hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Low cost Office Transformation - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mswhin63
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2013, 11:44:51 am
content: For my first thread thought I would show a low income design for a workbench. 2 photos show the creation of a electronics workbench and an office table as well. I already have a workshop in the shed so I finally have a lot more room.As my wife is on a Disability Pension and I am studying full time at Uni I needed something really cheap but the wood costs and other cost to make a comepletely new bench a beyond my financial capability. So what did I do.First I went online to purchase an Office Table from Graysonline from the Perth distribution and saw a reasonable straight office table. To say I won the bid is an understatement, Bidding went to a massive $19.00 OMG and with fees etc. which actually quite high totalled $21.00. Not bad for an office desk. The centre board gives these good stability but I could easily modify it to cater for loads if need be. The corner desk I already had which cost me a massive $10.00 a few years back from Ross's Auction in Perth.I needed height to stand while work so I created a simple Chipboard melamine stand that raised the desk to my belly button. I went to Bunnings and for $50.00 bought enough chipboard to create a raiser for the whole table. It is still stable too. So for a total of about $75.00 including screws I now have a functional electronic workbench. I do not intend to keep the files in there, that will eventually be populated with test gear.I apologise that I do not have construction notes. Most of my work is done from in the head. Total time to set-up and re-arrange the office 5 hours. Now finally after 6 years trying to build, fix and carry on paperwork on a single table the efficiency of my operations should increase.

author: houdini
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2013, 08:17:00 pm
content: I got my work benches for 1$ each at a yard sale. 4x2 and a 7x2 foemica top with lots of cubies underneath for tools and such as well as a nice solid rough cut oak bench that i put out back. We even rolled the thing into my back yard without a scratch. Point is if you look at yardsales and moving sales you can often find really good deals on larger stuff that people just want gone.

author: cwalex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2013, 11:17:12 am
content: my favourite desk is one that my mum gave me. she got it at an auction and she was bidding on what was on the table, she didn't realise that the table was part of the deal. it cost her $5, it is made of real wood and built like a brick shit house!
Whats All This Scope Probe Stuff, Anyhow? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: David
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2013, 08:30:37 pm
content: Youtube actually came up with a good suggestion for once!:I didn't know much about the legend of Bob Pease but from this video alone I can see why he was so loved! A true comedian if nothing else.Hope this isn't a repost!Dave

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2013, 03:25:34 am
content: Bob Pease, and Jim Williams: two analog legends that will never be replaced.
Mailbag Monday, and teardown Tuesday - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: snipersquad100
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2013, 11:29:33 am
content: Where Mailbag Monday and Teardown Tuesday this week?Im sitting at the edge of my seat waiting.

author: Chet T16
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2013, 12:26:58 pm
content: You mean you didn't see theatomic clock teardown?

author: snipersquad100
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2013, 04:07:55 pm
content: no i havent, its not on my youtube.go figer

author: baljemmett
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 06, 2013, 04:32:11 pm
content: Quote from: snipersquad100 on February 06, 2013, 04:07:55 pmIt's not a video -- Dave is currently travelling and shooting some video (in Melbourne, I believe?), but did tweet that there'd be nothing new until he gets back at the end of the week.

author: Corporate666
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 06, 2013, 10:03:21 pm
content: Mailbag Monday is my favorite segment - I hope Dave makes it a regular thingI could watch him open packages and play with the contents all day - it's so interesting and varied that there's always something for everyone in these segments!

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 06, 2013, 10:35:13 pm
content: Yes, I'm in Melbourne visiting agilents new cal lab. Flying back home tonight and will have a bunch of footage. Also visited the melb hacker space, and a very cool BIG engineering thing in a few hours...Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Reading out Maskrom Data The Hardway - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Sionyn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2013, 10:35:04 am
content: Recovering code or data is nothing new, but the old problem of recovering Masked ROM through visual inspection normally done by crowd sourcing this guy has automated this his new software tool.http://oamajormal.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/fun-with-masked-roms.html

