Introduction

I had been planning for some time to take up my computer hobby again, now that I have retired. I wanted to do this in the form of a so-called Homelab, in which various aspects of computers, networks, micro controllers, programming, automation and communication come together.

History

During my career of almost 40 years, I have become acquainted with and worked with automation and networks in various ways. Even before that, I was already involved with computers as a hobby, like the Elektor Junior self-built computer with a 6502 CPU and one with a 68000 CPU from RB Electronica Computers.

My first real PC was an IBM compatible with an 8086, two 5.25 inch floppy drives and a 13 inch green monitor. I don't remember the CPU speed, but that was still written with MHz. I learned a lot from that, which I was later able to apply in my work. Of course, a lot has changed since then and along the way I have also acquired the necessary knowledge of microchips.

I also took my first steps in the field of communication with it, first with the HCC Fidonet, later dialing in to BBS-es and eventually on the then fledgling WWW, what we now call the Internet. It taught me a lot about serial connections and modems, among other things.

My first experience in networking came with the introduction of the Apple Macintosh, affectionately known as the "doghouse", which used the AppleTalk network to connect various PCs to a printer. Bridges were added later, so that it could be linked to the company network, which was then still coaxial cable (10BASE2).

Other areas

Electronics

My early experience came with the Philips EE Electronica construction kits, later on a breadboard and finally etched PCBs yourself, with your own design or from a magazine. And of course I also build the necessary construction kits, that were available in the shops and magazines.

My education was focused on electronics (MBO) and I have also followed the necessary paths and gained experience in that area. Analog and digital techniques, measuring and control technology, I have mastered it all more or less, as far as I was able to do so during the training and have done a lot of tinkering with it.

Model railroading

And if I had any time left in between, I spent a lot of time working on model trains, where my knowledge of electronics naturally came in handy. I have build many more or less successful layouts, although the ambition was often greater than the stamina or available finances.

I am a member of a Dutch model railway association (see Assendorpspoor.nl). Digital technology has also made its appearance in this hobby in the form of digital train controls, microprocessors, servos, lighting and sound effects.