How old are you?

[Architect_1077]

Alright, so I'm a beginner at electronics currently living in Portugal. Now you're probably asking what the point of this topic is.
Well, first I'll give you some background on myself:

I was going through Dave's eevblog video episodes list and stumbled upon the video where he talks a bit about how he started in electronics. For a moment I felt like I was hearing a story about myself when he mentions how he used to take things apart around the house as a kid! Unbelievable! My parents couldn't give me anything with an electronic circuit in it, it wouldn't last more than 2 days! I just had to see how it worked! In fact, even today I can't resist doing it!
Unlike Dave however, I never really turned it into a serious hobby, let alone get into the field professionally. In fact, I had the bad luck of having parents that never really liked electronics, used to think there was no future in electronics, was too dangerous for a kid to play with, and so on, and so they completely derailed me from it. I actually became an Architect, of all things.

Well, I never really gave up on taking things apart and figuring out how they work, still love doing it and always will. However, as anyone up to speed on Portugal's economic situation will know, getting a job and making a decent living is VERY difficult over here. The fact that I have a higher education has not kept me immune to that fact. So, with the spare time I've had recently I decided it's time to get more serious about electronics, even if just as a hobby.

And, here I am... an electronics beginner at the age of... 31!

So I began to wonder... how many beginners are there at my age? How about it? How old are YOU? Any beginners here at a similar age to mine? Anyone older?

[olsenn]

23

[free_electron]

This year i become the answer to the ultimate question on life, the universe and everything....
Started electronics at the age of 6 burning my finger on a hot transistor in a little radio i took apart. At 8 i had one of those 100-in-one expereimenters boxes from radio shack.( tandy)... Fast forward  13 years and i begin working as a service technician in a waferfab, maintaining plasma etchers and ion implanters. I work my way up to design. Fast forward again almost 20 years and i design the chips that end up in harddisks.

I still consider myself a beginner. If i look at the wide field of electronics i have only barely scratched the surface. There are so many components i have not played with, so many disciplines and subdisciplines i have not touched.

Electronics is a life-long learning experience. The end goal is to have fun with it.

[JohnS_AZ]

I'm 50, and have been in electronics for 40 years.

Thing is, if you want to stay current with new parts, designs, systems, and technologies, you are perpetually a beginner.

[robrenz]

59 and perpetually learning

[Baliszoft]

37

[eevblogfan]

15.10 (two more month and I am 16 !!! )

and I began 3 years ago (age 13) ( thanks to dave I am more advanced into EE )

[HLA-27b]

33

[Sypher]

22, Junior in Computer Engineering at my local Uni.

[nanofrog]

41

[T4P]

I'm 18 but i started 3 years ago, but my lab is still rapidly expanding along with my knowledge.
Never be afraid to learn i guess , i always consider myself a beginner as i need to update myself on what's going to happen next and brand new parts in the market
Plus, i have that "i'm always a beginner, but i will improve" mentality so i won't just skip something possibly very useful in the future.

[Tube_Dude]

Hi Architect_1077, I'm from Portugal too.

My first love with electronics was at about 10 years old, via a Philips Electronic Engineer Box EE20, that have been given to me in Christmas. Since then I believe in St. Claus... 

Then I began to build some circuits, this time already with a soldering iron, and some schematics from a very good Spanish electronics magazine, Radiorama. That will happen at around 1969. 

Then I have gone to the University Of Coimbra to study Electronics Engineering, and as I love music and electronics, I have specialized in Audio, the branch that can share both, so I project my own amps, with tubes, bipolar or MOSFET technology.

And the question was??

Ahh!! I have 58 years old... 

PS. Pic of the PHILIPS EE20 and RADIORAMA magazine.

[wkb]

I learned to program in hand-assembled machine language on a Motorola M6800..  go and do the math 

[nanofrog]

I learned to program in hand-assembled machine language on a Motorola M6800..  go and do the math 

But at what age where you when you did this?   

[wkb]

I learned to program in hand-assembled machine language on a Motorola M6800..  go and do the math 

But at what age where you when you did this?   

Lemme guess, 10 or 12 or so I think.

[nanofrog]

Lemme guess, 10 or 12 or so I think.

Not old at all (I'll not disclose the math though, that's up to you).   

Just wise enough not to do something incredibly stupid, and still able to do what you like and enjoy it (assuming past mistakes haven't left you physically unable).   

