Shows
ptguru's podcastEstablishing Traceability in Unusual SituationsSometimes we have a measurement that is not as simple as we wish it were. In today's PodCast, we discuss this conundrum and some ways to tackle the problem.
2018-12-1419 minptguru's podcastAmazonTesting and calibration are alive and well in our Amazon fueled retail world of today. Want to sell a product on Amazon, find out about what they are going to require before you do.
2018-12-1013 minptguru's podcastWhy am I Cold?With the holiday season upon us, it seemed like the perfect time of year to answer the question, why am I cold? You have the thermostat set at 68 or 70ºF and yet you are freezing. Here's a hint, it has to do with the energy in the air, which has more to do with it than just temperature.
2018-11-2913 minptguru's podcastLet's Talk TurkeyTurkey, in a calibration PodCast? Yep, it is that time of year and time to share a little measurement science about the big ol' bird we all love to feast on.
2018-11-2613 minptguru's podcastPID TuningHad a fun little PID tuning event this week, so I figured I'd share my experience with everyone.
2018-11-1515 minptguru's podcastIR & EmissivityIR temperature guns are being used everywhere today, and for a good reason. They are inexpensive and eliminate errors associated with measuring surfaces. Unfortunately, they also introduce errors that need to be understood by the end user to ensure quality measurements.
2018-11-0212 minptguru's podcastConstantsThe field of metrology, like all scientific fields, is loaded with constants. These are important to be aware of, and it is also to be aware that constants aren't always, so, well, constant.
2018-10-2915 minptguru's podcastCalibration JobsCalibration jobs are out there everywhere. The problem is that we don't have near enough folks to fill the positions that are available. If you're interested in all of the things we talk about and your not a technician, this just might be the podcast for you!!
2018-10-2410 min
ptguru's podcastDeceptive StatisticsMath is pure and beautiful. Statistics is a branch of math that can be a little fuzzy but are completely necessary to understand measurement concepts. The study of statistics is a core competency of measurement science, and nothing irks me then why the fine folks out there in journalism get a hold of numbers and find ways to try to make sure you don't sleep at night.
2018-10-1610 minptguru's podcastThe Impact of ISO 17025:2017 on CustomersWith the transition to the ISO calibration standard 17025 moving to its newest revision, how will customers of calibration services be impacted?
2018-10-0515 min
ptguru's podcastOn the CheapSometimes we don't have the budget to buy the newest calibration toy for a given situation and we need to improvise. I want you to get creative when the need arises, and today I give you a couple of suggestions about how to do exactly that.
2018-10-0416 minptguru's podcastMeter or MiterI know this one might sound crazy, but why do we pronounce the "meter" in the word thermometer differently than we do in the word multimeter? Well, it's all about the "O."
2018-09-1103 minptguru's podcastTemperature SignalsRecently, I purchased some RTDs for a project only to receive them in bags marked thermocouples. So many people use the term thermocouple when they mean temperature probe, and this can lead to a lot of confusion for us control type folks.
2018-09-0523 minptguru's podcastCalibration in the WorkplaceEverywhere I turn I see more and more calibration happening. It's a function of our modern world of outsourcing and suppliers and it is not going away. In fact, it just seems to be growing at an exponential pace. How did it evolve this way, and why?
2018-09-0313 minptguru's podcastTesting is EverywhereOn a recent trip to Alexandria, VA is really managed to have my eyes opened to the amazing amount of testing that happens out there in ISO 17025 world. I've always thought of the standard as one that revolves around calibration, but there is so much more.
2018-08-3107 min
ptguru's podcastMiles to EWe all know that miles to "E" thingy on our dashboard lies to us, but by how much. Today, I share my experience with an experiment I did a while back on this topic.
2018-08-2805 minptguru's podcastProcess ImprovementProcess improvement is super critical, but are you losing the forest because you are focused on the trees? This is where risk management really comes into play. Assessing risk is a key part of process improvement, and together they work as a synergistic pair to make amazing things happen.
2018-08-2313 min
ptguru's podcastWho Accredits the Accreditors?Accreditation bodies need a standard to work within too. That standard is ISO 17011, and guess what it has been recently revised like so many of the other 170xx standards that we handle these days. What's new? Listen and find out more.
2018-08-1718 min
ptguru's podcastThe Metrology of TimeEvery wonder why we measure time like we do? How did clocks develop? Why are there 12, 60 minute hours?
2018-08-1514 min
ptguru's podcastAccreditation is EducationWant the best possible education is what is really required for your field, get accredited. When you call in the experts to look over what you do and ask them to give you that certificate that says they have confidence that you know what you are doing, you are going to go through a process that raises your game to a whole new level.
