You guys are lucky - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: MrOmnos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 07:02:45 pm
content: I am a student and from a small third world country studying engineering. I have learned more form Mit Opencourse ware and this forum than I have learned from my school. There are several projects I would like to do but I can't. Either I don't have funds for it or even when I save enough funds I can't purchase the parts. My country is heavily dependent on remittance so, central banks regulates the amount of money that goes out of the country. Our credit/debit cards don't work on the internet. You can get a US dollar card if you have a international visa or have a trade license. Paypal doesn't provide services here. Electronics shop sell just the mainstream parts. I have had to wait months to receive few parts that I ordered though a middle man which costs 3 times the actual price. There are several projects I have started and I simply gave up because I couldn't get the parts. This is very discouraging and it really hurts.Few months ago I started my FMCW radar project. I managed to convince my school to provide funds for few mini-circuits parts, which they did. They also used their connections to somehow import all those parts. Thanks to them. But now I have hit a wall. I will have to abandon the project because I can't buy a freaking ADC.I think I am officially done. I have turned off my lab lights and I am going to sleep.Thank you very much people. If you are luck to live in one of those big countries, complete that project you have always wanted to do. Don not procrastinate. I wish you all a happy new year.

author: vodka
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 07:36:46 pm
content: And Can't you cannibalize the adc of an old machine?

author: MrOmnos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 07:42:40 pm
content: Quote from: vodka on January 06, 2017, 07:36:46 pmI need to sample high frequency signal. I will need an adc of 20-40ksps. Where can I find them? What old electronics has them?

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 07:48:48 pm
content: Quote from: MrOmnos on January 06, 2017, 07:42:40 pmsound card?

author: MK14
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 07:51:04 pm
content: Quote from: MrOmnos on January 06, 2017, 07:42:40 pmADCs are built into the vast bulk of modern day MCUs (Microcontrollers, such as the PIC or Arm ones). Even cheap $0.20..$0.99 ones.Take your PIC (puns intended), and then fill your ARMs with them.

author: MrOmnos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 07:53:14 pm
content: Quote from: TwoOfFive on January 06, 2017, 07:48:48 pmI have been using my laptops sound card to sample until now, but my goal is to design a data acquisition system for my radar to make it portable.

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 07:56:14 pm
content: do you have any ADC reference you want to use on your project ?how many bits, what SPS ?

author: MrOmnos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 08:09:41 pm
content: Quote from: kripton2035 on January 06, 2017, 07:56:14 pmI will sampling signals in khz audio range so a 25ksps with 16 bit resolution will be great.

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 08:15:13 pm
content: what kind of connexion to the mcu do you need ? i2c, spi, ?

author: MrOmnos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 08:18:31 pm
content: Quote from: kripton2035 on January 06, 2017, 08:15:13 pmSPI is faster so spi. I will be interfacing with raspberry pi

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 08:36:20 pm
content: or something like this :http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-USB-2-0-3D-Virtual-480Mbps-External-7-1-Channel-Audio-Sound-Card-Adapter-J8-/401251729698according to this page should work also.http://asliceofraspberrypi.blogspot.fr/2013/02/adding-audio-input-device.html

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 09:29:38 pm
content: Quote from: MrOmnos on January 06, 2017, 07:02:45 pmI feel for you and your situation. You pretty much described my life as a hobbyist in the 1980s in Brazil. Several projects available in magazines (Elektor, Elettronica Pratica, E?lectronique pratique) and books (Markus, several databooks from National, TI, etc.) and we could buy at most 2N2218s, TIP31/32s, SN7400s...

author: ZeTeX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 10:31:43 pm
content: That's true, you are right, I live in a dirt hole but not like the dirt hole you live in, I can use eBay all day every-time and I have local distributors and things like that, so getting parts and things like that might be just a little bit more expensive and harder then USA for example.But in a nutshell its hard to be an hobbyist in a a 3rd country then most of america and europe.

author: sleemanj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 10:37:44 pm
content: Sounds to me like you have a business opportunity, admittedly one with a crap-ton of paperwork stamps and approvals, but with according to Google 27.8 Million people living in Nepal, there has to be a few hundred thousand like you who want electronic parts surely.I see there's a handful of sellers on kaymu.com.np (which Google indicates is probably your (very nice looking) local equivalent of eBay or Aliexpess) of this sort of stuff.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 07, 2017, 02:51:02 am
content: Quote from: sleemanj on January 06, 2017, 10:37:44 pmThis may be true, but there is a rather significant hurdle:Quote from: MrOmnos on January 06, 2017, 07:02:45 pmUnless there is a useful domestic industry, electronics will have to be imported, which means money going out of the country. Aside from the pain and anguish of establishing a business, our Nepalese friend will have this factor to deal with - and it's not one he will be able to easily work around, if at all.As much as I might look upon American and European opportunities with envious eyes, compared to a lot of countries, we in Australia are pretty well off.