[Spikee]

I started taking things apart and destroying them ...
At high school i chose to learn for an industrial electrician and industrial automation ( PLC n stuff) .
In 2010 i finally bought an arduino and the madness started. Making my own pcb -> using Altium D10 .
In September i am going to collage.
Embedded Systems Engineering @ HAN Arnhem .

I'm 18 btw

[Zyvek]

I'm so old you'd have to cut me in half and count the rings to be sure.

[EEVblog]

I still consider myself a beginner. If i look at the wide field of electronics i have only barely scratched the surface. There are so many components i have not played with, so many disciplines and subdisciplines i have not touched.

Indeed!

Dave.

[Architect_1077]

Very interesting replies indeed. In all honesty, I have to agree with the statement of being a perpetual beginner. It does seem very unlikely for one to know everything about a complex field such as this.
Hey, I even got a response from the man himself! Speaking of whom... keep up the good work Dave, love your avid reviews!

[vk6zgo]

All of you are but beardless youths!
I am 68,& only retired in December 2009.
I got ripped off  for "a year & a bit" of retirement-GRR!!

I was going to do so much Electronics Hobbying,but I spend most of my time arguing with you lot,instead!

[krish2487]

25 and perpetually a student..

 

The discipline also changes with embedded systems and Power electronics being a profession.
Woodworking, Metalworking, CNC, material sciences all being hobbies for timepass..
 

[Hypernova]

27 in 4 months, Only a year into my first real job since I got stuck in uni for my BE for 6 years cause I sucked monkey balls at it.

[electronwaster]

I'm 29, so just behind you in age. I took many, many things apart as a kid, but really I didn't understand any of it or manage to fix things.

I've had several careers since then, mostly computer programming, web programming and IT support, since then joinery, furniture making and sign carving. Currently working as a maintenance worker doing varied tasks: steel fabrication, gardening, delivery, etc. You could say my hobby is learning and collecting skills.

I started again with electronics more seriously about 5 months ago, and desperately trying to learn transistor action, opamps, linear supplier, switching supplies etc. I have been building a lab gradually: Fluke 87V, Kikusui 20MHz dual-trace scope, Farnell dual 30V 2A power supply, and a couple of lesser spec'd home made power supplies.

I'm interested in power supplies, chargers, off-grid systems, dual car battery systems. I also have interest in audio amplifiers and guitar effects units. Valve amps are in my future, but I don't really know enough of the basics yet.

Next DIY project is an ESR meter, to help find dead caps.

Next big purchase is an LCR meter (to make coils for home made switcher supplies), a variac would be good too, and also a hakko fx-888 or similar.

Next to learn: so much!!

Cheers,
electronwaster

[Freighternut]

60, Ex IT manager. Very much enjoying getting back to my roots in electronics!

[Rerouter]

19, instrumentation apprentice,

just old enough to feel i know everything while keeping an open mind

[AntiProtonBoy]

Mid thirties here, got a Digital Systems degree (cross between electronics and computer science).

I know nothing, as far as practical/pro engineering is concerned. Just hacking shit together for kicks and enjoying it.

[Architect_1077]

Good to know I'm not the only one starting "late" in electronics.

[wkb]

In September i am going to collage.
Embedded Systems Engineering @ HAN Arnhem .

I'm 18 btw

Say hi to Jos Roeland & co... 

[wkb]

Lemme guess, 10 or 12 or so I think.

Not old at all (I'll not disclose the math though, that's up to you).   

Just wise enough not to do something incredibly stupid, and still able to do what you like and enjoy it (assuming past mistakes haven't left you physically unable).   

Nope, the motorbike is still in the garage and has done me no unrepairable harm    Neither did I cause it any unrepairable harm (it is vintage 1984.. another clue)

[wkb]

Oh.. while I am at it, I am sure people here can relate to this nice catch phrase I picked up from an email .sig:

"You are young only once, but you can stay immature all your life".

Coupled with:

"If you refrain from doing anything that could be harmful to you, you might not live longer, but it sure as h*ll will feel a lot longer"

* wkb ducks in a corner and continues work on the N-connectors on a VHF HAM radio aerial coax cable.

