now, though just for fun - no paid gigs. Lately any and all things electric have been my focus. I dropped high school physics in my first week due to a pretty uninspiring teacher, and have no background in science/engineering. I kind of regret it in a way, but have been really thankful for things like edX (free online lectures) that give me a chance to learn more about these kinds of things in my free time. Otherwise I pretty much like learning about anything.

I guess electric bikes still have a pretty narrow appeal at this point, but I'm going to do my part to try and spread the word and share the joy of electric :)