hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Implantable pacemaker/defibrillator teardown - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2013, 12:28:17 pm
content: That x-ray machine would've been really useful right about now...

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2013, 12:29:32 pm
content: Quote from: amyk on January 18, 2013, 12:28:17 pmNot enough resolution.

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2013, 03:08:21 pm
content: That black potting compound, I have come across something similar on AVR boards on large alternators, next to impossible to remove and will even pull though hole components of the board, I have removed it in the past with a hot air gun of the paint stripping type, when the black stuff is heated to about 200 deg C it becomes brittle and will crumble when prised up with a screwdriver or some other instrument.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2013, 03:38:55 pm
content: Quote from: G7PSK on January 18, 2013, 03:08:21 pmSoak in methyl ethylene ketone for 24 hours. Falls off without problems. No damage to parts.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2013, 03:50:36 pm
content: Quote from: free_electron on January 18, 2013, 03:38:55 pmThis stuff was unusually tough - dichloromethane will usually soften and swell normal potting compounds in a day or two, but this stuff had a total of about a month and the only impact was that the softened PCB allowed it to flex and crack some of the epoxy off

author: sotos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2013, 04:23:07 pm
content: Black potting compound is Polyurethane or epoxy, which is stronger between them?

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2013, 04:25:14 pm
content: Chip encapsulating epoxy, thermosetting stuff that probably will only dissolve in HF and red fuming nitric acid........Will leave nice shiny very clean chips, nothing else other than ceramics though.
BT5135 panel meter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2013, 03:53:07 pm
content: So, just acquired this weekend, courtesy of Franky (iloveelectronics), is this panel meter. Images ho:As you can see, the soldering quality isn't amazing, and there's gobs of flux residue, however for the price, I'm not complaining..It's a 200mV full scale meter based on an ICL7107, with single rail 5V supply. Other ranges are available. The chip looks like a genuine Intersil (the markings seem too good for a knockoff).On the board you can see A B and C solder bridges to set the decimal place, and the resistors (unpopulated here) R9 and R11 for a resistive divider, R11 is bridged on the front when no divider is installed. Very easily adapted to any range you like without an external divider.The display is clear and bright (sorry, no pictures of that), with approximately 70mA power consumption with all segments on. Response is linear and agreed to within two LSD with my meters out of the box. Overall, I'm quite happy with it for my purposes.Franky says he has a few more of these in various ranges in stock, if anyone's interested. Contact him for pricing, they may end up on his eBay store if he gets around to it.

author: iloveelectronics
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2013, 01:46:30 am
content: Thanks for the writeup, Monkeh!
Thoughts on a Racal-Dana 5001? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: don.r
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2013, 11:58:45 pm
content: In need of a 5.5 digit bench dmm and I have the op to get a Racal-Dana 5001 for about $120 delivered in good working order. Any thoughts on this unit.
Atten AT858D or WEP AT858D? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: helloworld922
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 16, 2013, 06:24:56 pm
content: I was thinking about getting the Atten AT858D thanks to Dave's reviews when I saw the WEP AT858D.As far as I can tell, the two are pretty much exactly the same except the WEP device seems to run at 110V (what I want) while the Atten is at 220V.Are the two made by the same company, or is one a copy/knock-off of the other?Also, has anyone here heard of or used SainSmart? They seem to have the lowest price for both, ~$50 USD with free US shipping.Links:Atten AT858DWEP AT858DStrangely enough, they claim that the Atten AT858D "works under 110V", but the rest of the page seems to indicate a 220V target market. Are they universally supplied/have a voltage selection switch, or is this just misinformation that I should ask the seller to clarify before buying?

