hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
how are pcbs made? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: electronics man
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2015, 03:37:16 pm
content: i have seen so much on how they are populated (solder past application then pick and place ect) but i haven't seen how the bare pcbs are made. i would love to see how the etching process is carried out and how tiny little vias are made. i would also like to know how multi layer boards are made. does anyone know of any good videos on the process?

author: elgonzo
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 30, 2015, 03:47:14 pm
content: It's called Google. It can also search for videos. It seems to be very complicated to use...(The search result will also include videos about PCB assembly. But i figure you are smart enough to ignore/skip those and watch only the videos about PCB fabbing...)

author: electronics man
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2015, 03:53:55 pm
content: Quote from: elgonzo on January 30, 2015, 03:47:14 pmrude

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 30, 2015, 04:46:03 pm
content: I have always wondered how multi-layered boards are made. Excellent video. Very cool to watch. Thanks for posting.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2015, 08:51:51 pm
content: That'sthe same video in a sticky thread on the forum here.
New online, collaborative computing environment for engineers - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ghost0
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 29, 2015, 10:56:17 pm
content: Hi,With Dave's permission, we would like to have a discussion here about our pet project that aims to bring true collaboration to engineering and scientific calculations.The idea is that you will be able to:perform engineering calculations in your browser,share your work easily, andreuse what others have shared.You will be able to embed almafa.org calculations in your articles, blog posts, etc., readily usable right in the browser with one click.The almafa.org scripts run in the browser, and they are written in a special extension of Javascript, which allows for a convenient definition of matrices, vectors, physical quantities, special operators, etc. in a format inspired by Matlab.As for physical quantities, almafa.org lets you truly calculate with them.For example 1/(2*pi * 100 Ohm * 33 nF) evaluates to 48.23 kHz. You can have quantities in vectors, matrices, or even use linear algebra functions on matrices that contain complex quantities.Not only will the quantities make writing calculations easier, but there will also be lots of shared calculations made by others, ready to be reused.A versioning system will take care of managing the dependencies of the libraries that build on top of each other.We imagine a Wikipedia-like content generation where engineers create and share their own (open source) libraries, such as design tools, formulas for analog ICs, physical properties of materials, numerical methods, or even fully automated design processes.At the current stage, the creation of libraries has not been opened to the public yet, but there are already a couple of examples, likehttp://almafa.org/?sidebar=doc/datasheets/ic/smps/mc34063-1/_mc34063.html(EEVblog #110).You might understand the problems with the currently available tools if you have ever messed up the units in Excel/Matlab, reimplemented a calculation that had already been implemented by other engineers, or had to click a thousand times when trying to use standalone tools.Check out this comparison to get a clearer picture of what we are trying to achieve:http://almafa.org/almcsi.png.As we've been working on this project for more than a year and a half now without getting any feedback from the public, we would really love to know how you like the idea in general, and what you think about the development version athttp://almafa.org.Any comment is greatly appreciated.Regards,the almafa.org team
SSL / HTTPS for the forum - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mamalala
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 30, 2015, 01:24:24 am
content: I know this has come up previously, and the usualy excuse was "Meh, the forum is public anyways!"But that is quite short-sighted, IMHO. Really, what is the reason not to have SSL? Is it because a cert costs a few dollars? And no, having the rather useless Cloudfare stuff using SSL doesn't really cut it.And if you wonder about why "It's public" is a silly excuse:How exactly does one log in on this forum, again?Really, it would be great if there would be SSL here.Greetings,Chris

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2015, 01:27:11 am
content: You can access the forum with httpshttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/ssl-https-for-the-forum/msg598009/#msg598009

author: mamalala
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 30, 2015, 02:16:40 am
content: Quote from: miguelvp on January 30, 2015, 01:27:11 amYes, and that is just Cloudflare, not the EEVBlog server itself, from what i can tell. Doesn't help much if the encryption only happens between some intermediate points, but not the "last mile". Which is why i wrote that only having the Cloudflare stuff is rather pointless. (which it is in any case, not just for SSL, at least in case of a forum).Greetings,Chris

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2015, 02:41:26 am
content: True, if you can get to cloudfare's network or hostgator/hostmonster everything will be in the clear. And servers usually have multi port connections and sometimes they will have one via internal hubs (not switches) for maintenance and packet capture setups.I guess it all boils down to how secure is the colocation service to prevent packet sniffing.But we all know how unsecure the net at large is.What I do is, I have a dedicated password for this site that I don't reuse anywhere else. There are tools that automate this for you.
"Poll Shows Giant Gap Between What Public, Scientists Think" - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dannyf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2015, 08:55:27 pm
content: http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/poll-shows-giant-gap-public-scientists-28583862Interesting, isn't it?QuoteThat made life so much tougher for some faithfuls,I like this one too:Quote87%? Only 87%?What happened to the often quoted 98% figure? More importantly, what happened to the 11% scientists who believed in global warming then but not now?Did they lose their scientists accreditation?

