hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Bargains - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 22, 2015, 11:41:47 pm
content: Just thought I'd share this.I recently needed some longer HDMI cables. Ended up picking up a couple of 5 metre cables fromOfficeworks(Australia) for $8.88 each.They are branded Comsol on the website however just come in plain plastic wrap packaging. They claim support for 4K video. The construction looks fairly good. Can't complain at that price!They did have Comsol branded cables ($44.88 for 5 metres) but the only difference was branded end connectors and retail packaging. Cable thickness and construction was exactly the same.
Worker drills into 11,000 volt cable - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dr.diesel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2015, 02:45:29 pm
content: Being from the power industry I can attest to dangers of arc flash. That poor guy hammering likely suffered significant facial burns, perhaps blindness.Even much lower voltages such as 480v are very dangerous, especially on switch gear that can source many thousands of amps. I've seen videos of arms, what was left of them anyhow, where the hands were vaporized, completely gone.Arc flashes can reach temps of 35,000F.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2015, 03:00:12 pm
content: Pretty fast trip there on the supply, and he is lucky to still have his eyesight, with the blast having blown his hard hat off.Had a digging crew do that in the street outside a while ago, and the pickaxe was a little shorter on the one side afterwards. Took about a week to fix the cable, though nwe got power back within 2 hours by isolating that section of the ring.

author: dr.diesel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2015, 03:15:33 pm
content: Similar experiences not that uncommon at the powerhouse as well. With electric motors up to 10,000HP, starting them was on occasion quite spectacular. When these motors are started an employee is stationed prior to clear everyone out, he then hides behind a structural beam when it's energized.I've seen numerous explode personally, shooting flames similar to the above video and flashes of light that resemble lightning.

author: bigsky
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2015, 03:41:52 pm
content: Seehttp://press.hse.gov.uk/2015/electrical-explosion-leaves-worker-scarred-for-life/for more details.
For those who like puzzles.GCHQ director has one for the holiday season for you  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: wilfred
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 01:55:45 am
content: /.

author: electr_peter
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 06:35:06 pm
content: Virtual version of such puzzles is much easier (because it is much quicker to click than to paint), but also still very time consuming. Seehttp://www.puzzle-nonograms.com/?size=4for 25*25 size and weekly 30*30 size.

author: Godzil
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2015, 09:36:58 am
content: The first was much more easy to me than the second part
SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch Livestream - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: nidlaX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2015, 01:12:51 am
content: Here we go!

author: nidlaX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2015, 01:40:19 am
content: First stage landing successful, "WE FUCKING DID IT!".ORBCOMM satellites deployed. "The goal is Mars because nobody wants to go back to Jakku." -_-
LOLZ at EEVBlog Forum Adverts - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dexters_lab
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 20, 2015, 03:09:13 pm
content: what is this ad here on EEVBlog?magnetic generators, hmm... eliminate your power bill? oooh this has to be worth a click, at least Dave gets a kickback from it eh?!and Nikola spins in his grave once more...i got bored before the end of the robot voice over, obviously it's a load of BS but quite ironic to see this kind of advert here!

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2015, 02:39:22 pm
content: ...They know their market..??I almost always see some Digikey banner, which should be absurd, looking at my cookies and the rich and plentiful history I have with them. Advertising to paying customers..Tim

author: daqq
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2015, 02:50:45 pm
content: I've seen those adds as well. I click on them when I'm on EEVBLOG just out of spite, so Dave, who is a known debunker of such bullshit gets money out of it to finance bullshit debunking.
What the heck J.J. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: calexanian
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2015, 07:58:10 am
content: What the heck J.J. Abrams? You made a pretty good Star Wars movie, and we can only assume the next two will be of the same quality, but why such shitty Star Trek movies? WTF???

author: JoeN
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2015, 07:58:52 am
content: Quote from: calexanian on December 20, 2015, 07:58:10 amThe Mouse did not help on the Star Trek movies.

author: Aodhan145
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2015, 10:28:32 am
content: The Star Trek films by JJ abrams and The Wrath of Khan were the best made.

author: HP-ILnerd
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2015, 12:23:07 pm
content: Quote from: Aodhan145 on December 20, 2015, 10:28:32 amNot if you are a fan of the original series. I recall coming out of the last one thinking "That's not a bad Star Wars" movie. The mindset is inside-out. Far more suitable for Star Wars than Star Trek.Edited to add: In regard to the OP, it's because JJ is a long-time Star Wars fan, and not a Star Trek fan. He has a lot of reverence for Star Wars because of this, and doesn't quite get the idea of Trek.