author: jwrtiger
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 16, 2013, 10:41:29 pm
content: I had a hard time finding a AT858D for 110V. I am in California, USA and after much searching ordered the WEP AT858D. Of course it states on the label it is made in China but no indication I could find of Atten either outside or inside the case. Didn't see any manufacturing labeling on the pc board. I know you didn't ask about switching for the WEP but here goes anyway. On the WEP there is no line voltage selector switch and I opened the unit up to take a closer look for you. The internal transformer is labelled Primary of 110V 50 Hz (not 60Hz) and the transformer has two secondaries at 10 volts and 30 volts. So the transformer on the WEP model could never be switched. In California we are usually around 120 - 124 volts at 60 Hz. I have used the unit several times and it seems to work very well.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2013, 04:53:19 am
content: I'd play it safe, and double check with the seller as the 110V statement may be an error on their ATTEN product page. Particularly as 220V mentioned twice, one in big bold letters.Apparently ATTEN is offered in a 110V model (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hot-Air-Gun-Rework-Station-BGA-Soldering-Reballing-110V-/220928827581?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item33706260bd), but have usually seen 110V versions under different labels such as WEP, Saike, and Yihua (model number may change too, such as 898 instead of 858). And given the pricing on the ATTEN version linked, you can get one of the others for less funds in 110V.
Tutorial on the effects of input filter using Dr. Vatche Vorperian Model - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: rbola35618
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2013, 11:39:36 pm
content: Short follow up video showing a model developed by Dr. Vatche Vorperian that can be used to see the effects of theinput filter on a power supply.Questions and comments are welcome.Robert
Rugged version of Arduino: The Ruggeduino. Opinions ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: PostaL
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2013, 07:21:17 am
content: Hello!I've managed to burn up my Arduino board recentlyand I am planing to get a new one. I've stumbled upon this one by accident:http://ruggedcircuits.com/html/ruggeduino.htmlAnybody tried it ? Maybe some pros and cons ? The only con I can think of is that if you make a small mistake, this will be kind enough to tolerate it, but if you don't spot it soon enough, it will get into your final product. But is better to just burn a chip latter than to burn the board, like I did.It looks like the form factor is the same, so shields and every other accessory should be compatible.So, any pros, cons, opinions?Thank you!

author: mazurov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2013, 07:57:00 am
content: You can burn the rugged board too. Maybe not as easy as the regular one but still. Better learn how to fix yours - not that difficult either plus you will learn something.

author: JuKu
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2013, 08:33:49 am
content: On the other hand, now when this is available, I can't see why anybody would use an unprotected one in a tinkering/hacking/experimenting environment.Of course, I haven't tried it personally (yet), so I can't comment on delivery or actual ruggedness of it. Drawings look good.

author: PostaL
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2013, 08:40:22 am
content: Quote from: mazurov on January 08, 2013, 07:57:00 amIf the board would of not start at all, maybe I would have some ideas where to start fixing it. But is working almost well. I've opened another topic for the repairhere, not to pollute this one.Quote from: JuKu on January 08, 2013, 08:33:49 amExactly my thoughts! I don't know why Arduino would at least not offer this variant. They will not sell as many boards, maybe
ZAGG invisibleSHIELDs + Xacto = Happy Instruments - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ryanblace
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 01, 2013, 07:47:44 pm
content: Hi everyone! Happy New Year!I've installed invisibleSHIELDs on my cell phones and the stuff works great. Even keys rubbing against the glass don't cause a problem. I was excited to find out that they have then specifically for Fluke 80 series and the Fluke 189. So I ended up buying a couple but at $15 each. That seemed a little high for a small piece of plastic for the 87s...Well, I also have a couple of 289s and I wanted them protected too. I contacted Zagg and they said they sell kits which you just cut to size with scissors. I never checked, but I'm sure they are not inexpensive either!Then I got to thinking about checking ebay and ended up finding them for small tablets at $5 shipped! I guess folks are selling off old stock for devices which people don't use anymore. I got a couple for something called a HUAWEI S7. It is about 4" x 6.5".After some time with the calipers and the xacto... I've protected nearly everything that has a screen!Hope this helps out someone else.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2013, 07:54:39 pm
content: Interesting........
Tutorial on the analysis, design and simulation of a flyback converter Part 1 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: rbola35618
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 05:14:05 am
content: Hi EEVbloggers,Here is another tutorial on the analysis, design and simulation of a flyback converter. I calculate voltage and currents and will compare the results to SPICE simulations (coming soon in part 2).Comments and questions are welcomed.Robert
Mattel Hoverboard Teardown - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: whatchitfoool
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2012, 05:57:18 am
content: Video teardown of the official BTTF hoverboard that was made by Mattel.Bob gale was behind the project, and endorsed it because of the quality that was supposed to come out of it. read his take on Mattel's fumble herehttp://bttf.com/bob-gale-says-mattels-hoverboard-replica-did-not-live-up-to-his-expectations-okay-to-throw-eggs-at-him.phphttp://bttf.com/bob-gale-provides-photos-for-hoverboard-props-vs-replica-for-comparison.php
Atten APS3003S PSU Display Overclock - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: vtl
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2012, 01:07:21 pm
content: I know this is a reasonably popular DC power supply so heres a little hack I came up with to increase the display update rate of the voltage and current displays.I was watching a mikeselectricstuff video and he briefly mentions hacking his power supply (completely different one) to increase the update rate.I wondered if it was possible to change a clock crystal or component in the Atten PSU so I went digging inside and seeing what I could find. On the display board there are 2 large 7 segment LCD drivers, the Intercil icl7107cplz.Datasheet link:http://www.intersil.com/content/dam/Intersil/documents/fn30/fn3082.pdfLooking at the datasheet, the last 3 pins (40, 39, 38) govern the clock rate of the driver. In the Atten power supply they have opted to use the RC option instead of a crystal and have chosen a frequency of around 45KHz with C=100pF. By lowering the capacitance it is possible to increase the frequency. I started out with a 47pF capacitor and it was a huge improvement. But I figure if somethings worth doing, its worth overdoing, so I cranked up the speed to a whopping ~200KHz with a 22pF cap.I changed both C15 (Volt disp.) and C10 (Current disp.) on the display board which should give over 12 readings/sec. If you change the frequency as much as I did, chances are you'll need to do a calibration with the 2 trimpots on the back with a multimeter.Overall worth doing if you own this power supply. Using the datasheet you can select a capacitor that suits you. (There are suggestions for 50/60Hz rejection)Result:

