hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Mastech Ms8211D multimeter review - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Wartex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2010, 11:19:12 pm
content: Sorry for "ummm" and "eeh", this is my first video review, don't flog me too muchhttp://toolhacker.com/2010/09/mastech-extech-ms8211d-pen-type-multimeter-review/

author: BillGeo
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2010, 11:46:14 pm
content: Thank you for that review!It's great!It's a really nice pen DMM given the price.But Ia wondering if, at that price, a slightly bigger "pocket DMM" will be preferable.Something like that: MASTECH MS8216

author: Wartex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2011, 04:16:50 pm
content: when you see me using both of my hands, I'm holding the camera by the viewfinder with my teeth. It's not pleasant but gives a true sense of POV.

author: BillGeo
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2011, 04:21:07 pm
content: Hey, got mine yesterday... GREAT DMMGreat for those measurements where you don't have a place to put your multimeter and look at it.But, the -D version (as opposed to the "plain" 8211) does not have the non-contact voltage detector function that I really wanted.As a trade off there is a Logic probe function (but who needs this really?) and a current measurement function.So, I think i'll this one and get a 8211...
Atten DSO 1060C - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: frenchbruce
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 27, 2011, 12:43:08 am
content: Hi all..Setting aside any copyright issues, it would seem that the Atten DSO 1000 series scopes can't be beaten for value for money..Has anyone had first hand experience or looked inside to see if the manufacturing quality appears ok i.e. fibre glass PC board etc named components/chips etc..It would appear that the circuitry is related/close copies of/ Rigol scope.cheers

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2011, 12:59:20 pm
content: Its hard to say. On paper, Atten and other brands look good, but no one has really reviewed it to see if it lives up to its spec sheet. Compared to the Rigol 1000 series, the actually price between each is fairly close, except the Atten claims to have 2M memory length to Rigol's 1M.1060Cmodel is 4k memory, 500 Ms/s.If you buy an Atten,bewarethesame model numberbut different suffixes have different memory or sampling rates.http://cgi.ebay.com/ATTEN-Digital-Oscilloscope-DSO-ADS1062-ADS1062C-60Mhz-/300490302443?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item45f69e23ebI'd be very interested if someone did look into it and finally put this issue of the Atten's value to the test.The design company behind the scope seems to be DinYoung Technology Company, under the parent of the Atten group.http://www.atten.com.cn/index.aspxRecently, Atten launched a new brand name, how this strategy works with the 'other' Atten scopes I don't know, I mean is it competing with itself or will it slowly fade away the Atten brand for selling scopes:http://www.siglent.com/en/index.aspHere are some facts that are clear:Atten sells more than DSO, it has many different electronic products in its portfolioRigol focuses on its DSO, and has a few other test gear in its portfolioAtten's 1000s series models have different memory specs and vendors don't mention which it is they sell, or have one model number and the better model's spec sheetAtten created a new model line called Siglent that is identical to Atten and is confusingAtten reviews are not easy to find, even on youtube.com or other forums, not just eevblogSo, my impression right now is Atten is not focused on DSOs, Rigol is more. Atten doesn't seem to make its scopes, it just sells them, in the case of DSOs, DinYoung is likely the design house. Which means Rigol is probably better at making DSOs.Atten's management is making confusing decisions, hopefully they are not also confused when making electronics.Few non-China vendors carry Atten, why?Seems like until we review it here in a detailed tear down, Atten is a risky buy.

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2011, 11:53:19 am
content: A brief review of one Atten brand scope:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?topic=1571.msg21170#msg21170
Agilent DMM users question - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: PetrosA
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2011, 04:15:10 am
content: For those of you who own recent Agilent multimeters, could you try these experiments and let me know what happens?1) Take an incandescent light bulb and check it on the continuity setting. Does it beep continuity or are you just getting an ohms value? If you have some way to test what ohms reading sets off the beeper and whether it always reacts at the same reading, that would be helpful too.2) Hook the leads up to some sort of switch and check whether the continuity beeper works if you "test" the switch a number of times in succession.These are both cases where I've had issues with my Agilent clamp meter in continuity mode (which I don't use very often). It won't beep for a good light bulb (easiest way to check...) and I recently installed some industrial grade door switches that I thought were malfunctioning because my clamp meter (2.5 m away) wasn't beeping every time I closed the switch. Needless to say, it was a pain in the ass trying to figure out the door switches till I realized it was the meter acting strangely.Thanks!