author: sleemanj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2017, 03:16:00 am
content: Quote from: Brumby on January 07, 2017, 02:51:02 amYou "simply" need an import licence for your business so that you can thereby import goods for resale at profit, this is a fundamental of business in a functioning nation. Nepal is a functioning nation, there are imported goods in Nepal, those Arduinos on kaymu.com.np got into the country somehow :-)As the OP says"You can get a US dollar card if you have a international visa or have a trade license. Paypal doesn't provide services here. Electronics shop sell just the mainstream parts. I have had to wait months to receive few parts that I ordered though a middle man which costs 3 times the actual price."So OP's opportunity here is to get that trade licence, and to become that middle man, selling for 2 times the actual price instead of 3.Of course if Nepal is protectionist, then they won't be able to import products that are also made in Nepal, not at least without duty, but I don't think there would be too many integrated circuit fab labs in Kathmandu so probably not much of an issue ;-)

author: daybyter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2017, 03:21:57 am
content: My first idea is bitcoin for payment.

author: JacquesBBB
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2017, 05:02:43 am
content: Maybe you or your school can sample the ADC .

author: MrOmnos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2017, 06:08:13 am
content: Quote from: daybyter on January 07, 2017, 03:21:57 amThey actually banned bitcoin here and called it an illegal currency. lol

author: radar_macgyver
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2017, 06:22:43 am
content: ADI and Linear Tech have (used to?) generous samples policies. Also, if you're feeling adventurous, make your own integrating ADC (counters, R-2R DAC, comparator).Hang in there, friend. There's always a way out.

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2017, 07:42:32 am
content: Quote from: MrOmnos on January 07, 2017, 06:08:13 amwhat about dogecoin?

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2017, 07:42:46 am
content: I remember seeing a lot of excluded countries for samples programs from many companies.

author: ebclr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2017, 09:45:35 am
content: you can easily exhange the Chinese Yuan (RMB) in NepalJust go towww.taobao.comand buy everthing you may need

author: MrOmnos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2017, 01:00:09 pm
content: Quote from: kripton2035 on January 07, 2017, 07:42:46 amHi, I tried Ti sample program. Made an account, and added the item to the cart. When checking out they said corporate email address is required to get samples.But I have not lost hope. I think I have found what I have been looking forhttp://www.linear.com/purchase/LTC1856This is cheap compared to others and does exactly what I want. Now, the only problem is purchasing it. Engineers are supposed to find a solution when no one else can. I guess I will take it as another engineering challenge. Thank You for your support everyone.

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2017, 01:41:47 pm
content: you can try also maxim MAX195. maxim is very cool regarding sample policy. you will need an edu mail address certainly.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 07, 2017, 01:50:15 pm
content: I can ship you for free some ADCs is you are not picky. Some of them have very fine pin pitch.EDIT: I will need to look through the boxes to see what I have.Found a bag of ADC128S052CIMT.

author: strangersound
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2017, 01:59:23 pm
content: I have to admit, I'm almost completely ignorant of your country and it's current situations regarding commerce, politics, etc. I was intrigued by by your post, being sympathetic to your problem, so I was scanning the Wikipedia page for Nepal trying to understand what kind of conditions are fueling the problems you speak of. Just a basic glance over the Wiki page gives me some insight to the political climate, but I'd still have to do a few hours of serious research to even begin to say I understand what's going on there. It appears to be a tumultuous political history in the last few decades that has prevented your economy from becoming a free trade/open market type, like something us not in your position probably take for granted. Like I say though, my ignorance far outweighs my knowledge regarding Nepal.The thing that struck me as truly bizarre was the fact that you're landlocked and bordered by China and India, yet have a hard time getting electronic parts. That's just crazy.Being an American, we are held as the standard for "free markets", but it's an ever running debate between the major political factions here regarding to what extent that should be. I'm a libertarian type, so I tend to be of the position that our economy is not near as free as it needs to be and we are burdened with mountains of regulation, red tape, bureaucracy, excessive taxation, etc....that I think has done more harm than good to our economy. It could be argued that a so-called "developing" nation/economy such as India is actually a more free market than here. But this all gets into a shitstorm of politics/debate type territory, so I'll just stop while I made a basic point about my position. I just think your post does give merit to the idea that an open/free market is directly connected to your personal liberties in a myriad of ways.Anyway, I hope the situation improves so that you can be better able to pursue your dreams and interests, regardless of how it happens. I don't wish to impose my agendas or ideals on anybody or their country, I just want people to be free to reach their ultimate potential and it's sad when forces beyond the common man's (the little guy) control limit their ability to do so.Thanks for sharing and reminding us in other places that we are lucky in ways we rarely consider and definitely take for granted.Cheers!

