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<strong>ProService</strong><br />
<strong>Magazine</strong><br />
A Journal <strong>of</strong> NESDA A and ISCET • February 2004<br />
www.nesda.com • www.iscet.org<br />
Connecting<br />
to the Future F<br />
at<br />
NPSC 2004
www.nesda.com<br />
www.iscet.org<br />
An <strong>of</strong>ficial journal <strong>of</strong> NESDA<br />
(National <strong>Electronics</strong> Service<br />
Dealers Association), and ISCET<br />
(<strong>International</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Certified</strong><br />
<strong>Electronics</strong> Technicians)<br />
Purpose<br />
<strong>ProService</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>, a publication<br />
for members <strong>of</strong> NESDA and ISCET,<br />
is produced by NESDA, the National<br />
<strong>Electronics</strong> Service Dealers Association,<br />
3608 Pershing Ave., Fort Worth, TX<br />
76107. It is intended for the enlightenment,<br />
education and entertainment <strong>of</strong><br />
the members <strong>of</strong> NESDA and ISCET.<br />
With the exception <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial<br />
announcements, the statements and<br />
opinions expressed herein are those <strong>of</strong><br />
the authors and not necessarily those <strong>of</strong><br />
the associations.<br />
Unless otherwise clearly indicated,<br />
neither NESDA nor ISCET endorses any<br />
company, product or service appearing<br />
in any article in this publication.<br />
Business and Editorial Offices<br />
3608 Pershing Ave., Fort Worth, TX<br />
76107-4527; 817-921-9061;<br />
Fax 817-921-3741;<br />
www.nesda.com; www.iscet.org<br />
Executive Director: Mack Blakely<br />
Director <strong>of</strong> Communications:<br />
Sheila Fredrickson<br />
Email: sheila@nesda.com<br />
Associate Editor/Production:<br />
Stephanie Miller<br />
Email: stephanie@nesda.com<br />
Copyright<br />
Copyright © 2004 by NESDA,<br />
Inc., all rights reserved. No part <strong>of</strong> this<br />
publication may be reproduced or<br />
transmitted in any form or by any<br />
means without written permission from<br />
NESDA.<br />
What’s Inside:<br />
Table <strong>of</strong> Contents<br />
Motorola Introduces Flat-Panel Televisions at CES 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . .3<br />
Exploring Class-D Amplifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4<br />
2004 Service Summit Presents Issues, Offers Feedback . . . . . . . . . . . .6<br />
New NESDA Members from 11/19/2003 to 1/29/2004 . . . . . . . . . . .7<br />
National <strong>Electronics</strong> Industry Hall <strong>of</strong> Fame Accepting Nominations . . . .7<br />
Intel Discloses Digital Silicon Plans For High Definition Tvs . . . . . . . . . .8<br />
NPSC 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9<br />
Be a Part <strong>of</strong> the Future: NESDA President’s Article . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10<br />
Samsung Introduces World’s Largest LCD-TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10<br />
Can We Talk?: Getting the Best Value From Your Membership . . . . . .11<br />
Education in <strong>Electronics</strong>: ISCET President’s Article . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13<br />
ISCET Certification Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13<br />
Viewing the Passing Parade — ISCET News & Views . . . . . . . . . . . . .14<br />
Welcome New CA’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14<br />
Student Chapter News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15<br />
Welcome New Associates & CET's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15<br />
Index <strong>of</strong> Advertisers<br />
AYS S<strong>of</strong>tware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3<br />
PTS <strong>Electronics</strong> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6<br />
Tri-State Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8<br />
Test Supply Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9<br />
Benefit Recourcing Inc./NESDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12<br />
Electronix Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14<br />
Tritronics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover<br />
NESA & KEA Convention<br />
March 4-6, 2004<br />
Lincoln, NE<br />
More info.: 402-291-7100<br />
Tri-States Convention<br />
March 11-14, 2004<br />
Hood River, OR<br />
www.xprt.net/~gambo/opea<br />
Electronic Distribution Show &<br />
Conference (EDS 2004)<br />
May 4-6, 2004<br />
Las Vegas, NV<br />
www.edsc.org<br />
2004 Mid-Atlantic<br />
<strong>Electronics</strong> Conference<br />
June 10-13, 2004<br />
Virginia Beach, VA<br />
http://vpea.exis.net<br />
Upcoming Events<br />
National Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Service<br />
Convention and Pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
Service Trade Show (NPSC) 2004<br />
July 27-31, 2004<br />
Renaissance Hotel<br />
Nashville, TN<br />
www.nesda.com<br />
If you would like your event listed<br />
in this section, please contact<br />
stephanie@nesda.com or call<br />
817/921-9061 ext.13.<br />
2— February 2004
Motorola Introduces Flat-Panel Televisions at CES 2004<br />
Motorola’s model PD-H42 (above) 42’’ wide<br />
plasma display has a 16:9 aspect ratio.<br />
Motorola has re-entered the TV market<br />
through an alliance with Moxell<br />
Technology, Inc., a subsidiary <strong>of</strong> Proview<br />
<strong>International</strong> Holdings, Limited, a display<br />
manufacturer. At the Consumer <strong>Electronics</strong><br />
Show (CES) 2004, (Jan 8-11), Moxell<br />
showcased a broad range <strong>of</strong> Motorolabranded<br />
high-performance video display<br />
products, which included flat panel Liquid<br />
Crystal Display (LCD) and plasma televisions.<br />
Marketing and distribution <strong>of</strong> the new<br />
Motorola products will be handled by<br />
Moxell, under the leadership <strong>of</strong> President<br />
Rick Calacci. The alliance between Moxell<br />
and Motorola stems from a multi-year<br />
agreement enabling the companies to codevelop<br />
a comprehensive line <strong>of</strong> consumer<br />
electronics products carrying the Motorola<br />
brand name.<br />
“Motorola Broadband’s consumer electronics<br />
products, such as digital cable settops<br />
and cable modems, already have a<br />
well-established and respected place in consumers’<br />
households. The displays showcased<br />
at CES are a natural extension to the<br />
position we’ve established in the living<br />
room and throughout millions <strong>of</strong> homes,”<br />
said John Burke, Motorola corporate vice<br />
president and general manager <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Broadband consumer solutions business.<br />
“Through this relationship, Motorola and<br />
Moxell will co-develop some <strong>of</strong> the industry’s<br />
most advanced digital displays that<br />
incorporate new and emerging broadband<br />
standards.”<br />
Moxell showcased a comprehensive line<br />
<strong>of</strong> 15 Motorola LCD TVs, ranging in screen<br />
sizes from 13- to 47-inches, with manufacturer’s<br />
suggested retail prices (MSRPs)<br />
from $549.99 to $10,999.99.<br />
Highlights include five 4:3 sets in 13-,<br />
14- and 20-inch screen sizes, all featuring<br />
640 x 480 pixel panels, 170 degree viewing<br />
angles and ultra high brightness.<br />
Ten widescreen models range in size<br />
from 17-inch sets, including the GQ-T17<br />
(with built-in DVD player and CF card slot),<br />
to the 47-inch model GL-T47, featuring<br />
HDTV displays with ultra-high brightness<br />
and 170-degree viewing angles. Both the<br />
46-inch GL-T46 and 47-inch GL-T47 LCD<br />
TVs feature high-resolution, state-<strong>of</strong>-the-art<br />
panels with a high-definition display capability<br />
<strong>of</strong> native 1080p and 1920 x 1080 line<br />
resolution.<br />
www.ayss<strong>of</strong>tware.com<br />
3— February 2004
Exploring Class-D Amplifiers<br />
By David Bates CET, CA<br />
The Class-B or Class-AB amplifier has<br />
been the main choice for many designers <strong>of</strong><br />
audio amplifiers. This linear amplifier configuration<br />
has been able to provide the necessary<br />
conventional performance and cost<br />
requirements. Now, products such as LDC<br />
TVs, plasma TVs, and desktop PCs are driving<br />
the necessity for greater power output<br />
while maintaining or reducing the form-factor,<br />
without increasing costs. Portable powered<br />
devices, such as PDAs, cell phones,<br />
and notebook PCs, are demanding higher<br />
circuit efficiencies. Due to very high efficiency<br />
