Classes

[Doc B.]

We have been talking about classes this week. I'd like to get started with one and see how it goes. From there I would like to schedule several per year.

Here are a couple of initial choices for your consideration -

A one day, eight-hour-with-break class in which the students build a Crack kit. The emphasis would be on construction skills like hand wiring, soldering and testing. It would not cover schematics or circuit design, as that is far too much to cover in a single day. The class would be limited to around 6 students and the price for the class would be $379, including the Crack kit. All tools would be provided.

A similar idea, but a half day class in which the Quickie is built. Price would be $150 including the Quickie kit, and

A basic tube electronics class in which schematic reading, how basic tube circuits work, impedance matching and other introductory subjects are covered. I'm thinking maybe three hours for this one, with a limit of 12 students and a price of $35. I suppose we could do this the first half of a Saturday from 9-12 and maybe the Quickie build class the second half from 1-4 so one could do both classes if they wished to spend the day here.

I would like to do the first class in October. How about we shoot for one of these two ideas on Saturday, October 27th?

[fullheadofnothing]

I'm definitely down for the electronics class. I'll bring slightly less beer than to a standard meetup...

[Armaegis]

What a fantastic idea. I hope you guys get a great turnout.

[Ivan Stolze]

I'd be up for either class, but the Burning Amp Festival in the San Francisco Bay Area (where I live) is on October 28th, and I'd hate to have to rush up and then come right back. Much rather hang out and enjoy Seattle for another day. Is another date possible?

[Doc B.]

Sure, but understand that when one organizes something like this, you find out that every date is a bad one for somebody. So we would need to shake out a date that everyone could agree upon pretty quickly. Forget the 12-14th. That is RMAF and ten people will complain - even if they weren't planning on taking the class ;^)

[jrihs]

A basic tube electronics class I would do in a heartbeat. Online perhaps? Skype (my kids do violin classes on skype)?

[sl-15]

i would be very interested in the electronics/tube basic class but am not sure if it would be worth for me to come up all the way for 3 hours. i like the skype idea quite a bit if that would be a possibility.

[debk]

I'd like to take a class in tube electronics or amplifier design, but I live on the opposite coast from Bottlehead.

It would be quite a schlep to get out there, I too like the skype idea

Deb

[grufti]

Burning Amp matters to many diy builders in CA.

It is possible that there isn't much overlap with the audience for your class. If that's the case, the class may well fill up anyway.

[Ebdain]

I'm hoping you do more of these in the future as I would love to attend one or both.  Personally, I don't have the time or money to make the trip out this year.

Might I make a suggestion?  Announce classes 3-5 months out so that those of us that would have to fly can get cheaper flights?

[dbishopbliss]

I'd jump on the skype bandwagon as well.  While perhaps an even bigger commitment than you were originally thinking, I would love to have multi-week class that might even have homework.  I have designed my own amp and pre-amp, but I still am not confident beyond the most simple of circuits.

[brianf7408]

I would commit if doing some type of online class like Skype.  Sounds like fun.

[Doc B.]

OK, I will keep the Skype idea in mind for the basic electronics class. What I was really wanting to focus on is building skills, as that is our forte. The only way to do that effectively is hands-on. I do plan to announce classes with a longer lead time in the future. We have been in this space for two years now and I feel we really haven't taken full advantage of it. So I would like to get started on using it more effectively ASAP. The idea is that we have the space and we can do these classes monthly or every other month or quarterly or however often people might want to do one.

Now that we have discussed the other things you guys want, is anyone interested in learning how to do proper construction techniques? This is after all the core of the whole DIY thing. A day in a class here would give you skills that could last a lifetime. The first class we gave back in 1997 was team taught by myself, John Tucker and John "Buddha" Camille. Even I learned a ton in that one. That and the other classes I have done in the past were really fun. Hopefully some Bottlehead class alums will chime in.

[sl-15]

proper construction technique as in circuit design, building amps etc. ? what knowledge level would be recommended for such a class? would a novice be lost or is there something to take away for everyone?

[Doc B.]

Proper construction technique as in how to properly dress wiring for low noise, how to securely attach wiring connections, and the number one issue we always see, how to achieve a reliable and structurally sound solder joint.  Naturally in a class like this there are a lot of other little tricks and techniques to learn about wire stripping, proper torque for mounting parts, reworking and installing upgrades and mods, application of finishes, etc. Crack or Quickie would be ideal platforms to demonstrate those techniques.

These are things that one can teach and learn in a set time period to anyone, novice or advanced builder (yeah, I think I can even teach you old dogs some new tricks). As for a comprehensive "Learning to design amps" class that people so often ask for - I've been taking that class for about 21 years. I'll let you know when I think I have passed the course. We could probably cover some more focused aspects of such a design.