author: grenert
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2012, 03:45:36 pm
content: Nice trick! Looking at the datasheet, 200kHz is the max for 50Hz countries, and 240kHz for 60Hz countries. It is interesting that in the ubiquitous ICL7106/7107 meters nobody ever seems to have this set up for a fast update rate. I see that a 40kHz rate rejects both 50 and 60 Hz, and this gives the typical 2.5 updates/sec. It is probably that they didn't want to design a different setup for each market.I'm going to crank up my meters...

author: McMonster
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2012, 04:36:42 pm
content: Interesting. I haven't been specifically annoyed by the update speed in my 5S version, but I am planning to hack in a temperature regulator for the fan, because it's too noisy and always on full speed. I think I'll throw in this hack as well.
atten AT938D - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: harps
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2012, 03:57:26 am
content: hiI am having trouble with soldering a regulator whist attached to a heatsink and large ground plane. i am using a weak pencil soldering iron, so need to upgrade.has anyone tried this 'Atten' soldering station?http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ATTEN-SOLDERING-STATION-AT938D-60W-Digital-Thermo-control-LEAD-FREE-NEW-/321016303670?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4abe101036strangely i find it for sale at 'Tesco' in the England under the name 'Precision gold' for £39.99via maplin.http://www.tesco.com/direct/60w-professional-lcd-solder-station-with-esd-protection/246-6691.prd?pageLevel=&skuId=246-6691&sc_cmp=pcp_GSF_Power+Tools_246-6691hopefully i'll get one next week. i'll post back, just wanted to see if anyone had any experience with it first.

author: WigglerAway
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 17, 2012, 03:50:29 pm
content: I was about to buy one of these but I'm a little worried I'm spoilt by Wellers at work.How do you get on with it?It's worth noting for future readers it's from Maplin not tesco. Tesco presumably just take a cut,http://www.maplin.co.uk/60w-professional-lcd-solder-station-with-esd-protection-511927

author: harps
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2012, 08:22:22 pm
content: helloi wasn't too happy, i had large ground planes and the heat sinks for regulators zapped the heat off the tip. i got a full refund. thankfullyi shall get an older style weller 80w analogue without the digital read out, PU81 + wsp80 pencil.hope you find a good iron .
Tutorial on the effects that an input filter has on a switch-mode power supply - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: rbola35618
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2013, 06:56:38 am
content: Short tutorial videos on the effects that an input filter has on a switch-mode power supply.I used SPICE to show the effects and show how to fix the oscillation.Questions and comments are welcomed.Second Video showing a model developed by Dr. Vatche Vorperian that can be used to see the effects of theinput filter on the power supply.Robert

author: LaurenceW
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2013, 12:02:57 pm
content: Very interesting, Robert. Thanks for taking the time to post this.

author: rbola35618
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2013, 02:38:46 pm
content: Laurence,,I appreciate your feedback! Thank you for the comment.Robert

author: StubbornGreek
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2013, 05:57:56 pm
content: Good stuff, straight and to the point; thanks!

author: rbola35618
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2013, 11:15:00 pm
content: Thank you StubbornGreek for you kind comments!I will be adding another short video which is a follow on to the input filter where I introduce a Model used by Dr. Vatche Vorperian from JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory).Robert
HIOKI Analog Multimeter M-230A, need help with restoration & resistor values - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: zaoka
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2012, 11:31:20 pm
content: This is HIOKI M-230A analog multimeter, one of the best meters at that time, discontinued about 35 years ago. It has burned resistors in x1 and x10 OHM ranges.I contacted HIOKI in Japan and they only had schematic without resistor values...If somebody has this model or its user manual I would love to get these values and to fix it for my collection.

author: grenert
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2012, 11:48:47 pm
content: Could you calculate it from values for other ranges? Use a resistor substitution box and try different value to see what works.