and low heat dissipation, the Class-D<br />
amplifier is now challenging the Class-AB<br />
amplifiers in many applications.<br />
A Class-D amplifier uses output transistors<br />
operated as switches. This enables the<br />
transistor to either be in a cut<strong>of</strong>f or saturated<br />
mode. When cut<strong>of</strong>f, its current is zero.<br />
When it is saturated, the voltage across it is<br />
low. In each mode, its power dissipation is<br />
very low. This concept increases the circuit<br />
efficiency, therefore, requires less power<br />
from the power supply and enables the use<br />
<strong>of</strong> smaller heat sinks for the amplifier.<br />
A basic Class-D amplifier is shown in<br />
Figure 1. The amplifier consists <strong>of</strong> an opamp<br />
comparator driving two MOSFETs<br />
operating as switches. The comparator has<br />
two input signals. One signal is the audio<br />
signal VA, while the other input is a triangle<br />
wave VT with a much higher frequency.<br />
The voltage value out <strong>of</strong> the comparator,<br />
VC, will be approximately at either +VCC<br />
Figure 1<br />
or -VEE. When VA > VT, VC = +VCC.<br />
When VA < VT, VC = -VEE.<br />
The comparator's positive or negative<br />
output voltage drives two complementary<br />
common-source MOSFETs. When VC is<br />
positive, Q1 is switched on and Q2 is <strong>of</strong>f.<br />
When VC is negative, Q2 is switched on and<br />
Q1 is <strong>of</strong>f. The output voltage <strong>of</strong> each transistor<br />
will be slightly less that their +V and<br />
-V supply values. L1 and C1 act as a lowpass<br />
filter. When their values are properly<br />
chosen, this filter passes the average value<br />
<strong>of</strong> the switching transistors' output to the<br />
speaker. If the audio input signal VA was<br />
zero, VO would be a symmetrical squarewave<br />
with an average value <strong>of</strong> zero volts.<br />
To illustrate the operation <strong>of</strong> this circuit,<br />
examine Figure 2. A 1 kHz sine-wave is<br />
applied to the input at VA, while a 20 kHz<br />
triangle-wave is applied to input VT. In<br />
practice, the triangle-wave input frequency<br />
would be many times higher than shown in<br />
this illustration. A frequency <strong>of</strong> 250-300<br />
kHz is <strong>of</strong>ten used. The frequency should be<br />
as high as possible, compared to the cut<strong>of</strong>f<br />
frequency, fc, <strong>of</strong> L1C1 for minimum output<br />
distortion. Also, note that the maximum<br />
voltage <strong>of</strong> VA is at approximately 70 % <strong>of</strong><br />
VT.<br />
The resulting output VO <strong>of</strong> the switching<br />
transistors is a pulse-width-modulated<br />
(PWM) waveform. The duty cycle <strong>of</strong> the<br />
waveform produces an output whose average<br />
value follows the audio input signal.<br />
This is shown in Figure 3.<br />
More sophisticated Class-D amplifiers<br />
use a MOSFET H-bridge circuit configura<br />
tion for the switching devices and incorporate<br />
active low-pass filters. Resulting efficiencies<br />
can reach upwards from 85-90 %,<br />
even at lower power levels. This exceeds<br />
the efficiency <strong>of</strong> the Class-AB amplifier<br />
whose efficiency reaches a theoretical maximum<br />
<strong>of</strong> 78 % at high output levels and is<br />
much less efficient at lower power levels.<br />
New generation IC Class-D amplifiers,<br />
such as the NJU8755, amplify analog input<br />
signals and produce PWM digital output<br />
signals. This provides for a fusion between<br />
digital and analog systems. The NJU8755,<br />
configured as a stereo BLT (Bridge-tied<br />
Load) and connected to an analog input signal,<br />
is capable <strong>of</strong> delivering 1.2 W/ch at 5 V<br />
into 8 ohms. This type <strong>of</strong> circuit also<br />
employs a standby mode designed to reduce<br />
power consumption to minimum levels during<br />
silent periods. Applications would<br />
include cell phones, PDAs, portable audio<br />
applications, and toys.<br />
Figure 2 — Input Waveforms<br />
Figure 3 — Output Waveform<br />
Following the Input<br />
4— February 2004<br />
<strong>ProService</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> Advertising Rates For 2004:<br />
Black and White: Full Page — $250 Half Page — $125<br />
Color: Full Page — $500 Half Page — $250
2004 Service Summit Presents Issues, Offers Feedback<br />
The 2004 Service Summit was held Saturday, January 10 at the<br />
Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas. Sponsored by NESDA, the panel was<br />
moderated by Wayne Markman and Brian Gibson <strong>of</strong> NESDA,<br />
joined by Ron Sawyer and Carmine de'Alessandro <strong>of</strong> Pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
Servicers Association (PSA).<br />
A roomful <strong>of</strong> individuals representing associations, manufacturer<br />
service, and parts distributors discussed issues presented by the<br />
moderator panel.<br />
From the servicer side, when NESDA members were asked for<br />
their input prior to the meeting several key issues emerged, which<br />
were presented to Summit participants. 1) Warranty repair rates, 2)<br />
quality <strong>of</strong> electronic service literature, 3) part pricing/availability, 4)<br />
boards that can't be repaired but are also too expensive to replace,<br />
and 5) technical assistance quality<br />
issues were at the top <strong>of</strong> the list.<br />
There is an ongoing concern<br />
that techs are still not being paid a<br />
living wage, making it difficult for<br />
them to support families and continue<br />
to work as techs. Another<br />
area <strong>of</strong> concern is that technicians<br />
need more than just hands-on<br />
technical skill; they must also<br />
learn customer service and be<br />
masterful at interaction with customers,<br />
something difficult to<br />
teach.<br />
From the manufacturer side,<br />
there was a plea from a major<br />
manufacturer that servicers be<br />
more vigilant about using the<br />
resources that are <strong>of</strong>fered to get<br />
technical information, specifically<br />
the Internet. It was suggested that<br />
manufacturers write into their<br />
service contracts that service personnel<br />
must access online information<br />
and "do their homework"<br />
before calling for technical assistance.<br />
Diversification into appliance<br />
servicing was cited as a way for<br />
servicers to survive during difficult<br />
times, because it requires the<br />
same skillset they already possess.<br />
Disposal issues were briefly<br />
discussed and it was mentioned<br />
that a big part <strong>of</strong> what NESDA is<br />
doing in this area is providing<br />
tools for members and manufacturers.<br />
Mentioned was the National<br />
Coalition for <strong>Electronics</strong><br />
Education, a new initiative that<br />
should assist in training more<br />
individuals for the electronics<br />
industry.<br />
The <strong>Certified</strong> Service Center<br />
Program was commended as<br />
being good for the servicer and<br />
good for the industry. Several<br />
manufacturers and associations<br />
are now <strong>of</strong>fering financial and<br />
membership incentives to servicers<br />
who become certified,<br />
making the program more attractive.<br />
While everything that was presented<br />
was met with the spirit <strong>of</strong><br />
cooperation, it is important to<br />
6— February 2004<br />
remember that the participants in the Summit are <strong>of</strong>ten not the key<br />
decision makers for the companies they represent. Many times, it is<br />
the sales division that makes key decisions for how products are<br />
repaired.<br />
In addition to allowing an opportunity for each participant to<br />
speak, NESDA executive director Mack Blakely announced that<br />
FieldPower would be moving toward implementation <strong>of</strong> a consumer<br />
self-scheduling model. Neil Murphy, president <strong>of</strong> FieldPower,<br />
explained the system to participants and invited their participation.<br />
The tone <strong>of</strong> the meeting was positive and those in attendance<br />
seemed genuinely interested in affecting positive change. There is<br />
much opportunity for change, but a short timetable.<br />
CorporateHeadquarters<br />
5233 South Highway 37 • Bloomington, Indiana 47401<br />
800-844-7871 • Fax: 800-844-3291 • E-mail: pts@ptscorp.com<br />
www.ptscorp.com
New NESDA Members from 11/19/2003 to 1/29/2004<br />
Jeff Basehore<br />
CE Service Center, Inc.<br />
500 East North Street, Ste. 1<br />
Carlisle, PA 17013<br />
(717) 241-9300; Fax : (717) 241-9330<br />
ceservice@earthlink.net<br />
