About the Author (BU61) A versatile inventor, researcher and writer, Mr. Isidor Buchmann is the president, founder and CEO of Cadex Electronics Inc. The company is located in Richmond, a suburb of Vancouver, Canada. Fascinated by electronics during his high school years in Switzerland, Isidor took to inventing at an early age. He built a broadcast radio that ran with no power - it required only an antenna and a ground connection (it didn't even use a battery). Isidor sold several of these radio receivers to his colleagues. He set up a workshop in the attic of the farmhouse where he also restored and sold old radios.
After high school, a four-year apprenticeship as a Radio Technician provided Isidor with practical experience in a workshop environment as well as academic theory. Finally, his experience with radio communications in the Swiss Army led to his decision to make electronics his life's career. Isidor then invented a fuel-powered engine based on continuous combustion. His drawings and theory-of-operation were reviewed by Felix Wankel, inventor of the rotary engine. Mr. Wankel, then employed by a German car manufacturer, indicated that Isidor's concept was indeed unique and original but pointed out that manufacturing would be too expensive for commercial use.
Realizing that conservative Switzerland would not satisfy his entrepreneurial spirit, Isidor immigrated to Canada in 1966, eventually finding employment in the telecommunications department at General Electric. There he observed that a major problem with two-way radios was short battery life. As part of his job, he tested a wide variety of customer batteries that were brought in for service. In his spare time at home, Isidor continued to research and developed a battery analyzer that featured a proprietary 'recondition' program. This program was able to restore batteries, which other battery analyzers classified as dead. To prevent conflict of interest with his employer, Isidor quit his job with GE and started Cadex Electronics Inc. The first battery analyzer, the Cadex 450, was introduced in 1981 but failed to achieve the anticipated market acceptance. Isidor then designed the modular Cadex 550 battery analyzer, and on the strength of the recondition program, this model sold reasonably well at first. It soon became evident however, that manufacturing methods needed to be streamlined to become more cost effective.
In 1983, Cadex moved from a small room in Isidor's residence to rented facilities. With increased overhead costs, a staff to maintain and sluggish sales, cash flow during the mid 1980s became tight. Bank loans for start-up companies, especially high-tech firms, were almost non-existent. Isidor worked from home during the day, looking after his five small children, and spent time in the office during the evening. The company survived the slump and managed to add a number of new products. Profitability returned and the staff grew.
Knowing that the wealth of an organization lies in human resources, Isidor provided an environment that attracted people with extraordinary skills. He chose the staff that complemented his own strengths and weaknesses. During the 1990, Cadex enjoyed rapid growth, which required several relocations to larger premises. Among the success stories were the Cadex C4000 and later the C7000, fully programmable battery analyzers that adapted well to the rapid changes in battery technology. In 1998, Isidor decided that the time had come to build a custom-designed headquarters for Cadex. He purchased land in a park-like setting on the scenic Fraser River. Today, the two-story building provides a pleasant working experience for his staff. The interior is designed with employee comfort in mind and includes a snooker table, a gym, shower rooms and several televisions. Balconies with a river view overlook the private outdoor patio. With the wonders of nature at its door, Cadex is able to offer its staff a tranquil alternative to the noise and bustle of crowded city streets.
Under Isidor's leadership, new and innovative products are being developed that create growth and expand the market share. Thanks to its engineering strength, Cadex has been recognized as a world leader in the design and manufacture of advanced battery analyzers, chargers and supporting software.
Created: May 2003, Last edited: July 2003 About the Author Isidor Buchmann is the founder and CEO of Cadex Electronics Inc., in Vancouver BC. Mr. Buchmann has a background in radio communications and has studied the behavior of rechargeable batteries in practical, everyday applications for two decades. Award winning author of many articles and books on batteries, Mr. Buchmann has delivered technical papers around the world. Cadex Electronics is a manufacturer of advanced battery chargers, battery analyzers and PC software. For product information please visit www.cadex.com. Click here for a printer-friendly version © Copyright 2003 - 2005 Isidor Buchmann
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Learning
the basics about batteries - sponsored by Cadex Electronics Inc.
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