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 28, 2011, 05:34:20 am
content: From memory my Agilent meter allows you to chose the continuity threshold level.Dave

author: PetrosA
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2011, 05:54:49 am
content: Ok, I thought I had heard that somewhere. I thought I could do the same with mine, but alas. I must have been thinking about your review. I've read the manual and service guide and there doesn't seem to be any menu for that.
Hioki 3801 Digital Multimeter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: zaoka
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2011, 07:53:47 pm
content: Very accurate, good quality Japanese multimeter.This is older model of 3801 and is a bit slow when measuring capacitors. If selected manual range, voltage readings are pretty fast.Switch selector has that high-quality feeling.Display is very good and with good contrast.Overall very good!

author: zaoka
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2011, 07:58:48 pm
content: Looks like new Agilent meters are actually HIOKI multimeters with few changes. Maybe Hioki 3801-50 looks exactly the same as Agilent U125X.Switch selector looks exactly the same etc...Compare to EEVBLOG 56

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 27, 2011, 08:07:02 pm
content: Looks good IMO, though clearly an older design (all SOIC/QFP with huge 50mil pin spacing, some trimmers). Most meters are fairly slow measuring caps, think about RC time (charging a C through an R), and that multimeters don't exactly represent a low-impedance voltage source (relatively large R).

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2011, 01:28:23 am
content: Quote from: zaoka on January 27, 2011, 07:58:48 pmThe bright side of such similarities , could be that they share the same LCD,but in this case it does not work that way.
Crydom componets - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SG-1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2011, 08:09:37 am
content: Has anybody had any experience with this brand. Do they produce quality or crap ?http://www.crydom.com/en/index.shtmlI am considering using one of their controllers in a project.http://www.crydom.com/en/Products/Catalog/AdvancedWebPage.aspx?CategoryText1=Control%20Relays&CategoryText2=PCV%20Series%20Proportional%20controller%20-%20Ratings%20from%2015A%20to%2090A%20@%20240%20VAC&SBCatPage=

author: RayJones
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2011, 10:01:05 am
content: We've used a lot of Crydom SSRs at work. They are quality.

author: Ernie Milko
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2011, 10:12:16 am
content: We too use lots of Crydom SSRs at work, not had any problems.

author: RayJones
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2011, 08:55:28 pm
content: I should add, our equipment is expected to be functional 24/7 (Weather surveillance radars).Never had a failure due to a faulty SSR yet.

author: JohnS_AZ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2011, 04:41:46 am
content: I've used Crydom SSRs in all manner of manufacturing equipment over the years and have quite simply never seen one fail.

author: EEwannabe
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2011, 06:23:56 am
content: I have seen them fail in retail bottled oil manufacturing equipment but they were highly abused.(At least they were usually easy to replace.) As others have said they are quality products.-Patrick

author: JohnS_AZ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2011, 09:40:12 pm
content: Okay, I take that back. I did see a pair of them fail, but they were running near their current limit, and the OEM didn't heat sink them. Not Crydoms fault.

author: SG-1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2011, 04:36:24 am
content: Thanks for all the replies, I get the message Crydom = Quality !

author: Time
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2011, 02:16:24 pm
content: I've had lots of luck with the HV SSRs fromwww.relays-unlimited.com

author: Mr J
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2011, 05:25:29 pm
content: one of the industry standards, just be sure to heat sink and heat sink compound them (sticky white stuff). I've only seen them fail from heat.
XKCD Circuit Diagram - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dimlow
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2011, 02:33:10 pm
content: I see a flux capacitor! Dave will like this.

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2011, 09:07:40 pm
content: This gets posted roughly every six months.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 03, 2011, 10:48:05 pm
content: Hahaha "omit this if you are a wimp".

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2011, 12:25:21 am
content: wimp = A cowardly or unadventurous individual (wiki)i'm a wimp!and i second Hero.i've seen this at least 4 times, so 4x6 months = 2 years have the eevblog members be reminded of this nice circuit

author: Franki
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2011, 01:36:46 pm
content: Hey, I think I like that on a t-shirt

author: mzacharias
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2011, 12:58:26 am
content: Sorry for the redundant post. Shouldn't be surprised it has been here multiple times.
$336.10 Color 5.7" 60MHz Oscilloscope SDS1062CE any good? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: semaphore
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2011, 04:35:31 am
content: Just saw another low cost oscilloscope on dealextreme. Anyone own this model please write some review here.http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.54073- Model: SDS1062CE- 5.7" color TFT LCD display (320*234)- Bandwidth: 60MHz- Channels: Dual Channels + One External Trigger Channel- Real-time Sample Rate: 2Gsa/s max- Equivalent-time Sample Rate: 50Gsa/s- Memory Depth: 18K/CH (single channel), 9K (double channel)- Rise Time: <5.8ns- Input impedance: 1M ohm ||15Pf- Timebase Range: 5.0ns/div-50s/div- Vertical Sensitivity: 2mv-5v/div (1-2-5 sequence)- Vertical Resolution: 8 bit- Trigger types: Edge, pulse, video, slope, alternative- External save: Bitmap save, CSV save, waveform save, setting save- Support 12 different languages display- Support waveform recording & playback function- Support digital self-tuning & Screen-saver functions- Interfaces: USB Host + USB Device + RS-232 + Pass/Fail- Package included:- 1 * Oscilloscope- 1 * USB cable- 1 * Software CD- 2 * Probes- 1 * Power cable- 1 * Chinese manualSpecifications Dimensions: 12.01 in x 6.06 in x 5.24 in (30.5 cm x 15.4 cm x 13.3 cm)Weight: 85.01 oz (2410 g)

author: tyblu
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2011, 06:24:48 am
content: To tell you the truth I wouldn't go for it due to the low memory. I am a memory hog nowadays.

