Op-Test Welcomes Taiwanese Ambassador, Jack Chiang.

Op-Test would like to thank Taiwanese Ambassador, Jack Chiang, for visiting the Op-Test headquarters on Monday, March 12, 2012. The Ambassador toured our facility, learned more about our company and our passion for the HBLED industry. It was an honor to meet Mr. Chiang. Op-Test would also like to thank the office of Wally Herger for highlighting Northern California businesses.

The Invisible World!

Today marks the 155th birthday of German born physicist, Heinrich Rudolf Hertz (Bio). Hertz theorized and proved that invisible waves, such as radio waves, were being transmitted through the air.  In 1930, the International Electrotechnical Commission named a unit of frequency, “cycles per second”, after hertz (or Hz).

The term “hertz” is widely used in one of the most recognizable electronic devices: the radio.  Every station on a radio, AM or FM, uses a frequency to transmit its signal.  Just looking at the faceplate of a radio (even the digital radio interface of the iPod), supports this evidence by showing Hertz’ fingerprint, such as 100.1KHz (Kilo-Hertz).

What most people don’t know is that Hertz died at such a young age (37).  He accomplished so much in his young years, among them are three volumes of his work: Electric Waves, Miscellaneous Papers, and Principles of Mechanics, but one could only imagine what more he could have achieved if he lived longer.  There are quite a few other things that others are not aware of: “Six Things You Didn’t Know About Heinrich Hertz”.

Happy Birthday Heinrich Hertz!

The HB-LED rises in prominence as the lighting industry booms

This article highlights the current progress and technological advances being made in the lighting industry with regards to saving energy costs and lessening the negative impact on the environment.  The article records Jason Matloff, a partner at Battery Ventures who serves on Redwood Systems’ board, as saying ”The market is taking off. It’s an enormous industry, and big markets going through big transitions attract a lot of interest.” The article also lists the Department of Energy statistic that “Lighting consumes about 24 percent of the total electricity generated in the United States.” As this industry is brought into sharper focus, Venture Capitalists like Vantage Point Venture Partners are finally being drawn to the rising energy-efficient and earth-friendly opportunities on the market. This bodes well for Op-Test as the leading innovator in test and measurement solutions in the production and manufacture of HBLEDs, the rising replacement to the older “dinosaur” light sources of the past.

Silicon Valley startups, investors target $100 billion lighting industry – San Jose Mercury News.

Technology and Innovation Expo in Chico!

Cutting the ribbon at Technology and Innovation Expo

Stefani at Op-Test’s booth

On May 12th, Op-Test participated in the ground-breaking ceremony of the opening of the new Innovation Lab in Chico, CA. Op-Test was one of 12 presenters selected to represent some of the most innovative ideas coming from what was officially dubbed as the “iHub” of the North State. The crowd included the Innovation center team members, the mayor of Chico, the president of Chico State, and various council and committee members for groups interested in the advancement of technology and innovation in Northern California. Op-Test looks forward to partnering with the Innovation Lab in a joint effort to raise the standard of technological innovation in the education system and in the business world of the North State of California.

Graduation BBQ!

The Grads! - Congratulations!!!

Op-Test proudly celebrated two of their interns graduating from university with a Tri-Tip BBQ! Interns Stefani Schmidt and Nathan King both graduated April 30th from Simpson University Summa Cum Laude (with highest honors) and have been recent additions to the team at Op-Test.

Dan Morrow, CEO Op-Test, giving celebration speech

CEO Dan Morrow  gave a celebratory speech in the presence of the rest of the team expressing excitement for the bright future of the graduates and their contributions to Op-Test as it enters into a brand new stage of growth and expansion.

Congressman Wally Herger visits HB-LED test equipment manufacturer Op-Test

Dan Morrow, CEO Op-Test describes HB-LED manufacturing and test processes

Op-Test, manufacturer of production HB-LED test equipment, hosted Congressman Wally Herger at their Redding, CA headquarters in early 1Q. Congressman Herger, member of Congress representing the 2nd Congressional District, met with Op-Test CEO Dan Morrow and the executive management team, learned about the emerging HB-LED market, and toured the Op-Test facility.  “You’ve really assembled a fine team of professionals,” said Congressman Herger as he congratulated Dan Morrow on his entrepreneurial endeavors.

“Since government decisions have tangible impact on every aspect of our business, it is reassuring to know that Congressman Herger is actively working to understand the opportunities and challenges that we face as we grow a manufacturing business in California.  One can only wonder how things would change if more of our elected officials shared a similar commitment,”   said Morrow.

HB-LED’s at Strategies and Light 2011

What a great event at this year’s Strategies and Light conference. Many new items are coming to this market, of which HB-LED is really gaining traction. Many new tutorials and papers shone light on the successes and challenges of this market.  One item in particular that rang out from the conference, was the need to produce consistent results. Walking the floor, one could hear this reverberated.  It will be interesting to see if this is the same theme at Strategies In Light 2012 . Hope to see you there.

SEMICON West 2011 Preparation

This year’s SEMICON West 2011 seems to be most impressive and will be showcasing the latest technology. If it is anything like last year, there will be many great speakers and interesting topics. Be on the lookout for our presentation on HB-LED testing. Building on last year’s foundation, the HB-LED revolution is now. If you heard the Op-Test presentation at SEMICON West 2010 given by our CEO, Dan Morrow, you’ll recall the forward thinking of our HB-LED test solutions. Trust us, you’ll not want to miss this one.