About Andrew

andrew-testingI 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 small studio and laboratory where I work on designs of audio and music projects. You can read about some of my professional projects here.

Skills and Experience

Hardware and Product Design:

  • Lifelong Geek: 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 protocol, 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 areas of interest. 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 put it into production.
  • Circuit and PCB Layout: I have designed large circuits and PCBs including high-speed impedance-controlled traces, 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 products both as electronics housings, and as display fixtures for large LCD monitors. The visual appeal as well as the usability, serviceability and function of a product are all aspects which I work into every design.

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. Lately I’ve been designing guitar amplifiers and effects. I have a small music and audio design lab where I enjoy writing and recording my own songs and designing audio circuits.
  • 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 worked as the Assistant Electrical Coordinator for the World Youth Days 2002 show 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 – Current – As of 2009 I have been working for my own company: Kilpatrick Audio to develop music and audio electronics. I have a small workshop in the heart of downtown Toronto where I design and build my products.
  • Onestop Media Group – 2006-2009 – I was brought on 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. Current work includes design of circuits and PCBs, mechanical drafting, drawing preparation and quoting, production of Bills of Material, purchasing, and overseeing a team of assembly and service technicians.
  • 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 technical design, consulting and hardware assembly for Onestop Media Group during the initial phase of their TTC Platform Video Screen project.
  • Freelance Programmer – 1999-2001 – As a freelance programmer I worked on many projects including web applications, large websites and some database tools.