author: Nermash
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2011, 07:42:07 am
content: That same model is also sold under Atten brand at cca 750 USD price...2 Gs/s spec is nice, but memory depth is not...I wonder if it is hack-upgradeable to 100 MHz like early Rigol fw versions, they should be based on the same design.

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2011, 12:01:09 pm
content: I don't own this scope, so FWIW.Siglent is Atten's brand for its scopes, it seems like a take off on 'Agilent'. I think they are going to focus the brand "Atten" increasingly to other test equipment.http://www.siglent.com/old/enindex.aspAt $336, I don't think its worth the money, given its only a handful of $$ different from Rigols' 1052E from the same dealer, and Rigol has a much better reputation.http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.30573
Opinions wanted: PIC 18F book - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Teknotronix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2011, 08:37:23 am
content: I am thinking of getting this book. Reasons being its centered around the 18F, it has a USB chapter and its in C. Has anyone read/own this? What is your opinion?http://books.google.com.au/books?id=NPSQShtCQaUC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false

author: Zad
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2011, 04:26:38 pm
content: Well, there seems to be a preview of 300-odd pages, which should give you an indication of its' content. Newnes books are usually pretty decent though.

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2011, 06:14:49 pm
content: I looked at the preview. They use the MikroE C compiler in that book *ouch*. I am not impressed by the quality of MikroE compilers.

author: johnmx
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2011, 08:07:22 pm
content: For me the Microchip application notes are more than enough to learn all I need to know about PICs. Sometimes I build a clone of any demonstration board to learn with their examples. E.g. some years ago I build my own version of ‘PICDEM Full Speed USB’, tried the examples, studied the code and after a couple of days I was fully capable to add USB connection to any new project.

author: Teknotronix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2011, 04:14:17 am
content: Good to know. I might just stick to the datasheets and online stuffCheers.
PICkit 3 - has it improved since Dave's 2009 review? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: glossywhite
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2011, 04:47:00 pm
content: Hi guys. Okay, I'm about to get a picKIT 3, but I wanted to know if anything has improved since Dave's review in October 2009, and if so, what? Googling brings up nothing specific in relation to this question, so I thought I'd ask the right peopleThank you all Noone?

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 08, 2011, 01:06:18 pm
content: Try searching some more, although the search on this forum is fairly useless (searching with site:eevblog.com on Google works much better).I think this thread should answer your question:So what's the final deal with the PICKit 3 anyway?

author: TopherTheME
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2011, 04:12:41 pm
content: Yes, its gotten better, but its still not all that great. I think the biggest updates have been to programming speed. The debugger is still retardedly slow and it still needs to change firmware every time you change the family of chips you are programming.

author: migsantiago
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2011, 04:39:25 pm
content: I've seen some improvements from the critics Dave made on his video until now, though there might be more that I don't know of. These improvements are:+ Programmer to go+ Brighter LEDsIn my opinion, what PK3 is still missing from PK2 is:- No PIC auto-detection- No Target voltage auto-detection- A reliable external software suite (the PK3 beta is still not handy)I have a PK3 and a PK2, so I'm not missing the PK2 features. I bought the PK3 because I have some just-released PICs that the PK2 did not support and because I wanted to debug code on PIC24 and PIC32.

author: glossywhite
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2011, 12:30:28 am
content: I spoke to some Microchip marketing guy today, very corporate kinda dull sounding over-paid suit... and they really don't sound like they know what planet they're on (it sure is not the same one as we're on!). Anyhow, he said he'd give me 20% off a pickKIT 3... but maybe I am better off not getting one? Argh I dunno - talk about confusing!!

author: TopherTheME
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2011, 03:39:25 am
content: If you can get one for 20% off then you mine as well get it. Unless you're a student, then you shouldn't since you can get a 25% discount. The pk3 is still a really good deal when you compare it to programmers from other uC makes like Atmel.

author: Teknotronix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2011, 08:19:28 am
content: I got one 20% off for the xmas sale they were having on Microchip Direct. I think its a good programmer. It seems to work wel so far, the demo board it good for trying some things and also the disk has some nice examples if you are getting started.TIP: If you are just starting PIC stuff like me, stay away from MPLAB X, it sucks at the moment.
Fluke 87 V Continuity Beeper - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Richard W.
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2011, 07:51:15 pm
content: Hello,does anybody know the maximum resistance at wich the beeper of a Fluke 87V indicates continuity?There is no specification in the manual.Maybe someone could try it out with a potentiometer?with best regardsRichard

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2011, 09:18:42 pm
content: Interesting question ..I run this test on my 28II Fluke , identical to 87V ..And the beeper beeps happily from 0 - 112 113 Ohms ... then stops.