Gerald Brown<br />
Eastside TV, Inc.<br />
216 East Morris Street<br />
Dalton, GA 30721<br />
(706) 278-1458; Fax : (706) 279-3016<br />
eastsidetvinc@alltel.net<br />
Lee Chip<br />
Lee's TV <strong>Electronics</strong><br />
4348 East Los Angeles Ave.<br />
Simi Valley, CA 93063<br />
(805) 527-6911; Fax : (805) 527-8728<br />
leekg@aol.com<br />
Chema Eluwa<br />
Austin TV & <strong>Electronics</strong> Inc.<br />
5207 Airport Blvd.<br />
Austin, TX 78751<br />
(512) 458-1304; Fax : (512) 458-9532<br />
chema-eluwa@austin.rr.com<br />
James Gallandat<br />
A / V <strong>Electronics</strong><br />
5975 South Cooper, Ste. 105<br />
Arlington, TX 76017<br />
(817) 557-4013 ; Fax : (817) 557-4013<br />
avelectron1@aol.com<br />
Shane Glenn<br />
1413 East Gordonville Road<br />
Midland, MI 48640<br />
(989) 832-4154<br />
shaneglenn@hotmail.com<br />
Gerhard Langguth<br />
Lannguth <strong>Electronics</strong>, Inc.<br />
711 East Parkway Drive<br />
Russellville, AR 72801<br />
(479) 967-0873; Fax : (413) 383-2750<br />
electronics@langguth-us.net<br />
Sandy Manning<br />
Circuitex<br />
5307 Pine View<br />
San Antonio, TX 78247<br />
(210) 946-9090; Fax : (210) 657-5417<br />
squibbers@aol.com<br />
Rick Moneck<br />
Mobile TV Repair<br />
5470 10th Avenue North<br />
Green Acres, FL 33436<br />
(561) 969-2633; Fax : (561) 963-1192<br />
dolld@bellsouth.net<br />
Felix Moreno<br />
Hi Tech Repairs, Inc.<br />
20486 Ashley Terrace<br />
Sterling, VA 20165<br />
(703) 430-0552; Fax : (703) 430-2928<br />
pb3400c@aol.com<br />
Cindy Nicotera<br />
McCormick Library<br />
1 HACC Drive<br />
Harrisburg, PA 17110<br />
(717) 780-2460<br />
Tim Panik<br />
TV Time<br />
11000 Metro Parkway<br />
Fort Myers, FL 33912<br />
(239) 337-0044; Fax : (239) 337-3999<br />
tpanik@swfla.rr.com<br />
Terence Peterson<br />
OnSite Technical Services<br />
5866 Nickel Plate Road<br />
Coggon, IA 52218<br />
(319) 437-2691; Fax : (319) 437-2692<br />
techengineering@earthlink.net<br />
Michael Polgar<br />
A & P <strong>Electronics</strong><br />
18727 Fort Street<br />
Riverview, MI 48192<br />
(734) 285-1866; Fax : (734) 285-4986<br />
apel@algxmail.com<br />
Peter Rattigan<br />
Prattigan Technology Group, Inc.<br />
4847 Industrial Access Rd, Ste. 116<br />
Douglasville, GA 30134<br />
(678) 838-7844; Fax : (509) 694-8820<br />
ptgi@earthlink.net<br />
Sam Smith<br />
Support Services Group<br />
300 South 13th Street<br />
Waco, TX 76701<br />
(254) 299-2742; Fax : (254) 299-2742<br />
sam_smith@s2gsupport.com<br />
Joel Taylor<br />
JKT Computers<br />
20972 Kearney Avenue<br />
Port Charlotte, FL 33952<br />
(941) 457-2020; Fax : (941) 625-2148<br />
support@jktcomputers.com<br />
Tommy Tengtragoon<br />
AC TV<br />
25050 Filaree Avenue<br />
Moreno Valley, CA 92551<br />
(909) 488-9480; Fax : (909) 943-5858<br />
tommysugatesarah@msn.com<br />
Wasyl Zadorozny<br />
Saabradio<br />
1109 Howard Ave.<br />
Utica, NY 13501<br />
(315) 735-1423<br />
mohawk@dreamscape.com<br />
National <strong>Electronics</strong> Industry Hall <strong>of</strong> Fame Accepting Nominations for 2004<br />
Mack Blakely, Executive Director <strong>of</strong> the<br />
National <strong>Electronics</strong> Service Dealers<br />
Association (NESDA), has announced that<br />
the National <strong>Electronics</strong> Industry Hall <strong>of</strong><br />
Fame, a division <strong>of</strong> NESDA, is accepting<br />
nominations for 2004 in six categories for<br />
honorees who have made major contributions<br />
to the electronics industry.<br />
The categories are as follows: 1)<br />
Scientists, Inventors and Engineers; 2)<br />
Business and Industry; 3) Communications;<br />
4) Association Executives; 5) Industry<br />
Association Members; and 6) outstanding<br />
individuals who do not clearly fit any <strong>of</strong> the<br />
other groups. Only one honoree may be<br />
selected from each category per year.<br />
One <strong>of</strong> the most important functions <strong>of</strong><br />
the Hall <strong>of</strong> Fame is to select and honor new<br />
members through a nomination process that<br />
will be open to the entire electronics industry.<br />
A downloadable nomination form is<br />
available online at the Hall <strong>of</strong> Fame's website,<br />
www.eih<strong>of</strong>.org. Dorothy Cicchetti<br />
EHF, President and Chairman <strong>of</strong> the Board<br />
<strong>of</strong> The Hall <strong>of</strong> Fame, invites anyone who<br />
knows <strong>of</strong> a worthy nominee visit the website,<br />
download the nomination form, print it,<br />
and submit it for consideration. A fee <strong>of</strong><br />
$150 to help defray the cost <strong>of</strong> the awards<br />
must be sent with each nomination.<br />
The original purpose <strong>of</strong> the Hall <strong>of</strong> Fame<br />
was to honor those individuals who have<br />
made outstanding contributions to the electronics<br />
industry or served as inspiring examples<br />
for others to follow. The annual tradition<br />
<strong>of</strong> selecting honorees resumed in 2003<br />
when six new honorees were inducted at the<br />
Awards Banquet at NPSC.<br />
The Hall <strong>of</strong> Fame is a not-for-pr<strong>of</strong>it corporation<br />
chartered in Texas, and accepts<br />
donations to assist in its operations. If you<br />
would like to make a tax-deductible donation,<br />
please contact the NESDA <strong>of</strong>fice at<br />
817/921-9061 or send your gift to<br />
<strong>Electronics</strong> Industry Hall <strong>of</strong> Fame, NESDA,<br />
3608 Pershing, Fort Worth, TX 76107.<br />
7— February 2004
Intel Discloses Digital Silicon Plans For High-Definition TVs<br />
Intel President and Chief Operating<br />
Officer Paul Otellini demonstrated Intel silicon<br />
technology on January 8, 2004 that is<br />
expected to bring about high-definition,<br />
large-screen TVs with clearer pictures than<br />
current systems for less than $2,000.<br />
The new Intel technology, code-named<br />
Cayley, is based on a technique called<br />
Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCOS), which is<br />
used to create small chips called microdisplays<br />
that produce images that are displayed<br />
on large-screen, rear projection TVs.<br />
“By bringing advanced silicon technologies<br />
to consumer electronics, Intel is transforming<br />
the digital home <strong>of</strong> today to enable<br />
people to enjoy and manage their digital<br />
content in the setting that best suits their<br />
needs,” said Glenda Dorchak, vice president<br />
and general manager <strong>of</strong> Intel's Consumer<br />
<strong>Electronics</strong> Group. “Using Intel's silicon<br />
design and manufacturing expertise, we're<br />
helping to bring large-screen, high-definition<br />
TVs to market at lower costs, giving<br />
consumers exciting new options for consuming<br />
content in the digital home.”<br />
LCOS technology sandwiches a layer <strong>of</strong><br />
liquid crystal between a cover glass and a<br />
highly reflective, mirror-like surface patterned<br />
with pixels that sits on top <strong>of</strong> a silicon<br />
chip. These layers form a microdisplay that<br />
can be used in projection displays such as<br />
large-screen, rear-projection TVs. Intel's<br />
Cayley LCOS technology uses Intel's<br />
advanced silicon manufacturing processes<br />
to produce a high-quality surface for reflecting<br />
light which creates an extremely bright<br />
display.<br />
New microdisplay technology from<br />
Intel based on a technology called<br />
Liquid Crystal On Silicon is expected<br />
to bring about high-definition,<br />
large-screen TVs with clearer pictures<br />
than current<br />
systems for less than $2,000.<br />
Intel has developed a unique fabrication<br />
process for LCOS microdisplays that<br />
enables them to track to Moore's Law — the<br />
theorem first outlined by Intel co-founder<br />
Gordon Moore that states that the number <strong>of</strong><br />
transistors on a chip roughly doubles every<br />
two years, resulting in more features,<br />
increased performance and decreased cost<br />
per transistor. By increasing the transistor<br />
count on the silicon used in the LCOS<br />
microdisplay, Intel chip designers can integrate<br />
additional functionality to improve<br />
display performance such as brightness and<br />
image quality.<br />
Intel's Cayley LCOS technology is based<br />
on an all digital design that produces a<br />
sharper, more precise image than other<br />
architectures based on analog technology.<br />
Another key aspect <strong>of</strong> the LCOS technology<br />
is that it enables the creation <strong>of</strong> multiple<br />
microdisplays with increasing levels <strong>of</strong> resolution<br />