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2013, 11:56:24 am
content: Not particularly difficult compared to e.g. handwriting recognition or other visual processing tasks, as all the bits are already nicely arranged and ready to be read.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2013, 02:21:41 pm
content: There's a far easier way.. Which is what the pro's use.Get a hold of a blank chip. ScanSet the 'read protect' fuse. ScanFuse coordinates are bo known.Decapsulate the chip to be reverse engineered. Flip read protect fuse. Dump. Done.Eeprom and flash rom cells can be scanned using an e-beam prober. This machine can detect the gate charges. They use an electron beam to sweep the chip surface. Current change means voltage change in the chip. So you get a clear map of the bits immediately. Once you got the coordinates of the fusebits you can use the e-beam to 'write' its state...The reverse engineering shops have tables with the coordinates of the fuses for al ost anything out there.A harder way is to use self decrypting code. Read crypto key from outside the chip and have the program instructions being decrypted on the fly. Then probing gets you nowhere as you don't have the key. Only the cypher code and the encrypted program code. The cypher itself is missing.
Lovely engineering - Revolving drawing machine - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: nixxon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2013, 08:23:50 pm
content: Stationary paper:http://youtu.be/2DjvtjgRdGARotating paper:Arty farthy

author: Kibi
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 05, 2013, 08:39:50 pm
content: That is brilliant. I like it.

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2013, 08:54:19 pm
content: I had one of those as a kid:
Is Dave a Wikipedia contributor under the name Binarysequence? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: edy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 04:43:14 am
content: Hi folks,Just noticed on Wikipedia some contributions from user "Binarysequence" (was learning more about thermocouples thanks to Dave's recent video) and seems the history of contributions match up almost too perfectly with EEVBlog content.See here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:BinarysequenceAnd here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/BinarysequenceIf it is Dave or someone else here, I'm happy and thankful to see the Wiki being edited and maintained by the experts... Keep up the good work!

author: PeterG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 05:45:16 am
content: The articles written by this person seem to be the Dave type topics. Will be interesting to find out.Regards

author: peter.mitchell
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 09:04:17 am
content: No idea, but i know this is Dave toohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/Altzone

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 09:34:06 am
content: Yes, it's me. I had an account called alternatezone but they deleted it. They also would not let me have eevblog.I have often contributed without an account.Dave.

author: GeoffS
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 09:38:55 am
content: And of course there's the famousalternatezone.com/Moderator: URL removed as entire site seems to be hacked, not the the www link as previously reported.

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 11:00:24 pm
content: Quote from: GeoffS on February 04, 2013, 09:38:55 amClicking that link just tried to give me all kind of bad stuff.... be carefulModerator: URL removed as entire site seems to be hacked, not the the www link as previously reported.

author: Thor-Arne
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 11:34:59 pm
content: Did this hacker problem occur again?

author: Nirios
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 11:39:05 pm
content: Quote from: PA0PBZ on February 04, 2013, 11:00:24 pmUh, I get redirected to this.. looks similar to the previous "hacker" stuff.Moderator: URL removed as entire site seems to be hacked, not the the www link as previously reported.

author: GeoffS
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 05, 2013, 04:20:02 am
content: Sorry about that. I don't remember putting thewwwin front of the URL, without it, the link works as expected. Or at least how I expected it to work.I've updated the link URL.Edit: seems not the just the www portion of the website has been hacked. URL removed from all posts referencing it.This is a case where clicking on theReport to moderatorbutton would have been the best course of action
Direct donations - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: 1.21 gigawhats
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 10:49:31 am
content: Hi there,I've recently discovered this blog, and Dave's enthusiasm has inspired me to get back into electronics (as a hobby) after 15 years or so...Anyway, I'd love to make a donation, but hate paypal with a passion and really don't want to sign up to another online service thingy eg flattr.As I'm in Austraaaalia, I was wondering if there was anyway I could make a direct donation other than popping some cash in an envelopeI did a quick search, but didn't see anything on the forum, surely this has been asked before though?Cheers,Mark

author: jaqie
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 11:41:41 am
content: in the USA if you want to directly give someone money that you know the name and address of, you just hop on over to the post office, buy a money order, fill it out to their name, keep the stub, and send it to them in an envelope.I betcha there is an equivalent system there even if not through the post office.

author: GeoffS
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 11:47:31 am
content: postal orders are available from the post office and Dave's address is given in the mailbag videos.Perhaps Dave could reveal enough bank details so a direct deposit can be made?

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 01:00:39 pm
content: Quote from: GeoffS on February 04, 2013, 11:47:31 amI would never give that info out on the net to the general public.

author: smackaay
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 01:20:30 pm
content: http://www.eevblog.com/donations/

author: 1.21 gigawhats
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 10:46:47 pm
content: Hmm, hadn't thought of a postal order, I'll look into it, although I have a feeling it's pretty expensive to get one.Could be some time before Dave gets to it with his mail backlog!Direct deposit would be great, but I certainly understand why Dave wouldn't give out the details.smackaay: Yeah, I saw that, but paypal. No thanks.I'll give it some thought, thanks guys
Would this be tcp or udp  networking ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ptricks
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 09:58:28 am
content: Trying to determine how to implement this RFC for communication , would this be tcp or udp ?http://www.faqs.org/rfcs/rfc2549.html

author: PeterG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 10:01:38 am
content: It is IP based so it will be TCP most likely.Been a while since i have seen such a document tho.......... entertaining.....Regards

author: GeoffS
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 10:05:27 am
content: There no mechanism to compensate for missing pigeons so it's definitely UDP.