author: zaoka
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2012, 01:41:30 am
content: How?R21, 25 and 26 are defective.R21 is probably 14R, its value measure 13.54R (I can see brown, yellow on resistor)R26 is burned, however, it measures 8.54R, this is that big resistor with wire on it.So the question is what is the value of R25?Other resistors are the following:R18 = 94.9KR19 = 5.00KR20 = 200RR22 = 3.53KR23 = 7.41KR24 = 749RR27 = 26KVR5 = 10KB2 = 9V battery

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2012, 04:49:01 am
content: Post the scematic, then we can get probable values for the CBB resistors. For the cooked well one try to read the resistance from the remaining cap to the carbon film in the middle, try to get it at the middle of the spiral for each half. That will then give an idea of the value of the complete unit. Tip for reading the carbon it to take a piece of copper wire 2.5mm and sand the one end to form a flat surface to better contact the carbon film.

author: zaoka
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2012, 03:58:50 pm
content: I posted schematic, here it is again...Tried reading resistor, it does not ready anything, its completely burned.. it is that resistor at the bottom of the picture.

author: grenert
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2012, 04:49:11 pm
content: Since the lower ohms ranges just have smaller resistors to send more current through, a ballpark estimate for R25 would be about 75 ohms, about ten times less than the resistor for the X100 range.

author: zaoka
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2012, 12:42:23 am
content: Installed 75R and it works, its not perfectly accurate, however, it needs calibration first.Now I have to take it a part and clean everything including selector switch contacts and replace some wires that corroded.If anybody come across this model please take a picture of the board and post so we know the real values that HIOKI used.
Temperature controllers teardown - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2012, 01:20:53 pm
content: A few pics of an old BTC thermocouple controller that I have had knocking around for years. No longer used and so was Taken Apart....Simple 0-400c unit, used with a type k thermocouple as input. Uses an OP07 as the main thermocouple amplifier, and has not much inside, a mains transformer power supply, a 24VDC relay for the output and a few dozen other components. Setting is done via the 500R pot attached to the dial, and cold junction compensation is done by using a diode connected transistor by the thermocouple input sockets. Simple and reliable, the only thing I did was to add an extra wire to the output to have a changeover contact to drive a ready lamp easily.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2012, 01:51:03 pm
content: Another one, this time an Omron Pt100 unit. This uses either a 2 or 3 wire connection, and has all the circuitry built on single sided boards. Interesting how they really wanted to stay single sided on all the boards, and how it was not made to be repairable ( all boards soldered together only after they are clipped into the casing so I did peel some tracks off in dismantling it). The IC's are standard 1458 dual opamps, and they have a simple 24V power supply. They really did not want to go double sided, there are link wires on the one board that are there only to connect tracks together on the daughterboard that connects the 2 main boards.
Farewell to the noisy fans > Dual Piezoelectric Cooling Jets (DCJ) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Bloch
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 13, 2012, 04:38:53 pm
content: Farewell to the noisy fans

author: rollatorwieltje
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 13, 2012, 04:52:13 pm
content: Must be an extremely dangerous device, everybody in the video seems to be wearing safety glasses

author: Bloch
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 13, 2012, 05:11:13 pm
content: No they are the Iglasses
Tutorial Video on Loop compensation and Simulation of a "VM" Foward Part 3 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: rbola35618
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2012, 06:14:04 am
content: In this video, I use Jack Alexanders's model to simulate and compensate a "Voltage mode" Forward loop. I then explain when to use a Type 2 and Type 3 error amps and how to damp an underdamp output filter.Comments and feedback are welcomed.Robert
satellite receiver head taken apart - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: norEL
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2012, 08:08:34 pm
content: Had to change my HD satellite receiver head, and there I was with my curiosity and a broken receiver head...Look's like some bad soldering and some fried components...Here are some pic's.

author: norEL
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2012, 08:09:14 pm
content: Quote from: norEL on December 03, 2012, 08:08:34 pm

author: norEL
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2012, 08:09:59 pm
content: Quote from: norEL on December 03, 2012, 08:09:14 pm

author: norEL
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2012, 08:10:38 pm
content: Quote from: norEL on December 03, 2012, 08:09:59 pm

author: norEL
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2012, 08:11:41 pm
content: Quote from: norEL on December 03, 2012, 08:10:38 pm

author: norEL
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2012, 08:12:13 pm
content: Quote from: norEL on December 03, 2012, 08:11:41 pm

author: norEL
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2012, 08:18:13 pm
content: Forgot this pic from behind the lid on the pcb.