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2011, 09:23:31 pm
content: Great question, glad Kiriakos tested it empirically. Its good to know.

author: ziq8tsi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2011, 05:07:48 am
content: Quote from: Richard W. on January 08, 2011, 07:51:15 pmInteresting. That information seems to have been missing for the series III too, but the original 80 series manual did give "typical" values.The specifications for the Fluke 179 state that the beeper turns on at <25? and off at >250?. The actual behaviour is on at <=43? and off at >=81?.Amprobe 38XR-A manual says that the tone indicates <40?, which is exactly what you get.

author: Time
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2011, 08:10:17 am
content: Those numbers are surprisingly high. I would have guessed much lower.

author: ModemHead
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2011, 02:28:00 pm
content: Here's some data points from my box o'multimeters:87V: on at <= 53, off at >= 9187: on at <= 73, off at >= 19983: on at <= 53, off at >= 160

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2011, 12:39:38 am
content: Quote from: saturation on January 08, 2011, 09:23:31 pmI did the test with my Decade resistors box..And so my numbers are spot on 0.1%

author: Richard W.
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2011, 10:14:27 pm
content: Thanks for all the interesting results. I am also surprised about the high values.The beep-value on my gossen metrawatt is adjustable. (1;10;20;30;40 and 90 ohms).10 ohms is the factory-preset value. I hoped that this setting could have been the reason of the slower responsing time. But obviously it doesn't matter at all.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2011, 12:43:25 am
content: For the only "adjustable" that I would fly my hat , would be the volume of the beeper.QuoteOnly Dave are good at playing music with the leads and the beeper ,but he had practice allot ..

author: williefleete
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2011, 01:44:21 am
content: i made a continuity beeper using a few triple 5's not sure what resistance it will still beep at but less than 1k probably
Rigol DS1052 Hack question - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: whizzo944
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 02, 2011, 09:33:03 am
content: Hello All,My first post here, so go easy on me, OKI have been considering buying a Rigol DS1052 and doing thehack to 100MHz. My question is, has anyone bricked one of these trying to mod it, and if they have, is there a wayto recover the unit?Thanks in advance,Dave.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2011, 09:47:01 am
content: Quote from: whizzo944 on January 02, 2011, 09:33:03 amYesThe first method used to hack these scopes involved connecting a serial cable and typing out some commands. If you accidently pressed the enter key (very easy to do without thinking) or you typed the wrong thing, you could overwrite some code and brick the scope. So as you can imagine some scopes were bricked when people tried this method.The newer method of hacking involves a usb stick, so it's much easier and safer, however, i'm not going to say that it's 100% safe. There seems to be issues with some of the scopes with the newest firmware. I recommend you read as much as you can about the hack before deciding if you're going to try it.Quote from: whizzo944 on January 02, 2011, 09:33:03 amyes,no,maybeThere's a whole thread on here about people trying to fix bricked scopeshttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?topic=1379.0
Philips PM9547 GPIB - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: tinhead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2010, 11:27:18 pm
content: There are some Philips PM9547 and Philips PM9547G items on ebay.Nobody really know what they for, so i bought one (PM9547G) and checked what inside.The enclosure made of alu, 173x100mm PCB can be placed inside,~32mm component space between enclosure top side and PCB.On the PCB there are some TTL ic's, two GPIB bus driver (75160 and 75161), two comparators,4 optocouplers and mask progammed PCF84C41P / 038.It is 8048 almost instruction compatible µC, the ROM can't be dumped.Other components are on the picture.It seems to be kind of GPIB <-> two i/o line optoisolated controller.VCC comes over the "Remote control" port, i think 24V AC and 5V DC.As the µC can't be dumped no idea what the code inside is doing andprobably no real chance to re-use it for whatever.(i was hoping to find inside upd7210 or MC68488 as GPIB controller, anyway)Haven't checked but i guess the older version PM9547 should be similarto PM9547G from this "review"The whole thing not really worth the 20+USDEDIT: as we have now the manual, this I²C->GPIB converter can be used in other DIY projects.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2010, 12:22:05 am
content: My guess would be IEEE488/GPIB to serial converter to add IEEE functionality to a serial-only instrument.