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2015, 01:14:01 pm
content: Don't worry, the next two Star Wars movies are going to be directed by other directors, so plenty of opportunities for screwups again.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2015, 07:20:34 pm
content: Star Trek is back though, a whole new series available as well, just download and watch for free.http://www.startreknewvoyages.de/en/index.phpThey are free to download, and I quite enjoy them, and you also have a nice channel devoted to the making of it, and some really nice interviews. The old cast also does appear as well as either cameo or as the actual parts they played.
The Transistor 1953 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: rrinker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2015, 03:18:10 am
content: That is quite interesting. Fun to see the shot of the production line in the Allentown PA plant - I grew up near there, and when I was in high school, in 1983, I participated in an engineering day thing at that plant. This was just shortly after the (forced) breakup of the Bell System, so on at least one occasion while viewing a canned presentation, the presenter joked "just ignore those little Bells in the corner". This was just after another breakthrough for them - the 64K (yes, K) RAM chip. We got to see the whole process, from crystal growth to wafer slicing to the lithography and packaging and testing. They gave us each a sample (failed ones though). Think about that one, mostly germanium transistors in 1953, 30 years later a small sliver of silicon with 100K+ transistors on it, the whole 16 pin DIP package being not really bigger than those 1953 transistors.--Randy

author: rjeberhardt
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2015, 03:50:21 pm
content: Good bit of nostalgia. I particularly liked the picture of someone at the beach with a portable television setIf they could have seen us now!Russell

author: retrolefty
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2015, 04:33:47 pm
content: unlike many perdections, this one nailed it.
free energy stuff - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: grifftech
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2015, 11:12:13 pm
content: Dave has unknowingly purchased a free energy device.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2015, 11:27:04 pm
content: Quote from: grifftech on December 20, 2015, 11:12:13 pmCare to elaborate?

author: l0rd_hex
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2015, 11:30:12 pm
content: Quote from: grifftech on December 20, 2015, 11:12:13 pmWhat? a taco? Nuh uh, brother they were 99 cents a piece. Also, uFart (free energy from flatulence) hasn't released a prototype yet.

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2015, 11:48:05 pm
content: Quote from: grifftech on December 20, 2015, 11:12:13 pmHow can it be free if he purchased it?Edit: maybe he is referring to the video were the board blinks those LEDs without the power pin attached, that would be my guess.I guess now will see a lot of scammers powering a chip via the I/O ports and claiming free energy!

author: grifftech
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2015, 02:42:21 am
content: Quote from: ataradov on December 20, 2015, 11:27:04 pmsolar

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2015, 02:45:06 am
content: Quote from: grifftech on December 21, 2015, 02:42:21 amDud he even broke even on the price of installation yet? It is anything but free.

author: l0rd_hex
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2015, 02:48:25 am
content: Quote from: ataradov on December 21, 2015, 02:45:06 amI think grifftech is just trolling.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2015, 02:49:48 am
content: Quote from: l0rd_hex on December 21, 2015, 02:48:25 amYeah, I now. But I'm bored at the momentI was looking forward to SpaceX launch today, but they moved it to Monday, so I've got some time to spare to feed the trolls.

author: calexanian
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2015, 05:57:35 am
content: I know a way to get free energy. it involves a long extension cord.
Interesting website about early matrix font definition and storage - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: 0b01010011
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2015, 02:50:45 am
content: As per the topic - goes on about font definition first and then font storage. All mechanical with focus on transmission over radio for matrix/sprial printers etc.http://www.nonstopsystems.com/radio/hellschreiber-fonts.htmJust found it looking for some 5x8 font definitions online.

author: 0b01010011
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2015, 02:53:51 am
content: And another one about pre-WW1 radio navigationhttp://www.nonstopsystems.com/radio/hellschreiber-modes-other-hell.htm#1940-schreiber

author: crispy_tofu
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2015, 06:51:49 am
content: Very cool, thanks for sharing!
Wahoo! Got an A+ in my ELT class! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: cvriv
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2015, 11:22:00 pm
content: I'm on my way!

author: dr.diesel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2015, 11:23:38 pm
content: Merry X-Mas to yourself, well done!

author: cvriv
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2015, 03:40:38 am
content: Thank you Merry much! Merry Xmas to you too!