without changing size <strong>of</strong> the<br />
microdisplay. The consistent and compatible<br />
display area <strong>of</strong> microdisplays based on<br />
Intel's LCOS technology will enable OEMs<br />
to re-use light engine designs for a wide<br />
array <strong>of</strong> products in various screen sizes and<br />
resolutions, thus reducing their development<br />
costs.<br />
Intel plans to deliver microdisplays based<br />
on Cayley in the second half <strong>of</strong> this year. A<br />
number <strong>of</strong> leading OEMs and HDTV component<br />
manufacturers including InFocus<br />
Corporation <strong>of</strong> the United States, TCL and<br />
Skyworth <strong>of</strong> the People's Republic <strong>of</strong> China<br />
and Primax PDC <strong>of</strong> Taiwan are currently<br />
developing products based on prototype<br />
microdisplays from Intel.<br />
8— February 2004
The 2004 National Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Service Convention<br />
Connecting to the Future: This Year’s Theme<br />
This year’s National Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Service Convention (NPSC)<br />
will be held in “Music City USA,” also known as Nashville,<br />
Tennessee. It will <strong>of</strong>fer attendees different ways to connect to the<br />
future <strong>of</strong> the electronics industry, because survival means looking<br />
beyond the present and into the future.<br />
Besides the various seminars, association meetings, and a twoday<br />
trade show, attendees can start connecting to the future via oneon-one<br />
networking with peers and industry partners. Previous<br />
NPSC attendees will tout the value <strong>of</strong> meeting with other pr<strong>of</strong>essionals<br />
from around the country to compare experiences and ideas.<br />
There are many activities at the Renaissance Hotel and since it is<br />
centrally located many <strong>of</strong> Nashville’s most popular attractions are<br />
minutes away. Despite the allure <strong>of</strong> the city, the real bonus <strong>of</strong> the<br />
convention has always been training. Management and industryspecific<br />
training is abundant at NPSC and will be posted at<br />
www.nesda.com as the schedule develops.<br />
If you are still not convinced that you should attend NPSC 2004,<br />
go to the NPSC section <strong>of</strong> www.nesda.com to see answers to many<br />
frequently asked questions. Online registration is available, or<br />
attendees can print and fax their registrations. For the best value,<br />
register before may 1st before the price goes up. Call 817/921-9061<br />
ext. 16 for answers to any questions regarding NPSC 2004.<br />
Connecting to the Future<br />
The Renaissance Hotel<br />
The Renaissance Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee is connected to<br />
the Nashville Convention Center, and is the site for NPSC 2004.<br />
The hotel is ideally located in downtown Nashville, in close proximity<br />
to many attractions. In fact, next door to the hotel is the city’s<br />
historic Ryman Auditorium, which is a museum during the day and<br />
a place for live music entertainment at night.<br />
The hotel features a fitness center, whirlpool, sauna, heated<br />
indoor pool, an airport shuttle that leaves every 30 minutes, and<br />
restaurants in the hotel and nearby to suit many tastes.<br />
Attendees must call the hotel for their own reservations. Room<br />
rates are $99 single or double and children under 17 stay free with<br />
parents. The above rate does not include room tax. To be sure that<br />
you get a room and to avoid a higher rate, please reserve early. To<br />
reserve a room, phone 1-800-327-6618 and make sure to mention it<br />
is for NPSC 2004.<br />
Toshiba has just announced that they are <strong>of</strong>fering some<br />
GREAT convention registration incentives, and the earlier<br />
you register, the more chances you have to win!<br />
Paid NPSC registrants can win one <strong>of</strong> six Grand Ole<br />
Opry packages to be given away between now and NPSC<br />
(one for each month) January through June. Each package<br />
includes: 1. A pair <strong>of</strong> tickets to the Grand Ole Opry (Friday<br />
night performance, July 30 -- Gold Circle Seating) 2. Grand<br />
Ole Opry Souvenir Book 3. Concession voucher for a hot<br />
dog, popcorn and a Coke 4. Backstage tour 5. Limo transportation<br />
between the Renaissance Hotel and the Opry<br />
House. (All winners will go to the performance together.)<br />
A drawing will be held among paid registrations at the<br />
end <strong>of</strong> each month and winner will be announced on<br />
NESDAnet.<br />
Above – The<br />
Ryman Auditorium<br />
at Night<br />
At Left – The<br />
Renaissance Hotel<br />
in Nashville, the<br />
site for NPSC 2004<br />
9— February 2004
NESDA President’s Article<br />
On November 12th and 13th 2003, I<br />
attended the Inaugural HDTV Forum held in<br />
Marina Del Rey, California. The conferences<br />
main sponsors were CEA,<br />
DisplaySearch, and Insight Media. The<br />
focus <strong>of</strong> the conference was to take a look at<br />
the “entire” supply chain for HDTV content<br />
development and delivery. I emphasize the<br />
word entire because as usually is the case,<br />
the service industry was not factored into<br />
their thought process. I felt then as I do now<br />
that it is our job to help these entities realize<br />
just how important a role we play when consumers<br />
are making their buying decision. I<br />
decided at the start <strong>of</strong> the conference that it<br />
was my job to start this thought process<br />
rolling and help all concerned start to realize<br />
our importance to them. There was so much<br />
valuable information discussed during this<br />
two day conference and I will be sharing<br />
much <strong>of</strong> it with you in future articles. I<br />
would like to list several <strong>of</strong> the sessions presented<br />
and perhaps we could post them to<br />
the NESDA Online Forums for discussion.<br />
We could easily take a poll to see which sessions<br />
you would like to see discussed in<br />
future articles. Here is a listing <strong>of</strong> some <strong>of</strong><br />
the sessions presented:<br />
• HDTV Status and Outlook<br />
• HDTV Content When is it Coming?<br />
• HDTV Distribution: Broadcast, Cable or<br />
Satellite?<br />
• Selling HDTV to Consumers<br />
• Front Projection HDTV: Will it Dominate<br />
the Projection Segment?<br />
Be a Part <strong>of</strong> the Future<br />
By Brian Gibson CET, NESDA President<br />
• Rear Projection HDTV: LCD, DLP,<br />
LCOS, or CRT?<br />
• Projection Engine Challenges<br />
• Alternative Big Screen Displays: Can any<br />
Challenge?<br />
• LCDs: The Dominant TV <strong>of</strong> the Future?<br />
• Will the CRT Survive the HDTV Era?<br />
• How Fast will PDPs Grow?<br />
• HDTV <strong>Electronics</strong>: Converging TVs,<br />
Monitors and Projectors<br />
That was an enormous amount <strong>of</strong> material<br />
that was covered during the two day conference.<br />
There were two separate tracks<br />
<strong>of</strong>fered and you could only attend half <strong>of</strong><br />
what was being presented. I gathered a great<br />
deal <strong>of</strong> information during the conference<br />
and I look forward to sharing it with all <strong>of</strong><br />
you. If we have great interest in a few <strong>of</strong> the<br />
topics we may even be able to have the content<br />
provider provide a guest editorial.<br />
Many <strong>of</strong> us in recent years questioned<br />
whether HDTV would ever become a reality.<br />
The fact is it has arrived and is spreading<br />
like a wildfire. It has the potential to <strong>of</strong>fer us<br />
a new lease on life if we handle it properly.<br />
We will most certainly all need to “kick it up<br />
a notch” as my favorite chef says. People<br />
who spend world class dollars for these new<br />
and fabulous products expect a much different<br />
experience when making their purchase.<br />
They certainly don’t expect to hear that<br />
“parts are not available” or “we can come<br />
take a look at it next week.” They don’t<br />
mind spending the big dollar; they already<br />
proved that with their purchase. Perhaps it is<br />
time for us to reflect on some <strong>of</strong> our own<br />
recent service experiences and ask ourselves<br />
if we are doing all that we can to provide<br />
world class service.<br />
Recently a friend was sharing a story<br />
with me about a furniture delivery that he<br />
received at his home. The company was the<br />
one <strong>of</strong> the largest advertisers in the area.<br />
They spend a fortune telling you about what<br />