author: tinhead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2010, 11:02:28 pm
content: Mystery solved.The PM9547 / PM9547G are GPIB to I²C converters. They belongs normally to Philips PM5518-TXI Colour TV Pattern generator.Attached the GPIB manual from this adapter, so now it can be in principle used to control over GPIB some DIY devices via I²C.
Review: Renesas RX62NRDK - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2010, 05:37:08 am
content: The Renesas RX62NRDK is a pretty neat development board. I'm going to compare it to the mbed.Pros:* A lot of built-in I/O devices. For those who prefer working mostly with software, like Brittany Benzaia, that's really nice.* A lot more GPIOs than mbed.* More RAM and Flash than mbed.* The RX CPU is supposed to be faster than an ARM at the same clock speed.* Choice of two officially supported compilers: Renesas and GCC. I use GCC since that's what I have used in the past and it's free.Cons:* The audio output is missing pulldown resistors, which could cause noise during hot plugging. It's very easy to fix but the resistors should have been included from the start.* The microphone is next to the speaker, so the two cannot be used at the same time. There is more than enough room to put one on the opposite corner.* Micro SD only. On a board that big, there is plenty of space for a regular SD slot.* Much steeper learning curve than mbed. It took me a lot longer to write my first program for it than with the mbed. But in the end, I had it flash "Tiffany Yep" in binary on the circle of LEDs, followed by a simple "spinning wheel".* Circle of LEDs do not directly correspond with bit positions.* LCD backlight cannot be controlled by software. Very silly to provide a shutdown for the low power microphone amplifier but not the high power LCD backlight.* Very limited RAM, especially for a board that has Ethernet and audio.* USB 1.1 only.
NI myDAQ - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SolidFloyd
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2010, 05:18:53 pm
content: Anybody here who has tried out the NI myDAQ?http://www.ni.com/mydaq/I can get one, with some NI software for about 200$..I think it looks little cool, well, it don't have the best specs as for measuring and stuff, but looks as it works great with LabView..I like the function generator, and i love the easy way of programming LabView, not that I'm doing anything fancyI just like to mess around, try out stuff...Is it good bang for the buck?Specs and manual:http://www.ni.com/pdf/manuals/373060a.pdf

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2010, 06:38:47 pm
content: QuoteBarf. I hate it when people don't want my money. Yes, I know, subsidized to lure students into LabVIEW and other NI problems. Get them while they are young, bla, bla, bla.

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2010, 10:46:13 pm
content: 200kHz sample rate is about what high end sound cards do and only 16 bit resolution at that sample rate is not very impressive.

author: Hypernova
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 04, 2010, 02:46:59 am
content: Quote from: NiHaoMike on December 02, 2010, 10:46:13 pmOr go 100KHz and get a AD7680BRJZ with the tiny SOT-23-6 package for 10.11USD, and that's one of the more expensive ones.

author: SolidFloyd
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2010, 10:47:25 am
content: well, looks like my Uni may buy one, and I'm going to test it out for them, they are thinking about getting a bunch of those for students to do home labs...
taking "PACE MBT 250 soldering station" apart - pictures added - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SnakeBite
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2010, 02:23:23 pm
content: hi,i just scored the best price on EBAY for pace mbt 250 3 channels soldering station - 130$ US (include shipping to Israel)i took it apart today to see what inside, enjoyset the browser zoom to 50%front panel: - sorry on the qualityvacum and pressure pump and 200w tranformermain PCBIdo

author: GeoffS
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 02, 2010, 07:21:20 am
content: The pictures included are too big to be seen, at least on my screen!Can I suggest that you redo the post using theAttachmentoption, it's under the Additional Options menu, instead of putting the images inline?That way, the forum software will automatically create thumbnail images which can be expanded by clicking on them.If the images are too big to be attached, then you may need to resize before posting.

author: Polossatik
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2010, 11:36:13 am
content: or use a hosting likehttp://www.imageshack.us/

author: FreeThinker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2010, 11:45:00 am
content: Quote from: GeoffS on November 02, 2010, 07:21:20 amSwitch to Opera and you can zoom in/out or fit to screen at will.(Just my little plug for a great browser)

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2010, 12:32:52 pm
content: man! i need a 60" lcd to view all that! not just that, if the habit continues, it will fill up eevblog server pretty soon!

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2010, 07:24:40 pm
content: Congratulations. It looks like c1980s technology and can be easy to repair. How does it work as a soldering station, by the way?
Cheap "embedded platform": ZTE Blade - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: sonic
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2010, 12:35:42 pm
content: SoCMSM7227 w/ARM1136EJ-S @ 600 MHz, Adreno 200RAM414 MB useableNAND512 MBMemory card slotµSDUSB2.0host/deviceWLAN54 MBit/sBluetooth2.0HSPA5.76 MBit/sScreen800x480 TFT w/capacitive touchCamera3.2 MP AFAudioHandset, Speaker, 3.5 mm Stereo out/Mic inReceiverFMBatteryLiIon, 4.6 Wh w/USB charging circuitAll this starting from 90 €!Sure, it's supposed to be a mobile phone. But it runs a linux kernel (2.6.29), and withmy USB host mode driver, there're nearly 480 MBit/s to use for projectsOnly ordering may be a bit cumbersome (one way that should work everywhere:play.com->Borderlinx-> home address).

