So How Did You Find Out About CR4

Hello jack of all trades

Like yourself, I came across Globalspec, whilst looking for a particular product.

I had after that, been on Globalspec regular email list for many years, and November 2007 decided to check out CR4 Forum, in an otherwise idle moment.

I read some of the questions and answers, decided I could be of some help to others, because of my wide experience, and Registered as a Member.

I understand that some questions which are submitted by the most regular visitor (Guest) are homework questions, or designed to give a puzzle, or to encourage the reader think.

Likewise I also realise that for some, English is obviously not their first language.

I most cases I reply, having sometimes to explain how to use an Internet Search Engine, because the question shows that the Topic Poster has no knowledge of how to use such a Search Utility.

For the "spoof" questions, or those which need "interpretation", generally written by "Guest", sometimes I try to interpret, or give an answer.

I am aware that some persons would like to Register as a CR4 Member, but for political and other reasons this may not be prudent for them to actually Register here.

Like yourself, I am concerned that if the Topic Poster is genuine, they may attempt to act upon advice given, and perhaps get into an area outside their abilities.

While that is normal in the learning process, some things are quite unforgiving, and in particular, electrical safety should never be compromised.

It shows from the question, that in many cases the person does want to learn, and thus earns a proper answer.

Thanks for your Topic Title.

Best wishes from the Mainland

Kind Regards....

Ha Ha Ha ROFL!!!

Nuff said! You get 1 for good answer!

Mike

Wouldn't lithium be much better?

Oh, yeah, I was sucked in by one of the Engineering Challenges. I wonder when the net nannies will take notice of my activities?

For me, Globalspec (searching for bits, then subscribing to the newsletter) - The Challenge - CR4!

No idea where the school-kids etc. are getting it - does make one wonder, though.

Also agree it's pretty frightening - some of the questions being raised by people who seem to be in positions where they shouldn't need to ask them.

Looking for material data and came upon Global Spec. While reading their mail looked at a challenge question and found CR4

Me too, I was a subscriber to Global spec for a long long time and never even knew that CR4 existed. My friend Petropower sent me a link to a CR4 thread that he thought I would be interested in, and I have been hooked ever since.

I found CR4 when I found GlobalSpec looking for Rectifiers for 12&48VDC for comms gear in a Data Centre.

Found CR4 by accident when I was poking around doing research (Yup...I do that bit first).

Now I've found it...I can get every one else to do my Homework for me......Not!

If I ask dumb questions, I apologise now...

Sapper.

Like others I was looking for information and came across global spec. I registered and was pestered by their emails. I had a slow period and came across the challenge questions.

I ended up being hooked. I've gained new information, had my blood pressure raised a few times but I mostly enjoy reading the various threads to glean new info.

good topic.

Thanks for the post, jack of all trades.

I agree wholeheartedly with your points. I can't remember exactly how I found CR4, but it was most likely searching for some part or piece of equipment. I've noticed that in some of the DirectU2 newsletters, there is a textbox where you can address a question directly to CR4.

I was actually keeping a database of "Stupid Questions Posted on CR4", but quickly decided it's not really worth my time!

Now, if posters had to take a (simple) tutorial and pass a (relatively easy) test before they could ask a question, there would be much fewer lame questions (or not even questions) being posted .

I joined CR4 mostly to learn. I have found that, in the process of answering a question, that is where I learn the most. Sometimes I get the satisfaction of helping someone else. It has been an increasingly pleasureable journey (even amid the aforementioned irritations)!

Mike

I stumbled on a thread when doing a google search, which led to global spec, newsletters..........

the students, are some times too lazy to do a search once they find cr4

1 of tonights questions is a repeat from a earlier test question

Here's some related threads

http://cr4.globalspec.com/thread/13374#newcomments

http://cr4.globalspec.com/thread/13841#newcomments

http://cr4.globalspec.com/thread/15824#newcomments

http://cr4.globalspec.com/thread/11603#newcomments

http://cr4.globalspec.com/thread/14053

GlobalSpect - via - Engineering Toolbar- via - Thomasnet.

you neednt take it seriously.

most of people come here for fun, only a few people for useful information.

if you hope to get more depth knowledge, there are lots of chat rooms like ti, linear, pi, irs, na etc.

you can play game here like a rest.

only people like me have nothing to do all day long comes here for words game.

I think CR4 is more useful than that - consider the total person-years of engineering experience represented - and it covers a wide range; sometimes you can get a comment or solution from someone in another discipline which puts a whole new slant on a problem. (Though I take the humour of your point - many threads are just for fun ).