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2017, 02:53:45 pm
content: Perhaps as a creative solution to your problem you could find and join some climbing forums and arrange some kind of cooperative agreement. There are many climbers from first world countries who visit your nation. I am sure many could be found who would bring a "care package" with them on their expedition in return for some local information/support.

author: MrOmnos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2017, 03:05:50 pm
content: Quote from: wraper on January 07, 2017, 01:50:15 pmThank you very much. I will like to have that ADC. It's exactly what I need. I have sent you a PM. I really appreciate your help and can't thank you enough. I'll definitely make it up to you someday when I get out of this situation.

author: Assafl
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2017, 01:17:45 pm
content: Quote from: ZeTeX on January 06, 2017, 10:31:43 pmIsrael was never that bad. We always had agencies/representatives here for most manufacturers (for military and hi-tech reasons) and could always ship stuff. That is when one develops their 12 year chest voice and learns to NOT say "I am a 12yo electronics hobbyist" but rather "(Cough bassily) we are working on a project and need 5 samples... and I (cough bassily again) We need a copy of the 1000 page Linear IC databook". What dorkiness....And yet - finding the odd Elektor component was always hard even in Tel Aviv and especially on a tight budget.Where I miss the US is shipping boat anchors for nearly (actually, practically) free.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 08, 2017, 01:49:18 pm
content: Bag with fancy ADCs and some other stuff is put together and soon will be on the way to MrOmnos.

author: MrOmnos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2017, 02:29:11 pm
content: Quote from: wraper on January 08, 2017, 01:49:18 pmThank you very much. I will always remember this favor.

author: ZeTeX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2017, 03:05:36 pm
content: Quote from: Assafl on January 08, 2017, 01:17:45 pmlol well yeah like I said not a complete dirt hole but you can't compare us to the USA in terms of parts and tools availability. go and find good 100$ soldering station in Israel that you can compare to 88$ weller wes51 in America, or 50$ used oscilloscope with a shipping less then 200$.Personality I got a lot of samples from linear (and I even mentioned that I was 14yo hobbyist (at that time) and they still gave me parts!) and more random companies. but I never abused it too much.I live in beer sheva, We have only 1 electronic store, rarely buy stuff from them, so it comes down that if you have tight budget the only distrubitors are RS electronics and lion electronics, where shipping is 10-15$ or where shipping is free (eBay, Aliexpress).

author: vodka
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2017, 03:35:05 pm
content: Quote from: ZeTeX on January 08, 2017, 03:05:36 pmAnd you complain that a soldier station cost you 100$ in Israel. Here, the same soldering station can cost three o four times more than USA.

author: ZeTeX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2017, 03:50:12 pm
content: Quote from: vodka on January 08, 2017, 03:35:05 pmI don't complain, I just say it compare to the USA for example.I wish a good solder station will cost 100$ here, but the only thing you get for 100$ if you are lucky is pretty much the same cheap fake hakko 936 soldering station.You can see some of the prices here:http://www.hlt.co.il/products/category/3they are all in ILS, divide it by 3.8 and you get the price in US$.

author: Assafl
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2017, 06:59:37 pm
content: Quote from: ZeTeX on January 08, 2017, 03:50:12 pmI searched on eBay for an MX500 (Metcal) and filtered (Advanced Search) on Israel (so shipping won't get me). Ended up getting a very good MX500 with stand and handpiece for about $130 or so.Love the damn thing. Makes you unsolder stuff just to use the tool....There are good deals to be had. Got a HP34401A for 1200NIS. A PL330TP AIM TTI triple power supply for 800NIS. Etc.A friend haggled the DS1054Z to the US price (maybe 10$ more) at the importer. I lugged one from the US.

author: MrOmnos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2017, 01:43:17 pm
content: Hi! GuysI wanted to let you know that today I received a package of ADCs and other ICs user waper sent me. I am very thankful for his help. Although I do not have anything to give back to him, I will try my best to forward this kindness to others in need like me.Thank You!!

author: a_beaglebone
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 30, 2017, 02:10:18 pm
content: MrOmnos,You are lucky to learn electronics these days. You have access to internet, can learn a lot from there, and then you have a bunch of good people here to help you. When I learnt electronics, I completely relied on local magazines to learn stuff and reverse engineered most of the electronic goods found in my home. Didn't have enough luck to even touch a computer in those days. believe me, you are so lucky.Good luck with your project.

author: a_beaglebone
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 30, 2017, 02:56:31 pm
content: Quote from: blueskull on January 30, 2017, 02:29:33 pmmost of the stuff ended up in card board boxes under my bed.I was not lucky enough to have a EE carrier, but I earn few extra bucks that I can continue being a hobbyist.

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2017, 03:33:43 pm
content: While i am happy for OP, i do not see how this donation solves his problem.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2017, 05:08:37 pm
content: Quote from: Bud on January 30, 2017, 03:33:43 pmWhen you have nothing, anything is gold. This may be enough to get closer to his project goal or, even if the original goal is not attainable with this, at least MrOmnos learned something. Back in the 80s in Brazil I could have killed to have even a single planar RF transistor shown in the foreign magazines to finish my dreams of long distance radio projects - we only had 2N2218s available.Consider this as the modern electronics version of the post-WWII Berlin airlift.

author: rstofer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2017, 05:17:36 pm
content: I would think an EDU email address would substitute for a corporate address. Manufacturers love to send stuff to schools. Budding engineers use their product and, upon graduation, design the stuff into products.That still doesn't mean the components will get through customs.