author: mtdoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2015, 09:14:25 pm
content: Blatant Troll"Eighty-seven percent of scientists said global warming is mostly due to human activity, while only half of the public did. The figures for scientists are slightly different than past academic studies because of wording of the question and the fact that AAAS members include many specialties, but they tell the same essential story, said Pew associate director Cary Funk."

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2015, 09:22:38 pm
content: Quote from: mtdoc on January 29, 2015, 09:14:25 pmNo, this is called flamebait. He's trying to start another stupid pissing match, not randomly annoy people.Anyone who bites gets today's "jackass" award. Otherwise, dannyf can keep it all to himself.

author: suicidaleggroll
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2015, 09:26:50 pm
content: Quote from: dannyf on January 29, 2015, 08:55:27 pmIt says why in your own article:QuoteThe wording of questions can bias results in either direction. Without seeing how the question here was worded versus how previous questions have been worded, it's impossible to answer definitively.As above, this is obvious flamebait. I'm surprised you're still allowed to post this crap over and over again.
Gold recycling less toxic and less dangerous - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: compet17
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2015, 01:18:58 pm
content: Gold recycling from computer scrap is a new hobby for many people, there are many videos about it on youtube.I made my own video with my own and slightly different method. Instead of using dangerous acids that dissolve copper and even the gold itself, I use Ferric Chloride (Fe-3-Cl) and nothing else.Many of you may know this chemical from PCB manufacturing. It is cheap, safe to handle, makes almost no fumes.... Here's the video:

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2015, 02:13:54 pm
content: ..and the calculations to show it's actually worth the effort...?

author: senso
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2015, 02:39:16 pm
content: Could probably make more money torching the boards, making grab bags of as is components on ebay, or remove all ic's, throw in a bag with board, sell as smd solder and reballing practice material.

author: electr_peter
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 29, 2015, 05:36:36 pm
content: I do not understand the point of extracting gold from electronics unless 1) you have massive supply of parts/PCBs with gold (only some parts containtracesof gold) and 2) you have cheap supply of chemicals/required equipment/furnaces/disposal/etc.If you are gold miner by trade, digging tons of PCBs sounds like a good deal. Otherwise...
Gold recycling less toxic and less dangerous - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: compet17
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2015, 01:15:35 pm
content: Gold recycling from computer scrap is a new hobby for many people, there are many videos about it on youtube.I made my own video with my own and slightly different method. Instead of using dangerous acids that dissolve copper and even the gold itself, I use Ferric Chloride (Fe-3-Cl) and nothing else.Many of you may know this chemical from PCB manufacturing. It is cheap, safe to handle, makes almost no fumes.... Here's the video:
Buying from country-specific Amazon store while keeping referral - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: DIPLover
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2015, 06:09:19 pm
content: I have to buy $260 worth of textbooks very shortly and I'd like get Dave the referral cut, but If I use the little search applet on the EEVBlog page and then click "Canada" at the bottom of the Amazon page, I lose the referral URL.Is there a way to use country-specific amazon and still get Dave the affiliate money?
differential probe - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: diyaudio
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2015, 10:29:34 pm
content: Got me thinking...Why the hell are differential probes so expensive, seriously now these probes cost x2 or even x4 the price of a baseline scope.anyone got some solid idea/info, is there a method to this differential madness?

author: malch
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2015, 04:43:36 am
content: I've been fixing my probes. It looks like they were handmade.and tricky to set up.

author: han
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2015, 07:56:08 am
content: One reason is they not mass produced.And the fast differential amplifier (trans-conductance amplifier) needed is a rare component.
Red Pitaya - New API announced - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: chris_leyson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2015, 01:07:14 am
content: Hi Guys, my first post, so I will keep it brief and to the pointWas haveing a look around the Red Pitaya ramdisk with GTKterm, hmm lots of interesting stuffand decided to Google for any notes on the OS. Anyway found zip on the OS, will try Xlinxwebsite tomorrow.Found this on RS website, Red Pitaya - New Application Programming Interfacehttp://www.rs-online.com/designspark/electronics/eng/blog/red-pitaya-new-application-programming-interfaceAnd an SCPI protocol for communicating with MATLAB, that was last weekhttp://www.rs-online.com/designspark/electronics/eng/blog/and-the-award-goes-to-red-pitayaLooks like they have been busy. No sign of any documentation yet.RegardsChris
Apple iMac G7 17" Lines on Screen - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SgtRock
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 27, 2015, 03:02:26 pm
content: Greetings EEVBees:--Trash picked Apple iMac G7 17". Works in all respects, except for the lines on the screen. I assume the screen is bad. Has any one tried to repair one of these. In any case I am keeping it for the moment, as my only apple."All right, I'm ready to reform. Which one's got the orange juice"Alfred Hawthorne "Benny" Hill 1924 - 1992Best RegardsClear Ether