author: CryptLordGR
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2010, 09:29:09 am
content: Also to the specs:Android 2.1 and upgradeable to 2.2 in 2011LCD multi-touchit has only 256 MB RAM even though it is said 512MB (the version here in Greece)As i heard from a friend that has bough it already, here in Greece (a bit more pricey 159 Euro) but still very cheap for the specs. He hasn't tried anything extreme with the android but he is happy about the ZTE as a phone, he bought it as a platform to experiment the ARM processor. If i have more news about the possibilities for this phone, i will inform
DC coupling on the AC mV input of some Fluke multimeters - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Balaur
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 06, 2010, 01:52:13 am
content: Hello,I was wondering why the AC mV setting for some Fluke multimeters (ex: 114-117) is DC-coupled?Are there any practical reasons for that?I have to use a capacitor and maybe some hundreds K resistor in parallel to the multimeter input in order to be able to use that setting when measuring ac signals on biased transistors or ripple levels.Is there something I'm totally oblivious to?Thank you,Dan

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2010, 02:23:24 am
content: Probably so they can eliminate the relay needed to switch between AC and DC coupling at the input. The selection can then be done with a low voltage electronic switch after the input amplifier.
Anyone have an opinion on OKi soldering irons? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TopherTheME
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2010, 08:41:32 pm
content: I've decided to upgrade my iron but I'm tired of waiting for the hakko fx-888 to come out and see if its any good. I've been looking at the OKi brand irons (they own metcal) as I've seen a few good deals on ebay that have the metcal like pencil grip type irons that I really like. Anyone know if they are any good? The tips are on the expensive side but I'm willing to pay a little more for quality gear.

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2010, 10:02:11 pm
content: I considered getting one of the OKI PS-900 series irons but felt that they had compromised on the earlier Metcal designs. The earlier Metcals are better in my opinion.I finally bought myself a PACE MBT 350 system which has 3 independent channels with adjustable temperature using cartridge heater tips (10 second heating up time). Prefered having the adjustable temperature rather than the smartheat fixed temperature.The unit also has vacuum and air built in so the desoldering tool, soldering iron and a hot air pencil can all be used at the same time. Saves a lot of space on the bench and no shop air needed. Tips are around £5 each but will last me a lifetime. The thing is also built like a brick s**t house and oozes quality (built in the US of A).

author: Ernie Milko
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2010, 10:14:19 pm
content: I've been using Metcal for...........not sure..............quite some years now.Wouldn't go back to Weller if you paid me.

author: osmosis321
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2010, 04:59:02 pm
content: Quote from: Ernie Milko on October 02, 2010, 10:14:19 pmWhat's wrong with Weller?

author: FreeThinker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2010, 05:37:32 pm
content: Quote from: TopherTheME on September 23, 2010, 08:41:32 pmThink you will find them OK(i) Lol

author: TopherTheME
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2010, 10:19:26 pm
content: Quote from: djsb on October 02, 2010, 10:02:11 pmWhile the PACE MBT 350 is nice, there is no way in hell I would ever be able to afford it in the near future. Plus, I just ordered an el cheapo hot air + soldering iron station and I'm not really looking to buy a second one. What I'm really after is just a simple iron that has a pencil grid style handle like the OKi/Metcals have.QuoteI was wondering how long it would take for someone to make that joke.

author: FreeThinker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2010, 11:08:38 pm
content: Quote from: TopherTheME on October 04, 2010, 10:19:26 pmHappy To Help!
Advice needed for hv scope probes - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: larry
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 05, 2010, 04:29:10 pm
content: Hello. On an auction site I found 100x probes rated for 1200 volts with red handle for about forty dollars each. Anyone have advice if these are safe to use for voltages less than 1200 volts? Should I avoid these and get brand name probes? What are the differences between brand name and the one I am considering? Thanks.

author: Time
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2010, 05:30:49 pm
content: When it comes to high voltage its best to just be safe and go with name brand or the most reliable source. 1200 V is not terribly high voltage but its better to be safe than dead or injured.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2010, 11:51:54 pm
content: x100 probes aren't just for HV, their 100 Megohm input impedance also put a lot less load on sensitive high-impedance circuits, so can be very handy for low-voltage measurements.Every scope user should have one, evan if it is a cheapo one!
Weller WHA3000P Hot Air Station parts - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: rossmoffett
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2010, 07:40:59 pm
content: The heating element is throwing "error 76" on the screen, for faulty heating element. Weird, because the unit still works, but still, does anyone know where I can get replacement parts for this unit online? I can't find anyone who sells core components like that, just nozzles and accessories.I can't even identify a Weller brand website.