a fabulous experience you will have shopping<br />
at their stores. All that hype was<br />
destroyed in one New York minute when the<br />
delivery personal proceeded to track mud<br />
and snow all over his new carpets. It is winter<br />
here in New England and the weather is<br />
certainly a factor in servicing in client’s<br />
homes. Our personnel have always been<br />
instructed to either take <strong>of</strong>f their boots or put<br />
down a tarp. They also know better than to<br />
set down a tool box onto floor without first<br />
placing protection under it. This may seem<br />
<strong>of</strong>f topic to you but what I am trying to show<br />
you here is that our people have a whole different<br />
perception <strong>of</strong> your company when<br />
you act as a pr<strong>of</strong>essional. It’s an inexpensive<br />
way to show you really care and impress<br />
them. Perhaps this is another topic that we<br />
could chat about on the NESDA Online<br />
Forums.<br />
We all need to hone our skills and learn<br />
new ones in order to survive the bumpy road<br />
ahead. The need to diversify has never been<br />
more evident than it is right now. As the cost<br />
<strong>of</strong> all the new technologies continues to<br />
decline, the number <strong>of</strong> people who can<br />
afford to obtain them will be on the rise.<br />
That spells opportunity in a major way.<br />
Installing and or servicing home theaters is<br />
already a huge business. This is only one <strong>of</strong><br />
many disciplines that we as servicers can<br />
learn to supplement <strong>of</strong> shrinking income<br />
and prosper in the future.<br />
Please let me know if there are any topics<br />
listed here that you would be interested in<br />
learning more about. As always all my best<br />
and keep up the fight to save our great<br />
industry.<br />
Samsung Introduces World’s Largest LCD-TV<br />
Samsung unveiled its new 57” TFT-LCD<br />
for High Definition (HD) TV at CES 2004.<br />
The 57” prototype represents the largest<br />
possible size for a fifth-generation glass<br />
substrate. Offering full HDTV functionality,<br />
the 57” model features Samsung’simproved<br />
PVA (ITO Patterned Vertical Alignment)<br />
and advanced polarizer technologies to<br />
achieve a 1000:1 contrast ratio.<br />
With its latest largest-ever model,<br />
Samsung now <strong>of</strong>fers TFT-LCD TVs from 15<br />
to 57 inches.<br />
Samsung will also showcased an 80”<br />
PDP TV at CES 2004. Its 80-inch screen is<br />
the largest ever in its category. A brightness<br />
<strong>of</strong> 800cd/m2 and the contrast ratio <strong>of</strong> 2000:1<br />
were also achieved.<br />
All SAMSUNG flat panel TVs feature<br />
the company’s patented Digital Natural<br />
Image Engine (DNIe) technology.<br />
10 — February 2004
Can We Talk? – Getting the Best Value From Your Membership<br />
By Fay Wood, Advisory Board & Chair,<br />
Marketing/Membership Committee<br />
Happy New Year to all!<br />
One <strong>of</strong> the things I most <strong>of</strong>ten observe is<br />
that folks don't always take advantage <strong>of</strong><br />
what they pay for and they are entitled to.<br />
We all miss opportunities, whether it is not<br />
sending in that rebate for $10 (hey, that's<br />
$10 you don't have now!) or not taking<br />
advantage <strong>of</strong> some service in your neighborhood<br />
that is <strong>of</strong>fered simply because you live<br />
there.<br />
As an extension <strong>of</strong> this, I am noticing a<br />
lot these days that members <strong>of</strong> NESDA<br />
don't always take advantage <strong>of</strong> what is<br />
available to them. So, I want to suggest<br />
some ways you can be sure you are getting<br />
the best value for your NESDA membership<br />
dollar.<br />
We all like to get our money's worth,<br />
right? Would you buy a new shirt or pair <strong>of</strong><br />
pantsslacks and let them hang in your closet?<br />
Or, would you buy a new computer or<br />
piece <strong>of</strong> s<strong>of</strong>tware and then not use it? The<br />
same thing applies to membership in your<br />
association. Why would anyone not take<br />
full advantage <strong>of</strong> something they are paying<br />
for that would save them money and/or help<br />
them with their businesses?<br />
NESDA has some great programs but<br />
they really are <strong>of</strong> no value if you don't use<br />
them. Here are a few that come to mind:<br />
• NESDAnet <strong>of</strong>fers help from other servicers,<br />
parts distributors, TPA's, and interested<br />
manufacturers and other interested<br />
parties that monitor the list.<br />
• The Industry Relations Committee <strong>of</strong>fers<br />
assistance with warranty payment issues<br />
and other problem solving to help you..<br />
• The Marketing/Membership Committee<br />
awaits your input and ideas <strong>of</strong> how to make<br />
your membership more beneficial for you.<br />
• TechMate <strong>of</strong>fers online technical tips.<br />
• NESDA "Members Only" has helpful<br />
links to all kinds <strong>of</strong> things<br />
• The NESDA Discount Program can save<br />
you real money on parts, test equipment,<br />
and other things you already buy and need<br />
in running your business.<br />
Are you using these benefits at all? On a<br />
regular basis? Every day? Are you up on<br />
what is <strong>of</strong>fered and how to take advantage<br />
<strong>of</strong> it? Have you checked and navigated<br />
throughout the NESDA website @<br />
www.nesda.com to learn all there is that is<br />
available to you?<br />
The best way to be knowledgeable is to<br />
read the bi-monthly member mailings and<br />
subscribe to NESDAnet. Make a regular<br />
time to browse the messages on NESDAnet<br />
so you can participate in the discussions that<br />
interest you. It does take time to read and<br />
participate. But if it saves you time and<br />
money, and brings you closer to your colleagues<br />
and customers it's worth the effort.<br />
Another benefit to you is something you<br />
may not have thought about, but you should<br />
should. Do you participate in your association's<br />
governance? Would you like to?<br />
Everyone is unique, and one <strong>of</strong> the major<br />
benefits <strong>of</strong> belonging to an association is<br />
that you can have a voice in how business is<br />
done. This doesn't happen overnight. Our<br />
existing board and committee members<br />
have, in most cases, been involved with the<br />
association for years, but it all started<br />
because they attended a convention or met<br />
someone who could tell that they were<br />
potential leaders. Some members don't see<br />
the need to do what it takes to participate.<br />
What DOES it take? It happens one-onone<br />
or in small groups or at the. The annual<br />
NESDA/ISCET convention, (NPSC - this<br />
year in Nashville), or at a regional meeting<br />
such as the smaller conferences put on by<br />
the state associations. We do so much by e-<br />
mail and online these days, but there is no<br />
substitute for personal involvement with<br />
your peers in a setting that encourages conversation<br />
and brainstorming.<br />
What will you do with these opportunities?<br />
Will you take advantage, or will you<br />
let them go by? Asking a lot <strong>of</strong> questions<br />
here and hoping it will lead you to some<br />
thought processing. It really is up to you.<br />
Please let me or anyone else on the board, or<br />
the NESDA Staff know how we can help.<br />
Talk with you next time!<br />
www.repairworld.com<br />
11 — February 2004
Are you sick <strong>of</strong><br />
feeling fooled<br />
by different<br />
insurance<br />
plans?<br />
NESDA is teaming with Benefit Resourcing Inc. (BRI) to <strong>of</strong>fer a variety <strong>of</strong><br />
insurance types from premier providers to members at discounted rates.<br />
These are the types <strong>of</strong> benefits that make your employees want to stay with you<br />
for the long haul. Thanks to NESDA and BRI, you can afford to <strong>of</strong>fer them:<br />
• Group Health Insurance<br />
• Group Life Insurance<br />
• Short and Long Term Disability<br />
• Dental and Vision Coverage<br />
• Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Employer Services<br />
• 401(k)<br />
• Liability Insurance (Pr<strong>of</strong>essional, General,<br />
Directors & Officers)<br />
• Business Personal Property Damage<br />
• Workers Compensation<br />
For more information contact Michael George at BRI at (888) 258-6820 and/or fax back the form at<br />
www.nesda.com to (317) 845-0761. Visit the BRI website at nesda.benefitresourcing.net.