[CJMiller]

Hi guys, new to the forums.  I'm 28 years old...  Or, 0x1C in programmer years.  I have a background in game development and software, but I started getting into electronics about a year ago.  One of my hobbies is arcade repair and restoration, which of course led me to electronics repair.

I think one of the things that really got me interested is CRT displays.  I just find the whole phenomenon fascinating, and I love the way old low res CRT games look.  Especially the 15kHz variety.

[AntiProtonBoy]

I think one of the things that really got me interested is CRT displays. 

I also have a fascination with tubes. So much so, I'd consider taking up a glass blowing course and learn how to make them.

[Teneyes]

63 , But curious as an eight year old.  I'm  most thankful for the nurturing events in life.
My older Brother who bought me an electronics kits for Xmas.
That letter writing exercise in grade 6 for electronics information, but unlike the rest of the class, got me NO response to show the teacher.    But later my Mother had to tell the Devry Institute recruiter, who flew 2000 miles to see me, that maybe come back in a few years.  And he did in grade 10 and 1st year. Grateful for the TV repair shop in high school; ..the Satellite company and the many opportunities in this expanding field....always enjoyable.
Now just parttime,  helping grow InSb semiconductor. (big clue)

[rf-loop]

I have started hobby around 1960 with building my first diode detector radio just before go to school.
After hobby years electronic have been  also main work.
Young I think that I can  really know something if I study and exercise in work and in hobby very intensive and always eyes open and interesting to find new things - I was thinking that I know more and more... Today I'm not at all sure. Only what can realize is that more study, only what happend is that it can somehow understand that really do not know anythink. Even simplest resistor is so complex that it is extremely difficult to understand.

And measuremensts. As long as there is only just one clock you know exact time. If there is more than one,  there is not accurate time. same for voltage, same for what ever.

What is age?  I know one 40 year "old man" and 80 year young man.

I can still play with toys.

I can laugh for EE who just come from high level school and he think he is now ready and know all things. This is most fun what I know.
But also when I make mistake I can go to mirror and laugh - I have lot of these allready done and I know there are lot of next mistakes waiting, so I can laugh still many times in forward.


This my first radio chrystal looks just like this:

[Randall W. Lott]

23 and a Junior in my BSEE.

[CJMiller]

I also have a fascination with tubes. So much so, I'd consider taking up a glass blowing course and learn how to make them.

CRT Tubes are a vacuum inside, so I'm not sure what kind of equipment is required to make them... but I don't think it's glass blowing.  Unless you mean some kind of mechanical blowing?  I would love to see the production process for the whole thing.

[A-sic Enginerd]

44 and very new to what is more "mainstream" EE world.
Had an interest as a youth, but didn't really develop / put anything into practice. Was focused on school. College was the 10 yr. plan due to how to pay for it. So at like 28ish, started my first job in related field - chip design. But don't be fooled. It literally is all ones and zeros at this level. Learned just enough about the analog end of things to be annoying to the real EE's in the building. (Digital design simply has a completely different set of expertise / problems / solutions. No harder or easier, just different).

Only recently started playing with more analog world just for kicks, so if you're feeling like a "late bloomer" I think I've got you beat.
The only advantage I would have on you is when it comes to things like dealing with microcontrollers, writing some software, or banging out a digital widget for an FPGA....I don't have to think terribly hard for those parts. It's all the other 'stuff' I burn grey matter on.

[Architect_1077]

Hehehe. It's good to know there's someone who's starting later than I am 

[Neilm]

I'm 21 and some months (approaching 180 )

Got interesting in electronics when about 10 - just after I found I could give by brother an electric shock with two AA cells and a small transformer.

Neil

[rsjsouza]

Architect_1077, I was fortunately enough to grow up with a dad that liked electronics (and all technology-related topics for that matter) and therefore I started at a really young age watching him solder things and create toys for me and my brother. As time went by, I started helping him solder things (holding the solder wire or the pliers) and, at the age of 9 or 10, had my "trial by fire" assembling a circuit on my own - which didn't work at first time, of course.

Then one of my dad's friends gave me the same Philips EE20 kit mentioned by Tube_Dude (still have it!) and it really helped me get more experience with electronics (with pre-tested circuits). From that kit I moved somewhat backwards to circuits using Tubes (AM transmitters, audio amplifier, etc.) and eventually landed in the digital circuits. However, back then (late 80's) Brazil restricted ALL imports (and the economy was going down the drains pretty fast) and therefore it was very difficult and expensive to get anything modern in terms of electronic devices - couldn't get any of the modern transistors or integrated circuits shown in magazines like Elektor or Nuova Elettronica, let alone get anything programmable like the "new" microcontrollers/microprocessors!

