Today we continued learning how to run the T.V. studio.
I was actually feeling like I had started to make good progress. I learned the difference between a video distribution amplifier and an audio distribution amplifier, I connected the General to a live feed from Washington, D.C., and I have even been up on the roof and got up close and personal with our satellite dish.
And then Sgt Buenavista dropped the bomb. He told me that today was the day we looked at schematics. You know, so i could actually understand WHY or HOW things were working and fix them instead of just memorizing step by step processes to get things done.
These are some of the schematics. They tell you how to troubleshoot a problem by illustrating the flow between all the inputs and outputs...in this particular image, for just the audio in the studio. (I encourage you to click on the image and really get a feel for this page.) Just the audio.
So why is this post about nature vs. nurture? This is a true ultimate fighting challenge. Have you met my dad? He tried to fix a shelf for my mom in a kitchen cupboard, and in the process ripped off the cupboard door instead.
I called Abram when we bought a new TV this summer and asked him to help me figure out the directions and "make it work." I believe we were dealing with about 1 "input" and 1 "output."
I'll tell you what this means to me. If I succeed... If I in fact beat genetics... I am never, ever going to have to ask anyone how to fix a dvd player or, I don't know, how to build a space station again.
Deep breaths and remember that those things are never as complicated as they look. Remember the point of the diagram is to simplify the information. So embrace the fact that they look ridiculously intimidating, and in the end you may find out that all you really need to do to use them is follow one line. You can trace it with your finger if you want! They even have nice arrow heads to show you which direction to move your finger.
ReplyDeleteIt will start to make sense eventually, I promise.
I'm rooting for you my dear! This would certainly elevate your "geek" status to well above anyone else that I know! And it's true, once you get the hang of flow and resistors and such, it will actually start to seem logical and make sense! :)
ReplyDelete...this ought to be good.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to my world.
ReplyDeleteBecause I read schematics all the time, my mind will help me visualize the electrons flowing down the wires. I see voltages go up and down and the current that drives it. I've worked really hard at that. But, I'd suggest not doing any of that. It's just information running through terminals. Some information ends up for your eyes (video channels) and some information ends up for your ears (audio channels). Both of these channels need the power supply to give them life. (batteries for flashlights.) On schematics, you should see information usually enters on the left, and goes out on the right. Power enters from the top and is grounded on the bottom. There are exceptions, but we try and draw it that way to be more readable.
I wish I could be there to help out. I agree with the comments of not letting it overwhelm you. It sounds like you are learning tons. I would tell yourself you can and not worry that working in tight spaces and being a big guy caused your dad to pull the cupboard off the wall. -THAT! could happen to anyone.