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 19, 2015, 04:02:27 am
content: May the EMF be with you.

author: crispy_tofu
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2015, 06:46:38 am
content: Congratulations!

author: cvriv
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2015, 07:34:07 am
content: Thank you! Im so happy. I killed it in that class. Next semester im taking the next ELT class which is basically a continuation of this past one. Same professor as well.
Which powerline ethernet adapter looks better built? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2015, 04:32:30 am
content: I was looking at getting some powerline ethernet adapters to cut down on the wifi in my house. Right now I'm bridging two access points over wifi and I'd rather hard wire them together.On the left is made by ActionTec, the one on the right is made by TrendNet. (Pictures from here:http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/lanwan/lanwan-reviews/31875-actiontec-pwr500-and-trendnet-tpl-406e2k-powerline-adapters-reviewed?limitstart=0)Which looks better made to you? They both use the same chipset, so the differences are in the rest of the design.The left has more capacitors and second transformer but I suspect the one on the right is using a switching regulator and eliminates the need for the second transformer. (Higher resolution picture attached)The left one seems to have more protection, but I wonder if that's just because of the design that it is needed? Unfortunately there weren't any pictures that showed the components from any other angles so I can't tell what kind of caps they are using.

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2015, 04:55:19 am
content: I don't have that Actiontec, but I do have that Trendnet, a set of TP-Link, and a set of Zyxel. Of the three, the Zyxel performs the best because it has gigabit (and is much newer), but the TP-Link did much better than the Trendnet despite having basically the same specifications.Teardown of the TP-Link:Teardown of the Zyxel (modded):BTW, if you have phone wiring that is not being used for DSL, you can hack the adapters to run on it and get very good performance. Using the Zyxel adapters, I managed to get as much as 600Mbps over some old phone line.I wouldn't recommend the Trendnet since in addition to not performing as well as the TP-Link of the same specs, it uses a nonisolated power supply design that makes it extra work to hack for running over phone line.
George Green - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2015, 10:51:41 pm
content: I've spent the evening listening to a Susie Asado, on vinyl, as I'm a snob that prefers vinyl to CDs, which I purchased directly from her at a gig last week, and also a Jeffery Lewis album which I purchased from his drummer, who noted that the Moldy Peaches T shirt I was wearing included him in the picture. I'm sure at this point, if not at least a sentence or two earlier, you're wondering what this has to do with electronics and I do confess that you have a point, so I'll attempt to steer my verbiage to something more useful.Whilst listening to this music I was also checking that my Father's Christmas present is in perfect working order. Ah, at last, he's getting towards electronics you think, but, Ha! you'd be wrong, I've still some way to go. I bought my Father the latest Bill Bryson, which involves our esteemed author discoursing in his amusing rambling style about various bits of Britain that most folk don't know about. A paragraph or two on a Victorian folly put me in mind of George Green, a man who only had one year of education as a child and yet set the mathematical foundations for Maxwell et alhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Green_(mathematician)
mental images - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 05:26:49 pm
content: How many of you see a series of 4 numbers or so and your brain starts trying to associate it with some piece of kit ?.

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 10:16:23 pm
content: I always compare 4-digit lottery numbers to the American industrial/military vacuum tube numbers that started at 5500.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2015, 09:02:31 pm
content: I saw "1723" the other day and thought it awfully familiar. Though the only thing that came to mind was, Motorola regulator IC?I spot "11:38" seemingly more often than chance (unsure whether it's subconscious, confirmation bias or what). Odd as I've not seen the movie, and am only passingly familiar with the lore.Numerology is much more fun when you have random part numbers floating around in your head.Tim

author: German_EE
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2015, 08:23:40 pm
content: 555 (quite common on German car plates) means the timer IC723 is the voltage regulator741 (I'm old) is now a rather poor opamp7474 is a dual FFand of course 42 is the meaning of life, the universe and everything
Free Online Mechnical Engineering Courses - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 18, 2015, 01:39:51 am
content: In case anyone is interested, run by Georgia Tech:Statics Part 1: Introduction to Engineering Mechanics:https://www.coursera.org/learn/engineering-mechanics-staticsStatics Part 2: Applications in Engineering Mechanics:https://www.coursera.org/learn/engineering-mechanics-statics-22D Dynamics: Engineering Systems in Motion:https://www.coursera.org/learn/dynamics3D Dynamics: Advanced Engineering Systems in Motion:https://www.coursera.org/learn/motion-and-kineticsMechanics of Materials: Stress and Strain fundamentals:https://www.coursera.org/learn/mechanics-1
Lead poisoning in Flint Michigan - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 01:15:56 am
content: Quotehttp://news.slashdot.org/story/15/12/15/2024229/flint-michigan-declares-state-of-emergency-over-lead-in-childrens-bloodSo from what I understand is the water is sufficiently lead free when it exits the treatment plant, but the city did not neutralize the PH of the water, so it is dissolving and forming lead compounds with the old lead plumbing solder in the water pipes that are in the city and homes and it is in the drinking water.From Wikipedia:QuoteSo perhaps that has something to do with the lead in the water. GM closed several automotive plants in the 1980s that operated in Flint and the town went down hill after that.One stat that someone posted in the comments on Slashdot was the average home was around 60 years old, so that predated a lot of the plumbing standards that restrict the use of lead.
Washington State charges iYogi with fraud! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Stray Electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2015, 10:05:25 pm
content: I know that a lot of you will be happy to hear thishttp://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/washington-state-sues-iyogi-alleges-tech-support-scam-35809733.In addition to the "you have a Virus" scam, iYogi is one of the companies that calls and pretends to be MicroSoft Tech support AND one of the companies that calls people and pretends to be the IRS, FBI or other law enforcement agency and claims that they have an arrest warrant for you and attempts to extort money from the gullible.