ISCET President’s Article<br />
This is going to be a busy and exciting<br />
year for ISCET and its membership. We<br />
recently held our January board meetings<br />
following the annual Consumer <strong>Electronics</strong><br />
Show (CES) in Las Vegas, and many new<br />
programs or projects were either initiated or<br />
enhanced. Our ISCET Administrator's article<br />
in "Viewing the Passing Parade" elsewhere<br />
in this issue highlights both the CES<br />
event, and the progress made during our<br />
board meeting. I'd like to devote this article<br />
to another topic <strong>of</strong> great importance to all <strong>of</strong><br />
us in the service business.<br />
At NPSC, and various other meetings <strong>of</strong><br />
servicers that I attend throughout the year,<br />
one <strong>of</strong> the most common questions I hear is:<br />
“Where do you find good technicians?” The<br />
consumer electronics and home appliance<br />
industries together are growing approximately<br />
six percent each year. However, the<br />
number <strong>of</strong> independent electronic service<br />
centers is decreasing by more than that percentage<br />
each year. If this shrinkage continues,<br />
manufacturers may have to consider<br />
other means <strong>of</strong> satisfying their customer's<br />
service needs. We know that a strong independent<br />
service force throughout the country<br />
can provide the best possible service for<br />
a manufacturer's product, but to do that, we<br />
have to not only survive, but do so pr<strong>of</strong>itably<br />
as well.<br />
Although the trend shows some signs <strong>of</strong><br />
reversing, many electronics schools around<br />
the country have stopped or cut back on curricula<br />
that are relevant to consumer electronics.<br />
They have been switching to an<br />
emphasis on computers, over the basic electronics<br />
theory that we need our technicians<br />
to know. This is largely because the word<br />
"Computer" in the name <strong>of</strong> a course brings<br />
Education in <strong>Electronics</strong><br />
By Jim Fellows CET/CSM, ISCET President<br />
in more students. While it is true that there<br />
is a need for highly skilled computer and<br />
networking engineers, the actual repair <strong>of</strong><br />
computers requires very little or no electronics<br />
education. Placement services within<br />
schools are finding it more difficult to<br />
place graduates from their computer programs.<br />
What can be done to further reverse this<br />
trend? Enter the NCEE (National Coalition<br />
for <strong>Electronics</strong> Education). To quote from<br />
an NCEE brochure: “Consumer electronics<br />
can only thrive if our youth take part in it<br />
now and gain vital, standardized knowledge<br />
to spark their interest. That's why the<br />
National Coalition for <strong>Electronics</strong><br />
Education has created comprehensive<br />
resources for schools to integrate courses<br />
into their educational efforts or augment<br />
existing programs.”<br />
ISCET has joined the NCEE along with<br />
many other industry-wide participants such<br />
as CEA, ETA, NESDA, NARDA, PSA,<br />
USA, SkillsUSA, USMSS, Kenwood,<br />
Panasonic, Pioneer, Sharp, Sony, Toshiba,<br />
Maytag, Whirlpool, and many other business<br />
leaders, servicers, and educational<br />
institutions.<br />
The NCEE <strong>of</strong>fers for free a standardized<br />
list <strong>of</strong> competencies in the following areas:<br />
• Appliance Service<br />
• Basic <strong>Electronics</strong><br />
• Computer Service<br />
• Consumer <strong>Electronics</strong> Service<br />
• Wireless Communications<br />
• Satellite Systems<br />
• Customer Service Specialist<br />
Other competencies are currently in<br />
progress, and will be available soon at the<br />
NCEE website, www.ncee-edu.org.<br />
Schools across the country are showing<br />
great interest in the efforts <strong>of</strong> the NCEE, and<br />
this can only serve to help our technician<br />
shortage.<br />
You can help too! These competencies<br />
were developed by a team <strong>of</strong> “Subject<br />
Matter Experts” from a broad spectrum <strong>of</strong><br />
the electronics industry. The NCEE is<br />
always looking for additional SMEs to help<br />
with new competencies, or to work on the<br />
annual review <strong>of</strong> the existing ones to make<br />
sure they are both current and relevant. I<br />
would encourage anyone interested in helping<br />
our industry to contact the NCEE and<br />
volunteer to become a SME in your area <strong>of</strong><br />
expertise. This way, we can have input into<br />
the electronics content that our future<br />
employees will be learning.<br />
Of more immediate benefit to us could be<br />
improving relationships with our local technical<br />
schools. If you have an ITT or local<br />
technical school, contact them to see if you<br />
can become a member <strong>of</strong> their advisory<br />
board. Most schools have them, and they<br />
are usually glad to have new members join.<br />
You can make them aware <strong>of</strong> the efforts <strong>of</strong><br />
the NCEE, and usually can have some direct<br />
input into the content <strong>of</strong> their electronics<br />
classes. Schools really like to have feedback<br />
from local industry in their community.<br />
Also, I know <strong>of</strong> some ISCET members<br />
that volunteer to teach at local technical<br />
schools. That way, they get to know the best<br />
students, and can recruit them right from the<br />
school.<br />
Again, I encourage everyone to visit the<br />
NCEE website, www.ncee-edu.org for<br />
more information than I can possibly cover<br />
here. As always, I welcome any input, suggestions<br />
or comments on this or any topic. I<br />
can be reached at: jim.fellows@iscet.org.<br />
ISCET Certification Update<br />
NEW FCC Fee Schedule, effective Feb. 15:<br />
Single FCC Test – old fee $35, new fee $50<br />
Two tests – old fee $50, new fee $70<br />
Three tests – old fee $75, new fee $90<br />
Increased CA fees, per element: old fee $5,<br />
new fee $7.50<br />
New Industrial Journeyman CET Exam,<br />
2071v1.0 was recently released. It does<br />
not, at this time, replace the 1079 which still<br />
may be used. The new Study Guide &<br />
Practice Test for the new 2071 has not yet<br />
been released, but shouldbe available within<br />
the next 30 days.<br />
New Radar Journeyman CET Exam,<br />
1067V1.0 was recently released. It DOES<br />
replace the old Radar 1065. There is also a<br />
new Study Guide & Practice Test<br />
for the new Radar 1067.<br />
These may be ordered by ISCET CAs<br />
immediately. These will be online within<br />
30 days.<br />
13 — February 2004
Viewing the Passing Parade — ISCET News & Views<br />
Feel the<br />
Power <strong>of</strong><br />
ISCET<br />
Certification<br />
and<br />
Learning<br />
by FEEL Ed THE Clingman, PERSONAL ISCET SATISFACTION Administrator THAT<br />
COMES FROM KNOWING YOU ARE A<br />
BETTER THAN AVERAGE PROFESSIONAL<br />
Here We Go Again!:<br />
I SCET’S How ONLIvery NE WEB-BASED much the TESTI usual NG MAKES events I T EASY <strong>of</strong> a calendar<br />
year TO OBTAIN liken YOUR to small CERTIFICATION child's first journey<br />
down College the Credits playground Recommended slide! by the American As you perch<br />
on Council the very on Education top <strong>of</strong> (ACE) the — slide, An independent, glancing down,<br />
internationally recognized organization dedicated<br />
the bottom seems to be so far away, and who<br />
to excellence in education.<br />
knows what lies between the top and the<br />
bottom…and then with that burst <strong>of</strong> youthful<br />
courage the ride begins!<br />
Faster and faster you go, while your<br />
senses are blurred by this new exciting<br />
experience. Finally at the bottom, while<br />
your limbs meet the ground at a decelerating<br />
pace, the only thing you can think <strong>of</strong> is:<br />
“Let's do it again. WOW! What a BLAST!”<br />
Well, we've done it again. The 2004 ride<br />