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2015, 03:28:12 pm
content: Maybe worth applying pressure to the LCD bonding to see if it is a bonding failure issue. Or could be worth looking up the screen part # and sourcing a replacement.

author: justanothercanuck
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2015, 04:02:24 pm
content: If it's not the cables, it's the T-con board. Common issue with monitors, outside of capacitor or LCD tube failure.

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2015, 04:24:43 pm
content: T-cons rarely cause single-pixel faults because they process data in blocks rather than for each line.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 27, 2015, 04:39:17 pm
content: Quote from: justanothercanuck on January 27, 2015, 04:02:24 pmFirst of all, T-CON do not cause such issues. Secondly, unlikely that there is separate T-CON board, this is not a TV. Thirdly this is dead LCD panel.

author: justanothercanuck
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2015, 04:44:27 pm
content: Quote from: wraper on January 27, 2015, 04:39:17 pmTell that to Dell. I had a laptop a few years back that did it, and that's what they were touting as the fix. They had so many of them they actually had to issue a semi-secret grandfathered warranty to fix them all.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 27, 2015, 04:50:37 pm
content: Quote from: justanothercanuck on January 27, 2015, 04:44:27 pmShould be some really weird laptop. Never seen T-con in them. In laptops there is even no place to put such.

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2015, 04:51:37 pm
content: all imac g5 (not g7 it doesnt exist...) 17" had this problem EOLalso the first imac intel 17" had also this same problemwas fixed by changing the lcd panelno more spare parts available now because they almost all died with that symptomalso you cannot exchange imac g5 lcd panels with imac intel lcd panels: the protocols on the cable is not the sameyou must find a working lcd for an imac g5 17"good luck.

author: bktemp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2015, 04:53:52 pm
content: Every TFT panel needs a T-CON. In modern panels the TCON is embedded into the column driver ics. Therefore you do not see an additional ic.Horizontal or vertical lines are most likely caused by bad connections between the column or row driver ics and the lcd panel. These ics are mounted on a thin foil and that foil is glued to the lcd glas. This connection goes bad sometimes.
Facebook, Instagram and Tinder Offline... - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 27, 2015, 01:12:26 pm
content: ... and guess what? No one important gives a crap. The world keeps turning. Nothing burnt down.Honestly, is the remainder of western civilisationthatreliant on rubbish?Original article here:http://www.news.com.au/technology/online/facebook-tinder-and-instagram-all-down/story-fnjwnhzf-1227198626109
Nice piece for a teardown - military laser gyro - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: daqq
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2015, 03:09:48 pm
content: Found this on ebay, I'd love to see the guts of one of these:http://www.ebay.com/itm/EX-MOD-BAE-SYSTEMS-PLESSEY-LASER-GYROSCOPE-ASSEMBLY-285179-0131-Serial-822-/321262772516?pt=UK_CPV_Aviation_SM&hash=item4accc0e124Note: I have no relation to the seller.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2015, 09:43:35 am
content: Interesting, but you will need to study up on how ring gyroscopes work as well to understand it.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring_laser_gyroscopehttp://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/navy/docs/fun/rlg.htmhttp://www.asee.org/documents/sections/middle-atlantic/fall-2009/01-Evaluation-Of-Ring-Laser-And-Fiber-Optic-Gyroscope-Technology.pdfhttp://wr.lib.tsinghua.edu.cn/sites/default/files/1095053630075.pdfAnd then go down the rabbit hole......