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2010, 08:13:40 pm
content: Quote from: rossmoffett on September 28, 2010, 07:40:59 pmWeller is owned by Cooper Hand Tools, which is in turn owned by Apex Tool Group.http://www.cooperhandtools.com/has a store locator and online retailer list right on the front page.

author: rossmoffett
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2010, 04:38:30 am
content: Quote from: BoredAtWork on September 28, 2010, 08:13:40 pmHey thanks, that's why I didn't have any luck finding it. I had ignored that result.Unfortunately their "repair parts" webpage is down for some reason. Guess I'll try again later.
Insides of a Malibu 7w LED Landscape light - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: slburris
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2010, 10:42:50 pm
content: As you probably know from other threads, I'm a big fan of LED lighting. TodayI picked up a 7w LED landscape light from Home Depot.Looking down the business end, there are clearly 3 LEDs of some sort. I easilyunscrewed the metal ring holding everything together. The cover is a piece of glasswith a rubber gasket to keep the rain out.Once the cover is off, we see what looks like a PCB with 3 LEDs on it and a plasticfocusing lens. A 1000uf 25v electrolytic peeks out from under the board.Taking the 4 screws out, we see the LED board is hiding a second PCB. The LEDboard has a metal back, but only seems to heatsink to the enclosure at the edges.Will this cool things adequately? Who knows?Next, lets look at the inner PCB. Clearly a discrete full wave bridge rectifier design.This is important in landscape lighting as you have no idea what the polarity ofthe power line is. As a bonus, this circuit will work off of low voltage AC as well.The diodes are all SS12's, 1amp Schottky rectifiers.Note that there is an inductor to the right side of the PCB. I would have putheat shrink on the inductor legs -- they are awfully close to the case screw andthe circuit output.The small integrated circuit is an MT7201 from Maxic Technology. This is a1 amp constant current LED buck driver:http://www.maxictech.com/en/UploadFiles/MT7201_rev1.1_EN.pdfThis light is specified to run as 12 volts only, however the MT7201 operates downto 7 volts. Given that the Schottky rectifiers drop less than a volt apiece, thislight should operate down to something less than 9v, which means it should workjust fine on long cable runs.The MT7201 can run at up to 30v, but this design has a 25v electrolytic andSchottky diodes with only a 20v PIV rating, so this light cannot be fed morethan 20v, and that leaves zero safety margin. An enterprising user could replacethe diodes and the capacitor with higher rated components, then run at a highervoltage, although I'm not sure why you would want to.I'll have to wait until tonight to judge the light output compared to my 3 wattPortfolio floodlights from Lowe's.High resolution photos attached - click only if you want to see the glint ofindividual solder joints!Scott
Something simple ..  Battery size converters ..  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2010, 07:03:46 pm
content: Before I start my summer vacations, I did some planning ahead , and got those Battery size converters.As I do have a pile of NiMH for my digital cameras ( five Olympus )The majority that I found on ebay , has had the loading area at the back,and my opinion was and are , that this is an wrong design !!Simply because many old fashion full size portable Radio-Cassette players,they have one blind opening for the first or even and the second battery in the row,and if the battery loads from the bottom of the adapter ... it can possibly fall out... when entering or removing the batteries from the device !!Any way , the ones that I got looks well designed to me , and today that is my last day of vacations,I can say that it is fully tested too..

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2010, 01:15:27 pm
content: Use foam tape (available for a few dollars at Home Depot) to hold the batteries in the adapters.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2010, 04:52:08 pm
content: my alarm clock just got it battery dead recently (the big battery like the adapter you showed), not having any spare battery, i just push in the AA size batt into it, its working, i just hope i will not shake it too muchi wish i have the converter sell locally.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 17, 2010, 03:57:42 pm
content: Quote from: shafri on August 16, 2010, 04:52:08 pmWell if the we speak for just one , I think that you can find easily an round wood ( cylinder ) long enough,so make a hole in the center , and make your own home build adapter .An piece of a wooden flag pole , I believe that it will work .. or visit the near by carpenter,he will probably have some left overs , that could be usable.QuoteThere is no need , this adapters have wide opening and narrow end ,the battery hook up well in it , no free play.
Pomelo: Open radiation detector - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mihai.cuciuc
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 01, 2025, 02:08:11 pm
content: Hi all,I am building Pomelo, an open radiation detector that can be used on its own or integrated into other projects.It detects gamma rays using a 2cc CsI(Tl) scintillator and includes all the associated electronics to do gamma spectroscopy and to interface with the outside world using a variety of interfaces including USB, UART, Bluetooth, and WiFi.You can use it as a module to add gamma ray detection to existing projects, but it itself is modular and you can swap out the detector (scintillator + silicon photomultiplier) to get higher sensitivity or improved gamma energy resolution.I will be launching this project on Crowd Supply where you can subscribe to be notified when it is ready to launch:https://www.crowdsupply.com/pomelo-instrumentation/pomeloOr, if you want to look under the hood, you can check out the following resources:- Hackaday project on the detector core:https://hackaday.io/project/194457-pomelo-gamma-spectroscopy-module- Hackaday project on the complete instrument:https://hackaday.io/project/196334-pomelo-hand-held-gamma-ray-spectrometer- GitHub repository:https://github.com/mihaicuciuc/pomeloAll questions, comments, and criticisms are welcomed!