author: Tomorokoshi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2015, 11:39:30 pm
content: iYogi made an iBooBoo.
Perhaps a new animated GIF icon on the forum...? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SL4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2015, 03:38:49 am
content: Since we see a lot of fizz-pop-bang stories on here, perhaps we could find a newanimated GIF to go in posts - with a little face or device that starts out 'normal', glows red, then explodes into a cloud of smoke...?

author: SL4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2015, 05:22:30 am
content: Sorta getting there... (thanks!)Smoke phase needs to ne more obvious - perhaps lingering and fading to nothing.

author: SL4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2015, 06:11:53 am
content: Quote from: wilfred on December 08, 2015, 06:07:05 amI reckon the hostile GIFs sometimes 'soften' the impact when replying to a completely (IMO) ridiculous post or proposition....!Words would be somewhat harsher - like those to Batteriser?!

author: Stray Electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 04:02:24 pm
content: Personally I HATE animated GIFs! They're distracting and add nothing to the conversation. I use Ad-Blocker to kill them every time that I encounter them.
Longest Valid Samtec Part Number....... - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2015, 05:08:38 am
content: www.samtec.comWho can find the longest valid Samtec part number?I know this isn't the winner, but I'll kick it off....23 characters...http://suddendocs.samtec.com/catalog_english/ltmm.pdfZLTMM-125-75-F-D-250-11

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2015, 08:51:40 am
content: Hmm, don't recall anything terribly lengthy from the catalog.Now Mill-Max part numbers, those are *horrible* to write out. I suppose most of those verbose Samtec ones are, too.Tim

author: crispy_tofu
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2015, 10:09:38 am
content: Shielded Ground Plane Headers, anyone?QMSS–032–06.75–L–D–DP–PC425 characters!!http://suddendocs.samtec.com/catalog_english/qmss.pdf

author: jeroen74
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2015, 12:11:09 pm
content: So what?

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2015, 06:25:48 pm
content: This is one of my favorite part number schemes. As far as I know they only sell a handful of variants at most, but the PN scheme will accomodate millions (billions? trillions? I'm not even going to try to calculate it) of variants.Excellent hardware, though.

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 12:38:02 am
content: Quote from: crispy_tofu on December 14, 2015, 10:09:38 amIn the lead! That actuator number is sick!
What the hell is .xyz domain? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: blueskull
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 14, 2015, 02:32:09 am
content: It has been not long ago (~4 days) since I started receiving spam emails.Before that, I receive about 1~2 spam emails per day, from different, random domains.Starting from 4 days ago, I receive ~6 spam emails a day, from different domains, but ALL END WITH .XYZ.So I'm wondering, what the hell is this .xyz domain? Anyone has the same experience?BTW, I use Gmail.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 14, 2015, 02:32:49 am
content: Quote from: blueskull on December 14, 2015, 02:32:09 amI get practically zero spam on gmail.

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 14, 2015, 02:34:23 am
content: .xyz is a top-level domain name. It was proposed in ICANN's New generic top-level domain (gTLD) Program, and became available to the general public on June 2, 2014. XYZ.COM and CentralNic are the registries for the domain.In 2015, XYZ.com proposed that ICANN allow it to ban thousands of potential .xyz domain names from registration by global registrants in order to comply with censorship demanded by the People's Republic of China. XYZ.com hopes to become an officially recognised registry in China, which would allow it to directly offer domains to Chinese customers.In November 2015, .xyz reached 1.5 million domain name registrations, possibly boosted in part by Google's decision to use abc.xyz for its corporate (Alphabet Inc.) website. However, domain name registry VeriSign and others have claimed that domain name registrar Network Solutions gave away possibly hundreds of thousands of these names by placing them into customer accounts on an opt-out basis.Looks in short like your being spammed by .......China
Altair 8800 Videos - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Homer J Simpson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2015, 12:51:13 am
content: Found this on YouTube. Lots on the Altair 8800.https://www.youtube.com/user/deramp5113/videosThis one alone is pretty amazing. Loading Basic.