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2015, 01:09:24 pm
content: If you take one of these apart there really isn't much more to see than what you can see in those pictures on E-Bay. This triangular design seems to be pretty much the norm, although most of the literature tends to show a square configuration. It doesn't change the principle. Read the references Sean B cited, and look at those pictures on e-bay, and that's about all there is to it.
3.5 floppy music - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Homer J Simpson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2015, 04:33:12 am
content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-cl=84503534&v=HcLeExw3SfA&x-yt-ts=1421914688&feature=player_detailpage

author: Vgkid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2015, 04:37:19 am
content: We got rid of our last computer with a 3.5 in ch drive.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2015, 04:40:01 am
content: Best floppy music is star wars imperial march, the frequencies floppy drives can make matches it perfectly.It's almost like, during the starwars sound recordings, Lucas pointed at a floppy drive and said "i want that march to sound like that"

author: ju1ce
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2015, 03:58:14 pm
content: Since playing music with a floppy drive usually requires both Java and Arduino, which are two things I'm not so keen about, I built a system with an FPGA. You could choose the mid file to play from the SD card. A Nios-II softcore processor took care of most of the processing. Here's the nicest recording I have (with a previous setup where a LPC1768 took care of the processing, with the FPGA to take care of the waveform generation):Here's the writeup:http://jussikilpelainen.kapsi.fi/?p=102

author: 128er
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2015, 04:28:45 pm
content: Nice!Also like this one:And not floppy, but sounds also cool:

author: senso
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2015, 08:10:45 pm
content: And Queen brought to you by an orchestra of old mechanical thingies:

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2015, 08:01:24 am
content: Some old HP scanners have a musical easter egg in them:And for some bigger stuff playing music:
Audiophoolery increase in voltage, increases dynamic range and brightness eh ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Sionyn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2015, 03:39:13 pm
content: pumping double voltage into your circuit can only do it good. They should add, comes with its own smoke machinehttp://www.andertons.co.uk/misc-guitar-accessories/pid37527/cid590/xotic-xvd1-voltage-doubler.asp

author: krivx
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2015, 03:45:31 pm
content: A lot guitar pedals are designed with a 9-18V input power spec. Discrete non-linear circuits don't saturate in the same way at higher supply voltages, linear opamp stuff can have more output swing. As 9V DC supplies are the standard, I can see this being useful.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 29, 2015, 03:46:53 pm
content: Still should have done a spelling/grammar check. Might lend more credence to the ad.

author: krivx
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2015, 03:49:35 pm
content: Yeah. It's a new product, that seems to be the retailer's copy.
IC Part Number - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: EEVaditya
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2015, 07:34:43 am
content: Hello,Please help in finding the part number of an IC with following details.Make:MICROCHIPMarking is as follows with numbers on three lines one below the other446 164551 409459WU

author: cosmicray
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2015, 06:23:38 pm
content: If might help if you can post a picture of the chip, or at least identify the package type (DIP 8, SC70, etc).

author: EEVaditya
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2015, 05:22:39 pm
content: Package is SOIC-28
(+ 1 Hidden) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2015, 03:30:32 am
content: I'm curious (not paranoid)Is it admins or what?

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2015, 03:31:39 am
content: Ever heard of 3 characters gov agencies ?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2015, 03:41:00 am
content: I wondered this for a while too.I strongly suspect it is Dave (logged off) having spied a thread that he wants to keep an eye on, with the view to posting an answer if an apropriate one is not forthcoming.The wonders of tabbed browsers.Like ATM I have 5 EEVblog tabs open for research on a matter.

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2015, 05:34:04 am
content: Quote from: wilfred on January 26, 2015, 05:32:02 amYeah as often it's more than just +1

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2015, 05:39:33 am
content: Quote from: wilfred on January 26, 2015, 05:32:02 amI set mine a while ago but I looked again and can't find it so probably so.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2015, 06:57:10 am
content: Quote from: wilfred on January 26, 2015, 05:32:02 amQuote from: AlfBaz on January 26, 2015, 05:34:04 amQuote from: Fsck on January 26, 2015, 05:39:33 amWell guess what.... none of us are theonlyAdministrator on the Forum and Dave will have Profile settings we don't even know about.We'll find out soon when he spots this thread.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2015, 07:27:10 am
content: And guess what... the + 1 Hidden is watching us ATM.

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2015, 08:06:47 am
content: Quote from: tautech on January 26, 2015, 07:27:10 amLOL Maybe there actually is a member who's name is "(+1 Hidden)"

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2015, 08:17:41 am
content: Quote from: AlfBaz on January 26, 2015, 08:06:47 amNow he's f*ing with our minds and hidden....gone

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 26, 2015, 12:51:26 pm
content: There's an option to remain "hidden" in some people's profile options. It's an option that can be turned on/off for specific user types by the forum admins/Dave. It can also be applied to bots.
555 timer - multiple manufactures - how does it work ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: boo9
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2015, 08:40:38 pm
content: 555 timer developed by Signetics w 1971.What are the business rules under which other manufactures make this IC now (and then) ?1) there was a signetics license but it expired and anybody can make it.2) Signetics sells license to manufactures this chip.3) there was never any license nad from day one anybody could make its own chip.

