hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Vacuum tube making by hand - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2012, 09:16:28 pm
content: This man takes self build electronics to a whole new art form, it is really worth watching the video or the whole series.http://youtu.be/gl-QMuUQhVM

author: Ajahn Lambda
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2012, 09:56:06 pm
content: Sex on a stick! Or rather, in a tube! WOW!!!

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2012, 09:59:52 pm
content: Yes, it's mesmerizing. I posted a link to it once before, but it generated little response. I don't know why. It elevates hand built construction to an art form.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2012, 10:04:45 pm
content: And the linearity of the response is pretty good too:<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9S5OwqOXen8#t=3m25s>(And I keep forgetting SMF buggers up YouTube URLs. Arggg!!)

author: slateraptor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2012, 11:05:43 pm
content: Awesome. That man is truly a master of his craft.

author: Time
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2012, 12:13:02 am
content: Not really DIY - I bet that guy knows very little about actually using valves as hes spent his whole life making them probably. His hands look very old. Something tells me at one point in his life he was making a living doing that. Maybe he still is even.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2012, 12:31:36 am
content: Quote from: Time on January 10, 2012, 12:13:02 amThat doesn't seem to be the case...check out his website:http://paillard.claude.free.fr/He's a ham radio enthusiast who learned and built everything from scratch. In his words, "it's not that easy". The tube he made is a copy of an original design from 1915.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2012, 12:33:49 am
content: Here's the background:http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http://paillard.claude.free.fr/&langpair=fr%257Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF-8

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2012, 09:09:14 am
content: I wonder if any one out there is making their own transistors or chips by hand, I once made a radio detector diode from a chunk of galena I bought at a gem store but that was easy I just poked it with a pice of wire until I found an active spot.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2012, 09:12:03 am
content: Transistors is harder, but Jeri Ellsworth has had a go:

author: AntiProtonBoy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2012, 09:14:59 am
content: Seen that valve maker vid a while back, quite impressive.I always wanted to take up glass blowing as a hobby. Turns out, not as easy as I have thought.

author: firewalker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2012, 09:40:43 am
content: DIY transistors is just a "Proof of concept". Nothing more. DIY tubes can be used in real life.Alexander.
Analog life of Jim Williams - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Wartex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2011, 01:27:07 pm
content: http://www.siliconvalley.com/mike-cassidy/ci_19357792

author: Lawsen
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2011, 11:45:06 pm
content: Surf here to enjoy the Jim Williams analog work bench with a collection of vintage analog bread box oscilloscopes and various signal generators. He wired components discretely and just twist the lead and solder away. It becomes a work of art as shown here:http://www.computerhistory.org/highlights/analoglife/

author: slateraptor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2011, 08:16:19 am
content: Great stuff, guys. Thanks for sharing.

author: park
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 09, 2012, 08:03:17 pm
content: There are also some nice big pictures linked at theReading Jim Williamsblog.
Multiteck MPF-1 - Help - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: polymike
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 09, 2012, 06:47:57 am
content: I have a very old Multiteck MPF-1 which interests my son. Unfortunately When I switched it on (12V DC, outer terminal -ve) nothing happened. A friend of mine who is into this sort of thing said that the EPROM had died. Apparently this happens due to background radiation. What I need is the source code for the chip and the equivalent EEPROM. He will then be able to programme the EEPROM and replace the old one. Anybody out there that can point me in the right direction so that I might get the required bits? Thanks

author: mobbarley
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2012, 07:03:10 am
content: I had never heard of it. Is your board the same as this? Perhaps they can give you the firmware or sell you a rom?http://flite.co.uk/microprofessor-mpf-1b-z80-training-system.htmDepending on how confident your friend is I'd probably still try to debug all the power sections first - if the ROM window is well covered I thought that these should last for ~20-30 yrs.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2012, 07:03:20 am
content: I used Google and found this. I might be a start:http://electrickery.xs4all.nl/comp/mpf1/doc/

author: im_a_human
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2012, 12:42:18 pm
content: Hi, i would first check the 5 volt rail to prove the regulator is ok before doing anything else.
Element14 is now the official distributor of DB9 connector - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ChrisKiwi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2012, 01:08:37 pm
content: I must have missed that announcement in the Christmas rush perhaps..... I note that it only applies if your an Engineer, if your an anarchist, will will probably seek a "non-official" supplier, likewise if you don't part readily with your money. Don't you just love it when some $#@% wipe in marketing gets a hold of something....And talking about money, I was pricing some parts at Element14 and found everything cheaper at Mouser, of course you have to spend $200 at Mouser to get free freight v's $100 at Element14 (unless it has changed) but if a few people got together and placed a joint order you could get around that issue. Now, getting back to the price, some items were a lot cheaper at mouser, e.g 18F14K50 at Element14 was $NZD5.55, at Mouser $NZD4.21. Some other Mouser parts (which I can't be bothered looking up again) were 1/2 the price of the Element14 price representing a saving of about $NZD2 per piece. Some items were excatly the same part , had the same spec's or were better!In case you were wondering (well, if you have read this far, your either bored or nosy) I was looking for some wiring diagrams for PS2 connector, PS2 to USB adapter and PS2 to DB9 adapter so I could compare them.

