hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Repurposing obsolete DVB-T decoders as remote switches - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: soldar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2024, 02:06:30 pm
content: Spain is moving to DVB-T2 (which I guess means HD) and many older DVB-T decoders will become obsolete in less than a month. I have a bunch of them myself and no doubt many more will be given to me in the coming weeks. Mostly they could just go to recycling but I was thinking if there is any way of repurposing them, for example as remote controls. The remote control will still turn the unit on and off and that makes it easy to switch a relay or something as there is an LED which is turned on/off. It would have to be in the same room or direct line of sight.They already sell remote control plug switches that work by radio so .... but I am still thinking if there might be some clever application for an IR remote switch.I am thinking just on/off because trying to get use of the other keys in the remote control unit just seems too difficult.Or maybe I am just better off salvaging the IR receiver component and dumping the rest?Any ideas?

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2024, 02:12:24 pm
content: Most of the more serious units could be rooted in some way. Which would allow full access to the remote control interface. They usually run Linux so if you know your way around a few common exploits - finding an unlocked UART port is pretty common - you can often do what you like with these.
Watch electricity hit a fork... video by AlphaPhoenix - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mcarp
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 10, 2024, 10:35:30 am
content: I watched this video by AlphaPhoenix"Watch electricity hit a fork in the road at half a billion frames per second"I felt there were some problems with him talking about current while measuring voltage. I liked the voltage graphics but didnt care much for the dot dot dot simulation of current graphics.What does anybody else think about this?-mcarp

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2024, 11:29:40 am
content: You should probably check out the existing threads on this...https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/how-the-electricity-spreads-in-wires-its-not-over!/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/watch-electricity-hit-a-fork-in-the-road/
Charging protected cells - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: raptorx
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 09, 2024, 01:59:45 am
content: so I got a new protected 14500 900mAh with onboard usb-c chargingI measured 0.33A-0.35A via the cell onboard charging using a USB meterquestion: has anybody tried to charge a protected cell at max 1C in an external charger? will it trip the cell protection circuit?so far I only dared to charge this 900mAh cell at 250mA on an external charger, but that took like almost 4hrs…can I charge that cell at 1A ?TIA

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2024, 10:40:34 pm
content: This is entirely dependent on the cell protection circuit used, which is usually matched to the cell itself. EG a 10A capable cell might have a 10 or 15A protection circuit.But the limit is usually for discharge, which is much higher than charging.What you should do is look up the spec of the cell and see if it is rated for 1C charge.
Aircraft carrier launching catapult - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: woodchips
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2024, 10:34:41 am
content: Seen an article about China's new aircraft carrier, which makes a thing about the launch catapult being electromagnetic rather than steam.From a long time ago I have books by Eric Laithwaite who was well into electromagnetism, including linear motion including guns and catapults. It seemed to me that whilst a good idea in theory, in practice didn't work so well. Seems that the extreme magnetic flux was really extreme, remember a photo of a gun and the result from the tearing apart of the air due to the magnetic flux, but can't lay my hands on it at the moment.So, does it work? Has there been improvements in magnetic materials in the 60 years or so since my books were published? Anyone more up to date?

author: Andy Chee
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2024, 10:39:09 am
content: USS Gerald Ford has an electromagnetic catapault.It's been getting a bit of press lately, courtesy of Trump's comments re: military overspending and, "magnets don't work in water".

author: soldar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2024, 10:40:00 am
content: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_Aircraft_Launch_System