In the 90's my hobbyist electronics activity diminished slightly during college (EE) and after graduation I eventually landed on a more computer-focused carreer; electronics became a "dormant giant" for 10, 12 years.

Although still working on software-related position in a large semiconductor manufacturer, this year I restarted strong at the age of 37.

Therefore it is never late to start, restart, learn new things.

[T4P]

I should probably mention that when i was young i watched my dad solder and do electronics but as he was a IT Engineer, he doesn't know much and i know i had to surpass him and become a EE, seems to be i am firmly on my way there.
Well when it comes to electronics, he's a technician but i do not need to simplify what i say because he took electronics as a sub-module in college.
Interesting.

[resistcircuitresist]

25
IT

[Architect_1077]

Having a close family member who likes the same things you do does have its advantages. As I was never really that fortunate I feel more like the defiant explorer... 

[DJKA]

Well, I've been interested in electronics since 6 years old, but have never worked in this field as an EE guy, now I am 35 and start looking to electronics (still as a hobby) more seriously.

[Architect_1077]

Cool! 

[marcosgildavid]

Olá! (Hi!)

I'm from Portugal too and I also liked to take stuff apart when I was a kid. I remember this time when I took an old TV apart and got fascinated with all the stuff inside.
But besides the initial interest, Lego's always seemed to be more fun

Now I'm 30 and I'm starting to learn some electronic concepts. I already have a good software background and I decided that I also need to know the hardware stuff.

So I guess I started early (about 6) but it really didn't kick in until now.

[Architect_1077]

That's good to know. I have a fellow countryman on these boards. 

To me it seems tough for the average person to pursue this hobby here in Portugal where you earn very little compared to everyone else who live in wealthier countries, and decent equipment costs a lot.

[Barryg41]

54
Hobby

[jaspel]

25 and an electronic tech.

[jhalar]

Just turned 45.

I remember getting my first taste of electronics with a Tandy radio shack 100-in-1 kit back when I was 13.
Then came the Dick Smith Electronics Super-80 computer kit and the rest is history.

[SV1JRT]

 I'm 44 and 26 years in electronics and computer design.....

[Ed.Kloonk]

I don't reveal my age very often, usually only to members of the police force.

Recently, I had a big par-tay and celebrated turning 21. For the fourth time.

[GabYoung92]

20 - EE undergrad student.

Been playing with electronics since I was 12, but have only started to get more in depth since my degree started, due to access to equipment. 

[vk6zgo]

I don't reveal my age very often, usually only to members of the police force.

Recently, I had a big par-tay and celebrated turning 21. For the fourth time.

That could mean several things:

(1)You REALLY like parties!
or,
(2)You want to stay 21 forever!
or,
(3) You are 84!

[Ed.Kloonk]

I don't reveal my age very often, usually only to members of the police force.

Recently, I had a big par-tay and celebrated turning 21. For the fourth time.

That could mean several things:

(1)You REALLY like parties!
or,
(2)You want to stay 21 forever!
or,
(3) You are 84!

(3), is more like (18 * 2) give or take

And as for (1), you were there weren't you? I saw you! You were in that storm trooper costume!

And (2), yes. I feel like a 21 year old right now!

[StubbornGreek]

40 here. I've been more of a computer geek than an electronics nut most of my life (and such is my business) with some intersecting points throughout the years but I'm really starting to transition over the other way at this stage in the game.

[vk6zgo]

I don't reveal my age very often, usually only to members of the police force.

Recently, I had a big par-tay and celebrated turning 21. For the fourth time.

That could mean several things:

(1)You REALLY like parties!
or,
(2)You want to stay 21 forever!
or,
(3) You are 84!

(3), is more like (18 * 2) give or take

And as for (1), you were there weren't you? I saw you! You were in that storm trooper costume!

And (2), yes. I feel like a 21 year old right now!

But where are you going to find one at this time of night?

[Ed.Kloonk]

I don't reveal my age very often, usually only to members of the police force.

Recently, I had a big par-tay and celebrated turning 21. For the fourth time.