author: jeroen74
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2012, 10:49:09 pm
content: I always wonder how many PCB respins it took to get it right
Tutorial Video on Loop compensation and Simulation of a Flyback Part 2 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: rbola35618
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2012, 06:05:21 pm
content: In this video I verify the AC model (Jack's model) against a switching model (Basso's Model).Please excuse the audio noise in the video. Trying to find a better microphone and perhaps filter out the noise.Question or comments are welcomeHope you find the video useful.Robert
Hacking Tektronix feature modules - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Wartex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2012, 03:49:47 am
content: http://forum.tsebi.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=113

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2012, 11:54:37 am
content: This kind of outrageous crap is why I will never, ever buy a modern Tektronix product. Even if I could afford it.It's like inkjet printers, where a flash chip actually records the count of days till the printer ceases to work. People should be shot for this kind of design thinking.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 30, 2012, 11:02:43 pm
content: This has been known for years, Hackaday posted about it a few years ago, and the site by that German guy has been around for even longer.What about the Agilent scopes that even have software unlockable bandwidth upgrades? Try finding one mid to high end scope without any options. Should Hameg give you serial decode for free? What about Lecroy? This has been going on for many years. They can increase the costs of both the scope and the option by requiring an additional ROM, or they can make it cheaper for themselves and the customer by only shipping an unlock key. It's not like the extra bytes of firmware are expensive.
Agilent InfiniiVision FW 2.20 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Baliszoft
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2012, 03:42:06 pm
content: Hi! Could you do a check for me please?I got a MSO-X 2K (with all analog and digital channels used). I do a capture on these signals, zoom in (10x for exampe), but cannot rewind (and check) the signals all the way to the beginning :/.

author: tesla500
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2012, 08:24:29 pm
content: Make sure acquisition is stopped (in stopped mode, not run mode with no trigger). If you're in run mode with no trigger, it won't let you go back in time when zoomed in, because that acquisition would be impossible due to memory limitations.

author: Baliszoft
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2012, 09:50:44 pm
content: It works when stopped, yes. Though, i think it was working with the older firmware. Not sure, though (can't remember). Thanks btw.
Fluke 83 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Rick
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2012, 06:35:19 pm
content: A while ago I bought a Fluke 83 on ebay, and I thought it was perfect however I have noticed recently that it does not measure capacitances in the manual measurement mode when "nF" is selected. I tried to measure 100 nF and 5,6 nF. It displays "0L". However it does do measurements in the uF ranges and the auto mode.Is this is a common type of failure? What can be the cause of it? Thank you in advance.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2012, 08:10:20 pm
content: The 83 and 85 have 4 manual ranges in capacitance mode. In the nF range, it only goes up to 5.00nF. See snippet from manual.

author: Rick
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2012, 08:25:18 pm
content: Right! I missed it. Many thanks.
Bus pirate V4-Worth waiting for? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2012, 01:30:26 pm
content: I'm considering buying a Bus pirate. Should I wait for V4 or just go ahead and buy a stable/mature V3.XX version?Anyone using any of these tools?Thanks.David.PS Doh! Changed to Bus Pirate (instead of Pilot). Thanks HFM

author: HackedFridgeMagnet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2012, 01:33:33 pm
content: Dont you mean Bus Pirate?

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 24, 2012, 02:00:46 pm
content: The BPv4 has been in development and 'not yet as stable as the BPv3' forever, I wouldn't hold my breath. The BPv3 works fine for its intended purpose, and is not going to stop working or being supported anytime soon. If it does what you want, I see no reason to wait. If you need features that are not currently implemented, the BPv4 is probably the safer bet, since the BPv3 is close to maxing out the flash capacity. Be prepared for a potentially long wait, however.

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2012, 02:57:23 pm
content: I'm happy with the BPv3, but I'll buy the v4 too as soon as it becomes stable. The higher speed (about 10 times I guess) will come in handy for ISP and JTAG usage.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2012, 01:11:22 pm
content: Not sure how oldthis catalog entryis, but it seems the Bus Pirate v4 may be close to be released, don't you think?

author: grenert
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2012, 04:01:45 pm
content: Quote from: rsjsouza on November 26, 2012, 01:11:22 pmPretty old- there are questions posted there from back in January.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2012, 04:39:28 pm
content: Ugh... Yes, you are correct. I didn't see the disclaimer that saysThis product was added to our catalog on Wednesday 05 January, 2011.Oh, well...
Rigol DG1022A - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 24, 2012, 07:36:33 pm
content: Hi,Is it Rigol DG1022A a good instrument compared to performance/price?