author: joelby
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2012, 01:12:08 pm
content: It's well worth asking element14 for a quote, supplying the Mouser price as a target price. Occasionally the Newark (US) site will have much better prices than the (Australian) element14 site, and they'll match these without batting an eyelid.

author: Zad
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2012, 07:02:32 pm
content: Ah its ridiculous, all the distributors keep coming out with stuff like "We are proud to announce we are now the official UK distributor for Dimbleweenie's range of 0.732mm brass nuts". They seem to think this is a good use for Twitter and trendy social media. The pricing situation is ridiculous. I can search for stuff on Farnell.co.uk, and it can come up with 2 identical objects, one of which is in stock at Farnell's sister E14 company, Newark in the US. The US one of course being half the price of the UK stocked item. Even though there is a £15 surcharge, it is often cheaper to order a stack of stuff from the US, sent via the UK distribution centre which already has the identical item in stock.
Fluke 115 DMM Continuity Test BEEPS Erratically - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: onewatt
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2012, 06:55:04 pm
content: My Fluke 115 Digital Multimeter beeps erratically on continuity test. I find this incredibly annoying.Even my lowly Radio Shack DMM beeps perfectly when contacting the meter probe tips or when measuring any type of circuit continuity. Why-Oh-Why can't my high priced Fluke 115 do a simple continuity test and beep like it should instead of babbling likes it's in pain. My FLuke 115 isn't as bad as in this guys Youtube video, but it's still pretty bad.Does anyone have a fix for this?Just to let you know, I did contact Fluke Customer Service. I was told that my DMM was no longer under warranty, that there were no spare replacement parts, and that I'd have to send in my Fluke 115 DMM along with $101 dollars and they would send me a new one.Thanks for nothing Fluke
Replacement battery for Fluke 199C - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2012, 01:34:35 pm
content: Well mine has died and new one quoted from Fluke has interesting price.I noticed on ebay replacement batteries low as 26 $ without cable so i will skip it:http://www.ebay.com/itm/NiMH-7-2V4AH-Fluke-BP190-192-196-199B-BP190-Battery-/320635689177?pt=US_Batteries&hash=item4aa76058d9And for 30 $ quite good looking battery pack:http://www.ebay.com/itm/BATTERY-FIT-Fluke-Scopemeter-199B-199C-BP190-BP-190-NEW-/290482560998?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43a21c1fe6And for 60 $ identical to original but im thinking its a not original Fluke product rather a copy:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Compatible-battery-Fluke-BP190-NiMH-7-2V-4000mAh-/220790857011?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3368291d33Any experience with these my eev friends?Oh and here is a treat for you, some photos under the main can and photos under one channel and multimeter inputs, sexy!

author: grenert
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2012, 08:54:44 pm
content: You may find these threads in the Fluke forum useful:http://www.flukecommunity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2904http://www.flukecommunity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3283

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2012, 07:22:15 am
content: Unfortunately there is no experience with replacement batteries in this threads. One member reports that he got it, and thats all

author: ipman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2012, 02:06:25 pm
content: Looks like a pack of C cells used in models, but with wires from every cell. Maybe for equalisation? Or intermediate voltage?

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2012, 05:33:46 pm
content: Quote from: ipman on January 08, 2012, 02:06:25 pmI disasembled the pack, they dont do the wiring from every cell. All batteries are connected in series, the 2 black wires are going from battery - (dont know why they used 2), the white one is connected to a 1N4148 which is connected to the negative (temperature reading) and red one is from positive side. I will try to ask for more discount from Fluke tomorrow.

author: ipman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2012, 05:49:56 pm
content: Maybe they did that to prevent accidentally or intenionally other batteries.
Annoying wires on mulitmeter. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Mint.
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2012, 09:25:05 pm
content: Well I was watching Dave's OSHW Multimeter video and it got me thinking about all the wires getting tangled up. My multimeter has only 2 wire jack and yet they still get tangled up. But Dave's one has 8 wire jacks! I was just wondering. Is it at all possible to somehow create wireless probes for measurement?

author: DavidDLC
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2012, 09:45:07 pm
content: What you will have is a multimeter on the probes and only a remote display.Before you posted this, did you think how to measure current for example ?