author: Tandy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2015, 08:48:29 pm
content: Any patents on the 555 timer would have long since expired, you can't copyright a circuit only patent it. As a result anyone can produce the circuit. The die mask would not be identical to the one produced by signetics but the function will be identical.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2015, 08:52:14 pm
content: Out of patent, and anybody can make a device, so long as it has the same parameters as the original then they can brand it as a 555 timer. Some of the ones on offer are second source devices made under license. they just kept on making them when the need to pay finished. those will have the original mask sets used, but they would have been redrawn as process size and geometry changed., unless they kept the old line running just for this and other older chips.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2015, 09:06:22 pm
content: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_sourceProbably licensing is the most common, but when that is unavailable or undesirable, and the market is strong, a functionally similar design can be produced through sufficiently original means to prevent copyright violation, hopefully at a fraction of the development cost.Thus, you'll see chips that *are* the same, or very similar (licensed masks or designs), chips that are different in production and layout but identical circuit (licensed circuit), or completely different (unlicensed).Die shrinks and other process/circuit optimizations may also look like this, but from the same manufacturer(s) in a series.Tim
Henryk Gasperowicz puzzle circuits - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SAI_Peregrinus
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2015, 12:00:54 am
content: Henryk Gasperowicz makes some excellent puzzler circuits.eg:https://www.youtube.com/user/Fredzislaw100/videosOf course there's no magic here, unless you count how well he can solder... Figuring out how the circuits work is a lot easier than figuring out how to successfully assemble them!Edit: Spoiler video for one of the circuits, showing the real magic: tons of skill and fine motor control.

author: albert22
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2015, 04:14:59 pm
content: I agree, excellent puzzles. Thanks.I wonder what is the trick behind the hidden panels videos on the same channel.
dx.com shipping to Canada - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: drakke
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2015, 05:09:58 am
content: Hi all,Has anybody bought anything from Dealexpress (dx.com) and have it shipped to an address in Canada?They specify free shipping but sometimes the carrier charges duties at the door.I want to send a gift to someone in Quebec but I don't want the receiver to be charged.Thanks.

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2015, 05:14:46 am
content: all of their stuff has slipped past customs for me.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2015, 07:35:26 am
content: Technically, anything over $20 CDN is subject to custom duties and taxes.http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/postal-postale/duty-droits-eng.htmlThe item’s value in Canadian dollarsUnder the provisions of the Postal Imports Remission Order, if someone mails you an item worth CAN$20 or less, you don’t have to pay duty or taxes on the item. If the item is worth more than CAN$20, you must pay the applicable duty, the GST or HST, and any PST on the item’s full value.Handling costsTo process goods imported as mail that are subject to duty and/or tax, Canada Post charges the recipient CAN$9.95. If the item is duty-free and tax exempt, no amount is charged.

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2015, 07:44:39 am
content: If you get is shipped by post it will typically come with no extra fee's. If shipped by courier expect tax and a handling fee plus duty if any.Shipping is slow, 4 weeks to western Canada is normal for me. They do however have some items you can't get easily and package stuff well. I do buy some stuff from them.
Fair pay for work done - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: AndrewA
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 21, 2015, 12:23:53 pm
content: Good evening allI have a question that I am fairly certain has been asked before.I am currently doing some work on a project (not mine) that involves the full gamut of electronic design and construction.For my part, I have designed the circuits, drawn the schematics for said circuits, designed, etched and built the circuit boards for the project. Most of the components for the boards have been supplied to me.I have simply been asked to invoice for my time and any extras for compensation.However, being new at this level of the game, does anybody have an idea as to what hourly rate I should be able to invoice for?Any words of advice would also be welcome.RegardsAndrew

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2015, 12:29:53 pm
content: Quote from: AndrewA on January 21, 2015, 12:23:53 pmAgree all your terms, including charges and timescale for payment,beforeyou start working.Presumably you're doing this as a paid, professional service in the capacity of a contractor or consultant, right?Who owns the IP you're creating? Are you expected to provide warranty service for your work? What responsibilities are you expected to bear once you've handed over your design work?