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 10:07:56 am
content: I to agree that its UDP, given the rather large TTL time the reciever may be obsolete by the time the packet arrives

author: PeterG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 10:11:50 am
content: Quote from: GeoffS on February 04, 2013, 10:05:27 amYes true, but how would you compensate for pigeons of different speeds. (If one stops to feed for example)? There would need to be a mechanism to re-sequence the out of sync datagrams.Regards

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 10:17:05 am
content: It's on IP, and the IP layer doesn't guarantee delivery.TCP and UDP are above IP, so theoretically they could both be used through it.

author: baljemmett
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 03:22:32 pm
content: Quote from: amyk on February 04, 2013, 10:17:05 amYes, this -- although theone practical implementationI've seen documented was only used to carry ICMP. UDP would be obviously doable, TCP might be painfully slow though!

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 03:51:18 pm
content: Has large latency, so Skype would be terrible through it.

author: randyhenke
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 04:50:42 pm
content: Would hate to see the aftermath of a DDOS from a carrier like that.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 06:02:47 pm
content: I saw a packet loss from it this afternoon, the local kite came in and took out the packet in front of me. He called it dinner for the wife and kids.
Using current to test integrity of cable car wires. Ever heard of it? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Ed.Kloonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 09:11:27 am
content: Hi.I just found out that the long steel wires that hold up the cable cars that span wide valleys are checked for strength periodically using electricity.Do you know anything about this?

author: jeroen74
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 01:08:31 pm
content: Maybe they use TDR,time-domain reflectometry, for that.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 03:33:07 pm
content: More likely resistance measurement, and compensate for temperature. Then as the cable wears the resistance end to end will increase. Another method is to use the cable car to measure voltage drop over a length of cable as it travels along, and this allows the detection of broken strands easily by the step increase in voltage drop as the car travels over the breaks. Advantage is that you can do the measuring without disrupting operation, just pass a current of 100A or so through the cable.
Recalled models of FLUKE 37X Series Clamp Meters  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Jimmy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 04:45:34 am
content: http://www.justice.qld.gov.au/fair-and-safe-work/electrical-safety/electrical-product-recalls/product-recalls/2013/fluke-37x-series-clamp-meters?utm_source=esonews&utm_medium=email&utm_content=FLUKE+recall+link&utm_campaign=esofeb13
DGC 939SD+ smart digital soldering iron, ESD safe.. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ErikTheNorwegian
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2013, 05:57:52 pm
content: I bought a whole load of rework stash on eBay.. and it followed a solder iron with the shipment.Appart from a +30v on the tip off the iron, some wrongly soldered joints and cables innside it, it worked well.But.. how should i interpet the waring sticker on top of the unit?

author: jancumps
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 03, 2013, 06:03:27 pm
content: Type it in google translate, reverse translate to chinese, and ask someone who speaks chinese what it means?

author: ErikTheNorwegian
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2013, 06:20:25 pm
content: Yes i could, but then i got to go outside and drive and take one of the takeaway Chinese away with me home, and i don't think that takeaway Chinese realy means that you can take them away like that..The iron that is wierd for 220V is showing the temp in the LED in F.. not C...

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2013, 07:05:14 pm
content: I think they want to warn you that you should not replace a broken handle with one from another manufacturer, or hell breaks loose. And you shouldn't replace the 2A fuse with something else.And they mixed some description of how to dance the Time Warp into itQuote

author: ErikTheNorwegian
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2013, 08:39:10 pm
content: Its uselife delay greatly. And that's really bothers me, because i don't want my life delayed in any way. Specially not when i`m working like soldering things. I really need to be in time because other people have to trust me. I did not buy a time warp machine, it could be a great thing to have but right now i would like being in the time and present place a`m currently are. Maybe i should send it to Sheldon..
Profit! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2013, 12:14:08 am
content: Buy Here:http://www.ti.com/tool/msp-exp430g2#buySell Here:http://www.aliexpress.com/item/MSP430-Development-board-MSP-EXP430G2-LaunchPad-with-M430G2553-M430G2452/719452507.htmlLets trace the life of this thing... Build in China, ship to Texas, Sell to China, ship to China, Sell to (%country%), Ship to (%country%)

author: sorin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2013, 12:39:52 pm
content: hahaha...

