What's the hype about RF/Microwave?

[flew-da-coup]

I was reminded today about how some cal labs will pay more for "RF/MICRO" techs than a tech that knows GP test equipment inside and out. WHY? I have worked in PhysD to RF/Micro/Millimeterwave and I just don't see what the hype is. It's not like it's any harder. To me it's like paying a guy more because no one else int he lab can do TACAN or Gage Blocks. I don't even see a shortage of RF techs out there to demand more money. If they want to pay me more for knowing the area then more power to them, but I think it is stupid. I know plenty of RF/Micro guys that can't do anything else. What makes him worth more than a guy that can do everything else but RF? I just think knowing RF is over rated. Actually to me it takes more skill to cal a Test Fixture than to cal a 83640A. What's the deal?

[mdbuike]

It could be that, since in many commercial cal labs, RF sig gens, spec ans and network analyzers are software calibrated, the level of competance in using the software (and I am thinking of HP mostly) requires a bit of knowledge in getting 20 to 30 year old software, and equipment, to work.

From what I've seen and experienced with today's manufacturers..5 years and it's obsolete and will not be supported...but many people still have stuff from the 80's, because that is what works in thier system (and I do not exempt the military from this).

ahh well, I'll just keep on bandaging what they bring me

Mike

[ck454ss]

One of the main reasons for why RF Techs are paid more money is because of the mighty dollar.   Lets face it, a good RF tech, in the civillian world could literally make thousands of dollars a day.   As a Lab Owner I can pay him more because he makes more.   My Phys D and General Purpose Techs dont even come close to RF Techs at $2. 50 a gage block or $30 a multimeter.   The only reason I do those kind of gages is to please those customers who dont want to split there calibration between different labs. . . One stop shop so to speak.   I do believe that RF Techs do have more knowledge of there field also.   It is more difficult to calibrate RF equipment.   A strong understanding of errors and test techniques is required especially when adjusting some of the equipment.   Not to mention the cost of repairing some of the RF equipment if a mistake is made.

[flew-da-coup]

Good point. I just don't think it is fair that the K6 people get looked down upon compared to RF guys. I do both and I see high levels of skill in both.