I agree - I actually do come here for useful information. And, also of course, to get that all important ego boost when I post a "good" answer.

Since I've been here I've been introduced to PIC microprocessors, the world of free energy chicanery, makezine, and just yesterday - a site that makes very interesting lighting devices.

I enjoy it here so much that sometimes I even visit when I'm not at work.

Well said JC.

Through Global Specs. I agree that some questions are very basic and some are such which need detailed design details. I feel we should share our experience and ask for help if others have any. Well it is good blog for technocrats.

Like most I was doing a search, and found Global spec. but did not take the time to "join in" on all the goodies of the site. All work-no play. As I found many of my searches returning to CR4. Most answers are great, most are informative. I enjoy the brain storming that comes from intelligent well experienced people... world wide. That is quite a knowledge base. And with all good trail mixes that are nutritious and filling, they are full of fruit and nuts so is CR4. That is what makes it a great place, and sets it apart from the rest. Why not ask the world wide engineering group to help on a high school project. We at one time were all young and full of ideas. It is not about knowing all the things that does work, it's about knowing all the things that don't. Thanks for the help from the Guru's, and anyone that has chimed in at one time or another. CR4 is a great start to a great day!

I like the trail mix analogy, that made my day..

I don't mind helping on a high school project when the kid brings a basic concept or design to the table and asks for help making it work. Especially when they introduce themselves as such, and they tell us something about why they are undertaking the project.

I do mind when university students (from all over the world) come to CR4 and post their homework or take home test problems in hopes that we will solve it for them... That is lazy and cheating, plain and simple.

Internet search for components. Registered with GlobaSpec. News letter led to CR4.

I find I read much more than I post. I really enjoy other peoples viewpoints.

I find that I have began to skip posts that seem to point to people wanting their work, or home (school) work, done for them.

I see that there also seems to be a growing number of instances where someone is seeking specific help and instead get critique on their over all project, instead of the specific they requested.

I have learned that some can learn only through error. Or, "my mind is made up, do not confuse me with facts!"

Sometimes my philosophy includes "Oh, you wanna be stupid. Let me help you with that!". Especially after showing them the correct method and they insist on going at it their way.

Then, sometimes, mistakes lead to great discoveries.

Reading Science Magazine for about five years and then was reading it on line and ran into a CR4 link. Hooked ever since. Not nearly as technical but very diversified.

Science also doesn't have the humor dynamic.

Thanx again

Brad

Hi jack

I contacted CR4 to have a human biological question answered. Googeling had got me nowhere and other sites demanded money and/or too much personal information up front. The response from CR4 was so overwhelming in detail and dedication that I connected straight away with the "knowledge dealers" and their sometimes not so serious responses. Although the first question was never answered to my satisfaction or ability to understand, it did show that there are some very informed people here and in every/any field of expertise.

The time I spend now with CR4 was the time I used to spend reading a broad spread and get eff all out of it. With the help and attitude of CR4 I have become a more optimistic person. To know that someone will be there if things go wrong or not to plan is a great help. Not a minute with CR4 was wasted, ahh, maybe a few when things got too funny with "off topic" tirades. It still beats the comic section of the news paper any day. Ky.

I am an auto mechanic and have had some customers ask me about an ad they had seen in Popular Science concerning Hydro-Assist Fuel Cells. I decided to do a google search to try and learn more, and a CR4 thread was at the top of the list. The discussion was very informative and helped a lot. I signed up that night. Don't worry, you won't get any questions from me about building a particle accelerator. I'm not an engineer, just an old country guy that's been working on cars for the last 30 years or so. I might ask about torque increase specs when replacing a moped motor with a big block chevy, so please, any help with stuff like that would be appreciated...

A lot.... increase the torque a whole lot...

This is my first post, as I feel this is finally a question I'm qualified to answer.

I found CR4 like the majority of you, through global spec. I was looking for an automatic conveyor sampler for the mine I work for.

I am NOT an engineer and I will never try to portray myself as one, as I would not want to detract from your honourable professions by offering uneducated advice. In matters regarding industrial safety, I will advise to the best of my abilities as I take an active role in safety inspections with my current employer. I will be for the most part be a quiet observer and fan of this wonderful site.

What fascinates me about CR4 is the variety of information on topic that I do not fully understand (or had no idea in the first place). I try to learn from all those experienced posters to expand my own knowledge in order to try and keep my head above water and better myself at my current job.