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2012, 01:46:19 am
content: Some people don't like to have brains. They are annoying things that just get in the way...
FSM "Engineering Religion" T-Shirts - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: vk6hdx
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2012, 11:57:05 pm
content: I wanted to buy one of the FSM "Engineering Religion" t-shirts and clicked on the link to the Zazzle Store-http://www.zazzle.com/eevblog/and I can't find it listed there. Is this shirt still available?Cheers, Troy

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 07, 2012, 05:42:07 am
content: Due to a copyright claim from Venganza, Zazzle removed itDave.

author: amspire
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2012, 06:33:44 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on January 07, 2012, 05:42:07 amThis does not make sense. The only way that a person or company can own the FSM is if it is made up, and so it is not the creator of the universe! Have they told the Kansas State Board of Education of this change? I assume they have been busy adding the FSM to the school syllabus.http://www.venganza.org/about/open-letter/
jog dial/wheel vendor? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mkwired
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 06, 2012, 10:10:15 pm
content: Does anyone know where I can buy a jog dial/wheel? I want a rugged control that can be turned to the right and left and once released, it "springs" back to the middle position.This will be used to control a stepper motor control system which turns a platform. Currently, I'm using a joystick which internally is connected to a potentiometer. This is working but the joystick isn't the natural human interface.My google-fu apparently is good enough to find such a product. Can someone point me in the right direction?

author: wkb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2012, 10:14:27 pm
content: The first thing that comes to mind is a supplier/repair facility of wheelchairs.

author: mkwired
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 06, 2012, 10:40:43 pm
content: I have my answer. ETI Systems has what I need. I couldn't find it because they still call it a joystick.
1200lb rated electromagnet supporting a ceiling fan ;) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: PetrosA
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2012, 03:41:29 am
content: So I got a service call before the holidays to check why a 52" ceiling fan in my customer's rental property stopped working with the remote control. The last tenant had been given new living accommodations and a nice new uniform a few weeks before when the police raided the house looking for drugs and now the owner wants to get it ready for new tenants.When I took down the fan housing the first time (This is where the receiver module gets mounted) I saw that the fan had been installed in a very unusual manner (bolted from above) and that I would have to go into the attic to investigate further. Since it was late in the afternoon and the customer decided he wanted me to just rewire the fan so he could get rid of the remote control, I scheduled to come back another day.So today I go back. I crawl up into the attic and find this:There's a 1200 lb rated electromagnet, a 12V battery, a charging circuit, a wireless remote switch, a power supply and a rubber bungee cord. This was the STASH!!!They obviously had a remote control downstairs. When they turned the electromagnet off, the whole 52" fan would drop down a few inches on the bungee, which also allowed them to pull it down far enough that they could get their hand into the space above the drywall. Then they'd turn the electromagnet back on and, once it ramped up, the fan would get pulled back up flush with the ceiling. Pure genius!In these pics, I used the bungee to lower the fan down from above. In normal use it would only have dropped down maybe an inch or so with the way they had the bungee attached.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2012, 06:02:17 am
content: wowDid you get the police over to have a look?

author: slateraptor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2012, 08:39:54 am
content: Clever indeed.

author: mobbarley
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2012, 01:19:16 pm
content: Cute. It's a typical maglock for a door.

author: Polossatik
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2012, 09:17:56 pm
content: Quote from: ErikTheNorwegian on January 06, 2012, 08:00:25 pm+1cool , thankx for sharing !

author: Flavour Flave
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2012, 09:56:39 pm
content: Quote from: ErikTheNorwegian on January 06, 2012, 08:00:25 pmYour wrong. That's not insulation in that photo.Right now he's doing impressions of Tony Montana.
Unanswered question in the 'Beginner's area' - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dt
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 06, 2012, 09:12:10 pm
content: Hi everyone,I posted what I thought was a simple question in the Beginner's area but nobody seems to want to take a stub at it, if you've got the time please take a look:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?topic=6216.0Thanks!

