Hello Hamilton Tech,

Do you have the “red ring of death” on your Xbox 360 console? No worries! Javon and Jeremy in the Innovative Design Lab (IDL) can help. These systems tend to draw a lot of current and, over time, slowly start to run hotter. Fixing this problem can cost over $100 from Microsoft if your system isn’t covered under warranty. After a bit of research, using Google and Youtube, we found these problems can easily be cured for about $5 and a bit of your time. Most of these fixes aren’t complete and assume you are a mod master or a technical genius. This is where the IDL comes into play.

Bring your consoles in and let us help you. We aren’t going to fix them for you, but we will walk you through, step by step. This is a great way to get some experience and impress your friends. You also may be able to pick up some extra cash on the side for repairs you do on your own. Remember though, no fix is guaranteed. If you can’t make it to the lab, make sure you check out the Hamilton Tech website, www.hamiltontechcollege.edu, as Jeremy and I will be posting links to these repair websites in time.

Also coming from the IDL:

• Xbox, PS3 controller mods
• Design contest (more details soon)
• Programmable robots

Be sure to check out the LEAK or www.hamiltontechcollege.edu for updates on these and other projects.

We just put the finishing touches on two new TV commercials today. John has set them up so you can get a preview. We are excited about showcasing our MAP mentoring program and our new Innovative Design Lab. You will also see them around campus on the big new flat panel screens. We also want to thank Brad Ruggles at KLJB TV here in Davenport for his patience in putting our ideas on screen. Take a look and let us know what you think. We’ve also got a new look coming for this blog…stay tuned, thanks to the Nerds at Nerdwerx!

Innovative Design Lab Commercial

YouTube Direct Link

Mentoring, Application, Preparation (MAP) Program Commercial

YouTube Direct Link

Staff and Student,

Hello everyone, my name is Javon.  I’m sure you have seen me around in the lab creating some useless but cool circuits.  I have recently completed the electronics program at the Associates level, and am honored to join the faculty as your new lab assistant.  electronics is something I have always had a passion for.  I remember upgrading the memory in my computer for the first time.  I was in the 5th grade and had no idea what I was doing.  To someone who knows nothing about computers this job can be very confusing and make you nervous.  I got through it with no problems and fell in love.  I built my first desktop PC shortly after that.  I came to Hamilton not looking for a new trade, but for a certificate that justified my knowledge of computers.  I was blown away by how wrong I was, and how much more I achieved.  The information I learned from the instructors made me so much more knowledgeable than I ever imagined.  I understand the concern of the students when I am asked questions like, “When does this stuff start to make sense?”  “was it confusing to you?” “Is Digital  the hardest semester?” and “Will I make it through?”  The answer is YES!  I was just like you and I asked the exact same questions.  To your surprise you’ll find Digital to be the easiest class and the one that pulls all of the prior semesters together.  I found myself in lab 3 hours after class tinkering around on the trainers with the new material that was given to me.  Attendance is critical in the Digital semester, as well as all of the other semesters leading up to this point.  One day missed can mean the difference between the 4.0 you want and the 2.0 you get.  Keep in mind this is such a short time to dedicate yourself for the lifetime reward you receive.  Class shouldn’t end at dismissal; it should be an introduction to our day.  Don’t wait to catch up on your education, let your education catch up to you.  As you move on through this holiday season think about these things and let it soak in.  I hope that you all  have New Years Resolutions pertaining to getting to class every day, on time, and doing the best you can do with no excuses.  I’m dedicated to making sure all of you have the same opportunities I did as a student, and will offer limitless help in and out of the classroom to make sure you succeed.  Remember I have been where you are now.  I was in the front row every day every class.  Success is around the corner and you have already taken the first step.  It’s a pleasure working with you all every day.  Continue to make those electrons flow.