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 24, 2012, 11:29:58 pm
content: A fair amount has been written on this forum about its predecessor, the DG1022. Try using either the forum search or Google to find previous threads.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 25, 2012, 09:10:09 am
content: ah ok. thanks.
Review Uni-T 61E PT-BR - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Scarionn
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2012, 02:11:43 am
content: Bom dia pessoal, tudo bom?Eu fiz uma pequena Review do multimetro Uni-T 61EN ta nem perto da qualidade de uma review do Dave .J mas da um like e favorito. =P
Casio SF-4000 digital diary teardown  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: reagle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 15, 2012, 08:35:11 pm
content: Here is another "Vintage" teardown I just posted. The date code on this puppy is 1990, so it's more old than vintagehttp://kuzyatech.com/casio-sf-4000-digital-diary-teardown

author: reagle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 17, 2012, 01:05:14 am
content: A few more pictures:An interesting LCD driver package,Main board
In the market to a new PS, thinking about a Manson SSP-7080 , feed back ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mickpah
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2012, 06:48:44 am
content: Hi,I am looking for cheap power supply & no I don't have time to build one - just oo many other "real" projectsFound this on ebayhttp://tinyurl.com/ctm4b78, it appears to be the OEM for EXTECH 382260http://www.triosmartcal.com.au/2184-extech-382260-80w-switching-mode-dc-power-supply.htmlor is it another ebaybay ripoff ?anyone had experience with these units ?

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2012, 10:22:21 am
content: I have the original Manson branded one, bought in Hong Kong. Very happy with it. Well made and versatile.The voltage is difficult to set accurately with the rotary encoder, but it can be done with a bit of fiddling.The vertical profile is great if bench space is at a premium.It is the same one shown on your eBay link and the price is reasonable, similar to what I paid for mine.I had a look inside and didn't see anything alarming like shoddy components, bad workmanship or design.

author: quarros
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2012, 02:37:25 pm
content: I also have one and happy with it. But there are a few design flaws with this one that is not so obvious until you start using it. First of all thanks to the form factor the front panel is really cramped and I found myself pressing the side buttons when adjusting the knobs. Also annoying that you have to press the review button until you set the correct values (why can't they set it like an on and off switch with a LED is beyond me). Lastly when you turn the thing on there is a huge transient sometimes around 10-18 volts so you shouldn't leave cables plugged in when you turn it on.(Likely the lack of relays on the output rails causing this)

author: Dud-Dorey
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 27, 2012, 10:25:10 pm
content: At least one person has managed to blow up quite a number of thesehttp://www.badcaps.net/forum/showthread.php?t=18243

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2012, 01:44:05 am
content: I have used mine to recondition a small UPS 12V battery, without any hassles.Using a relatively expensive and sophisticated power supply to charge car batteries doesn't make much sense to me, when proper sturdy battery chargers are available at a fraction of the cost.There may be some design flaws, but mine has worked as advertised, so far.I also own a small linear power supply, which I built myself, for use with noise and voltage sensitive circuits.
Visa CodeSure - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: brainwash
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2012, 08:28:30 pm
content: Just a reminder where miniaturization is doing:http://www.nidsecurity.com/microsite/visa/products/index.htmlIt's looks and works like a normal Visa card, standard thickness (0.76 mm) but it has:- matrix LCD 48x8- LCD controller with font table- 12 capacitive buttons- processor with various OTP algorithms- batteryI'm curious what kind of battery fits there, I don't know of anything that thin. Plus it has to still stand to the standard bend, heat and pressure tests of the ISO, so there must be some cover on the battery as well.Some cheesy video, I see there's a bonus led as wellI'm assuming in 5-10 years the hobby market would have something similar so that you can program and charge them by proximity to the programmer.Sorry if I'm behind the news, I never knew these existed.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2012, 01:45:37 am
content: Quote from: brainwash on November 08, 2012, 08:28:30 pmSomething like this perhaps:http://www.powersolve.co.uk/news/powersolve-announces-very-thin-lithium-polymer-primary-cells-%E2%80%93-can-be-produced-down-04mm-0

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2012, 06:28:56 am
content: It looks like a combination of existing technology. Credit card size pocket calculators are old news, digital password / one-time password / password token devices are existing technology, too. And chips embedded in cards are standard technology.They managed to combine all this, keep it as thin as a card, and maybe even as robust as a card. So more evolution than revolution.
Rant: silly sump pump backup  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: reagle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 08, 2012, 06:00:57 pm
content: Just posted my rant on the sump pump backup system I use in my home. The way they did charging is sillyhttp://kuzyatech.com/rant-glentronics-basement-watchdog-emergency-sump-pump-system
Kodak Spin Physics SP2000 high-speed camera head teardown - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: tesla500
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2012, 06:59:32 pm
content: Teardown of a very early (1980) high speed video camera. This is the camera head to a Kodak SP2000 high speed video system. This runs 240x192 at 2000fps, over 32 analog channels. Unfortunately I don't have the original processor/tape recorder that went with it.Mostly standard parts, with a few really cool custom hybrid ICs thrown in.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2012, 07:18:20 pm
content: Here are the innards of its successor, which also used a ridiculous multitrack tape system :http://electricstuff.co.uk/ektapro.html

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2012, 09:58:09 pm
content: Nice!Why do they need to heatsink those devices so badly? I'm not seeing anything particularly high power...