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2013, 01:16:27 pm
content: Oddly enough 28RMB is around 4.50USD...
A use for analog scopes? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: smackaay
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2013, 03:42:12 pm
content: Does anyone actually use analog scopes for anything anymore? When I started electronics a few years back, my first scope was analog 60mhz Kikusui and it served me well. I later got a Tektronix TDS410 and I've never used the analog scope again.Now I'm thinking of freeing up some bench space and getting rid of both the analog scope and the TDS410 and replacing it with a smaller DSO. I guess what I'm asking is, is there any real reason to use an analog scope that I should keep it?

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2013, 04:00:54 pm
content: If you don't need it you don't need it. If you are going to sell it you will find that some people are interested in it, depending on the price. I.e. some people want and still use analog oscilloscopes. Why? Reasons range from they are used to it, they like it, they think they are better in some circumstances, to used ones are so cheap it makes economically sense for them.

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2013, 06:53:01 pm
content: For me it really depends on the price range. In the sub-$1000 range I'll always prefer the analog scope. I have a Tektronix 2445A and a Rigol DS1102D, and the Rigol only ever gets booted up if I need single sweep/FFT/logic analyzer/screenshot. The Tek has a secondary timebase, digital frequency counter, digital word trigger (it has a 16-bit input adapter), automatic trigger level, automatic display intensity, automatic 1X/10X probe detection, etc. It's quieter, has a better vertical "resolution", no aliasing, signal intensity varies with the transience of the signal feature, and it has a better noise floor. There aren't any features on the digital scope that I miss when I'm using it. Over $1000 the digital scopes generally become decent enough that I wouldn't mind not having an analog one, but otherwise I find the analog scopes much more intuitive in general.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2013, 09:43:31 pm
content: Quote from: c4757p on February 02, 2013, 06:53:01 pmI agree. I almost always start with one of my analog scopes until I have a reason to need something that the digital scope can give me. The videos on my channel are proof of that!

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2013, 05:58:05 am
content: I'd have to agree withc4757pas well.One area I can think of off the top of my head that analog's vertical resolution is desired, would be for audio signals. The standard 8 bit vertical resolution of DSO's just isn't enough. There are DSO's that exceed 8 bits natively (ADC, not software), but they're usually more expensive than a decent used analog scope.
Need more Tech cartoons. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: kolbep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2013, 04:11:08 pm
content: Hi all.I already check out Dilbert, Xkcd and Return to Zero, every day.But i need more of a fix.Do any of you know of more good line cartoons.Thanks

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2013, 04:30:42 pm
content: freefall.persia.comStart at the beginning.......

author: SoftwareSamurai
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 12:09:37 pm
content: I think you meantfreefall.purrsia.com.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 03:37:20 pm
content: Right, did get it wrong ( it is in a bookmarked pile that I open all at once). Still very good.
Novel use for solder wick. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 05:23:38 pm
content: I had to join a very small co Ax cable today, and was looking for some way to join the outer braid, I was considering wrapping it with the solder wick when on looking closer at it I found that it was a tubular braid that could be opened up and slipped over the co ax and then soldered on.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 06:01:01 pm
content: I have used it as well to fill in the space in a PL259 connector when I did not have a reducer to fit the cable.Also useful as a connector to join shields together.

author: jaqie
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 06:06:59 pm
content: interesting, using it a la chinese finger prison thingie.I used to use solder wick to reinforce cracks in plastic I melted back together with a soldering iron and hot glue, melting the solder wick into the back of the plastic as stitches before hotgluing.
HP 3456A display errors (E1) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: king.oslo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2013, 07:25:25 pm
content: Hello there,I have a problem with the HPIB interface my instrument. Sometimes when I am trying to read from it, it displays the error E1 on the display.I have seen these kinds of errors in the past, for example when I enter an invalid value into one of the registers. I could not find a table in the manual about what all these errors mean, but perhaps one of the other 3456a owners on the forum has a reference?Thank you for your time.Kind regards,Marius

