Definitely. We learn by doing.

Good words, seemingly used less & less these days.

"Tried & Tested" more good words.

Theory is important. It tells us what we're aiming at but it remains theory until it's applied and proven to be valid.

Perhaps I should change that statement to we validate or prove the theory by doing.

Edited By Chris Trice on 08/02/2013 10:45:51

Michael – you are being provocative! This is one of those sayings that sound good but, in fact, are meaningless. As an example the builder needs the architect (and the architect needs the builder) If you have any doubts about this watch Grand Designs and see the disasters that are, I suspect, "rescued" by the program makers…… and would you want to fly in an airliner built by skilled craftmen who had no knowledge of the necessary design parameters? Equally would you like to fly in a plane built by an experienced designer with little practical knowledge of construction.

The truth is, as Graham says, the theory backs up the practice and vice versa – both are important for a successful outcome. That both areas are not rewarded equally in industry is another matter.

Back in the workshop thinking (theorising?) about how things might be achieved is an enjoyable part of the process and might well save time ( and a bob or two!). It certainly gives me a kick when, having puzzled over how I might carry out some task it all works out well.

( Don't ask about the times when it doesn't!)

Cheers

Norman

Edited By NJH on 08/02/2013 11:16:08

It's the difference between radio amateurs and CB radio. CBers buy a radio, plug it in, and it works. Radio amateurs can build it themselves, can mend it when it goes wrong and know how it works.

Regards

Geoff

The bumblebee approach to flight.

Jason

I don't think you can cite the case of the Titanic – surely that was the fault of the driver!

Norman

Regarding Amateur radio enthusiasts and CB, its also plug and play for most and has been for at least 25/30 years, very few construct anything at all. It would be difficult to locate radio faults without a lot of electrical/electronic theory and a god understanding of how a raido works and so it is when working out gear ratios, dividing etc. In UK we ridcule theory much to our national disadvantage, just look at the so called third world ,Korea, China,India and how they are educating their children and the product they have invented and produce. Ever bought a mobile phone and have looked where it was made.

In the aeronautical world, undoubtedly true.

Just finished reading two books "The Quick and the Dead" – Bill Waterton's account of high speed flight and as Gloster's Test Pilot and "Winkle" Brown's extraordinary story of his mind-boggling range of aircraft – fixed and fling wing – flown. Waterton had a distinctly jaundiced view of the designers (or their reluctance to heed PRACTICAL advice). Winkle, on the other hand, just leapt aboard and got on with it – and, on occasion, nearly didn't stay intact.

Fascinating reads, if you're into that sort of thing

Rgds

Bill

Hence my" (ruined by accountants)"…..
when all said and done the Titanic took a relatively long time to sink and with more ,or better use of the , life boats many less lives would have been lost..

Btw who knows what part "clockwork" played in the tradedy?……..

hint: not aboard the titanic.

Its true that most radio amateurs buy their equipment these days, and that a modern transceiver is almost impossible to repair in the home workshop, but relatively simple equipment can still be made, especially receivers, which have a good performance without being too complex, and give good entertainment as well. The point is that CBers don't understand what is going on, and radio amateurs do. A CB radio is a 'black box' whereas a home-built radio is understood on every level from component to aerial and how it is used.

Regards

Geoff

Geoff, maybe in the UK, but here I used to dabble in CB 26Mhz in NZ, and there was quirte a bit of actual work done, modifing our sets, I will admit that the equipment has changed some what since the 1970s. Also into SW listening with an Icom R 71E. I'v up graded the filters, and fitted the FM modual to the Icom. My interest in the theory, and practice was/ is with aerials/ antenna. Ian S C