2018-08-1011 minptguru's podcastDecision MatrixQuality Toolkit Thursday, how about a great way to prioritize your plans, try on a decision matrix for size.
2018-08-0914 min
ptguru's podcastKitchen Metrology III - ThermometersI've told you to calibrate your kitchen thermometer more than once, today I tell you how. Join me for a quick method to provide yourself with the peace of mind that your kitchen thermometer is reading properly.
2018-08-0715 minptguru's podcastRisk Tolerance and Risk Management Good decision making in the world of quality revolves around understanding risk tolerance because, without it, risk management is meaningless.
2018-08-0415 min
ptguru's podcastCalibration StrategiesLiving on the operations side of calibration is a daunting task. One part tactician and two parts scheduling ninja are entry requirements. Today, I share a few tips to help you with your process flow.
2018-08-0316 min
ptguru's podcastGage R&RSometimes Gage R&R can be a bit of a mystery to some folks. What is it? What is it all about? For this Quality Toolkit Thursday, we take a look at the importance of repeatability and reproducibility to any measurement system.
2018-08-0213 min
ptguru's podcastDo Your Need Accreditation?Sometimes something like accreditation sounds like a good idea on the surface, but the truth is you want it for the wrong reasons. If you want to be an accredited laboratory, you should make sure you are doing it for the right reasons.
2018-07-3014 minptguru's podcastCertified Quality InspectorI've had some questions from folks after they've seen the CCT (Certified Calibration Technician) video about a certification they don't have to wait as long to get. Well, look no further than the CQI, or Certified Quality Inspector program. This will get you an ASQ certification after only two years experience and is a great stepping stone to understanding what it takes to get certified, and eventually become a CCT.
2018-07-2836 minptguru's podcastPutting the Pieces TogetherCalibration is not a rotisserie chicken, unfortunately, you can just set it and forget it. There are a number of pieces to the puzzle and they all need to fit together for the system to work the way it was intended.
2018-07-2713 min
ptguru's podcastAnemometersMeasuring wind speed is a challenge at best. Measuring it accurately is an absolute feat. When the measurement itself is a disturbance to the system, things get tricky.
2018-07-2511 min
ptguru's podcastCalibration SoftwareBet you've been looking for that turn-key, all-in-one, calibration software package. Guess what you're not likely to find it unless you have a pretty narrow scope of activities. There are a large number of calibration software packages out there, serving various needs. Today we talk about some of those.
2018-07-2316 min
ptguru's podcastCalibration is a Risk Management StrategyWith the transition to ISO 9001:2015 and all of the other standards that surround it, it seemed like a good time to remind everyone that calibration is an ideal example of risk management.
2018-07-2115 min
ptguru's podcastMalcolm BaldrigeThe single most prestigious award you can obtain for quality in the US is the Malcolm Baldrige. What exactly goes into this award and what is the framework to even attempt to participate?
2018-07-1917 min
ptguru's podcastTesting vs CalibrationI've received a number of questions lately about what I mean when I say testing as it relates to calibration and ISO 17025. This is a great question and I thought today was a perfect day to elaborate on the subject.
2018-07-1912 min
ptguru's podcastRadar GunsThe metrology of cops and robbers is as old as time. How does a simple little device that emits a harmless radio wave strike fear in the hearts of grown men? It's called the Doppler effect, even if you don't know it by name, I promise you, you've seen it in action.
2018-07-1811 min
ptguru's podcastMetrology of ComfortWhy is it cold inside in the winter and hot inside in the summer when we have the thermostat set for the same temperature? The answer is humidity, but not like you probably think.
2018-07-1713 min
ptguru's podcastCalibration Certificate RequirementsI've fielded a number of questions lately about what is actually supposed to be on a calibration certificate. Unfortunately, there is no absolutely clear answer to this question. However, we can have a look at the ISO standard for calibration, and see what it calls the minimum requirement for calibration certificates.
2018-07-1618 min
ptguru's podcastLifelong LearnerI've been in love with learning since I was a child, and think you should be too. Learning is the key to growth professionally and personally. In this weekend edition of the podcast I talk about just how important learning is for everyone.
2018-07-1510 min
ptguru's podcastNo AbsolutesIn the world of measurement, things aren't as black and white as you probably think they are. Every measurement is surrounded by a grey area. So what happens when that grey area overlaps a specification or tolerance?