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 03, 2013, 07:46:09 pm
content: See table 3-1 on page 3-4 of the 03456-90004 operating and service manual. I'm sure there's a similar table in other versions of the manual.
Binding of printouts for the lab - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Harvs
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2013, 02:35:16 am
content: Where I use to work I had access to one of the standard plastic comb binding machines, which worked alright for binding manuals and other documents.But since I no longer have access to this sort of thing, and I'm getting a growing collection hard copy service manuals and specific chapters of texts held together by dog clips, I was thinking of investing in a better solution.Plastic comb binders are by far the cheapest, but I hate that you can't open a manual on itself, so it ends up taking up a heap of room when open. Also you need too hands to hold it open if you don't have anywhere to put it down.So I was thinking about getting either a cheap wire comb machine, e.g. (I actually don't know how much these ones are, but ebay has similar items for <$100)http://www.bindingmachines.com.au/e_wire2.htmor a plastic coilhttp://www.bindingmachines.com.au/ecoil1.htmSo what works best for thick documents in the lab? Any better options I haven't thought of?

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2013, 06:08:36 am
content: Provided you get sufficient coils so that you can cover the expected thicknesses of manuals the wire is better, though it does rust and stain the paper with time, and both can tear through.
Recall: Certain Fluke 373, 374, 375, and 376 Digital Clamp Meters - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2013, 12:09:53 pm
content: Recall: Certain Fluke373, 374, 375, and376Digital Clamp MetersJust an FYI if you own one. Check here to see if yours is listed:http://www.fluke.com/37x-recall

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 02, 2013, 02:56:29 am
content: Seems it's a case of a lock of shake proof washer on the connector jacks, as I noted in my v3000 teardown.Dave.
The Crafty Birds Are Using Quantum Mechanics To Get Around  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Sionyn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2013, 11:29:58 pm
content: So that how the crafty Robbins work their using quantum mechanics.crafty buggersmore here on QM and biology

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2013, 01:19:19 am
content: Interesting.Although i cringed a bit when he said the GPS in his phone is what's used to find north.
Funny schematic - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: smashedProton
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2013, 11:18:56 pm
content: I don't know if you guys have seen this before.It made me laughhttp://xkcd.com/730/

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2013, 01:08:32 am
content: Ha! I haven't seen that one. I like the electric eel, 666 timer, 3 liter capacitor, and "take off shirt while wiring this part."

author: jeroen74
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2013, 01:12:45 am
content: Yes, seen before, but it's not the one I remember. It's funny though.

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2013, 01:16:26 am
content: The resistor network challenge is pretty amusing. And "Touch tongue here"
"Floating" Copper Pours on PCB - LED Thermalplane - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: David
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2013, 11:17:05 am
content: Hi all,I have designed an LED strip (300x20mm) which consists of 3 LEDs plus some resistors/Zeners and a connector. The LEDs have a thermal pad which I have connected to large copper pours (essentially fill both side of the strip) on both the top and bottom of the PCB. The thermal plane is stitched together directly under the thermal pads on the LED with vias as well as through other holes. The thermal performance is very good and there are no problems there. However I have been thinking about EMC and floating copper pours. Should I connect the thermalplane to ground? (Assuming this has no effect on LED operation). The LEDs are driven by a ~350mA C.C. 230Vac flyback supply.Best Regards,Dave

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 31, 2013, 04:00:20 pm
content: Have you monitored on a radio, LF to HF Short-wave bands for any RFI being emitted... however, it might be a good option to ground the PCB plane, since any AC present will radiate along the LED strip, and find it's own resonance.

author: Corporate666
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 31, 2013, 06:36:07 pm
content: Have you looked at the LED datasheet for info on this? I've seen some specifically mention that the thermal pad should not be connected to ground.If that's not an issue, I don't see why connecting to ground would hurt.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2013, 06:57:17 pm
content: If it is connected to an internal part of the die ( very common to have it be part of the one lead) then use a small 1n or so ceramic capacitor and a 1M chip resistor in parallel to connect it to the one power lead, so as to prevent radiation from it.

author: David
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2013, 09:38:16 am
content: I have checked the datasheet and the pad is electrically isolated from the anode/cathode. I have decided to connect the thermal planes to ground.I now have another silly question...should I connect the mounting holes to ground too? The PCBs will sit on an earthed metal tray.

author: David
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2013, 10:16:07 am
content: I am thinking I should isolate them as this could introduce common mode noise?
WTC #7 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: DrGeoff
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2013, 07:31:43 am
content: Hey Dave,Here's an interesting film about the collapse of WTC #7.http://www.smh.com.au/tv/Documentary/911-Explosive-Evidence-4313104.htmlAnd the youtube version:

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2013, 09:24:18 am
content: Wow, I have to admit 1st I thought this is just another cheap sensationalism media crap like others that popped out during 911 era, but this one is quite convincing, especially what happened to 7 WTC tower, it didn't even tipped over, just went straight down so perfectly.