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 06, 2012, 09:24:04 pm
content: I would have answered, but I have no experience with mixed scopes. It is probably the same with many others here. Please be patient. Bumping the thread would probably be a better approach rather than spreading posts all over the forum.
Digi-Key Dorkery -- helper script for Digi-Key parts search - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: gxti
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2012, 01:29:57 am
content: So I made a little user script to enhance the DK parts search experience. Here are some features:Checks "In Stock" when opening a category pageDeselects bulk packaging types like "Tape & Reel" when opening a category pageAdds a checkbox interface to several "features" fields, enabling much faster filteringAdds shortcut links for "sort by price" to product listingsThe feature checkboxes are really neat and are pretty much essential in certain part categories like microcontrollers where the features are all mashed up. Just try finding all the micros with USB support without it! With the script, just click "Enable Features" under "Connectivity", click "USB" and "USB OTG", and Bob's your uncle.Firefox users need to install Greasemonkey first:https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/greasemonkey/. Chrome users don't need a special extension but until 5 minutes ago I haven't been testing it on Chrome. It looks like the sort by price shortcuts don't work but everything else seems OK.You can get the script here:http://partiallystapled.com/pages/digikey_dorkery.htmlHappy searching!
Suggestion for eevblog homepage - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: JonnyBoats
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2012, 05:20:53 am
content: Dave, I see you have a box on the right where people can donate money via PayPal. That's great, but the only options are AUD. How about allowing people in the USA or Europe to make donations is US dollars or Euros?The reason I suggest this is you want to make it as easy as possible for people to donate. I would guess that most Americans are like me in that they don't really know how much a AUD is worth in US $ on any given day. Sure we could go look it up to figure out what it would cost to donate, but I bet at least some of us would decide that it is easier to put it off until we have more time rather than take the time to figure it out now.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 02, 2012, 07:25:37 am
content: Sure, but that would take a up more room on my sidebar if I had a drop box for every currency option.Dave.

author: shebu18
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2012, 01:14:40 pm
content: why not make a dropdown menu where you can select the currency and after this the amount of money changes.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 02, 2012, 02:50:05 pm
content: Hi, I missed the support payment bit, had a good look around but on my screen not been able to find ?...I am assuming here that, if payment was based on aPay-Palaccount, then currency converting is done for you,or you can select the currency; just a thought.
Please recommend small analog oscilloscope - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: barry_g
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 01, 2012, 06:09:25 pm
content: I'd appreciate recommendations for a small analog oscilloscope. By small, I mean smaller than a Tektronix 2200/2400.I have a Vu-Data PS935 which is a nice size, but really want to upgrade to something faster (ideally 60-100Mhz). I'd like to keep cost to below $500 used. Any comments/suggestions appreciated. No DSO's.TIA

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2012, 06:59:10 pm
content: A new 100 MHz analog oscilloscope will cost you $1000, and that doesn't even cover your small size requirement. So it is eBay time for you.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 01, 2012, 11:13:06 pm
content: IIRC the some of the Hitachi analog scopes were quite small. e.g. V-212 series that I think comes in up to a 60MHz model?This new BK precision looks pretty small:http://www.bkprecision.com/products/model/2160A/60-mhz-analog-oscilloscope-with-probes.html12.76 x 15.68 x 5.2"Dave.

author: barry_g
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 01, 2012, 11:24:57 pm
content: Thanks for the responses. Yes, any other small analog scopes out there on the used market at 60Mhz or higher besides the BK Precision?The Hitachi scopes mentioned are only 40Mhz or less.

author: slateraptor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2012, 12:27:58 am
content: Quote from: barry_g on January 01, 2012, 06:09:25 pmCuriously, why?Late-80's, early-90's HP scopes are taller but typically smaller cross sectional footprint.EDIT: Now that I think about it, those scopes were DSOs with monochrome CRT displays.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2012, 12:30:34 am
content: Quote from: slateraptor on January 02, 2012, 12:27:58 amDon't worry. More DSO's for us

author: tekfan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2012, 12:47:35 am
content: This is the only scope with >50MHz bandwidth that comes to mind.The Tektronix SC50480MHz bandwidth, dual channel, 5mV/div sensitivity, XY mode... what more could you ask from something this small.The only drawback of course is that you have to plug it in a power supply mainframe with at least 2 compartments. (Tektronix TM502 or bigger)There are a few on ebay now but for ridiculously high prices. It's best to wait for an auction and pick one up cheaply.http://www.barrytech.com/tektronix/tektm500/teksc504.html

author: grenert
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2012, 01:04:24 am
content: The Sony-Tektronix 336 is a small 50 MHz analog scope with digital storage. Only 11 lbs!!! There is a similar model 335 without digital storage (I think), but only 35 MHz bandwidth.http://www.tekpool.ch/Specs/336.pdf

author: barry_g
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 02, 2012, 01:20:34 am
content: Thanks, the SC504 and 336 look to be viable options - I'll add them to my watch list. The SC504/TM500 is a sweet looking system.
When is it appropriate to use company logos? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2012, 04:05:33 am
content: If someone designs a product that uses a component from company X, and then they produce some documentation for the product, is it okay to include the logo for company X on the front page footer of the documentation, along with any others that produce components that have been used in the design?I imagine you may need some kind of partnership with a company for you to be able to use their logo on your documentation, or a copyright issue if you don't have anything whatsoever to do with the company, etc.If anyone has a definite answer I would love to know, cheers.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 01, 2012, 04:16:45 am
content: It's simple, legally you can't, unless you have got their permission.Whether or not they actually care is another matter entirely.Dave.

