I spoke to a remarkable number of young software engineers at the successful Vintage Amateur Radio/Gear Tune-Up flea market held today at the hidden gem New England Wireless & Steam Museum.
Robert Jacobson was one.
A PhD mathematician and computer scientist, this Bristol County, Rhode Island resident spent his Covid lock-down time teaching himself how to restore a vintage 1940s television. A former Roger Williams University math professor, he points out we are living in a golden age of DIY learning and mentoring opportunities – something to celebrate. When he needed help learning to solder, he turned to his wife’s skills learned in fine arts metalwork. His successful hands-on adventure in electronics restoration led him to give a second life to some of the instrumentation he was showcasing at the flea market today. Inexplicably NYAH (Not Yet a Ham), I look forward to following Robert Jacobson’s professional and avocational interests as they weave through math, electronics, computer science, new ways to learn and be mentored, and on to AI. Curiosity is the constant.
I also spoke with probably five other software engineers today at the Vintage Amateur Radio flea market event.
And all of these working professionals were also active radio amateurs. Busy with careers, raising families, participating with their radio clubs to the best of their abilities. Doing passion side radio projects as best they can. (Have a project you want to share an update on? Post it here!) Imagining that day when they retire and can devote more time to the radio hobby they love. Until then, thank you for everything you are doing and let the larger RI radio community know what you need help with between now and then.