author: DrGeoff
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2013, 09:33:48 am
content: There appears to be quite a bit of investigative research in that documentary, including the analysis of the dust to find nano-thermite particles. And the NIST report did seem to leave most questions unanswered and present very little evidence to support their hypothesis.
need some help - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: robertj352003
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 31, 2013, 04:23:37 am
content: if anyone knows who the manufacturer of the connector at the bottom of the picture please let me know.

author: smashedProton
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2013, 04:35:45 am
content: More info needed. You should get a picture of the face of the socket

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2013, 06:05:32 am
content: Isn't that a 6.5mm phono socket?You need to find theexactsame connector?

author: robertj352003
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 01, 2013, 03:08:52 am
content: it is a 1/4" trs connector
A not so smart fan - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2013, 06:05:50 am
content: "Smart" fans are often known for their setpoints being too high, causing reliability problems. The following takes it a step further.http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=331So the fan doesn't even begin to work until above 60C, already a bit high for electrolytic caps. It won't go to full until 100C, which would definitely degrade the caps very quickly. Worst part is the hysteresis, which is exactly what you want to induce thermal cycling.My "cheap" Jetway board had something similar, but it was easy enough to disable in the BIOS.
Zhongdi ZD-981 soldering station - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: kioan
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 28, 2013, 02:31:24 pm
content: Has anyone taken a closer look to theZhongdi ZD-981soldering station?I can find it almost at the price ofZD-916but I'm not sure about the differences between those two models.Here on the forums there is a very goodreview of the ZD-916, but I can not find any reviews for the ZD-981

author: dr_p
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2013, 01:44:59 pm
content: Your link is bad. This should work:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/zhongdi-zd-916-soldering-station

author: OZ1LQB
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2013, 03:19:35 pm
content: Hi..I have one and i am verry happy with it.it replaced my old weller tcp 50..only negative i have to say is the temp is a bit off..

author: poorchava
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2013, 03:30:59 pm
content: [quote="OZ1LQB]Hi..I have one and i am verry happy with it.it replaced my old weller tcp 50..only negative i have to say is the temp is a bit off..Have you taken a look inside? If so can you post photos? The 916 which was torn down in another thread was built rather reasonably, but within "chinese class".

author: OZ1LQB
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2013, 08:08:15 pm
content: Hi Again..Sorry but i do not have a digital camera..it appears reasonable internal. soldering is okaywould i buy another ?.sure it is cheap and ok..i also have their hot air solderingstation and their desoldering stationthey are also ok BUT you have to remember you are not buying a hakko or pace

author: kioan
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 30, 2013, 01:12:04 pm
content: Quote from: dr_p on January 29, 2013, 01:44:59 pmThanks! It is fixed nowQuote from: OZ1LQB on January 29, 2013, 08:08:15 pmHave you noticed any differences under the hood compared to thephotosof the ZD-916?I'm curious about the differences between those two

author: OZ1LQB
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2013, 03:18:28 pm
content: Hi..It looks pretty much the same inside..Both pcb's looks the same..

author: kioan
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 31, 2013, 09:29:13 am
content: Yesterday I emailed my question directly to Zhongdi and here is their reply:Quote
Rigol DG4062 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: cksa
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2012, 08:24:15 am
content: http://www.rigolna.com/products/waveform-generators/dg4062/It looks very nice and has a very nice price! It looks to be newly released. Has anyone got their hands on one yet? Should I buy one?

author: 0xdeadbeef
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2012, 10:09:19 am
content: Was discussed here some times before. The guy who did the DS4000 review here had one of these, but unfortunately didn't say much about it. The specs look promising - the main drawback seems to be the very small arbitrary memory. Also the placement inside Rigol's range of function generators is a bit strange (e.g. the DG2041a which seems to be inferior in every aspect apart from arb memory is still more expensive).Furthermore other Chinese companies like Hantek and Owon will release very interesting generators this year. So it might be clever to wait a bit until e.g. the Hantek HTG1000A series or the Owon AG4151 is released.

