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Old 07-31-2012, 12:03 PM
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Default How to tell if you're an engineer

If you're like most people, you probably wonder from time to time "Am I an engineer?" You think "I know a lot about computers, I spend almost all of my time indoors, and I had exactly one girlfriend in high school and college (that chubby chick from the D&D club doesn't count, sorry)." Well, I must admit you make a good case. However, you could just be a geek - not an engineer. It can be difficult to tell the two apart, I grant you.

To find out if you are an engineer or just a regular run-of-the-mill geek, all you have to do is answer one simple question:

What do you think is the appropriate solution to the following problem?

You drink espresso. You buy an espresso machine and realize that you need to time how long it takes to pull a double shot. 25-30s means you did it correctly; too fast or too slow and the shot doesn't taste right and needs to be redone. How do you time the shot?

Solution 1
Steps: 2
Cost: $5
Implementation time: 10 minutes

Implementation:
- Order $5 magnetic egg timer from Amazon
- Stick to front of espresso machine

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Use:
- Press start button on the timer the same time you start shot button, press stop timer when done.
- Go back to your WoW game session.

Solution 2
Steps: 20+
Cost: $110
Implementation time: 2 weeks

Implementation:

- Research parts.
- Read datasheets.
- Regret falling asleep in analog circuit design.
- Design circuit.

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- Order parts
- Prototype
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- Write assembly code
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- Test.
- Rewrite code.
- Test some more.
- Build actual circuit
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- Design mechanical encasement
- Order parts
- Build encasement
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- Modify espresso machine electrically and mechanically for new timer
- Void the shit out of the warranty
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- Reassemble espresso machine
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To use:
- Press start shot button. Timer starts automatically, stops when the machine is done.
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  #2  
Old 07-31-2012, 12:07 PM
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DD is going to be so jealous
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  #3  
Old 07-31-2012, 12:09 PM
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But how long does it take to swap brake pads?
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Old 07-31-2012, 12:12 PM
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Quote:
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DD is going to be so jealous
No he isn't . I'll put in Porsche terms:

- I bought a regular GT3 and converted it to use centerlock rims.
- DD bought a GT3RS
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Old 07-31-2012, 12:51 PM
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Nice work JB.
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Old 07-31-2012, 01:01 PM
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Have you posted this on the espresso forums or will you start one for area drinkers?
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Old 07-31-2012, 01:02 PM
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You're a hack. A real engineer would ensure that the user (especially an engineer user) couldn't ruin the shot at all!

Kidding, of course. You are nucking futs!
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Old 07-31-2012, 01:06 PM
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I'm disappointed you didn't change the "S1" on the machine to "SC".
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Old 07-31-2012, 01:19 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HoodPin View Post
I'm disappointed you didn't change the "S1" on the machine to "SC".
"SC"? Are you kidding? I need that thing to start up properly every morning.
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Old 07-31-2012, 01:21 PM
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You steal a PS?
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