author: SpidersWeb
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 14, 2015, 01:07:48 am
content: Yeah it's pretty awesome, totally different era. His videos are fantastic.I doubt I'll ever see or touch a real one, but might consider a clone at some point -http://altairclone.com/
Incident at Frankfurt Airport - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: German_EE
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2015, 04:29:08 pm
content: There was an unusual incident at Frankfurt Airport this afternoon. Fortunately someone captured it on video, airport authorities are investigating.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2015, 04:48:52 pm
content: Better than dropping off that blue ice like Dave had land on his roof...........

author: JacobPilsen
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2015, 07:56:16 pm
content: Another Mattel movie viral advertisement???

author: continuo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2015, 08:22:40 pm
content: There are some strange things going on in Frankfurt...
Vintage Video Game and Console Commercials  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Homer J Simpson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2015, 03:31:01 pm
content: Just a fun look back.

author: Radio Tech
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2015, 04:39:04 pm
content: That brought back a lot of memories.Thanks for sharing.

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2015, 09:49:13 pm
content: Those were the days. I still have my Atari 2600, NES, Genesis, and Super Nintendo, along with all the games I bought stored away in 2 big boxes. The last time I remember any of them getting used was in 2003.
Using ESD diodes to check pin connections - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2015, 04:10:44 am
content: Those who have worked with BGA test sockets know that especially after a few dozen cycles, they tend to make bad contact. One of my coworkers, often having to deal with that problem, has a trick to quickly check the connection of I/O pins. With the board powered off, he would take a common DMM, set it to diode mode, clip the red lead to a ground point, and use the black lead to probe the I/Os with nothing else connected. He says that the voltage and current outputted by a DMM in diode mode is too low to damage even sensitive chips.Is that still true for the latest 14nm and smaller ASICs? Are there any common semiconductors that are likely to be damaged by trying to check them with a DMM?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2015, 04:57:11 am
content: Fine pitch fab, and low voltages, don't do much for the pins: they still have to deal with the physical reality of huge (relative) chunks of metal being charged to comparable voltages and transmitting electromagnetic waves. A typical SSTL signal might have to deliver 10mA per pin, so the transistors are at least that big. Not necessarily as robust in reverse, especially if reverse bias causes charge injection and further problems (CMOS latchup?), but surely on the same order.I recall Altera typically warns to avoid peak currents over 10mA or so, and DC over 2mA, in or out of FPGA pins. They're surely small, but they still have to deal with the fact that they are pins. I'll admit FPGAs are probably on the more robust side of nano scale fabs, being that the IO banks often have to operate up to 3.3V, with a variety of configurations (anything from LVTTL to LVDS..), whereas CPU pins might only operate at 1.2 or 1.5V with an SSTL type design.Tim

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2015, 10:53:56 am
content: Be careful of what voltage the DMM can supply, as it could be more than enough to damage the gates and avalanche the junctions if reverse-biased.

author: Someone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2015, 02:33:29 am
content: Quote from: amyk on December 10, 2015, 10:53:56 amYes, the DMM will have a larger open circuit voltage across it just as the pin is touched. Its not at all the same as sweeping it with a curve tracer from zero volts with a voltage and current limit (which is easy and safe if you have the hardware)

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2015, 07:12:38 pm
content: yep works fine.that is how mass production testers at the semiconductor manifactere do it as well. hook up to the devices power rail and check for presence of the esd diodes. that veriefes the socket has good connection to all pins before they power up the device and start testing.
manufacturer videos, and name the test equipment quiz - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: FrankBuss
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 11, 2015, 09:48:39 pm
content: Why do manufacturers create videos for Youtube? Nearly nobody watches them. Like this, 5 views after 3 days:Ok, this one doesn't contain much useful information. If you are not living under a rock, you know already the features of USB type C, and she says Fairchild has some chips for it. Fine, I don't care, just gimme the datasheets. But sometimes they are more interesting.Bonus: name the test equipment in the videoOn the left side it is easy, a function generator. You can tell this by the coax connectors and missing vertical adjustment knobs, but one big wheel to change the frequency. Not likely a spectrum analyzer, because too many coax connectors. The color of the back looks like Tetronix and that's all to search it with Google image: it is a AFG3000 family function generator, maybe this one:http://www.us-instrument.com/objects/catalog/product/image/img4138.jpgWhat is the device to the right of it? With the big heatsink and the heavy-duty terminals at the front I think it might be an electronic load.But what is the big photocopier-size device on the right side with the (exhaust?) tube on top?