author: jpb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2013, 09:15:52 pm
content: I've been studying the specs of the 4000 series - I'm comparing it to the TTi TG5011 - and it is interesting to read between the lines.Though the rise time for the arbitrary waveforms is listed at under 5nsec the rise time for square waves is 12nsec. For a Gaussian filter 12nsec corresponds to a bandwidth of only 30MHz yet it is supposed to be 60MHz (with the higher models going to 160MHz!)Looking at the max amplitudes they are 10Vpp only up to 20MHz, up to 60MHz they drop to only 5Vpp, for the higher models they drop to 2.5Vpp up to 100MHz and down to 1Vpp up to 160MHz.From this I deduce that the higher frequencies are obtained by driving at higher power and taking the filter loss and perhaps compensating for it in firmware.The specs generally are given at only 0dBm which for 50ohms is only 0.3Vpp - presumably they would be worse at higher voltages such as 1Vpp or more.Am I overlooking something obvious?
Rigol Oscilloscope?? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: brucester
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 30, 2013, 01:39:00 pm
content: Hi,I am about to place an order for a digital scope and found the rigol ones.I was wondering if it was still worth buying the 50mhz one and doing the hack or if it is better to pay the extra 70 and get the 100mhzz out the box?Any advice would be appreciated.Thanks

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 30, 2013, 01:54:20 pm
content: Read the "Hantek/Tekway 200MHZ for free" post.

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2013, 02:22:20 pm
content: If you are comfortable hacking, get the 50 MHz one. If it glitches, since Rigol has changed the firmware to put more uncertainty in success particularly if you are new to electronics, it will take more than $70 to repair it so the 100 MHz model is a good deal as is. Its all discussed in the Rigol 1052e hack thread. Whatever you decide, make sure you can return it easily too, as there are some reports of production defects in the Rigol, the most consistently heinous one is baseline noise.
Here is a handy battery tester by Cadex, the C7200. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Lawsen
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2013, 02:05:35 am
content: Here is the battery tester that tests the battery under load and 4 A, 1.2 V to 15 V DC, charges to 40 Watts and discharges to 30 Watts:http://www.cadex.com/prod_analyzers/7000_overview.asp
Hull making - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Stiege
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2013, 08:55:24 am
content: Hey everyone,I'm wanting to get into the remote control scene a bit. I'm not sure if I'm going for a quad-copter or r/c boat yet, but I'm interested in what the best way to make a cheap hull is. I was thinking of maybe building a simple foam cutter, then once I had my shape using some plastic mesh and epoxy to create a shell. Would that even work? Anyone else into this stuff and have a process they want to share?Thanks in advance

author: Gall
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2013, 10:03:17 am
content: It depends on your own skills and the desired weight. There are four main techniques.1. Foam cutting. This may be done using CNC cutter or just by hand with a sharp knife or a hot wire.2. Making longerons out of a thin wood or carbon just like it's made on a big aircraft. Cover it with thin film, fabric or even paper. That's similar to WWI and early WWII wooden aircraft construction.3. Vacuum forming out of a thin plastic.4. Epoxy resin on a fabric or paper. This may be used for external cover of the foam or by its own. Temporary foam inserts are then usually dissolved by acetone.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2013, 10:51:50 am
content: If you make something out of foam use EPP.EPP foam it's much better, it bends instead of snapping like typical polystyrene does.
Background of "Lo-Pass-Filter" like Fluke 87-V has one - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Hans Gebert
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2013, 08:11:43 am
content: Hello all,I'm trying to understand the lo-pass filter option the Fluke 87-V offers. I know it is to filter "high frequent" noise which are typical on vfds. Well today most vfds have filters that reduce this noise. The voltage they deliver is therefore very sinus-like. Nevertheless fluke says that you'll only have correct readings with the 87-V. Why?Fluke says that the dmm measures voltage as the "motor sees it". Why does the motor not "see" the high-frequent voltage part? Can't understand this one.Thans a lot for ervy advice.Sincerely,Hans

author: vtl
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2013, 08:24:03 am
content: Quote from: Hans Gebert on January 29, 2013, 08:11:43 amThink about it, if you send a pulse to a motor, the motor isnt going to instantaneously change its velocity, it will need to speed up.

author: qno
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2013, 08:41:53 am
content: It is not the voltage that drives the motor but the current.The pulsed voltage results in a stepped somewhat sinus shaped current.The induction of the motor integrates the voltage pulses.Your DVM does not integrate the pulses and indicates the peak value.The special filter integrates the pulses and displays the RMS value of the voltage.

author: Hans Gebert
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2013, 08:55:45 am
content: Hey qno: Think you are my man :EI know that the voltage pulses result in a "sinus-like" current. Nevertheless can't see the need of the lo-pass filter.Why is the voltage integrated? Don't know the formula this is based on but would be keen to get to know it.With the formula I could try to understand the rest of it.As far as i know TRMS DMMs don't use the peak value to measure..but many samples it does over a certain time, isn't it? So peak value isn't an issue (?)
New Perth Hackerspace. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 27, 2013, 10:52:29 pm
content: I've just been made aware of a new hackerpspace in Perth WA.http://westcoastmakers.com/For those in WA, otherwise it's a bit far!Dave.