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2012, 04:18:33 am
content: As I suspected. Thanks Dave.Happy New Year by the way.

author: gxti
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2012, 07:39:17 am
content: You have to be careful not to use logos in a context where their use could be mistaken as an endorsement of your product. But using a company's logo and/or trademark strictly to identify the company and their products is generally acceptable.

author: Jon Chandler
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2012, 07:39:45 am
content: If you mention trademarked terms, you should mention whose trademark it is. Otherwise (and perhaps even still), you may get a nasty-gram from the trademark owner. This is especially true for words that may be slipping into generic usage.
EEVblog hates Safari (on Mac OSX Lion btw) ?? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: wkb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2011, 11:44:20 pm
content: Is it me, or ispostingto the EEVblog forum problematic if you use Safari on MacOS X?Reading or responding is no problem, put posting leaves me with a New post/topic window just sitting there after I click post.I am using Firefox (on Mac OSX) to work around it.Has anyone else seen this?

author: amspire
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2011, 12:03:30 am
content: I think it is a known problem with the SMF forum, and I think it is a problem in the theme.The other problem is that attachments do not download with the correct name in the recent Firefoxes.Here is a SMF forum with a theme modified for Safara 4 and 5 compatibility - does it seem to work better on a MAC?http://www.nynjsurf.com/forum/index.phpI gather they use this theme:http://www.webmasterstalks.com/tpmod.html;dl=item48It does seem to handle attachments in Firefox much better then the current EEVBLOG theme.Richard

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 31, 2011, 12:18:44 am
content: No idea, sorry.I'm just using the standard SimpleMachines installation.Dave.

author: amspire
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2011, 12:38:00 am
content: I just updated to Firefox 9.0.1 and that now fixes the attachment download problem - the downloads are not called "index.php" any more.So at least Firefox is fully working again. Have you updated to the latest Safari (5.1.2 for snow leopard, 5.0.6 for leopard)?

author: ToBeFrank
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2011, 04:04:52 am
content: I've started a couple topics. One was not too long ago so I'm sure I was running Lion and the latest version of Safari at the time. I don't recall having any problems.

author: wkb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2011, 01:12:07 pm
content: Quote from: amspire on December 31, 2011, 12:38:00 amYup, this is Safari 5.1.2 running in Lion.Ah well, not to worry, I have a workaround.

author: ErikTheNorwegian
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2011, 04:35:52 pm
content: Quote from: amspire on December 31, 2011, 12:38:00 amHad the same index.php problem in W7 64 with Mozilla 8.0.1 updated to 9.0.1 and it everything was OK :-)
Owon 25/60Mhz oscilloscopes - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: flatv
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 28, 2011, 11:55:25 pm
content: Hi, anybody play with Owon oscilloscopes? Can be modded to a higher BW? Thx

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2011, 06:26:15 am
content: I dont reccomend the 25 MHz variant to anibody since the 60 MHz is quite close in price. However it depends on your needs.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 29, 2011, 06:32:39 am
content: The older Owon PDS series, to which you are presumably referring, is clearly inferior to other low-cost scopes like the Rigol DS1052E. This is why the Rigol is so popular, because it was the first affordable scope that didn't suck (as much). Reports about the Owon PDS series are that it has a nasty passive LCD, cheap mechanical build quality and felt like a cheap toy in general. I haven't felt the need to examine one in person, but the SDS series is reported to be significantly better. I would either save the money for a better DSO or buy an analog scope for much less.

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2011, 08:05:43 am
content: I believe the SDS series is not available in the 25 MHz range?The only toy scope i want to get for fun is the LUCK-3 but cant find original manufacturer or place that sells it
Microcontrollers - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Mattwarne
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2012, 02:21:25 am
content: Thanks for votingMatt

author: Teknotronix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2012, 02:38:15 am
content: PIC Kit 3 is not a microcontroller. It is a programmer/debugger. It comes in a package though with a demo board, but is not comparable to Arduino.

author: Mattwarne
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2012, 03:24:12 am
content: Thanks for that simracer

author: westfw
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2012, 03:53:14 am
content: Arduino is not a microcontroller, either.

author: Mattwarne
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2012, 03:58:43 am
content: Quote from: westfw on January 04, 2012, 03:53:14 amWhat I meant was dev board