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2024, 10:41:27 am
content: If it's something like a linear launch motor they are common. See launched rollercoasters for instance.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2024, 12:33:59 pm
content: Yup, not uncommon in special applications.Flux density most likely doesn't exceed 1.5T or so due to use of iron core materials; any external field is wasted effort that could've gone into the launch, and for something like this, it's a lot easier to just make a longer armature (thus more cross-sectional area A_e) than to increase field strength and cost massively on efficiency. (Flux density over 2T would leak out of the then-well-saturated core, and thus be wasted at least in part.)Not that efficiency is necessarily a problem, in and of itself, but when it takes some GJ to launch a fighter jet, and you have only so many 100s of MW available onboard the ship -- there is a certain economic argument to be made for keeping it at least modestly efficient!It's when the armature itself is a critical component -- like the bullet in a gun -- that flux density needs to go way up. Which is why railguns have been such a problem to develop, and why coilguns will never be more than a toy -- to replicate the pressure of a real (chemical propellant) gun requires 10s of T peak, and needless to say, some fuckoff big capacitors. (To be technical: a metric fuckload.)Tim
Bauer power tool battery as a Powerbank? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Silver_Is_Money
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2024, 05:15:10 pm
content: Would it be possible to utilize a 20V, 5A Bauer (Harbor Freight Tool, Lithium) power tool battery as a Powerbank whereby to power a Rigol DHO802 Oscilloscope (for example) in the field, via utilizing a Buck Converter?

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2024, 05:44:32 pm
content: Can't see a reason it wouldn't work. You'd want to be careful not to over-discharge the battery so you'd need an undervoltage lockout on the battery, or just be careful with checking the SOC from time to time. Most tool batteries don't isolate the contacts when the battery voltage is too low, it is up to the tool to decide not to run.It's probably cheaper to get a USB C powerbank though.

author: Silver_Is_Money
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2024, 05:54:36 pm
content: Quote from: tom66 on January 08, 2024, 05:44:32 pmThanks! I have about 5 of the Bauer batteries already, so I'm assuming that figuring out how to use these would be cheaper than purchasing a powerbank. But perhaps I'm missing something.

author: soldar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2024, 09:23:46 pm
content: I have used my Ryobi batteries with a buck stepdown module to power USB devices in power failures. But I never got to the point of discharging them too far.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2024, 09:59:44 pm
content: Yes, you can even buy a usb adapter for this brand:https://www.harborfreight.com/usb-power-source-battery-adapter-tool-only-57352.htmlBut its not type C, so you'll have to come up with your own solution. Look around on aliexpress.You could 3D print the housing or use the usb housing above.edit: they had a type C as well but its only 30W, not enough:https://www.harborfreight.com/20v-190-watt-power-source-battery-inverter-tool-only-59299.html

author: Silver_Is_Money
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2024, 11:46:17 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on January 08, 2024, 09:59:44 pmThanks for pointing me to that. It is on clearance, meaning most likely that once remaining inventory is gone that will be it. Perhaps a buck converter can be integrated into this device for variable output as opposed to output which is fixed at 5V and capped at 2A.
Solar benches - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Cyberduke
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2024, 09:12:44 am
content: Hi, during my holidays in December I found these solar benches in the north of Germany near Aurich.As you can see there is a USB port on the side that will be able to charge your cellphone. With further inspection, there is a website on the bench (https://www.ibench.eu/en/) which contains technical specs which lists a bunch of "Smart features" and ofcource a build in battery into the bench.Now, I would think if you put the solar panels over the bench on a little roof to provide a shady sitting area then you would not reduce the solar panel efficiency when the bench is being in used as seating. The solar panels can also be angled correctly to increase the efficiency even more. But then you loose the marketing aspect of having solar panel benches I suppose

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 08, 2024, 12:04:32 pm
content: Flat glass over panels = lower efficiency, plus condensation build up making it even worse. Any condensation would naturally run off if it was part of an angled roof.I also cannot imagine the unprotected USB sockets lasting too long in the outdoors...

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2024, 12:21:39 pm
content: Quote from: Kean on January 08, 2024, 12:04:32 pmThey look like they also have wireless charging.Even indoors, public USB sockets don't last well so wireless wouldbe teh way to go.And the condensation indicates they've not been designed well.Compared to other solar boondoggles, not a totally stupid idea to provide charging in places with no mains feed.

