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I am a skilled and dedicated electronics and software designer with
a lot of experience and a thirst for knowledge. I've been working with
circuits, writing code, playing musical instruments and singing since
I was a small child. Hardware product and electronics design is my
main interest and occupation. This website is an archive, portfolio,
and information resource for others to learn from some of the projects
I have done.
Physically I am based out of Toronto, Canada where I enjoy urban
life, the high tech community, and the local live music scene. I have
a downtown studio and workshop where I design and build audio and
musical equipment. I am also involved in other media and advertising
projects related to digital video, audio and lighting control.
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Skills and Experience
Hardware and Product Design:
- Life-long Passion for Technology: I've been
playing around with electronic circuits and computers since a very
early age. I have a lifelong fascination with technology and how to
implement and use it better. I've been building circuits since I could
read.
- Ham Radio: When I was 13 I got my amateur radio
license so that I could learn more about radio and electronics. I
participated in the local ham radio community and did a lot of
home-brew projects.
- Embedded Systems: I am particularly interested in
embedded systems with microcontrollers and computer interfacing with
the outside world. I have designed many computer-connected devices,
written host-side drivers and control software, etc. I really love
working with tiny embedded devices and making cost-effective,
efficient real-time embedded systems. Recently I began working with
DSPs for audio processing.
- Software Development: I love writing code in many
languages. I've extensively used Java, C, C++, Perl and some
assemblers. I enjoy developing protocols, control systems and audio
processing code. I have used and developed software on many operating
systems including Windows, OS X, Linux and BSD.
- Hardware Product Design: End-to-end product
design is one of my major skills. Seeing a system through from an
initial spark of an idea all the way through production to real use is
something very rewarding. I have experience working with clients to
develop an idea, implement it in hardware, and realize it in
production.
- Circuit and PCB Layout: I have designed large
circuits and PCBs including high-speed video circuits, digital and
audio layouts as well as power amplifiers and power supplies. Audio
and video systems are my major interest.
- 3D CAD and Mechanical Design: From hand-held
systems to large enclosures for big LCD monitors, I have designed
dozens of housings for equipment including both industrial-grade
housings for computers as well as high-end enclosures for use in
retail stores, airports and public transit environments.
Other Areas of Interest:
- Music: I love music, both playing and
listening. I am classically trained in both voice and violin, and also
like to play guitar. I studied opera from 1997 until 2000 at the
University of Western Ontario.
- Audio and Live Production: Audio bridges the gap
between technology and music. During high school and university I
mixed audio for many live shows. I was involved with the London
International Children's Festival in London, Canada from 1991-2003 as
both a technician and (in 2002) as the Technical Director. In 2002 I
also worked as the Assistant Electrical Coordinator for the World
Youth Days 2002 event when the Pope came to Toronto.
- Photography: Although I wouldn't consider myself
a professional photographer, I've enjoyed the art and science of
taking pictures since an early age. I used to develop black and white
films and prints at home, and now quite enjoy digital photography. In
2004 I built a kite camera system and took pictures from high above my
neighbourhood.
Employment:
- Kilpatrick Audio - 2008-Current - In 2008 I founded
Kilpatrick Audio to
develop music and audio electronics. I have a workshop and studio in
downtown Toronto where I design and build my products.
- Onestop Media Group - 2006-2009 - I was brought
on staff at Onestop Media Group to establish the Hardware Development
Department responsible for R&D of new products, production of
finished designs, and on-going servicing of systems in the
field. Initial work involved designing a lab space, specifying and
purchasing tools and test equipment, and developing the procedures and
best-practice rules for the department. As of 2010 I am still involved
with Onestop as a consultant working on new designs.
- Invisible Rival - 2001-2006 - As a co-founder and
technology specialist I worked at Invisible Rival developing lighting
control products as well as doing electronics design and consulting
for other clients. Some major projects included developing the Gherkin
and Blue Hysteria lighting controllers, as well as doing consulting
for other clients on various digital media and lighting projects.
- Freelance Programmer - 1999-2001 - As a freelance
programmer I worked on many projects including web applications, large
websites and some database tools.
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