author: KA3YAN
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2025, 05:48:25 pm
content: This is intriguing. My only immediate complaint is the lack of a proper case. One thing I can't stand is holding a PCB as a final product. Otherwise, it seems like a really cool first stab at a scintillation radiation detector.Brad
Worlds First Portable Open Source USB-C 5 Channel Power Supply – up to 100W  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: sydundar
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2025, 03:57:06 pm
content: Hey everyone!I’ve been working on an open-source USB Type-C power supply that can deliver up to 100 W. Everything — hardware, firmware, and docs — will be fully open source, and I’ll be sharing all the details soon on Crowd Supply.You’ll be able to get a ready-to-use version or build your own from the shared files. I’ll also offer some bare PCBs for anyone who wants to make it on the cheap or customize the design to fit their needs.BenchVolt PD — a 5-channel, 100 W open-source USB-PD power supply with current-limited fixed, adjustable, and waveform-capable outputs.If you want to support the project Here is the linkhttps://www.crowdsupply.com/fusionxvision/benchvolt-pd
Buce – The First Fully Open Source, Pro-Grade, WiFi Aquarium LED Controller - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: oldrev
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2025, 04:34:08 pm
content: Hello, people.Half a year ago I posted about my DIY open source aquarium LED controller here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/diy-open-source-aquarium-led-controllerSince then the project has grown quite a bit, and now it's up on Crowd Supply.Buce is basically a coin-sized, fully open source (hardware, firmware, and app) LED PWM controller for aquariums. It provides 6 independent PWM channels, a built-in buck converter, temperature sensing, and even a fan driver.The circuit itself isn't complicated (schematic is in the datasheet), but I ended up writing tens of thousands of lines of code to make it robust and fun to use. Hopefully some of you will find it useful, or maybe even fun to hack on.Here are the links if you'd like to take a look:👉 Crowdfunding pre-launch:https://www.crowdsupply.com/borneo-iot/buce-aquarium-led-controller👉 Project website:https://www.borneoiot.com👉 GitHub:https://github.com/borneo-iot/borneoCheers,Wei

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2025, 10:59:40 am
content: Excellent project done well
RF Signal Generator up to 22.6 GHz Open Hardwire and Open Software - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: sydundar
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2025, 05:06:28 pm
content: If you’re interested in the project, you can support us on Crowd Supply:https://www.crowdsupply.com/atek-midas/dsg-22-6-ghzFrequency range:0.3 – 22.6 GHzTuning resolution:1 HzOutput power:15 dBm to -50 dBm, 1 dB stepsHarmonic suppression:up to 40 dBcExternal reference frequency input:10 MHz, via SMATuning speed:100 μsPower:USB Type-Cinterface5 V, 1.5 AData interface:USB Type-C or Wi-FiControls:Touchscreen, USB (via SCPI), built-in web interfaceBuilt-in diagnostic programs:Temperature, voltage/current monitor, PLL lock statusSize: 114 x 60 x 17.3 mm (5.67 x 2.36 x 0.68 in)Weight: 200 g (7.05 oz)

author: wilhe_jo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2025, 03:00:08 pm
content: Sadly you can't get up to 26.5GHz... but hey, there're doublersHaving that said, could you possibly evaluate harmonics up to 40GHz or so?Maybe I (and others) can get away with using just the 3rd harmonic...looking forward to getting my horn antennas calibrated in house using your sig-gen.73
TermDriver 2 - USB to serial interface with built in screen - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2025, 12:13:42 am
content: https://www.crowdsupply.com/excamera/termdriver-2/QuoteDownside: USB micro connector

author: Cyclotron
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 11, 2025, 12:08:46 pm
content: I ordered one, it looks neat, and I appear to collect serial adapters for some reason.

author: Cyclotron
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 12, 2025, 06:51:50 pm
content: Looks like these are heading towards completion soon.https://www.crowdsupply.com/excamera/termdriver-2/updates/current-status-of-manufacturing

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 13, 2025, 08:41:42 pm
content: Looking forward to getting my two. I have several immediate uses for them, one requiring custom firmware for packet decoding.I also have some of the excamera SPIdriver units from back in 2018. Nice implementation, but I have to admit I haven't used them much. Not even sure where I have put them.

author: Cyclotron
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 13, 2025, 11:06:05 pm
content: Quote from: Kean on September 13, 2025, 08:41:42 pmOh boy do I know that feeling!!I've collected so many serial adapters over the years its maddening. I had toyed with the idea of trying to build something that would just "figure out the pins used and so on À la Jtagulator. (I have one of those too)