has begun…and it promises to be a very<br />
exciting one…scary even. The world is constantly<br />
changing, and the environment <strong>of</strong> the<br />
electronic technician is certainly no holdout.<br />
New fields like Nanoelectronic technology<br />
are emerging as tomorrow's promises.<br />
Computer science and electronics, while<br />
always sharing the same house, will move<br />
closer and closer until they cohabit one<br />
defined area.<br />
ISCET will change and embrace a broader<br />
range <strong>of</strong> electronics both in our educational<br />
and certification efforts. Our world<br />
will shrink as the international community<br />
comes closer to us through our <strong>International</strong><br />
Development Program, and our new Online<br />
Testing and Learning Systems.<br />
Just like the slide — hold your breath,<br />
maybe even holler a little. It's going to be a<br />
fine ride!<br />
Consumer <strong>Electronics</strong> Show - Las Vegas: V<br />
If it was electronic, it was there — in displays<br />
ranging from gigantic to very small.<br />
The fact was that electronics is moving so<br />
rapidly forward that it's difficult to know<br />
where we are, much less where we are<br />
going. One thing is sure, however, we ARE<br />
going forward. The best advice that can be<br />
given from seeing the show is that, as an<br />
electronic technician, do everything you can<br />
to keep pace. Diversify your thinking.<br />
Learn-Learn-Learn. It's certain that ISCET<br />
will be there to help you along your path.<br />
Is there some area <strong>of</strong> electronics that<br />
interests you, or that you see as the coming<br />
thing? Let us know! Contact me,<br />
Ed@iscet.org, or call 800-946-0201 and ask<br />
for Ed. If that doesn't work, ask for Mack<br />
Blakely our Executive Director. Tell us<br />
14 — February 2004<br />
what you want. We'll listen, and maybe<br />
together we can find a more direct path to a<br />
secure future for all <strong>of</strong> us.<br />
Winter Board Meetings:<br />
The ISCET Board <strong>of</strong> Directors (at their<br />
meeting January 10 and 11) adopted a number<br />
<strong>of</strong> new projects. They include student<br />
chapter enhancements, discounts on some<br />
purchases for ISCET Members, better member<br />
benefits, online learning deployment,<br />
extension <strong>of</strong> funds for advertising to promote<br />
ISCET generally, FCC and NASTeC,<br />
and new programs for use in the education<br />
area, such as working with schools and<br />
keeping pace with the ever changing<br />
requirements for teaching and certification<br />
<strong>of</strong> technicians.<br />
With the sterling cooperation that exists<br />
between the board, <strong>of</strong>ficers and staff, there<br />
is no limit to what ISCET can do to further<br />
the interests <strong>of</strong> all electronic technicians:<br />
consumer, industrial, biomedical and many<br />
other branches <strong>of</strong> discipline in the electronics<br />
field.<br />
Online Testing: T<br />
The Online Testing System is 100%<br />
complete, and will be generally functional<br />
as <strong>of</strong> Feb. 1, 2004. CAs will be securing<br />
their IDs and Passwords shortly. If you are<br />
an ISCET CA and haven't done so already,<br />
contact Testing@iscet.org or information@iscet.org<br />
or call 800-946-0201 and ask<br />
for Patricia to secure your ID and Password.<br />
Then browse the system, where complete<br />
instructions are available. Then commence<br />
testing with the system. At this writing only<br />
the Associate CET exams are available, but<br />
Journeyman exams will be available shortly,<br />
as well as FCC and NASTeC.<br />
If you are outside the Continental USA,<br />
the Online System is for you. Testing is<br />
simple, and Proctors are to be utilized where<br />
necessary. If you have friends in other countries<br />
that might be interested in helping the<br />
electronics efforts in their countries, tell<br />
them about ISCET. We need help in giving<br />
tests all over the world!<br />
Job Opportunities:<br />
There's a crazy situation out there! Some<br />
geographic areas are in crying need for electronic<br />
technicians serving the consumer<br />
electronics area. The main need is for technicians<br />
that are familiar with the new home<br />
theater and big screen TVs, as well as<br />
advanced audio. Other geographic areas are<br />
poor pickings for the technician.<br />
Areas other than consumer electronics<br />
also are generally on the upswing. Check<br />
JOB TARGET on www.iscet.org. There are<br />
many openings available. Don't be afraid to<br />
submit your information because the is no<br />
charge to you and you will get lots <strong>of</strong><br />
mileage out <strong>of</strong> your resume.<br />
Serviceability:<br />
"Serviceability" has once again come<br />
into focus. This is the program ISCET<br />
began some years ago to assist manufacturers<br />
in identifying design problems that led to<br />
higher costs <strong>of</strong> servicing their products. The<br />
program served the industry well, and many<br />
items were examined by ISCET as meeting<br />
the requirements <strong>of</strong> the program. One wellknown<br />
manufacturer has asked ISCET to<br />
again make such inspections <strong>of</strong> some <strong>of</strong><br />
their products. This will be done soon and<br />
could well be repeated by other manufacturers<br />
not wishing to be without this benefit.<br />
Placing the ISCET logo on those products<br />
has meaning to both the manufacturers and<br />
the consumers. This program serves all<br />
three members <strong>of</strong> the consumer electronics<br />
business cycle — the manufacturer, the<br />
service center and lastly, but probably most<br />
importantly, the consumer. The better a<br />
product is when it is manufactured, the more<br />
value it has. The more value it has, the<br />
longer the life <strong>of</strong> the product, and thusly the<br />
more satisfaction provided to the consumer.<br />
As a consumer, if your equipment lasts<br />
longer and gives top-notch service to you,<br />
the less likely you are to throw it away and<br />
buy a new one…saving the consumer<br />
money in the long run. Watch for more<br />
developments in the serviceability program.<br />
The Road R<br />
Ahead:<br />
Within the past several months the view<br />
<strong>of</strong> the road ahead has become somewhat<br />
clearer. Considering the success <strong>of</strong> the wide<br />
screen sets during the Christmas selling season,<br />
it is fair to say that they are here to stay.<br />
With exciting developments along the lines<br />
<strong>of</strong> lower pricing, and yet not "give away"<br />
pricing, more <strong>of</strong> these sets will find their<br />
ways to the consumer, and will doubtlessly<br />
create installation and service for the technician<br />
and his/her service center. Again, the<br />
advice is to learn all you can about the new<br />
technologies.<br />
The stability <strong>of</strong> the economy and mood<br />
<strong>of</strong> the stock market play a big part in what's<br />
ahead, as well as the practices <strong>of</strong> the manufacturers<br />
with respect to replacement vs.<br />
repair. Given a strong consumer market, and<br />
a capable network, the manufacturers will<br />
opt for service (very timely service) that satisfies<br />
the consumer's needs rather than wait<br />
for a replacement and have to reinstall the<br />
set. This requires service centers that have<br />
the competency to service these sets, and the<br />
business environment to do so with speed<br />
and accuracy.<br />
In fields other than consumer electronics,<br />
there are many opportunities showing themselves<br />
— in appliance servicing, biomedical,<br />
and FCC licensing for repair <strong>of</strong> aircraft<br />
and marine equipment. As the economy<br />
builds back to pre 9/11 marks, the road gets<br />
brighter and brighter. Again…be prepared.<br />
Learn, Learn, Learn. Your investment will<br />
be well put, and your dividends will be<br />
worthwhile.