That could mean several things:

(1)You REALLY like parties!
or,
(2)You want to stay 21 forever!
or,
(3) You are 84!

(3), is more like (18 * 2) give or take

And as for (1), you were there weren't you? I saw you! You were in that storm trooper costume!

And (2), yes. I feel like a 21 year old right now!

But where are you going to find one at this time of night?

In the basement. 

[SeanB]

21 year old plastic.................... hope you have a repair kit and a bicycle pump.

[odessa]

Im 43,

Loved electronics as a kid but never got seriously into it. About 2 years ago i made a scope from a kit to diagnose a fault on my car and it rekindled my interest. Totally obssesed with it now as a hobby, and I'm also being paid to develop a TCPIP app on a pic as a result of my hobby ... cool 

[MikeK]

I'm the same.  About the same age too.  I went to college for something totally retarded, not recognizing that engineering is that I really wanted to do.  I've tried a few times to teach myself electronics, but was put off by some really bad books.  It seems to be making more sense to me recently.

[JoannaK]

Well.. Let's just say that my Weller Magnastat iron is around 30 years old and I purchased it as a new. 

Amazing machine that is.. Been with me all these years, never any problems.

[Architect_1077]

I have to admit, this post has been a far greater success than I ever thought it would be. 
Just goes to show that one is really never too old to start something new!

[jsoderquist]

38

[arekm]

33. Was playing with electronics for fun 15 years ago and now the fun has started again.

[T4P]

33. Was playing with electronics for fun 15 years ago and now the fun has started again.

The fun will never end when you don't do it professionally

[flashoverride]

I am 34 and completely new to this. Its never too late to start learning. I find this forum very educational.   

[T4P]

I am 34 and completely new to this. Its never too late to start learning. I find this forum very educational.

i learnt more here then i did in college ... (i was here for not very long, i am in college for like 6 months already, it's a waste of time)

[StubbornGreek]

I've read lots of your posts that suggest you're very knowledgeable so not taking anything away with the following statement:

Higher education is such an opportunity, unfortunately, there is no way for someone to understand its full potential until much later in life. Stick with it (do yourself a favor).

[T4P]

I've read lots of your posts that suggest you're very knowledgeable so not taking anything away with the following statement:

Higher education is such an opportunity, unfortunately, there is no way for someone to understand its full potential until much later in life. Stick with it (do yourself a favor).

I do know the importance of higher education, going through this technical college is a pity and waste of time and a walk in the park, i'm only here to get a certificate then go onto getting a diploma
ah well.

[StubbornGreek]

I've read lots of your posts that suggest you're very knowledgeable so not taking anything away with the following statement:

Higher education is such an opportunity, unfortunately, there is no way for someone to understand its full potential until much later in life. Stick with it (do yourself a favor).

I do know the importance of higher education, going through this technical college is a pity and waste of time and a walk in the park, i'm only here to get a certificate then go onto getting a diploma
ah well.

I'm glad to hear you have appreciation for the experience.

What about a more challenging University? May I ask where you attend?

[FenderBender]

17 and already having fun! My girlfriend thinks I'm cheating on her with my oscilloscope. Shhh!! It's a secret.

[T4P]

I've read lots of your posts that suggest you're very knowledgeable so not taking anything away with the following statement:

Higher education is such an opportunity, unfortunately, there is no way for someone to understand its full potential until much later in life. Stick with it (do yourself a favor).

I do know the importance of higher education, going through this technical college is a pity and waste of time and a walk in the park, i'm only here to get a certificate then go onto getting a diploma
ah well.

I'm glad to hear you have appreciation for the experience.

What about a more challenging University? May I ask where you attend?

Some college only known as "ITE" the stuff they teach there is hopelessly basic, one could know the syllabus within a month from the net
I haven't though of a university but i did at one point but i might just evaluate the advantages over disadvantages ( there WAS a big preference for diploma holders compared to degree holders because the companies apparently see your education level first instead of your achievements now that most EE's in singapore fresh from university have '0' practical experience, it's that sad )

[StubbornGreek]

I've read lots of your posts that suggest you're very knowledgeable so not taking anything away with the following statement:

Higher education is such an opportunity, unfortunately, there is no way for someone to understand its full potential until much later in life. Stick with it (do yourself a favor).

I do know the importance of higher education, going through this technical college is a pity and waste of time and a walk in the park, i'm only here to get a certificate then go onto getting a diploma
ah well.