author: deadlylover
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2015, 07:04:13 am
content: That electronic load looks like a Kikusui, maybe similar tothis.

author: FrankBuss
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 12, 2015, 08:41:08 am
content: Quote from: deadlylover on December 12, 2015, 07:04:13 amNice, from microamps to 132 A, 330 W. And you can add optional boosters for up to 9 kW. The 150 V, 33 A, 165 W version costs $2k at eBay.
Any one have any links to videos of epic hand soldering of smt  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jmegar324
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2015, 07:13:51 pm
content: Love to see peoples techniques

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2015, 07:16:52 pm
content: http://lmgtfy.com/?q=video+hand+soldering+smd

author: jmegar324
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2015, 07:22:03 pm
content: Had that coming my bad

author: jmegar324
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2015, 07:38:49 pm
content: Wow that guy is a pro wish I was that good. I like this vid I still consider it hand soldering.https://youtu.be/6M3MeADb1dE

author: jmegar324
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2015, 07:41:45 pm
content: Love to see them reballs done by hand idk why they amaze me.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2015, 11:04:41 pm
content: Quote from: jmegar324 on December 10, 2015, 07:22:03 pml've never made that mistake. On no. Never ever. Perish the thought.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2015, 12:19:30 am
content: http://youtu.be/5uiroWBkdFY

author: momo
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 12, 2015, 04:42:09 pm
content: This guy over here with a GPS/GLONASS gieger counter, 0402s, QFN and some magnet wire.The video is interspliced with him playing electric guitar, just in case you thought it was stock music.
Festive Light - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: NivagSwerdna
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 02:10:58 pm
content: OK... so it's the time of year that you get the lights out of the loft/garage etc and find that less are working this year than were last year... and the way they are arranged they seem to break such that not just a single light goes out but a whole section dies. Many of these sets now have small lights which are not replaceable (i.e. no sockets).Last year I resurrected a favorite set by painstakingly using a multimeter and a pair of fine sewing needles to try and find the breaks... it was a slow and painful process.Being based in blighty the main voltage in 240v so these light run through wall warts with the typical light string being 24v.I was wondering... Any tips for diagnosing these?Would it be possible to wrap a wire around the cable and induce a signal in the cable and then with a probe go up the wire and sense for signal?Some of my sets have a controller box (imagine small green plastic rectangle with dodgy switch) that controls combinations in the lighting set... I think these sets have five wires going to the lights themselves. Any pointers for how these are wired?Thanks in advance (and Happy Christmas),NivagPSOh... and many of the lights are now LED. Does that affect the tracing? Forward Voltages?
Something about intelligence and frustration - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ironguy
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 09, 2015, 12:32:27 am
content: Good night from Spain.I'm new in this forum and why not, in this world. Despite having spend 3 years studying electronic eng, i've realised that if I want to learn something useful y need to experiment by myself.I'm a very creative pearson and I love making new stuff, i'm very good at that, but sometimes I got very frustrated.I don't consider myself a stupid person, but sometimes I think I need an extra work in comparison with some of my mates. My grades are not good enough and I roughly find spare time for doing personal projects.Do you have any advise, have you ever felt this way? Thanks in advance for reading this stuff (with some gramma mistakes I suppose)

author: Tomorokoshi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2015, 05:37:42 am
content: 1. What subjects are you studying now?2. Are you also studying software engineering or programming?3. Do you repair technical things?4. Do you have another interest or skill in something that is not electronics or electrical engineering?

author: ironguy
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 09, 2015, 07:21:18 am
content: 1. Analog and digital electronics, control egineering and programing.2. Here the degree is a little bit diferent, is like electronics with mechanics and programing.3. No, but i would like to.4. Yes but they stay at the background because of my time

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2015, 07:42:56 am
content: About 2.University (Universidad) or Trade School, aka Technician (Formación Profesional)There is a difference.Edit: BTW I've done neither, just an enthusiast of electronics.
more suspicious energy harvesting projects for roads! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: tron9000
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2015, 03:57:30 pm
content: http://phys.org/news/2011-11-speed-bump-device-traffic-energy-electricity.htmlThis video's a pearler - how do you kow the cars not driving over a button connected to a MCU that's flashing the lightsSomeone threw and idea at me of using a hydraulic "button" to compress hydraulic fluid through a generator from a car rolling over it. Something just doesn't sound right about that.