Welcome New Associates & CET’s<br />
Welcome New New CET’s:<br />
Passed Journeyman Exam<br />
from 11/19/2003 to 1/27/2004<br />
Certification Administrator:<br />
Name<br />
City, State<br />
Miriam M. Bonanfant CA:<br />
Armando Aguirre-Garcia Acapulco, Gerrero, Mexico<br />
Jorge A vila-Aldana Valle Chalco S, Edo, Mexico<br />
Roberto A vila-Hernandez Juarez, Chih, Mexico<br />
Raul Bencomo-Gonzalez Chihuahua, Chih, Mexico<br />
Jose-Antonio Cruz-Cruz Tequisquiapan, Quergtaro,<br />
Mexico<br />
Leobardo Farfan-Gracian Nezahualcoyotl, Edo,<br />
Mexico<br />
Aristeo Galvan-Rayos Juarez, Chih, Mexico<br />
Andres-Armando Garcia-Chavarria Iztapazapa, D.F.,<br />
Mexico<br />
Luis Montalvo-Martinez Minatitlan, V eracruz, Mex<br />
Marcial Nunez-Ramirez<br />
Mexico, Mexico<br />
Juan-Honorio Soto-Ramirez Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mex<br />
Raul-Humberto Tapia-Castro Cuauhtemoc, Chih,<br />
Mexico<br />
George Brownyard CET/CA:<br />
Marco-Polo V ictoria-Hernandez Mexico D.F., Mex<br />
Robert G. Gonzalez CA:<br />
Pedro Pompa<br />
San Juan, T X<br />
Salvador Guerrero CET/CA:<br />
Emil N. Kohut<br />
Hightstown, NJ<br />
Raymond Miles CET/CA:<br />
Robert D. Powick<br />
Hesperia, CA<br />
Roger Fullwood CA:<br />
Stevin H. Byrd<br />
Neptune Beach, FL<br />
Jeffrey P. Cassidy<br />
Orlando, FL<br />
John P. Love<br />
New Canaan, CT<br />
W illiam N. Schweyen<br />
Sumner,WA<br />
Barry J. Shea<br />
Sunapee, NH<br />
Alan H. Green CET/CA:<br />
Albert W . Neff,III<br />
Lexington, T X<br />
Lawrence R. Pavone CET/CA:<br />
Daniel J. Coutts<br />
Schaumburg,IL<br />
Thomas S. Fraser<br />
Dundee, IL<br />
Dan W right<br />
Roselle, IL<br />
Iutisone Tiliaia CA:<br />
Francisco Arreola<br />
Luis Bautista<br />
Sebastian Fernandez<br />
Danny Fierro<br />
Omar A. Lopez<br />
Christopher M. Myrick<br />
Dan Perez<br />
Fernando Silva<br />
Name<br />
David J. Bills<br />
Todd A. Brendel<br />
Mark Finn<br />
James Y. Huynh<br />
Edward Moore<br />
Roger E. Petit<br />
Shannon D. Yoder<br />
El Paso, T X<br />
El Paso, T X<br />
El Paso, T X<br />
El Paso, T X<br />
El Paso, T X<br />
El Paso, T X<br />
El Paso, T X<br />
El Paso, T X<br />
Welcome New New Associates:<br />
Passed Associate Exam<br />
from 11/19/2003 to 1/27/2004<br />
Certification Administrator:<br />
City, State<br />
Lazer grade:<br />
Honolulu, HI<br />
Highland, IL<br />
Milwaukee, W I<br />
Houston, T X<br />
Hurdle Mills, NC<br />
Chicopee, MA<br />
Millersburg, OH<br />
Harold F. Baker CA:<br />
Terry L. Krogstad<br />
Scottsdale, A Z<br />
Juan P. Lansang<br />
La Mirada, CA<br />
George Brownyard CET/CA:<br />
Marco-Polo V ictoria-Hernandez Mexico D.F., Mex<br />
Michael Miller CET/CA:<br />
Hai Chau Nguyen<br />
San Luis Obispo, CA<br />
Raymond Miles CET/CA:<br />
Daniel Chestnut<br />
San Luis Obispo, CA<br />
Kevin D. W illiams<br />
San Luis Obispo, CA<br />
John Eubanks CET/CA:<br />
Jogie M. Marquez<br />
Orange Park, FL<br />
Roger D. Smith CA:<br />
Joseph H. Maroney<br />
Minh C. Pham<br />
Bushnell, FL<br />
Bushnell, FL<br />
Leslie Paul Sheets CA:<br />
Timothy L. Byrnes<br />
Red Bud, IL<br />
Chia-Ming Cheng<br />
Carbondale, IL<br />
Thomas J. Hancock<br />
Carbondale, IL<br />
Conrad D. Haschemeyer<br />
Canton, IL<br />
Tames G. Mctigue<br />
Bristol, IL<br />
Daryl J. Roy<br />
Prairie Du Rocher,IL<br />
Rod D. Moore CA:<br />
James A. Amos<br />
W ichita, KS<br />
Nathan B. Appel<br />
W ichita, KS<br />
David A. Berry<br />
W ichita, KS<br />
Anna S. Bouddhara<br />
W ichita, KS<br />
Percy J. Brooks<br />
W ichita, KS<br />
Michael L. Heater<br />
Belle Plaine, KS<br />
Casey A. Hoose<br />
W ichita, KS<br />
Jason E. Lenzi<br />
W ichita, KS<br />
oel M. Lopez<br />
W ichita, KS<br />
Lisa M. Molhoek<br />
Derby, KS<br />
Allen L. Morgan<br />
Benton, KS<br />
Tan Phuong Nguyen<br />
W ichita, KS<br />
Quang Sy Pham<br />
W ichita, KS<br />
Pamela S. Rollings<br />
W ichita, KS<br />
Chris J. Sinner<br />
W ichita, KS<br />
Ammie Ml Stull<br />
Topeka, KS<br />
Brad S. W insor<br />
W ichita, KS<br />
Gary P. Moore CA:<br />
Amanda J. Dean<br />
Grant J. W iggins<br />
Paducah, KY<br />
Kevil, KY<br />
Kevin A. McGowan CA:<br />
David A. Lebeouf<br />
Lafayette, LA<br />
Edward B. Zeringue Jr., CA:<br />
Deborah A. Parks<br />
Saint Rose, LA<br />
Roger Fullwood CA:<br />
Stevin H. Byrd<br />
Neptune Beach, FL<br />
Jeffrey P. Cassidy<br />
Orlando, FL<br />
John P. Love<br />
New Canaan, CT<br />
W illiam N. Schweyen<br />
Sumner,WA<br />
Barry J. Shea<br />
Sunapee, NH<br />
Earl Tickler CET/CA:<br />
Samuel L. Addison<br />
Baltimore, MD<br />
Dennis G.Atkins<br />
Baltimore, MD<br />
Richard K. Davis<br />
Baltimore, MD<br />
Gary L. Holquist<br />
Baltimore, MD<br />
Norman L. Jackson<br />
Baltimore, MD<br />
Crystal Y. Kirby<br />
Baltimore, MD<br />
Sean D. Schriefer<br />
Littlestown, PA<br />
Daniel J. Shortridge<br />
Baltimore, MD<br />
Martha A. Yarborough<br />
Baltimore, MD<br />
Genaro Guerra Zuniga CA:<br />
Julio Bentanzos Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico<br />
Marco A. Diaz-Pina Durango, Durango, Mexico<br />
Sergio A. Garcia-Zavala Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico<br />
Arturo Reyes-Caraveo<br />
Mexico<br />
Rodolfo Sanchez<br />
D.F, D.F., Mexico<br />
Sammie C. Thornton CET/CA:<br />
John J. Bennett<br />
Knightdale, NC<br />
Earl Fosler CET/CA:<br />
Matthew E. Drozd<br />
Duncan, NE<br />
Jonathan L. Gordon<br />
Lincoln, NE<br />
Matthew P. Lange<br />
Hallam, NE<br />
Joe J. Mahoney<br />
Hastings, NE<br />
Derek A. Naslund<br />
Coleridge, NE<br />
Dillon S. Nitz<br />
Juniata, NE<br />
David G. Scharton<br />
Lincoln, NE<br />
Aaron W . Schuette<br />
Denton, NE<br />
Zach R. Shefferd<br />
Malcolm, NE<br />
Kiel D. Stevens<br />
Sumner, NE<br />
James M. Stuhr<br />
Lincoln, NE<br />
Travis W . Swartz<br />
W ahoo, NE<br />
Salvador Guerrero CET/CA:<br />
Emil N. Kohut<br />
Hightstown, NJ<br />
L.A. Leibensper ger CET/CA:<br />
Kevin A. Eisenhut<br />
Reading, PA<br />
Michael R. Garrison<br />
Jonestown, PA<br />
Michael J. Hannon<br />
Quakertown, PA<br />
Bohdan Edward Borowik CA:<br />
Sylwster P. Bodzioch Krzeszowice, Poland<br />
Grzegorz A. Klecha Trzcinsko-Zdroj, Poland<br />
Vickie Jackson CA:<br />
Daniel W . Pugh<br />
Chattanooga, T N<br />
J. Marty Rogers CA:<br />
Richard E. Brewer<br />
Robert R. Aston CA:<br />
Howard L. Henson<br />
Luis L. Medina<br />
Christopher R. Ormsby<br />
James Lee Ozone<br />
Joel E. Shasteen<br />
Corryton, T N<br />
El Paso, T X<br />
El Paso, T X<br />
El Paso, T X<br />
El Paso, T X<br />
El Paso, T X<br />
W illiam Burrow CA:<br />
Dwight R. Dickey<br />
Sweetwater,TX<br />
Albert Rivero, Jr.<br />
Abilene, T X<br />
Iutisone Tiliaia CA:<br />
Jimmy Corral<br />
Olga D.C. Ramirez<br />
James L. Stewart<br />
Jesus V ila<br />
El Paso, T X<br />
El Paso, T X<br />
El Paso, T X<br />
El Paso, TX<br />
Edward Reilly Jr., CET/CA:<br />
Jeremy J. Crow<br />
Tonopah, NV<br />
Terence M. Duffy<br />
Tonopah, NV<br />
Terry Smithwick<br />
Las V egas, NV<br />
James Shambow CET/CA:<br />
David J. Y elton<br />
Clackamas, OR<br />
David Skeen CET/CA:<br />
Norman Berch<br />
Thomas R. Davis<br />
Patrick A Lachapelle<br />
Tacoma, W A<br />
Kent, W A<br />
Tacoma, W A<br />
David L. W oodruf fJr., CA:<br />
Patrick B. Miller<br />
Hurricane, W V<br />
Welcome New CA’s from 11/19/03 to 1/26/04: Don Dobbins, Wichita Falls, TX.<br />
Welcome to the ISCET Family!<br />
15 — February 2004
www.tritronics.com