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2012, 06:16:40 am
content: I ticked 'other',I normally use the ATTiny or ATMega micros as nature intended(without the Arduino environment)But it really depends on what you want to do.- If i need more power i go to a STM ARM micro.- If i wanted to make something for the hacker community i would use an Arduino.- If i was mass producing something in quantity i might use a PIC. (They are often more specialized, so it's possible to pick one that only has the features you need and save some money)

author: shebu18
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2012, 06:21:41 am
content: What language do u use for all of those? Declaration and stuff differ from avr to pic.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2012, 06:38:12 am
content: Quote from: shebu18 on January 04, 2012, 06:21:41 amMost people use whatever language is provided by the commonly available toolchains and dev environments, which is C likely as not.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2012, 06:54:11 am
content: Yep, i always use CI would use inline ASM if i needed to for speed. But that situation hasn't occurred yet.

author: shebu18
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2012, 07:00:53 am
content: And in all 3 IDE's you use C? I am currently learning C.

author: ipman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2012, 07:04:17 am
content: As far as I know, all 3 are closely related to C, but no one is pure C.
Old Magazine Circuits (EEVBlog #142) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: gamozo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2011, 12:33:31 am
content: I just watched EEVBlog #142, and I must say, it's probably one of my favourite episodes. I'd love to see you (Dave) build up some of these circuits, maybe like 3 or 4 of your favourite, I think it would be great fun to watch. Especially if you could follow the old procedures of stenciling the PCBs and such.-Brandon
Strange problems you have encountered - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2011, 03:01:47 am
content: I was troubleshooting a digital power meter ("Watt-A-Duino", based on Arduino and dsPIC) that I made for senior design. The calibration drifted badly with the 5V supply. I only needed to operate it on PoE for the demo, so I didn't bother looking into it. But now that I need to actually use it, I needed to figure out why the voltage channel was getting such a poor PSRR. The AFE opamps showed no change as the 5V supply varied a little. I was puzzled since the voltage channel used the dsPIC's internal ADC, which ran off the 3.3V supply that did not drift much. Turns out that in doing level translation between the dsPIC and Arduino, I just put in series resistors. That did limit the current to a safe value, but the current flowing through the protection diodes caused charge injection that was messing up the ADC. I added some clamping diodes and now the PSRR is as good as I expected.In another part of the project, I had a via come apart (probably blew like a fuse) and start arcing. Things get pretty exciting when it's on a 270V DC bus with 440uF of capacitance!http://arduino.cc/forum/index.php/topic,80200.0.html

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2011, 03:18:39 am
content: I had a strange issue where the 12+/- signal from a PC RS232 port was feeding back through the wires to the MAX232 at the other end and getting onto the main VCC rail.Even though the system was off the few mA of 12v from the serial port could power up the micro controller enough for it to respond to serial commands.The serial response i got back was often corrupt but the fact that it was responding at all meant the micro was running and receiving a correct frame with good checksums.Ya always have to watch that, power on ICs data pins will flow back to power pins when the IC is off.
You know you're playing with the big boys when... - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: slateraptor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2011, 10:55:36 am
content: ...the first 73 pages of Chapter 2, which was suppose to be abrief overviewof prerequisite theory, invoked just about every undergraduate gypsy trick in the book from multivariable and advanced calculus, partial differential equations, EM field theory, and isn't shy about referencing a table of integrals published in 1961 to "simplify" derivations.At this rate, I'll need a bit more than this winter break to finish off chapter 3. The process of transforming weakness into strength is indeed a long and painful one.

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2011, 05:15:36 pm
content: What are you talking about

author: Chet T16
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2011, 06:35:09 pm
content: A book
Yet Another Billion Dollar Business Started In An Engineer's Garage; Drones - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SgtRock
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 24, 2011, 06:31:59 am
content: Greetings EEVBees:Please see the below link for an interesting article from the Washington Post about the beginnings of the Drone.http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/national-security/rise-of-the-drone-from-calif-garage-to-multibillion-dollar-defense-industry/2011/12/22/gIQACG8UEP_story.html"Three weeks in the lab will save you a day in the library every time"R. Stanley Williams 1951 -Best RegardsClear Ether

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2011, 03:16:53 am
content: Sarge,after seeing the heading,I bit my tongue!Seasons Greetings,anyway,mate!VK6ZGO
Comet Lovejoy putting on a good show in the south - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 25, 2011, 08:02:16 am
content: For those of you who live in the southern hemisphere, get your ass out of bed at 08h00 UT and have a look in the south east for a huge comet rising out of the horizon. I have had some luck here in Chile but we are having our cloudy season early this yearIt is worth looking for, and earlier if you want to see it rising.

author: caroper
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2011, 08:29:53 am
content: Same here in Cape Town, we had too much cloud.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 25, 2011, 09:12:03 am
content: Here is a cloudy view of the comet. And you should go outside around 05H00 local time, not 08H00 UT....