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2015, 04:05:00 pm
content: There's no need to 'cheat' in terms of using an external supply to power the lights. You really can obtain useful energy this way.Unfortunately that energy is anything but "free"; it comes from the car's engine, which has to lift the car up and over a bump which wouldn't otherwise be there. If you doubt that this requires energy, just try pushing a car first along a flat surface, and then up a low kerb.

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2015, 04:06:44 pm
content: You beat me to a reply but agree 100%More than it not being free, it would be an extremely inefficient use of fuel, most carbon un-friendly.

author: tron9000
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2015, 04:38:28 pm
content: oh I agree that's its not free, your spending fuel and therefore money getting up the hump, and true the video doesn't have to cheat but it doesn't lend itself any favours by not showing " there's nothing up my sleeves!"Plus I think its more specific to speed bumps rather than say them being limed along the motorway.

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2015, 04:54:03 pm
content: If you have to have a speed bump any way you could use this to work a speed sign, but the costs have to far outweigh a solar cell and the maintenance will be far greater as well.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 09, 2015, 07:57:24 am
content: All well and good, except in Australia, people largely drive around or avoid speed humps where possible.
Hour of Code - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: edy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2015, 03:04:16 am
content: Hi everyone,I was pleasantly surprised by my 8 year old daughter who brought home a "certificate" for participating in this event at her school called "Hour of code". Has anyone heard of this before? I'm happy the kids are getting at least some exposure to this, and maybe get some electronics too.I asked her what she did. Apparently she played some game like Minecraft where she had to instruct some sprite to move and turn a certain way to achieve some objective like chopping down some trees and building a house. Reminds me of Turtle, or like Scratch on RasPi (which my girls have already played with).I hope they let me share with them the fun of programming and basic electronics. They are at an age (6 and 8 ) which should be fine to start. My 3 year old needs a few more years.

author: edy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2015, 04:16:32 am
content: I think this is what they played:https://studio.code.org/s/mc/stage/1/puzzle/1

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2015, 04:46:45 am
content: That's cool, it's like logo with minecraftThe blocks are very functional based which is a good concept for next generation programmers.
How do you take a picture of audio noise ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 08, 2015, 06:11:48 pm
content: Apparently this guy changed the fans in his power supply, and he decided to take a picture of the audible difference before and after....

author: electr_peter
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 08, 2015, 06:41:56 pm
content: What is the issue? Can't you see it?

author: 128er
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2015, 07:24:50 pm
content: Source/URL or it didn't happen!

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 08, 2015, 08:02:50 pm
content: Quote from: 128er on December 08, 2015, 07:24:50 pmOh Ye Of Little Faith !!lolhttp://seriouslyembedded.com/power-supply-fan-upgrade/

author: wblock
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2015, 08:45:20 pm
content: The two photos are identical, a nicely-underplayed joke.
Upverter - hobbyist holiday special.  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: chrisgervang
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 11, 2015, 07:05:38 pm
content: Hey all,I got very excited by the Holiday Specials sent out over email this morning, but found little information about what exactly the plan included. After talking to Michael in support I got some answers, and now want to share it with all of you.Features Included:Unlimited Private ProjectsAccess to Verified PartsCAM ExportNDA PartsHierarchical DesignsAPI/Scripting... and every else listed in the starter planNot Included:Private Team Collaboration3D Preview (though that might maybe no promises change in the future)Parts Concierge (though anyone can currently buy a 10 pack for $150 if you'd like them to take care of some tricky parts)The forthcoming Simulation feature (though that might also get an a la carte option)So this plan is basically the Professional Individual Plan minus a couple laborious/premium features. I was also told the plan would be grandfathered into new features as they come out (though laborious/premium features will probably continue to cost extra).Also, this account can create public organizations, but not create private organizations for team collaboration.To get the plan, go here:https://upverter.com/payments/preview/2015-holiday-hobbyist-special/I'm also told that we can switch back and forth between plans and always get the lifetime hobbyist plan reactivated by their (very responsive) support team.Happy Holidays!
NXP new website - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ali_asadzadeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2015, 07:23:57 am
content: Hi,At last going into freescale.com will direct you to NXP.com, what's your opinion about the merge? will it bring new Multi core Cortex M devices into action? what's your idea? does this merge bring happiness to us?
What manufacturer is this? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: thepowerfulpotato
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 08, 2015, 12:02:08 am
content: Hi, first post to the forum so be gentle pleaseI found these chips when looking through my junkbox and can't for the life of me figure out who the manufacturer is. They are very early X10 chips designed by my fathers boss for Pico Electronics in Scotland. I've not much more back story than that. I'd be very appreciative if anyone can figure this one out as it has been bugging me for a while now!