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2012, 11:20:39 pm
content: Needs heatsinking for multiple high frequency analogue drivers driving capacitive and/or low impedance loads.
Strange Hakko Issue: Paint rubbing off - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jadew
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2012, 10:37:54 pm
content: Hey guys,I got my Hakko today, bought it from an official distributor, so it's probably not a fake.What I want to ask the other hakko owners is if it's common for the yellow paint, from the holder, to rub off of the plastic of the iron?It's not a huge deal, but it's very annoying, because I get bits of broken paint all over my stuff. Any idea on how to make it stop falling?Edit: I contacted Hakko and they said they haven't encountered this issue before, but that they'll replace my holder and asked me to ship the one with the issue back to them so they can investigate. Great customer support.

author: RCMR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2012, 08:21:48 pm
content: The yellow on the holder is slowly wearing away on my Hakko 888 but it's not causing any issues -- there's no flaking or any kind of deposit on the iron itself.

author: ilikepez
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2012, 09:29:45 pm
content: You might want to send it back, sounds like they didn't paint it correctly. I've never had any paint rub off or flake on mine.

author: jadew
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2012, 02:23:12 pm
content: Thanks for answering.This makes me feel better, because it means I'm not worried over nothing.
Digital decoders over the years - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2012, 05:51:18 pm
content: Here is a recovery from the bin, an old satellite decoder, made in 1999 by Conlog Durban. A later model than the original, which was infamous for failing tuners, which ran so hot that the BGA package tuner ADC would desolder itself from the board after about 15 months. Add to that the use of capacitors of questionable parentage, and a big board with absolutely no air flow or heatsinking on the hot packages.This is a version that was about version 6, it had a better tuner that ran cooler, the processor was faster and lower power, ran a lot cooler ( did not lock up from heat if in a cabinet with limited cooling) and had the CA module integrated onto the board. Power supply is the same design but with better caps, the original ones were known to fail, and were expensive to repair, but were done as the decoders cost around $1000 as replacement units.these have been superseded by the latest versions, and are now pretty much obsolete.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2012, 06:08:55 pm
content: New digital decoder is smaller, lighter and a whole lot cheaper. Still assembled in South Africa, in a factory a few kilometres from me.Package costs under $40 for the decoder, though you can get a retail package for R499 that includes the decoder, the dish and free installation* for you. The decoder is nice, and has a power wart to provide the 12V 1.5A supply needed to run it. This one was made this month, checked by Ntombi. Integration is a lot more than the old ones, basically a single shielded block with all the RF stuff in it and a single BGA to do the rest, along with a little glue and power supply logic. this is the standard unit, there is a more expensive one that does HD video, and another version that has a PVR in it. Another variant is Dual view, basically 2 decoders in 1 case with 2 remotes and a remote receiver for the one so you can watch in the bedroom as well.*30m cable and within a limited radius of the installer. The installer gets a certain payment for the install which I am not going to divulge here.The reason I bought this ( aside from wanting to tear it apart) is to use it to align dishes, as I am seeming to be doing this a little often these days. Looking for a dead portable DVD player to whip the screen out of, and then combine it and this in a box with a 7AH SLA battery and charger as a portable alignment aid, as it works out of the box to enable you to align the dish, without having a contract for service. you get the setup and alignment screens for test. For FTA you have to pay a subs though ( as Dave would say BuGGer) or use the competition and align the dish elsewhere.
Looking for SIEMENS SIMATIC SITOP POWER 2 6EP1331-2BA00 schematic or PCB Photo  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 19, 2012, 07:24:26 pm
content: As title says.I'm trying to repair one with some burned resistors and need a schematic or PCB image.

author: prozac
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 21, 2012, 07:22:43 pm
content: I have a SIEMENS SIMATIC SITOP POWER 2 6EP1331-1SL11 lying around, I don't know how much different it would be. Its rated at 24V/2A.

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 21, 2012, 08:07:50 pm
content: Mine is rated 24V/1A.I need the values of the pasives around the MOSFET. A detailed photo will be a big help.Thank you.

author: prozac
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 21, 2012, 09:00:54 pm
content: http://prozax.eu/simatic/CIMG0565.jpghttp://prozax.eu/simatic/CIMG0568.jpghttp://prozax.eu/simatic/CIMG0571.jpgSorry, they were too large to attach them here. Hope that helps.Feel free to ask if you need something in more detail.