author: dannyf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2015, 12:30:25 pm
content: What's fair to you where you are may not be fair to me where I am, and vice versa.Without doing much work, I think you can simply ask yourself at what rate would someone entice to do this. And that would be a fair rate to you.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 21, 2015, 12:38:49 pm
content: In Australia, ballpark, you'd usually charge $50-$100 an hour for that kind of stuff. Some charge a lot more, but more than that is usually for more specialised stuff.Basically about double what you'd expect for an equivalent hourly wage if you were doing this as a full time job, so in this case, double the typical $50K-$100K/year range.
IC Glitching Video from 31c3 (CCC) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dexters_lab
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 20, 2015, 10:05:29 pm
content: Watched many vids from the 31c3 conference this year, well worth subbing and exploring their videos, but thought this might be of interest here as its directly electronics relatedClock glitching microcontrollers and cpus
Site wire fault detectors - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: electronics-whiz
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2015, 02:58:26 am
content: I was testing a UPS unit the other day. Part of the test was the buck, boost circuitry. I used a variac to change the input voltage. I noticed plugged unit in wall the wire fault light was out, when I set the variac to 120 and tried it was on. Variac, output socket is all grounded and to my knowledge is wired right.I don't get why the variac would trigger this light. I don't know how this type detection system works either. Only thing I can think is that because the variac has hot and neutral that maybe somehow it is sensing an issue because connection between hot and neutral in the variac.

author: ConKbot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2015, 06:08:37 pm
content: Make sure your variac is wired correctly, N to N, G to G with a good low impedance between them (sub ohm). If it was wired incorrectly (a 5 terminal variac, for example, could be mistakenly wired wrong) it could appear to work normally, but if you measured neutral to ground with it on, you may see some voltage, which would trigger the site wiring fault light.
Requesting review: http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Digital-Spectrum-analyzer-3GHz - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: tkjtkj
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 20, 2015, 03:50:24 am
content: Dave .. any chance you could review this baby:http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Digital-Spectrum-analyzer-3GHz-With-GPIB-AT6030D-GPIB/629132525.htmlMaybe they'd let you keep the demo))(btw, site problem: When i asked for "Request another image" for the 'Captcha' thing, it deleted what i had entered here, but then repeated the very same series of characters to be entered!)

author: Vgkid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2015, 05:06:38 am
content: You vould buy a top of the line Rigol for that much, or a really nice used Spectrum analyzer.

author: MarkL
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 20, 2015, 05:21:59 pm
content: Sorry, but I couldn't help noticing the name "You FU Tools". There's just too many ways to spin that.
New Tim Hunkin arcade in London - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2015, 12:21:53 pm
content: Awesome news ! The legendary Tim Hunkin is opening an amusement arcade full of his machines in London:http://www.novelty-automation.com/

author: Yago
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2015, 12:28:15 pm
content: Argg "dat Londinium", ah well.Have you met the chap Mike? (he is a "hero" of yours I thought)

author: SteveyG
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 19, 2015, 01:34:18 pm
content: Defo a hero of mine. I used to love watching his TV series when I was little.

author: deephaven
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2015, 03:47:11 pm
content: Excellent. He's a hero of mine too. I was thinking of going to see his collection at Southwold Pier this year, but London is much more convenient.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2015, 06:59:43 pm
content: I literally grew up with The Secret Life of Machines

author: Howardlong
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2015, 08:56:47 pm
content: Close to the (also legendary) Cittie of Yorke too, too handy.

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2015, 09:13:40 pm
content: Quote from: Howardlong on January 19, 2015, 08:56:47 pmThe Princess Louise is closer, and has the oldest toilets of any pub in London.

author: warp_foo
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 20, 2015, 04:39:07 am
content: Quote from: SteveyG on January 19, 2015, 01:34:18 pmWhile I wasn't little when I was first introduced to Tim Hunkin, I did love the episodes I was able to catch on PBS here in the states.m
UNI-T UT61E LPF Modification - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Steps
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2015, 10:19:55 am
content: Dear collegues,If I understanding correctly, I must to connect this pin 118 FC5 of ES51922 IC to ground (low) to activate LPF function ? And then to enable LPF mode, I think I have to press KEY (pin 99) once for enter AC mode, press the KEY button (pin 99) for 1 sec. KEY is the blue button.It's not a big deal. Who can check it, and reply result?Datasheet for the ES51922 IChttp://www.cyrustek.com.tw/spec/ES51922.pdfSchematic for the UT61Ehttp://elektrotanya.com/PREVIEWS/38933510/23432455/egyeb/uni-t_ut61e.pdf_1.png
freenode irc channel;  ##eevblog - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2015, 04:24:18 am
content: very lonely channel, but come and yarn.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 23, 2015, 05:01:53 am
content: Glad to see someone else who still uses IRC!Wouldn't irc.oz.org be more appropriate though ;-)

author: kizzap
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 23, 2015, 05:06:41 am
content: the "official" (and I use that term lightly) IRC for the EEVblog is on irc.afternet.org at #eevblog. The channel was created near the beginning of the #eevblog apparantly, and it is the channel that the chatbox on the dropcam uses.Come chat with us all!!