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 08, 2015, 12:42:13 am
content: Pretty sure its an 80's VTI (= VLSI Technology Inc) logo. Used to see it a lot in arcade cabinets of that time

author: thepowerfulpotato
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 08, 2015, 12:59:42 am
content: Ah, that appears to be right on the money! I might have to send a few of these in to Dave as I've just discovered that the cap is only held in place by the label! You might be able to see some details of exactly what the chip is doing and possibly some changes between wafers as these are extremely early samples.
Super Computers 1984 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Homer J Simpson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 07, 2015, 12:58:02 am
content: The discussion that begins at 4:00 is very interesting. Remember this is 30 years ago now.

author: helius
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 07, 2015, 02:01:05 am
content: That was a golden age for supercomputers, with the Connection Machine CM-1, the KSR-1, the Cray X-MP, the nCube, Multiflow, the Meiko CS, the Butterfly, the iPSC, the HEP, and the Titan. It was the Cold War and government funding for technology was rich.

author: Tomorokoshi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 07, 2015, 05:59:06 am
content: Good ol' Gary Kildall.That model of those Japanese trains came out in 1964 for the Tokyo Olympics and were 20 years old at the time of the episode. They were just retired a couple years ago to a lot of circumstance. Many new models have replaced them.I got my first computer around the time the program was broadcast. It's likely I saw it at the time.

author: dexters_lab
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 07, 2015, 09:15:56 pm
content: missed this one somehow, always love supercomputing in the 70s & 80s...
What is the best way to insert images in the text ?  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: JacquesBBB
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2015, 10:47:43 am
content: I know how to post images,but I always do it in a way that is not very satisfying.First I post the topic with the images attached.Then I have to get the addresses of the images and edit the post to insert the images attheir proper place in the text.I do that as I find much more enjoyable to have the images inside the text, but I feel alwaysvery stupid to do this in this very repetitive and inefficient way.Is there a better way to do it ?

author: rs20
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2015, 11:33:08 am
content: Discussed beforehttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/embeding-images-in-forum-post's/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/place-to-park-photos-for-the-forum/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/how-to-include-images-in-a-post/

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2015, 11:38:34 am
content: That's it!You should bear in mind that servers have running costs, that include a factor for megabytes served.Full size images in the text do have a cost, to the site operators. Why do you think a lot of forums don't provide a means to embed full size images in the page, that are located on that site's server?I'd guess it's the way it is, so mostly people just attach images, and they appear as small thumbnails (very low cost to the site.) If readers are interested enough to click the thumbnail, or if a poster went to the trouble to link images into the text, then it's worth serving the full size image for every page view.

author: JacquesBBB
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2015, 11:47:11 am
content: Thanks for the answer,So I understand that there is no better way. I was wondering.I do not feel very comfortable on posting the images on an outside web site, as you never knowif this will stay forever. I saw sometimes some broken link on the images.But as I understand from the previous discussions, this is the most cost effectivesolution for the forum.
Energy harvesting from vibrations - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Don Hills
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2015, 07:17:52 am
content: If this were a crowd funded campaign, I'd be screaming "scam". But it appears legit...http://www2.alcatel-lucent.com/blogs/tracktalk/blog/good-vibrations-for-railways/Quote

author: timb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2015, 10:34:34 am
content: I first read the thread title as, "Energy harvesting from vibrators" and thought, "this is going to make a lot of ladies *very* happy!"But no, it's just trains.

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2015, 10:46:23 am
content: Trains impart a lot of energy into the ground as vibrations, you only have to stand near a passing train to feel the ground move. But the train moves on and unless your device is built the whole length of the rail track or moves with the train your energy supply is transitory.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2015, 03:29:42 am
content: The biggest question, as with all these energy harvesting things, is whether the amount of energy harvested is actually worthwhile to do it.Although if these devices also dampen the track vibrations in the process, that could be a good thing.

author: Hypernova
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 06, 2015, 10:25:52 am
content: Quote from: amyk on December 06, 2015, 03:29:42 amGiven that they convert kinetic energy to electric, they would become dampeners by definition.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2015, 11:05:50 am
content: Vibration in trains is generally regarded as something to avoid, as this increases wear of the expensive rail. However harvesting the energy for low power use in track signalling is a good idea, you can then reduce the amount of easily stolen copper wire that has to be laid along the track, and low power signalling, using for example fibre optic cables strung along the overhead caternary lines, and powered by the motion of the rolling stock would be a leap upward in train technology. Optical signalling and turnouts will still need more power than the energy harvesting can provide, so you will probably have to have a power converter at those points, fed by a tap off the overhead DC or AC rail, to provide power.