2018-07-1313 min
ptguru's podcastBrainstormingOne of the key parts of any improvement process is coming up with ideas to make things better. Brainstorming is a major part of the process, but have you ever really put any thought into going about it. Most people have a tendency to let their filters take over and block what could be some of the best ideas they have.
2018-07-1213 min
ptguru's podcastCalibration AdjustmentsI can't stress the fact that calibration and adjustment are two completely different things. Calibration itself is about establishing metrological traceability. Today, we talk about what the two terms actually mean.
2018-07-1114 min
ptguru's podcastKitchen Metrology 2 - Volume MeasurementsSpoons into cups, what kind of spoon? How many little spoons in a big spoon? We dive into some measurements in the kitchen once again and look at where all these crazy things come from and why they are the way they are.
2018-07-1012 min
ptguru's podcastSI UnitsWhy do we use all of these different words to represent multipliers for units? Why not just use the base unit with a few extra zeros? Because we would need a lot more than a few extra zeros.
2018-07-0912 min
ptguru's podcastCalibration HistoryWhere does calibration even come from? You'd likely be amazed to think back to a time when measurements weren't standardized. The length of a foot in your village might be different than a foot in the next town over. Let's look at how we arrived at where we are today.
2018-07-0719 min
ptguru's podcastBack to BasicsSometimes I'm known to get a little too heavy into things. I thought it might be fun to really build some of the groundwork for the foundation of a solid understanding of calibration. If you're a noob or think you know whats going on in metrology, this one is a good place to start. This will build your calibration foundation or possibly fill in a few cracks in your existing structure.
2018-07-0614 min
ptguru's podcast7 WastesWaste is present in any process or project. The question then becomes, how much waste is too much waste? Six Sigma gives us a framework to look at and identify waste in a process. Today we look at the classification of waste into 7 different categories and even an eighth that is sometimes used.
2018-07-0518 min
ptguru's podcastSoccer MetrologySports and metrology really do go hand in hand. There is no better place to look to ensure a level playing field for fair competition. This is where metrology comes in and with the World Cup in full swing, seems like a great time to talk about metrology in soccer.
2018-07-0315 min
ptguru's podcastCentennialI can barely believe it has been 100 episodes already. Are you ready for this? This is the 100th episode of the PT Guru PodCast!!
2018-07-0216 min
ptguru's podcastCheap vs. ExpensiveWe've all been there, new equipment purchase time. So what do we choose? How do we choose it? We definitely have some decisions to make. In this special weekend edition of the podcast on video, I share some of my tips on making these decisions.
2018-06-3019 min
ptguru's podcast3D PrintingYou may have seen 3D printing in the consumer space, but that's not all its good for. 3D printing has proven revolutionary in the manufacturing space an is getting better every day.
2018-06-2914 min
ptguru's podcast5SQuality Toolkit Thursday!! 5S is a great way to organize any space, step outside the box and think about what you use and why you have the things you never use sitting there. Word of caution here though, maintenance is key, and the one place where 5S programs typically fall apart.
2018-06-2814 min
ptguru's podcastBreathalyzersFun one for an equipment Wednesday, breathalyzers. Calibration, accuracy, whats under the hood.
2018-06-2715 min
ptguru's podcastCell Phone MetrologyAs I've told you before the world of measurement and metrology completely surrounds us. It even hits us right in our pocket. The number of measurements happening in your pocket is nothing short of amazing. Yep, I'm talking about your cell phone and I bet you've never realized how much stuff is going on in there!!
2018-06-2620 min
ptguru's podcast5 Calibration MythsSo, you think you know calibration. You think you know all the rules, and what it really means. Today, I'm going to give you the five most common things I find when people think they really know calibration.
2018-06-2517 min
ptguru's podcastFear MongeringIn industries the involve compliance most folks love to use fear as a tool to force people to comply with their interpretation of the standards. Sometimes there are better ways to think about things and still maintain or even improve compliance. In this weekend edition of the PodCast, we look at fear and alternatives.
2018-06-2320 min
ptguru's podcastMy 160 in One KitMy career in electronics really started here. A small wooden box with electronic components mounted in it, and a stack of wires to hook them all together.
2018-06-2213 min
ptguru's podcastGantt ChartDo you need a better way to organize a project? Don't know where to start? A Gantt chart might be the solution for you. Find out more in this Quality Toolkit Thursday edition of the podcast.
2018-06-2123 min
ptguru's podcastThe Doctor's OfficeWe trust our physicians with our lives, so they need to trust the tools they use for diagnosis. Calibration and metrology are everywhere in the medical profession and for good reason.