author: GeoffS
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 25, 2011, 09:46:10 am
content: CLoudy here too, plus you have to get up REALLY early to see it !If you want to hear/see more about it, have a look atIISanother great Australian web site. (yes I am a member)

author: caroper
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2011, 04:32:19 pm
content: Quote from: GeoffS on December 25, 2011, 09:46:10 amYes, it was 05:00 Local time, I was up to feed the cats. By 08:00 UT it would be 10am and full sun, no chance of seeing it.Thanks for the Picture, at least now I have seen it indirectly

author: Conrad Hoffman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2011, 09:22:51 pm
content: I gave up on anything related to astronomy due to three unbreakable laws:Most events will be visible far to the north, south, east or west, but below the horizon here.Any event that might potentially be visible will obscured by clouds, usually combined with a full moon.If all conditions are favorable, the event will be too dim, too spradic or too mundane to bother with.
recommend a good led driver chip - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2011, 09:50:35 am
content: hi im looking at some high power leds to replace the current lighting in my househttp://uk.farnell.com/cree/cxa2011-0000-000p00h040f/led-array-cxa2011-ezwht-4000k/dp/1886686orhttp://uk.farnell.com/bridgelux/bxra-n6300-00l0e/led-array-6300lm-neut-white-4000k/dp/1876129and i need a recommendation for suitable led driver chips, maybe 1 of these which would be good for the cree led arrayhttp://uk.farnell.com/xp-power/ldu4860s1000/led-driver-dc-dc-48w/dp/1961538?in_merch=New%20Productsbut i cannot find such a solution to the bridgelux dimm capability would be good

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2011, 07:12:22 pm
content: Wouldn't something mains powered like this be more convenient?http://uk.farnell.com/lightech/9010481050p/led-48wdc1050ma-al-housing-converter/dp/1888133

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2011, 09:37:23 pm
content: Quote from: IanB on December 10, 2011, 07:12:22 pmits can be an option too, but for a quick search dimming only available with trailing edge dimmers on the mains side which looks expensive for a quick google search, also it would be expensive to buy 5 unit of this, compared to my first idea get a good quality toroid transformer and use it as a central supply to all of the led arrays in the house, only inside

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2011, 08:02:47 pm
content: i was playing a bit with the national's webench tool, and i want some info from this circuit if there is any practicular things to watch out when i lay it out and make the prototype for the first time from this, i hope i calculated right the dynamic resistance of the led according to the example from the national site, however i noticed its gave line frequency 60Hz but im not in the US so here the mains frequency is 50Hz but of course it will be rectified and filtered before it reaches the pcb. files are in the included zip. thanks for all of you who give me a reply
Rigol DS1102E - Latest firmware release? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: LaurenceW
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2011, 12:25:06 am
content: Hello all - apologies if this is posted elsewhere - but I couldn't find it.I have a genuine DS1102E 'scope, and I am quite happy with it. I upgraded the firmware a couple of years or so back, and am wondering whether there have been any worthwhile upgrades since then. The utility page reports:Model DS1102ESerial DE1EB110300145Software V 00.02.04.01.02DSP 02.20FPGA 02.00Hardversion03I am not bothered about upgrading unless its worthwhile. Anybody got any ideas?Incidentally, that hack to override the boot-up splash screen might be a useful security device - "if you are reading this, this instrument was stolen from..." So, do we know how that was done?

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 25, 2011, 04:05:24 am
content: There is no reason to update the firmware and every reason to not. The kater versions all have reports of screen flashing. Keep it as it is.

author: LaurenceW
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2011, 06:10:13 pm
content: If it ain't broke, don't "fix" it, huh?
Old ATX cases - worth keeping? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2011, 01:55:01 am
content: I managed to get a hold of a lot of junked computers recently. Many were in really bad condition, but a few almost look new. Of the good ones, are the cases (standard Antec ATX cases) worth keeping? In other words, could I put some new hardware into the old case and essentially end up with a new computer? The main problem I see is thermal, but I can easily cut holes for more fans to solve that problem. Or would there be a bigger problem like new components not fitting properly?

author: flano
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2011, 03:46:36 am
content: It shouldn't be a problem. There are a few different versions of the ATX standard, with major change being power connectors on the power supply cable that connects to the main board. Newer main boards require more power pins. Antec tend to make pretty good cases.Regards Mike

author: requim
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2011, 04:46:30 am
content: If you don't plan on overclocking your cpu and you aren't planning on putting in multiple gpu's in your pc, then I wouldn't spend a second worrying about whether the case has enough airflow other than to make sure the fans are in working condition and that you use good thermal paste.