Perhaps a little background. I'm 36, high school graduate, working as a metallurgical technician for a Cu/Mo mine. I was a mill operator (Sample Prep "Sample Bucker") but was offered a staff job in the Met. dept. (someone didn't want to have to get their hands dirty with the menial tests). I do not intend to "go back to school" but would like to contribute on more than just a "tote that bucket" basis. I am currently the least qualified of our group to be in charge of an Outotech (formerly Outokumpu) XRF unit. Everyone treats working on it like it was plague ridden and contagious. So there you have a brief background.

I don't see myself being an avid poster, and I think it would take me the rest of my life (if they can extend it by double) to ever achieve a higher status than you see next to my name. I will however be an avid reader and have enjoyed of all the wonderful ideas and humour. Please keep it up!!!

I found CR4 when "Googling" topics relevant to my employer, looking for business opportunities.

I too have noticed the too-simple requests. I appreciate seeing that the responses to these beginners are (usually) polite and appropriate!

Another via GlobalSpec; then I followed CR4 as a guest for over a year ......until one day I saw something I just had to disagree with - well one can't do that with out putting your name to it - so I signed up!

My bug bare is people who strongly disagree & suggest something else [no problem] BUT don't have the b***s (conviction to be pc!) to put their name to it. I mean we all have learnt by our mistakes at one time or another.

ps #2: bhankiii - I think I have an idea you could use your swimming pool as a steam bath as well, I'm just doing the Maths. Please tell me if you have already done this as I do not wish to waste my time.

Via the Challenge on Globalspec.

My first post was as a guest in reply to someone else's question. I decided I liked what I saw and joined in. The next few posts were questions from me and the responses were excellent. It wasn't long, however, before I stopped asking questions and started providing answers. I asked a couple more questions but the great majority of my posts were answers.

The mere fact that people from all over post questions or discussions of all sorts is testament to the range of knowledge and wisdom (twisted or not ) of the people here. Anyone reading the posts here immediately knows that there are great minds here (a few empty or half-full ones but you'll find them anywhere too ).

I think it's a compliment. A guy or gal looks at Wiki and decides that he or she doesn't like or understand what they find. They go to CR4 and ask. They like what they see and decide to use us instead of Google. Google or Wiki doesn't ask for clarification so that you can get a better answer, right?

Of course, the great minds here also understand that people without electrical experience asking how to rewire a 33kV transformer should be told to forget about it in no uncertain terms (though some do the opposite too - reverse psychology...from non-psychologists ).

I've had memberships in other forums but CR4 is the only one now. Can't quite put a finger on exactly why but I'm in no hurry to find out.

I like it here.

Looking up info on Google. It was about contrails, just do not know how it was that I found CR4 there. I am not an engineer, just a lowly electrician following the guidance of some electrical engineers that figure everything out for me and my brothers of the trade. I have really enjoyed the many threads that I have read; although, most have been in the general section (don't want to go there with the "other areas" that I do not know anything about).

I have also enjoyed reading responses&corresponding with members here through threads that I have posted and threads that I have participated in. I have thoroughly enjoyed the info that I have found here; whether it was from Sparky, Kris, CR3, Dragon, Steve S, or the many others that I have interacted with, the rhetoric has always been interesting and full of good(?)/great(?) info - a lot of which I knew nothing about.

I do not get a chance to get on line much but when I do, I really enjoy looking at the new threads/blogs and getting my brain working from time to time (spinning 112lb sticks of 4" galvanized rigid conduit together in trenches that are 10-15 feet deep doesn't do much for the gray matter, but when we are out of the dirt the real sweet work starts, I am building a power plant by the way...), just wish I could spend more time looking and reading and learning (hope you all don't mind ). Thanks for letting me tag along... I will try not to get in the way.

My path to CR4 is a long one.

I am a drafter. I was using Inventor for a project and wanted to know more about Inventor. I found a website call Connect Press, and signed up for the Inventor Connections newsletter. Kept seeing Global Spec advertised there.

Then when I was working on a design, I wanted to find a bearing to fit certain parameters, so I tried Global Spec, and signed up for its newletter. First issue, and I see the Challenge Question.

Had no idea what CR4 was or even that it existed. Decided to check out the CQ, and that set the hook.

I love the blend of intellectual activity and fun. That's why I suggested on the CR4 Catchphrase thread that CR4 is where brains come to play.

I was searching for a way to use the power of a small stream to create a "pumping" mechanism to water a garden in my yard. I came upon Global Spec and CR4. I found it to be an interesting place to read and discuss topics from many areas. Some I know about most I don't. Basic curiosity keeps me coming back.

FYI The flow of the stream becomes some small that I determined it would be futile to make a system that would run all year. So while I still think about it I have not persued it.