2018-06-1912 min
ptguru's podcastNobel vs. Base ThermocouplesSo we've talked thermocouples before. In this episode, we break down thermocouples into their two most common categories and discuss the differences and the benefits and drawbacks of the two types and how to deal with them.
2018-06-1920 min
ptguru's podcastConfidentialityConfidentiality is a key concept in modern-day business. As a third-party data provider, it can be tough to know where to draw the line. In today's podcast, I share some of my own opinions on the subject.
2018-06-1817 min
ptguru's podcastSocial MediaAre you getting all that you can out of social media? For folks in niche industries, social media can be a godsend. The ability to find like-minded professionals is a great way to improve your knowledge level and grow your skill level.
2018-06-1716 min
ptguru's podcastCommunityIt often amazes me when I see how many folks in the world of calibration have chosen to try to just go it alone. This, as you could imagine is a pretty tough way to take on these challenges, especially when you don't need to. The metrology community is an active unit the loves the exchange of information.
2018-06-1515 min
ptguru's podcastKaizenA Kaizen event is an amazing way to pay big dividends without minimal effort. Find out more in this episode of the PodCast!!
2018-06-1414 min
ptguru's podcastHydraulics in CalibrationI've been asked by people on a number of occasions why a calibration lab would use oil to perform calibrations? There are a number of reasons, in this edition of the podcast we look at those reasons.
2018-06-1320 min
ptguru's podcastMicrowavesEver wonder how a microwave oven makes food how without...heat? In today's PodCast we'll talk about that and why the microwave popcorn can mess with your Netflix and chill.
2018-06-1213 min
ptguru's podcastDo You Have What it Takes?Are you interested in becoming a calibration technician? It might be harder than you think.
2018-06-1111 min
ptguru's podcastCalibration is Not Going AwayI've had a number of conversations over the years where people seem to think some new technology will somehow remove the need for calibration. Fact is the people that tend to say things like this just don't seem to understand what the word calibration is referring to under these circumstances, let alone the importance of traceability to the over all picture.
2018-06-0918 min
ptguru's podcastAccredited CertificatesDo you really know how to tell if your getting accredited calibration certificates? In this episode, I break down the simple ways to identify an accredited calibration certificate.
2018-06-0817 min
ptguru's podcastCAPACorrective action is a key part of any good QMS, Quality Management System. CAPA is the concept of Corrective and Preventative Action. It was born out of the CFRs and has been adopted by other industries to look at processes not just from the standpoint of fixing a problem, but also to identify and correct potential problems.
2018-06-0716 min
ptguru's podcastLoad Cells and ASTM E74So the ASTM standard for load cells has changed again. In today's PodCast, we talk about those changes and what they mean to you.
2018-06-0621 min
ptguru's podcastBeing a PractitionerBeing a practitioner is about more than just doing the work. It's about sinking your heart and soul into the work and taking things to a different level.
2018-06-0509 min
ptguru's podcastLegal MetrologyThere is an entire branch of metrology that not even most calibration folks are familiar with. It goes as an unseen, unknown entity in the universe of calibration called legal metrology. In this edition of the podcast, we dive into what that means, and where it lives.
2018-06-0518 min
ptguru's podcastEstablishing TraceabilityIf you aren't using an ISO 17025 accredited calibration provider, you need to keep some things in mind. Today, let's get a little perspective.
2018-06-0412 min
ptguru's podcastHow Long is a Piece of StringOne of the best illustrations of real-world measurement is the attempt to measure a piece of string. In today's edition of the PodCast, we dive deep into the challenges associated with performing this type of measurement.
2018-06-0116 min
ptguru's podcastPDCAQuality toolkit Thursday once again!! Today we are talking about the Plan, Do, Check, Act cycle.
2018-05-3114 min
ptguru's podcastSoldering IronsSoldering irons are not what they used to be, but what do they have to do with measurement and metrology? Well everything, in this day and age. In this equipment Wednesday edition of the PodCast, I tell you why temperature is critical.
2018-05-3015 min
ptguru's podcastLight EfficiencyWith all the different household light sources available today, how can a 13 watt CFL really be the same as a 60-watt incandescent light bulb? In today's PodCast, we discuss the measurements that go into deciphering this idea.
2018-05-2915 min
ptguru's podcastWhy Calibrate?Happy Memorial Day everybody!! For this edition of the PodCast, also on YouTube, I answer the age-old question. Why Calibrate?
2018-05-2712 min
ptguru's podcastBut is it ISO?Thinking about getting accredited to ISO 17025, or are you just trying to comply with the standard. In today's PodCast, I tell you the top three places where I've seen issues with the folks I try to help.