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 22, 2012, 06:04:51 am
content: Thank you very much prozac, but they are quite different!Mine is a single side PCB with more SMD stuff on it.Your help is much appreciated!
MatElek 1300 UPS tear down photos - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: shel
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 14, 2012, 06:53:21 pm
content: Here some photos of an UPS: MatElek 1300. 230V 1300VA.Notice the clean construction and the wonderful soldering.The whole PCB is covered both sides with brown sticky thing.All caps are Rudoycon brand, an obscure chinese brand and you can see a cap that has visibly suffered even ifthe unit was not used much. The thing heats like no other UPS I seen (~70°C with mains).I'm pretty sure this thing is not safe to use. What do you think ?

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2012, 07:07:33 pm
content: That cap is getting ready to go into orbit..........Still, missing the mains filter, the input voltage regulator.........Fuses soldered to the board, the painted on flux layer and the great soldering.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2012, 07:32:26 pm
content: That brown sticky thing is excessive slightly overheated rosin flux not cleaned off ...No isolation slots and very little creepage distance between USB and mains (I think?)

author: shel
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 14, 2012, 07:33:32 pm
content: Yes that cap is dead. I won't use this unit anymore.@SeanB: What are you referring to by "the input voltage regulator" ? On mains side ?@T4P: yes noticed that too...Fuses soldered to the board seems to be the standard for the battery side.Here is a photo of an EATON Ellipse MAX 1100 USBS for comparison. You can see the soldered 40A fuses there too.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2012, 04:27:08 am
content: Voltage regulator is the jumpered out relay, to switch the output up to a higher tap during a brownout without turning the inverter on to provide power.

author: shel
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 15, 2012, 04:08:10 pm
content: Oh yes right the relay / transformer combination. I don't have an opinion on the transformer safety.Do you think is it as unsafe as the rest ?
What the? were B&K thinking when they priced this instrument - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2012, 08:39:56 am
content: You can buy the B&K 2540B-GEN scope (a rebranded Atten?) which is 60 MHz bandwidth, built in DDS (20 MHz), 1 GSa/s, for $1195.00. The B&K has no DPO-type display, and the interface looks like a Rigol - something I'd expect for $350, but not $1200.You can also get an Agilent 2000X (with free DDS until December 31st), 70 MHz bandwidth, for $1400.00. (Apparently it's cheaper in the US: I just flat converted the GBP quote from Agilent.)Also, you can get a Rigol DS2000 (70 MHz) for around $839, and add their DG1022 (dual channel arb generator) for $379, bringing the total to $1218.00.I know which two options I'd prefer so why are B&K pricing their product so high? Do they actually ever sell these? Anything I am missing?

author: Achilles
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2012, 10:07:21 am
content: Yepp.......the marketing guys don't necessarily need to have to think about their releases. Maybe they will joyful celebrate a price drop within the next months that makes it to the best deal ever *irony off*My brother is working in marketing (studied a mixture of engineering and business administration) and well.....it's horrible what they do there. Last company he worked for was a manufacturer for sensors (IR and inductive where my brother worked) and I could tell you hours about lovely things that turned pretty shitty due to marketing and a few cents extra in the end.At least we have some alternatives here.......

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2012, 05:53:54 pm
content: Scopes of this class are often sold to schools, with can come with a hefty educational discount. What the final price is could be much smaller, and could make the difference between their clearly outclassed scope and the bigger names.
Glichn reflow oven SR300C, anybody used these? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Short Circuit
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2012, 11:48:10 pm
content: http://www.smtchn.com/html_products/Benchtop-Reflow-Oven-SR300C-187.htmlhttp://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/SMT-lead-free-reflow-oven-SR300C/811103_548205623.html

author: peter.mitchell
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2012, 11:05:51 am
content: Man.... when i see the price of proper reflow ovens, I always consider modding a toaster oven for reflowing...
Advice UPS teardown - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: singera
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2012, 11:30:21 pm
content: hey to allI got last week Advice 650VA PRV UPS that need to replace his battery (my work bought a new one from the same model and throught this one) I will bring this unit to my girl friend after I will replace the battery (12V 7AH).my computer is connected to the older version Advice 650VA PRPC UPS but it better (and also need a new BATT).PRV on left PRPC on right:PRV has On/Off SW PRPC has multi function switch (On/Off, test, alarm off).PRV has 3 LED PRPC has one single color multi function led.PRPC BACK:has IEC fused input, two IEC out, modem line/ethrnet suge protection, USB control on main board.PRV BACK:has IEC fused input, 4 IEC out, USB control on daughter board.PRPC inside:has multi tap transformer for voltage regulator.PRV inside:has single tap transformer but much smaller.the PRPC model is from 2006.the PRV model is from 2009.