I'm glad to hear you have appreciation for the experience.

What about a more challenging University? May I ask where you attend?

Some college only known as "ITE" the stuff they teach there is hopelessly basic, one could know the syllabus within a month from the net
I haven't though of a university but i did at one point but i might just evaluate the advantages over disadvantages ( there WAS a big preference for diploma holders compared to degree holders because the companies apparently see your education level first instead of your achievements now that most EE's in singapore fresh from university have '0' practical experience, it's that sad )

Best of luck with that, Dave. I hope you find a more 'challenging' home for your scholastic endeavors - people like yourself (passionate and knowledgeable) often-times become paramount in their industry with the right ecosystem to grow in.

[obiwanjacobi]

44 (born in 1968)

Late 80's I got an electronics degree and after being drafted by the military (which wasted a year) I started with a 'electronics' job that lasted for 3 years. During that time I learned 68HC assembler language (was already fluent in Z80 assembler so that was simple) and picked up C and C++ programming.

Then I decided to continue in IT and abandoned electronics altogether. I even sold all my stuff - components and instruments (only held on to my multi-meter). in 95 I landed a job as a C++ Windows / Microsoft ((Tm)/(R)/(C) :-P ) developer and from then on I continued to be a developer. Today I am a lead developer /  Solutions Architect doing the Microsoft .NET dance.

Since a couple of months I am the proud owner of an Arduino Uno. I bought it work on an Idea I had (currently on  hold ;-) ) and since then have been getting one idea after the other. I am currently working on a Midi Mapper (processor) which needs some more software (as I go I'm also setting up a library for all to use).

I am spending my free time catching up to the current state of affairs (some things have progressed a lot), watching YouTube (were I found the EEVBlog) and checking a few forums now and again.

[T4P]

I've read lots of your posts that suggest you're very knowledgeable so not taking anything away with the following statement:

Higher education is such an opportunity, unfortunately, there is no way for someone to understand its full potential until much later in life. Stick with it (do yourself a favor).

I do know the importance of higher education, going through this technical college is a pity and waste of time and a walk in the park, i'm only here to get a certificate then go onto getting a diploma
ah well.

I'm glad to hear you have appreciation for the experience.

What about a more challenging University? May I ask where you attend?

Some college only known as "ITE" the stuff they teach there is hopelessly basic, one could know the syllabus within a month from the net
I haven't though of a university but i did at one point but i might just evaluate the advantages over disadvantages ( there WAS a big preference for diploma holders compared to degree holders because the companies apparently see your education level first instead of your achievements now that most EE's in singapore fresh from university have '0' practical experience, it's that sad )

Best of luck with that, Dave. I hope you find a more 'challenging' home for your scholastic endeavors - people like yourself (passionate and knowledgeable) often-times become paramount in their industry with the right ecosystem to grow in.

Thanks man, much appreciation ( On another note that created even more unemployment of EE's are that MANY degree holders have terrible english )

[budmanjr123]

I am going to be 16 in a couple weeks!, we did very simple bread boarding (Consisting of only lights and jumper wires) in my principles of engineering class and I got completely hooked, I then began to look online for breadboard and component prices and bought some of my own. This was about 3 months ago and now I have learned a lot of things about electronic engineering, compared to all that there is to know I know very little, but I continue to learn and have fun making circuits and experimenting with different Integrated circuits and Components! As of now I hope to go to college to either be a Spanish teacher, or an electronic engineer! also I just joined this forum!

[joblessalex]

I'm almost 16 as well. I have done things since I was 4 or 5. Soon I hope to be able to actually design a few of my own projects from scratch and not just build them!

[StubbornGreek]

Thanks man, much appreciation ( On another note that created even more unemployment of EE's are that MANY degree holders have terrible english )

Sorry, a bit confused  by your question. Are you asking whether there are a fair number of educated professionals with only a 'street-level' diction in the industry? If so, then absolutely yes. I feel its a shame how few of us make the extra (albeit small) effort to speak/write properly. This is not just with English but many cultures just don't put the effort forth.

[T4P]

Thanks man, much appreciation ( On another note that created even more unemployment of EE's are that MANY degree holders have terrible english )

Sorry, a bit confused  by your question. Are you asking whether there are a fair number of educated professionals with only a 'street-level' diction in the industry? If so, then absolutely yes. I feel its a shame how few of us make the extra (albeit small) effort to speak/write properly. This is not just with English but many cultures just don't put the effort forth.