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 23, 2015, 06:28:13 am
content: I'll join with my Commodore 64 once I get around to programming the EPROM with the requisite software. :-)

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 23, 2015, 06:30:24 am
content: Quote from: Halon on January 23, 2015, 06:28:13 am*snort*Oh, that's right, there is an IRC channel...

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2015, 06:31:27 am
content: Quote from: Halon on January 23, 2015, 06:28:13 amHey, we're notalla bunch of dinosaurs over there!The Afternet one's pretty active for an Afternet channel, evenFWIW, there are some quite busy channels on Freenode. IRC's not dead! (is it pining for the fjords?)

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2015, 06:38:18 am
content: Quote from: c4757p on January 23, 2015, 06:31:27 amFreenode is heavily used by the developers of numerous open source projects. It often their main way to interact. However, I thought Afternet had been wiped out by a large object striking the earth near Mexico.

author: magetoo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2015, 10:19:25 am
content: Had never heard of Afternet before, I've mostly used IRCnet back in the day. I'll see if I can dig up a client and check in!

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 23, 2015, 10:28:16 am
content: All I hear is jealousy :-)* Halon tucks C64 under his arm
Is this a mini XLR connector? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: DenzilPenberthy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 16, 2015, 11:15:02 am
content: Anyone recognize what this is? It's for an interlock circuit on a fairly old but very expensive piece of test equipment. Just want to double check before I order stuff. Not come across one before.Cheers.

author: andtfoot
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 16, 2015, 11:25:24 am
content: It definitely looks like it.Also known as TA3Fhttp://www.switchcraft.com/productsummary.aspx?Parent=792or AG3F (this one has a diagram)http://www.amphenolaudio.com/Amphenol_G-Type.html

author: DenzilPenberthy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 16, 2015, 02:11:25 pm
content: Nice one, cheers.
Dodgy machine surprise - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: LukeW
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2015, 03:52:16 pm
content: This one was surprisingly bad, even for an import job.Mains AC comes in via the C14 connector from the wall lead, and into a mains common-mode filter block.Mains neutral is white, and mains active is green/yellow striped (really) and the same colors are used for the wiring after the filter into the switch and power supplies.The heatshrink is loose, and the soldering is very average.Oh, and the earth wire? Well they must have run out of wire budget before getting to that one. There is a shiny, untouched, virgin earth terminal on the back of the C14 connector which is plugged into the wall. There is no mains earth connection at all, to the metal chassis or to anywhere else.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2015, 04:18:20 pm
content: Guaranteed to float to half mains voltage for sure, and with that mains filter you will get a belt if you touch nthe cae and a proper ground.What is this? Just to be aware of.

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2015, 04:48:56 pm
content: There are two pin iec plugs but if there's no isolation transformer that's not good.

author: Towger
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2015, 07:51:16 pm
content: The heat shrink looks like Nora Battys stockings. What is the 'import job'?

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 15, 2015, 07:59:24 pm
content: Nothing compared to this power box. Took this photo last year.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 16, 2015, 02:29:54 am
content: ^ Not sure if the connections are really bad in that or anything, the routing is definitely ugly though, and the colors leave something to be desired!Shoving six wires into a screw terminal is probably not recommended, though I don't recall if there's a rule against it.Guessing they didn't use ferrules or crimps anywhere.Tim

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 16, 2015, 03:19:31 am
content: That was in Ukrainian division of the company where I work. They said it was done by certified electrician. Connecting to the "ground" it that box is might become some extreme experience.QuoteI don't think they know such a word.

author: TSL
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 16, 2015, 03:20:24 am
content: I'm no electrician but the active input chain on breakers 4 thru 9 on the second row look suspect too.cheersTim
Australia. Best place ever! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ludzinc
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 13, 2015, 07:28:16 am
content: http://www.vmusic.com.au/news/straya-is-your-new-aus-day-singalong.aspx

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2015, 08:54:30 am
content: If you want to learn more about Australia, another good source is the How To Talk Australians series on youbute. Here is the first episode:

author: ludzinc
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 13, 2015, 10:18:09 am
content: Fair dinkum, that's straight up true.Strewth,You'd be as welcome as a redback on a sunny seat if you didn't find that funny.That, or you have a few 'roos lose in the top paddock.

author: DIPLover
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2015, 03:52:15 am
content: Quote from: zapta on January 13, 2015, 08:54:30 amThat's hilarious!Now I will have to watch 'em allI knew I should have worked on my project tonight instead of hanging around in forums...