author: eyebrow
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 28, 2013, 11:42:58 am
content: Thanks for the plug Dave....Top Bloke!

author: Harvs
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2013, 12:51:40 pm
content: I'll have to make my way over a check it out. Unfortunately it's an hour's drive for me to Wangara.eyebrow, is that the normal hangout?Anything in particular happening on this "Help deck out the space!" meetup? I couldn't quite work out from the description if it was a working bee type activity or if you just planned on standing around drinking beer? (or perhaps both?)Cheers
Cheap usb spectrum analyzers ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: openthomas
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2013, 09:27:54 pm
content: I would like to test antenna gain with a spectrum analyzer. Are there any cheap reliable usb Chinese made models perhaps that hook into oss applications ?Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2013, 09:36:50 pm
content: the rf explorer is a nice device.http://micro.arocholl.com/but perhaps should you tell us about the frequency range you intend to measure ? it will greatly help us...
PC Worlds Khowhow - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: M0BSW
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2013, 04:14:31 pm
content: Just got computer back from pcworlds know how, it's only taken them a month to reinstall Windows 7, after one of the kids installed windows 8 in my computer, fast and efficient service, I don't think so,and they charged me £50 for doing it, I only took it there because it a couple of months old and under warranty, won't be going there again, that's for sure, well how have you all been keeping.

author: Sionyn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2013, 04:57:57 pm
content: i cringe every time one of there experts comes along he was dumbfound talking about cpu pipelines aren't pipes for oil he said.and don't mention linux its illegal don't you know.They re-branded their techguys to know how after the bbc watchdog ripped their reputation to threads oh not that they had any to begin withhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/watchdog/2011/10/knowhow.htmlive corrected many of their fools before and given proper advice to poor people they con in their own storesthey even offered me job but couldn't afford me.they should change their name cowboy's r us
Upcoming Program About Origins Of Fairchild Semiconductor And Silicon Valley - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SgtRock
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 27, 2013, 07:29:37 am
content: Greetings EEVBees:--Please see the below link for an article about the upcoming PBS Program about the beginnings of Silicon Valley. As much as I am loath to say it, the Government was instrumental in the development of the integrated circuit and all that inevitably followed. At that time the National Governments were the only real customers for the product. To quote Tom Wolfe "No Bucks, No Buck Rodgers." In order to lob a 20 Megaton Unit over the North Pole postmarked "You Know Who", tubes and wires had to be superseded by something weighing less than 1 percent as much. This had the serendipitous effect of making the Communications Satellite (useful) and Manned Space Exploration (useful for PR purposes) possible.http://www.mercurynews.com/mike-cassidy/ci_22452234/cassidy-fairchilds-turn-pbs-american-experience-puts-silicon?source=rss"With engineering, I view this year's failure as next year's opportunity to try it again. Failures are not something to be avoided. You want to have them happen as quickly as you can so you can make progress rapidly."Gordon Moore 1929 -

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2013, 03:14:49 pm
content: The most innovative electronics, for the most part, in the USA is hugely driven by military needs. Consider just the Internet and GPS, which were purely military at first. The only reason you don't hear even more of the better stuff is it remains secret.
China shopping - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: DavidDLC
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2013, 09:56:05 am
content: Found new surprises on the electronic market at Beijing China !Before I just was buying components, this time I also found already assembled boards and adapters.Some examples:8 pin DIP to SOIC adapter - $0.083 USD each16 pin DIP to SOIC adapter - $0.16 USD eachSeveral DC to DC modules - $2.50 USD each4 relay board - $3.00 USDLinear regulator 3.3 V - $0.016 USDBoard with several SMD adapters to DIP - $1.66 USDUltrasonic module - $2.50 USD8 digit display with SPI interface - $2.50 USDand more...so sad I'm not going again, today Saturday was the only day I will have available to go shopping to this place.David.

author: Jon Chandler
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2013, 10:04:34 am
content: I think I would be overwhelmed by all the choices.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2013, 10:11:07 am
content: I would be losing clothing to fit it all in the luggage for the trip back, or would be filling a big parcel and sending it via surface mail back.

author: mianchen
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2013, 10:50:15 am
content: I'm going to Shenzhen next weekend. I hope the shops are still open (the week after that is Chinese new year).