So i see it's not only in this town of mine

I'm almost 16 as well. I have done things since I was 4 or 5. Soon I hope to be able to actually design a few of my own projects from scratch and not just build them!

I'm 18, i got serious only last year but i progressed pretty quickly to make my projects from scratch and build them, but as i say, go at your pace
there's no rush

[kfitch42]

0x21

[obiwanjacobi]

0x21

 

[CampKohler]

69 (This is known as existing on the slippery slope and being unable to stop the slide.)

My first electrical interest was manifest by me hiding a Golden Book on lights and batteries inside a text book in the 5th grade. The teacher had me in the boys room with a paddle, but I jail-house-lawyered my way out of it by reminding him that he said we could read any book we wanted. Of course he meant any school book, but that was not the first time that poorly-worded instructions was someone's undoing.

[Jiggerypook]

64

Got my dad to buy me the (How and Why Wonder Book of Electricity) when I was about 8 or 9 years old. Was dazzling the classmates in no time. lol.
After high school I ended up becoming an electrician. Now that I am retired I have picked up the soldering iron again and can repair very basic problems with audio amps such as blown output transistors. I have forgotten more than I remember but I'm going to resume construction of a project that I started 26 years ago and dropped to spend time with my 3 year old daughter and newborn son. Now that the nest is empty there is nothing but my empty head to stop me. It was still on my workbench where I had left it and it seemed to call out to me. I think I still have the bug.    I sure wish that I had made more drawings and notes. 

I realize that this post is over 6 years old but it's one of the few that I can actually contribute to.

[kafor1]

 Im 21 and i jayson abayan have a dream, and that is to go to japan, and to make that dream come true i will become so good at electronics, im so lucky i found this website where i can ask questions to my probs

[coolyota]

38, and a complete noob. Never taken anything apart... Am I too late to learn?

[spec]

38, and a complete noob. Never taken anything apart... Am I too late to learn?

Definitely not Absolute age does not effect your learning capacity- health does though. But the main thing is your approach to learning.  I would say that a person, of any age, with average intelligence and with the right tuition, could have a pretty good grasp of electronics within six months. At minimal cost too- books, videos, a breadboard and a few components and you would be on the way.

Although not my main job, I have been involved in teaching electronics for years to an array of different types of people, and I recon that the three attributes  to learning electronics, or any subject for that matter, are: positive mental attitude, logical thought, good information.

Of course, all this requires hard work, and sometimes boring work.

[AngraMelo]

I began when I was 23 and was living in the USA (at then I was doing my masters in music)
All started with, believe it or not, CIGARETTES!
Yes! I used to smoke and I saw one guy on the streets using an electronic cigarette.
I got so intrigued by how that little stick could put out vapor that I went to read about it.
I bought some modules and built my own e-cig. (mainly following instructions from the web and with the help of you guys and the reddit community)
After that...Ohms Law, books, transistors, Op-amps and the whole madness.
Because I learn the theory as it is needed for the practice, it is very common for me to have very basic questions while doing a much more complicated project (if compared to the question). For ex: building a discrete symmetrical power supply but having no idea how to wire the 3p2t switch.
Today Im living in Brazil, where Im originally from, and trying to cope with the insane importation taxes that makes buying components a hassle.
But, I love all of this!

[HB9EVI]

Wow, 6 years the thread rested in peace and now that; but it's interesting to read

I'm turning 40 soon, and I guess I got my "Radiomann"-like electronic lab with 10, but I got off the road and ended for a while in IT-only; fortunatelly this time is over

[spec]

Because I learn the theory as it is needed for the practice, it is very common for me to have very basic questions while doing a much more complicated project.

Great story
Even the most experienced EE learns, sometimes the most basic thing.

[coolyota]

My learning journey so far has been pretty much ad-hoc basis. I think I will learn better in a structured classroom/course. I have been learning off YouTube videos. Taught myself to understand 555 IC and recently bought an oscilloscope to see how 555 works. It's really interesting to see charge and discharge cycle. Really struggling to understand what a circuit do if given one.

I feel my learning has stagnate a little bit recently. I think my next step is to get Learning The Art of Electronics...