author: Joshua
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2011, 06:22:20 am
content: Worried about cooling? Water cooling.

author: ipman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2011, 08:43:09 am
content: Two drilled holes on the back and one water-air heat exchanger on the back should solve the watercooling problem for every standard ATX case. Exception will make probably some mini-ITX or similar small cases.

author: metalphreak
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2011, 03:02:19 pm
content: All new cases these days are still the same ATX standardThe standard hasn't changed much since the old AT standard (in terms of cases anyway).Don't forget the old P4 dual core processors put out LOTS of heat, more so than many modern processors, so cooling should be an issue.
ITead Studios and Customs to the US with expedited shipping? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Jon Chandler
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2011, 11:16:36 pm
content: I've used ITead Studios a number of times and I'm quite pleased with the results...except for the shipping time.I have a need to get boards more rapidly than usual so I'm considering using the DHL or UPS shipping options. Has anybody shipped via these methods to the US? I've heard horror stories about outrageous customs charges on ebay shipments from China - I'm wondering what the experience with ITead has been.

author: Zad
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2011, 12:03:58 am
content: Apparently they still use Chinese post to sent the boards to Hong Kong, where it is then DHL'ed. The result is no improvement in delivery time. I don't know about the customs aspect.

author: metalphreak
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2011, 02:11:15 pm
content: My experience with Gold Phoenix with DHL is usually less than a week to Australia once boards have been posted. I can't comment on iTead or USA customs though.In Australia, anything under $1000 isn't charged duty or other taxes. So there's usually no problems even through DHL/Fedex.

author: caroper
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2011, 09:12:58 pm
content: I can't help on the US customs but can agree with the comments on speed.I ordered a USBEE DX (Don't tell Dave, but in my defense it was before I saw the Video Blog he did on the subject). It was shipped via China Air to Hong Kong, then dispatched to South Africa.3 weeks ago according to the tracking number.Rather than a Currier Service I think it ended up on the 'Slow Boat to China', either that or it is stuck in South African customs, but the Tracking site has not updated in 3 weeks.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 23, 2011, 10:03:35 pm
content: Do they now sell genuine Usbee products or did you omit the word rip-off?

author: caroper
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2011, 08:50:59 am
content: Quote from: alm on December 23, 2011, 10:03:35 pmIt has USB DX printed on the case but it also appears to be a larger case and has BNC connectors for the scope probes.Comparing prices, however, it is probably a rip off. At this point I am not to concerned, I just needed something Cheap to analyse an SPI problem for someone and they ordered it on my behalf. If it turns out to be a good piece of kit I will redeem myself by buying the USBeeSuite Pro $299 from USBee.If it is rubbish it is no real loss. (I managed to resolve the SPI problem whilst waiting for it)

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 24, 2011, 02:18:45 pm
content: By referring to the clones as Usbee, you're creating more confusion and might convince people it's the real thing. Usbee is not a generic name for a USB LA, but a brand name.
Merry Christmas - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: norEL
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2011, 07:34:26 pm
content: I WISH EVERYONE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2011, 09:16:31 pm
content: Hello Norway, Merry Christmas to you too.

author: norEL
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2011, 09:49:14 pm
content: Quote from: Kiriakos-GR on December 21, 2011, 09:16:31 pmThank you Greece

author: Chet T16
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2011, 10:13:14 pm
content: Merry Christmas from Ireland (but the UK over Christmas)

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2011, 12:33:43 am
content: Quote from: ErikTheNorwegian on December 21, 2011, 09:48:21 pmThe lowest ever see was -3 for a week in the 365 days of the year.And I was riding my motorcycle so to go for work at 6:30am.Right now it is 2:30am and I have 8C outside and a bit of rain.

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2011, 01:33:53 pm
content: @@*|*@\|/**\**|*@/**\*@*\|/***/@**\**|**/***\**@\|/**@/*@\***\**|**/***/**\@**\|/***/****@*\**|**/*@***@********\|/*@******@_|_To all ..

author: ElectroElvis
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2011, 11:29:34 pm
content: Happy hollidays to all, 2 more days i am on than vacation till 4th januaryTemperature here in Austria: +3 atm 0:29AM

author: ivan747
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2011, 12:59:45 am
content: Some of you might consider this to be summer, even though it is supposed to be winter over here:23ºC tonight, ~20ºC average during winter.Sorry, no trees.

author: tekfan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2011, 10:41:22 pm
content: Merry Christmas to all of you!
Norman Krim, Who Championed the Transistor, Dies at 98. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: firewalker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2011, 08:30:56 am
content: R.I.P.Alexander.Quotehttp://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/21/business/norman-krim-who-championed-the-transistor-dies-at-98.html?_r=2