Electronic Technology
Electrical and electronic equipment is one of the hallmarks of our high technology society. Electrical and electronic equipment technicians install, maintain, and repair this equipment. Many of them deal with highly complex telecommunications and computer equipment that is routinely used in factories, business offices, hospitals, schools, stores, ticket offices, and private homes.
Commercial and industrial electronic equipment technicians, also called electromechanical technicians, install and repair electronic equipment used in industrial automated equipment controls, missile control systems, radar systems, X-ray equipment, transmitters, and antennae. Commercial and industrial electronic technicians install the electronic components of new equipment. Duties vary by industry setting.
Regardless of the type of equipment, technicians must coordinate their efforts with workers installing mechanical or electromechanical components. Using testing equipment, the technician insures that everything is functioning properly before the user takes charge of the equipment.
When locating the cause of electronic failures, technicians use several kinds of tools including voltmeters, ohmmeters, signal generators, ammeters, and oscilloscopes. They run special diagnostic programs that help pinpoint certain malfunctions. To make repairs, they may replace defective components or wiring or adjust and calibrate equipment.
Preventive maintenance is another responsibility of electronic technicians. Equipment is checked, cleaned, and repaired periodically to detect and prevent defects. Records are usually kept to show the date and condition of the equipment services, and to indicate when it is due to be reserviced. Technicians also have to maintain records of repairs, calibration, and tests.
Starting salaries of most Electronic graduates range between $18,000 and $29,000 per year, depending upon job location and individual competence.
Businesses and other organizations depend on complex electronic equipment for a variety of functions. All of this electronic equipment must be installed and maintained. Some areas where electronic technicians could expect to be assigned are listed below.
- Factories using electronic controls to automatically monitor production processes.
- Transmitters and antennae for communication links (cable equipment, communication towers, wireless phones, etc.)
- Radar and missile control systems used by the Federal Government
- Personal computers-upgrades and repairs
- Automated Teller Machines and other banking equipment
- Biomedical equipment calibration (x-ray, MRI, cat scan and other medical equipment, etc.)
- Office equipment (computer, copy machine, etc.)