Testing A Fuse Using Your Cell Phone

 

Capacitive touch screens dominate modern mobile devices due to their precision and reliability. These screens operate on principles of electrical capacitance - the ability of a system to store an electrical charge. The screen comprises a layer of electrically conductive indium tin oxide (ITO) protected by insulating glass. This arrangement creates a uniform capacitive field across the display surface. When a conductive object, such as a human finger, contacts the screen, it alters the local capacitance by several picofarads. High-precision sensors detect and measure these minute electrical changes to determine the exact contact location.

If you don't have a meter handy - here’s a 12 second video demonstrating how to test a fuse with your phone. Notice one end of the fuse is in contact with my fingers while the opposite end makes contact with the phone screen.

 

By comparison, resistive touch screens, commonly not found on phones but found in industrial interfaces and ATMs, employ a pressure-based mechanism. This alternative technology sacrifices the responsiveness of capacitive systems for universal input compatibility. 

Nice Note From A Former Student And A Laser Optics Technology Faculty Opportunity In Western Massachusetts

This morning, I woke up to the following email from a former student (name has been removed).

 

Subject: Class of 1987 STCC Laser Electro Optic graduate

 

My name is ABCD TUVWXYZ Many moons ago you were my advisor and one of my professors in the Laser Electro Optic Technology program at STCC. I've been reminiscing recently and you popped in my head. I wanted to drop a quick e-mail to say thank you, I'm happily retired after having a rewarding career as a field engineer for 33 years. I ended up installing and repairing dozens of devices that used lasers. One used a laser to look for leaks after open heart surgery. Another  used a spectrometer in a blood analyzer.

Once again, thank you.

 

Pretty cool! It's remarkable how certain students stay with us - I can picture this one as clearly as if they were in my classroom just months ago. These lasting connections make me reflect on what draws people to this profession:

• The joy of witness - There's nothing quite like seeing that moment when understanding dawns in a student's eyes or hearing years later about their successes.
• Passion shared is passion multiplied - Great educators often fall in love with theor discipline twice - first with their subject, then with the art of sharing it.
• The cycle of inspiration - Many of us teach because we remember those who lit the spark in us, and we yearn to pass that flame forward.
• The privilege of mentorship - Building relationships with students and guiding their growth creates bonds that often last a lifetime.
• Legacy through learning - By helping shape curious, capable minds, educators help build the foundation for society's future.

And….. Springfield Technical Community College is seeking a full-time professor to lead that same Laser Optics Technology (Photonics) program. This role offers the opportunity to shape curriculum, mentor tomorrow's professionals, and advance the field of photonics, technology and engineering education. Ready to transform your expertise into academic excellence and guide the next generation of technologists, scientists and engineers? Here’s a link to the position posting.

Gabby And Chalkey Got Married On Saturday

Gabby and Chalkey got married on Saturday. Another whirlwind Friday –> Sunday of memories, celebration, and emotions. Our second round after Eva and Jesse’s wedding a couple years ago. The last few weeks have been a whirlwind, but they've also sparked memories of the path that brought us here. As I look back, I'm reminded of how much we have to be thankful for. Here’s my father of the bride speech.

What a beautiful day it was! I got a bit emotional at times and of course went off script, which made my speech a little less polished than I'd hoped, but that just shows how much it all means to me. I haven't seen the video yet - maybe I'm saving that for never! The best part? Our family has grown, and I couldn't be happier about it. 

Chalkey, you're such a wonderful addition to our clan. Welcome!!