Electrical Testing in the field

[Foxxinator]

Hi all,

Before you read anymore I'd like to just say I'm currently a student doing computer science at Aberystwyth. What I want to do for my final year project is develop some software for laptops that you can use when doing your electrical testing so that it can send off templates straight away and mean you don't have to write everything down onto paper and copy it across later.


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I know the rules of this forum are saying I must not be here for commercial purposes - I am not, I am here for educational purposes only.

If people are happy to help me out with talking to me about how you personally go about electrical testing, how you capture the data etc. Please let me know, I'm looking for a few volunteers to say how you do it currently.

I'd also like some input from people on this forum about what issues you have with electrical testing. What doesn't work for you? What's annoying? What could save time etc. I'm well aware that there are software packages out there already such as EasyCert - Does anyone currently use this? If you do and have problems with it or improvements I would be very interested in hearing back from you.

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If you're interested in me contacting you, please leave a message here and I'll get back to you. I am located in Hampshire/Berkshire during the summer holidays but in Wales (Ceredigion) during term time, so it may have to be via phone/email conversation. When I have developed the software to do what I want, I would be willing to give it to the volunteers for free - no charge or catch with this. The only thing I would ask for back is some feedback so you could become my 'user testers' for my final year project.


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If anyone has any objections or questions don't hesitate to post a reply.

Many thanks for your time all

James




Note - Would it be possible to put down an email address or company name/contact info for you so when I write it up in my project it looks professional.

 

[oldtimer]

You need to be able to save to PDF because in my case most of the work I do I email invoices and PAT records so it has to be PDF because anybody can open/use/print it plus you cannot tamper with it and it does not carry any viruses

 

[Foxxinator]

Thanks for the input - especially about the database with reminders. That makes a lot of sense and could be something I'll look to implement. Obviously it wouldn't make you use it - it would be entirely optional.

I would definitely have a PDF version of the template - but considering having a doc too - that way you can go in and manually edit it should there be any hiccups.

 

[oldtimer]

Having a laptop on site sounds good but a lot of guys work on their own so software like this would be targeted at companies who send 2 guys in to a job hence why the sole trader will go and write down the details then do the docs later.

I forgot to add that dont get involved with the scheme providers or Schemies as I call them because they will want a cut of anything you make if you want them to endorse your product. Best thing to do is get generic copies of the certification shape your software then tweak it then sell it a a cost effective price that suits you and the user. Remember times are hard just now and guys are getting hit with a lot of costs ie changed to the regs C&G certification plus Schemie fees

 

[Foxxinator]

Having a laptop on site sounds good but a lot of guys work on their own so software like this would be targeted at companies who send 2 guys in to a job hence why the sole trader will go and write down the details then do the docs later

Is there nothing that could be done so the sole trader could use it on their own? I understand that 2 people testing can have one inputting results while the other reads them out - but a sole trader could have a laptop down instead of writing on paper?

 

[topquark]

One of the issues working on your own on site is things go for a "walk" (most noteably tools, but a laptop would be equally interesting fodder for a thief). Security would then dictate that you now carry your MFT (multi function tester) and the laptop around with you (a netbook would be slightly easier). Also some of the environments we work in can also be quite a dirty/dusty environment for a laptop. Hence my interest in a communications interface to the laptop.

 

[oldtimer]

Is there nothing that could be done so the sole trader could use it on their own? I understand that 2 people testing can have one inputting results while the other reads them out - but a sole trader could have a laptop down instead of writing on paper?

Not really as I said I developed a quick check sheet where you get a clip board and fill in the boxes why because I left a couple of jobs where I had to go back as I missed something out so I needed a way of recording all the data plus to optimise my time on the job plus if I had a pound for every time I dropped the clipboard I could buy a laptop but then there would be more risk of me dropping or damaging the laptop so hence why I dont want to lug one around with me .

Just another point to add I have been working with PCs for the past 26 years and I am still amazed that people who use technology just fail to back up their info I have a laptop and PC but I always back up to a memory stick every 2 weeks plus a couple of guys have come on to the forum to say that their laptop or pda has been stolen or is damaged and they have lost all of their info. So I think this has got a lot do do why people have paper copies as for me I have a foot in both camps so if the laptop dies on me one day I have my memory stick

 

[Foxxinator]

You make a fair point there. I appreciate your responses I really do.

As for the backing up of data - maybe there is a possibility of backing up all the data to a remote location that can be retrieved at a later date should it be needed. Even if it's sending an email to yourself to have copies there - or storing on something like dropbox.

The backing up concept is something I think is a good thing to look at though.

 

[sparks1973]

well i dont use any of this fancy software....i aint much good on PCs anyway.....

 

[Dean Williams]

we use Ametch software. the most annoying thing is that u can't turn an nic cert into a pdf, last year i spent an eternity scanning a printed document, it was for a theatre with over 100 DBs.

 

[Foxxinator]

What do you mean exactly?

Would it be better to have an NIC template that works properly - but also a non NIC version? I know you're meant to have done some tests/qualifications to be NIC EIC approved.

Is the problem there that the NIC template isn't supported correctly?

 

[oldtimer]

There is a generic form and there is company specific or in other words tweaked so they hold the copyright you really have walked into a bit of a mire here as the scheme providers like to think they are protecting their members and the industry but in my view are protecting their income so best thing to do is generate your own and allow the user to put in their scheme membership logo

 

[Foxxinator]

I was thinking of creating a generic form - that can be tweaked for your own personal needs. So putting on a logo/signature is essential.

There would be a non NIC EIC electrician form, but also an NIC one.

 

[JS_Electric]

You should take help of your seniors and teachers.

 

[topquark]

we use Ametch software. the most annoying thing is that u can't turn an nic cert into a pdf, last year i spent an eternity scanning a printed document, it was for a theatre with over 100 DBs.

Just install a printer driver that outputs PDF format. I use something called PDFCreator to do it.

 

[Foxxinator]

A pdf file is something that would definitely need to be created.