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 14, 2015, 05:23:08 am
content: They actually managed to make an awful song tolerable! Very well done.

author: mswhin63
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2015, 01:11:35 pm
content: Me too, wonderful also how Australians can knock the shit out of themselves smiling. Great stuff.Quote from: DIPLover on January 14, 2015, 03:52:15 am

author: Rigby
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2015, 03:45:54 pm
content: I lived in Australia for 2 years and I found the slang to be the best I've ever heard. Text cannot convey just how beautiful and ingenious some of it is.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2015, 03:57:14 pm
content: Quote from: Rigby on January 14, 2015, 03:45:54 pmNot surprising when you consider the background of the founding fathers. ;-)
Tour of Tesla tube (valve)  factory - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2015, 11:50:07 pm
content: Makes a change from pick & place machines etc. ....http://www.analogplanet.com/content/tour-tesla-tube-factory

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2015, 01:26:46 am
content: I saw valves being made in a British factory when I was a child. Within a few km of where I was born they not only made a huge number of TVs, but practically every component that went inside them. Now there is nothing left.

author: Mr.B
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 15, 2015, 01:43:20 am
content: Stunning.I really enjoyed that.Thanks for sharing Mike.

author: Howardlong
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2015, 11:00:16 am
content: If you liked Mike's link, how about this one?http://youtu.be/gl-QMuUQhVMand its follow onhttp://youtu.be/9S5OwqOXen8

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2015, 11:41:28 am
content: QuoteIt makes me laugh when people, who grew-up with vinyl, learn to enjoy their music mixed with the sound of a microphone being dragged over sandpaper, and then cry-out that it "sounds better".Nope, Just because you have learned to enjoy inaccurate sound reproduction doesn't make it better than accurate sound reproduction.</rant>
Wonder whose idea this was. . . - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2015, 09:37:59 pm
content: Just got an email for Altium's "EDA Masters" road show, coming to a city near me. Free food and cocktails, and maybe learning a thing or two about Altium? Sounds alright to me. At a local country club? Fancy. And prizes? Let's see. . .QuoteYeah. You don't get marketing this clever from just any middle manager. This is MBA material for sure!

author: calexanian
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2015, 09:42:05 pm
content: Quote from: ajb on January 12, 2015, 09:37:59 pmThis is clearly targeted to bean counters, not engineers. But lets think about that statement. Most people doing board layout already know about Altium and would gladly use it. The ones that need convincing to plunk down the cash are the bean counters and MBA's. As a company strategy Altium may be doing the right thing. The product is already sold in the mind of the PCB designer. Its just his manager you have to convince to part with the cash.
Lightning Casualties Hair Stood on End Before Strike - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SgtRock
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 12, 2015, 03:30:33 am
content: Greetings EEVBees:--Lightning strikes some unfortunate people with hair on end.http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2381677/How-know-youre-struck-lightning-Picture-brothers-hair-end-minutes-before.html--Once in South Dakota on my uncles farm I had to take cover underneath a large Case Tractor on a high flat place with a large Ice Berg type hail bearing Cumulonimbus moving in rapidly, and the air getting cool and sill. Twenty feet away near an irrigations ditch, an iron fence post was quietly saying brrrrzzzzurrrp pop, snap etc. Then I remembered the old stories about cowpokes hurriedly burying or hiding gun, spurs, coins etc. under their tent, when a prairie storm was moving in. Well my hair never did stand up, luckily, and probably that is because of the large ferromagnetic mass of the tractor, but I am just guessing. Then, a large bolt hit the fence post and almost at the same time golf ball hails started piling up fast. I did get just a little wet but was otherwise unharmed. If I had not come in the tractor, which had no cab, I would have been SOL.""I could a tale unfold, whose lightest word would harrow up thy soul, freeze thy young blood, make thy two eyes, like stars, start from their spheres, thy knotted and combined locks to part and each particular hair to stand an end, like quills upon the fretful porpentine.""William Shakespeare 1564 - 1616Best RegardsClear Ether

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2015, 05:03:00 am
content: Wow, you were lucky the the fence post had more 'pointyness' than the tractor, because under a vehicle is NOT a safe place. If the bolt hit the tractor, the current is going to go tractor-you-ground. The rubber wheels don't conduct as well as you. Short air gaps are not an obstacle.Pointyness really is the key, because in high field strengths it's the points on conductive objects where corona ionization of the air occurs, since the point causes an intensified field strength at the tip.The resulting charged air moves in the electric field, and can form 'leader' conductive paths. The leader(s) coming down from the cloud eventually meet a leader coming up from the ground, and suddenly a lot of current flows. Boom!