Cycle Simulation of a New Mainframe

Participated in coding a cycle-accurate simulator for a next-generation IBM mainframe using the proprietary language PLS. For IBM Los Gatos, California.

UV Light Calibration Manual

Not a program but a technical guide: authored the calibration manual for a UV lithography system used in disk manufacturing. For IBM San Jose.

Homologous Sequence Matching

Wrote software that matched amino acid sequences obtained from electrophoresis against a database of known proteins and structures. This tool seeded later X-ray crystallography work. For Dr. Arnone’s laboratory, University of Iowa.

Graphic Rendition of Survey Data

Wrote a program that converted river-bottom survey data into computer-generated graphics so engineers could visualize dredging requirements. For the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Computer Repair

Performed maintenance and repair for an installation running a PDP-11 and PDP-8. Included board-level diagnosis and component replacement.

Audio Equipment Repair

Repaired audio equipment for our early startup with Dave Weldon, for Boom Audio, and for a local electronics shop.

Assembly Line Rejects Technician

Worked for Mast Keystone, a company founded by one of the inventors of the Polaroid camera. Part of a two-person team repairing assembly-line rejects of remote-controlled presentation equipment. My first official job — required a signed letter from my parents to take it.

Laser Scattering Measurement Instrument

Built a micro-controller–driven instrument for measuring laser scattering across tissue samples. Included a stepper-driven arc arm to record angle and intensity. For a biochemical engineering lab at UT Austin.

Prototype SCSI Disk Controller

Built a wire-wrap prototype of a SCSI disk controller using a Z80 microprocessor and SSI logic, designed by Don Westbrook. For Bausch & Lomb Interactive Graphics Division.

Wafer Continuity Checker

Designed and prototyped a continuity-testing instrument for disk-head wafers. Produced full IBM-standard documentation and managed production bids. Used SSI electronics and custom pogo-pin fixturing. For IBM San Jose.

Purkinje Cell Signal Amplifier

Constructed a wire-wrap amplifier and signal-conditioning instrument for measuring multiple channels of Purkinje cell activity in beating heart tissue. Delivered a complete rack-mounted system with labeled controls. For Dr. Joyner’s cardiac research laboratory, University of Iowa.

Noise-Isolated Headset With Directional Microphone

Designed and built a custom noise-isolated headset with a boom-mounted directional microphone and impedance-matched audio interface. Sold to Northwest Bank & Trust Company in Davenport, where it was used by customer service staff to maintain clear communication in a high-noise open-office environment.