2018-05-2517 min
ptguru's podcastUsing Excel for Standard DeviationsMS Excel has become the "go-to" tool for quality folks looking for some basic statistical calculations. There are e few things you should keep in mind though because Excel does some things you might not realize.
2018-05-2419 min
ptguru's podcastRS-232In industry, an old comm protocol still lurks. It goes by many names given to it by various manufacturers, but the truth is, it is just good old RS-232. In today's PodCast, I talk a bit about it.
2018-05-2313 min
ptguru's podcastSous VideI can think of no better match between metrology and food than sous vide cooking. This process of cooking at low temperatures using a vacuum sealed bag continue to grow in popularity. In today's PodCast, we have a look at how it all works.
2018-05-2214 min
ptguru's podcastArguing with an AssessorSometimes assessors and auditors are just plain wrong. Should you argue? Should you disagree? Should you just shut up and take it. In today's edition of the PodCast, we get into this touchy subject.
2018-05-2118 min
ptguru's podcastGetting Where Your GoingA little off topic this weekend. Instead of our normal measurement topics, I'm talking business and personal branding. Check it out on YouTube too, rate and like. Thank you, for listening!!
2018-05-1916 min
ptguru's podcastCalibration is a Crazy IndustryThe truth is that the world of calibration can be a crazy one, but if you just focus on building relationships everything will be just fine.
2018-05-1810 min
ptguru's podcastThe HistogramMy favourite quality tool by far is the histogram. In this edition of the PodCast, I talk about how a histogram works and why they are such valuable tools.
2018-05-1716 minptguru's podcastBits of Paper or Data BitsIn today's PodCast I reminisce about an old friend of mine, the paper chart recorder and how it has been replaced by data acquisition systems.
2018-05-1609 min
ptguru's podcastBackyard MetrologyJust another little rant from the kitchen of a metrologist who also happens to be a foodie.
2018-05-1511 min
ptguru's podcastStarting from ScratchComing up with a new measurement can be a challenge. In today's episode, I talk about some starting points to get you up and measuring fast.
2018-05-1413 min
ptguru's podcastManaging an In House Calibration ProgramDo you manage an in-house calibration program? I have a number of times, today we look at some of the challenges of doing so.
2018-05-1122 min
ptguru's podcastThe 7 Quality ToolsThere are a large number of quality tools out there to help solve problems. In today's PodCast, I talk about the big seven in the world of quality for a Quality Tool Time Thursday.
2018-05-1026 min
ptguru's podcastGas MetersStaying safe in an enclosed environment can be a challenge. One of the best tools to help someone stay safe is a personal gas monitor. Today, I talk some of the things these devices monitor, and what they mean.
2018-05-0914 min
ptguru's podcastMetrology at HomeIn today's edition of the PodCast, we look at some places where a little metrology know how can improve measurements in the home.
2018-05-0818 min
ptguru's podcastpHToday, let's talk about pH and what it means and how we can go about measuring it.
2018-05-0712 min
ptguru's podcastCalibration MVPWe are not talking about your most valuable player here today. In the technology world, MVP means minimum viable product. Today I discuss a strategy that many calibration labs use to bring a product to market.
2018-05-0524 min
ptguru's podcastCalibration for Safety's SakeSometimes a calibration lab is faced with instrumentation that is used to protect lives. Today, I talk about some of those items and why they should be looked at well beyond calibration.
2018-05-0411 min
ptguru's podcastProcess MappingQuality tool time!! The process map is a vital instrument in anybody's quality toolkit. In today's PodCast, I lay out all the steps to create one and give you some basics about the issues that a process map can reveal.
2018-05-0321 min
ptguru's podcastStopwatchesThe timing instrument of choice in many situations is the tried and true stopwatch. Today, I talk about them and describe a couple of easy calibration methods that you can use to perform these calibrations yourself. Do try this at home!!
2018-05-0218 min
ptguru's podcastProcess ControlEver wonder how you oven actually controls temperature? This is one of the core concepts in process control. We refer to it as on/off control. In today's edition of the PodCast, we discuss some core elements of process control.
2018-05-0121 min
ptguru's podcastComparing Apples to ApplesDid you know a large number of calibration providers offer different service levels, and frequently only quote you the cheapest option? Today, I talk about the different service levels I've seen frequently in the marketplace and break them down so you know what they mean.
2018-04-3015 min
ptguru's podcastJust Do ItHow about a little metrological motivation for this edition of the PodCast. I also talk about whats been going on this week.
2018-04-2811 min