Anyone have any suggestions or hints for me before I go to Waukegan for training. What should I take, such as paper, pencils, etc.. What sould I expect? Is this a tough course if do not have any experience in electronics? Should I just miss my flight and tell everyone I had a great time? Ha Ha

Is this the Level II course? If so, don't fret too much about it. Just go ready to learn, because learn you will. They supply colored felt pens (at least they did when I was there), and you should use them to follow the circuits as this will definitely help you when you look at them again later. Our instructor also gave us excellent notes to follow. You might want to bring a notebook for lecture notes, notes on how you troubleshoot problems, etc.

I don't have any formal electronics training either. I learned everything on the job, rebuilding old English sports cars, etc. Having said that, don't be worried. It will only help you do your job better (and sometimes even make it easier). Have fun while you're there and get to know other techs from other areas of NA. I had a blast, learned a ton of stuff, met great people, and walked away with greater confidence in my abilities.

You'll need to bring your beer appetite.

Newby, Actually this is only hte level I class. I am new to this whole thing. The biomed tech we had at our facility found a better job and our directors thought it would be a good idea for me to come off the floor and train to do this part of the job. I am a little unsure of my capabilities right now but i hope to learn much from this class and from the level II class sometime in late 07 or early 08. I have alot of resources to use and i plan to use them. Thank for the advice.

Hey that's okay. The Level I goes over the hydraulics and some troubleshooting/pm stuff. Not much in terms of electronics - that's Level II. Still a great opportunity to meet other techs, learn, etc. All the best.

Hunter,

You'll have a great time and you will learn a lot. Dave is a good teacher (but rather quiet). I just completed the level II in October 06 and had the same concerns but it all turned out fine. I learned a lot and have already had the pleasure of using my new found skills on two machines. Good luck! oh by the way, the test is open-book.

Tom

Hi Newby,

Do not worry about the course. He goes through everything and gives out a workbook/study guide which he teaches straight from. A notebook for taking notes or use the hi-lighting pens provided to highlight the areas of study with the provided workbook. 2 self-graded quizzes & then the final on Friday. Just took the course 3 weeks ago. My machine experience is very limited have worked many years as a CHT and performed water disinfects/ cultures etc. However, machines up until a few months ago were real new to me. If you have a back up or others nearby to help you with questions after the class that will be great.

I walked away with more confidence in what I am doing and have used the knowledge all ready to repair/ calibrate/ verify readings on the K's. He did go into some electronics, but minimal. More situated toward the hyrdraulics.

Waukegan is about 50 miles North of Chicago. The ride / shuttle from the airport would have cost ~$50. There is a METRA (commuter rail) that goes to Chicago and the Marriott shuttle can take you to it. It is about 5 miles from the hotel. From downtown (Grand Station) you can catch the BLue/REd/Brown/Green subway lines. The BLue line to the airport (Ohare)that rail ride and Blue Line ride might cost you $10 total. I did mention the Metra and it took with all the stops along the way about an hour to get into Chicago.

You will meet others just like us. New to the machine with all sorts of questions to ask. I realized after all that we were all there to learn. A Walmart is right across the street from the hotel. Breakfast at the hotel is nice. Was included in the room charge. THey fed you at class. Not much in Waukegan.

Hope this helps! You will do fine.

Tom?
Tom from Fergus?

Yes, this is Tom from Fergus. Hows it going Julian? I can't remember where your from but somewhere Canada would be good guess. Good to here from you.

Tom, how are you?

Remember the alien joke? Haven't talked to Bob since I've been back.

I'm in Vancouver, but this week I'm installing machines up in the north (Mile Zero on the Alaska Highway - a good indication of how far north). -40 this morning, -50 with wind chill.

It was a great bunch of people we had at level II. Hope all is well with you.

Julian,

I'm doing great and yes I do remember the alian joke, lol. It would be great to keep in touch with you but I'm sure they don't want us using this as a personal chat room. Shoot me an e-mail at Clinic2136@fmc-na.com. This is our clinic e-mail but I'm the one who monitors it. Again, its great to hear from you. I wish that I would have gotten everyones e-mail. What a great bunch of people. Take care and hope to hear from you soon.

Dave is an excellent teacher. If you have any questions or are unclear about anything he is more than happy to give you any answers he can. I have even called him once or twice for info the help desk techs can't answer. Also, if you are going during warmer weather months he has a sweet bike. Look for it outside.