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2024, 12:43:17 pm
content: I mean, compared to solar roadways it's at least somewhat practical. In typical usage probably only part of the array is shaded whilst charging, and if the battery is decent it might actually work with both halves covered.It looks like the USB port is a module that can be replaced. Looks like the ones used on buses around here actually, a bit like a cigarette lighter USB charger permanently glued in place (though expect it is a little different!)

author: Cyberduke
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2024, 12:46:19 pm
content: Yeah I agree, it could be something practical. And is definitely not in the class of solar roadways. But it could have been so much better if they just gave up on the "Seat made of solar panel" novelty and put it over the bench on a little roof.

author: mendip_discovery
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2024, 12:46:53 pm
content: That could be interesting to sit on during a hot summers day.

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2024, 12:48:27 pm
content: Quote from: Cyberduke on January 08, 2024, 12:46:19 pmThat would probably cost more money though and be a little more visually obtrusive, so I can see why they went with this design.

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2024, 11:41:12 pm
content: Nice condensation.
EEVBLOG site problems? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2024, 01:41:39 pm
content: Rarely able to connect for roughly 3 days. Only up for a minute or so at a time.

author: pcprogrammer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2024, 01:45:32 pm
content: I had problems with timeout on Saturday evening, but since it is working fine again.Edit: looks like some planned work:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/website-error-reports/msg5262831/#msg5262831

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2024, 03:05:50 pm
content: Yes, some work going on but I have not had any problems myself, maybe I'm lucky and it all goes sideways when I'm sleeping.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2024, 06:04:12 pm
content: it looks like major issues are gone now, but RSS feeds are still very intermittent for me.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 08, 2024, 09:20:10 pm
content: I did notice some issues with the site format not loading correctly on the weekend. I raised this and apparently it's a known issue and occurs when there is heavy IO load on the server.There are plans to upgrade the SSDs in the server to improve performance, but it hasn't happened yet.
Northridge fix / Amtech - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ImpulsiveJames
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2024, 06:00:23 am
content: So, I'm not sure if this is the right place or not and I'm kind of hot about this whole thing. I'll admit, part of it is my own fault but I'm still hot non the less...On the 24th of November I put all order in for Amtech flux from Northridge fix and expected to get it in a few days, but I wasn't in much of a rush. Christmas rolls around and I'm like, huh, I still haven't received it, so I check the site and it says my order is cancelled... Well that's odd, so I check my credit card and it was billed and never refunded. Quick email, a day or so later, they say sorry and say I will get a tracking number and it will get shipped out ASAP, cool!. A few more days, no tracking, no email. Another quick email, same thing, "we'll ship it right out", a couple more days, nothing. One last time, literally about to reverse my cc charge, but this time I actually get a tracking and today it finally arrived.To be clear, I'm glad this all got sorted out, and I'm happy with the responsiveness of their staff, especially around the holidays.On to my real beef. This Amtech shipped with no label, no batch, no markings of any sort.... Are they really just squeezing out larger syringes into smaller 10ml ones? The last one I ordered was a few years ago from Rossman and was one full 30ml syringe with Amtech branding and everything. I'll admit, I assumed I was ordering the same thing this time, but didn't realize the Rossman one was 30ml and the Northridge one is 10ml. The reason I mainly assumed this was because the price is about the same between the two sites, I genuinely didn't think to look at the ml number.It's fine, it's all just time and money. I ended up ordering a 30ml from Rossman today just because I know I'll use it. I just (personally) feel like from someone who talks about scams so much... Feel like this is so sketchy from every step, idk, I just feel really icky about the whole thing..... /RantOver

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2024, 09:25:14 am
content: It takes a lot for a company to get a BBB rating of F.https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/northridge/profile/computer-repair/northridgefix-1216-652393/customer-reviews
Very low voltage negative logic - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: epitaxial
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2024, 10:18:36 pm
content: Hello all. I'm documenting the hard drive interface IBM used on two models in their System/36 line, models 5360 and 5362 specifically. This is a model 21ED drive. There are a number of pins with 5v or 3.3 TTL logic but two pins have this strange negative logic that swings from slightly below ground to negative 0.4 volts. These signals are always present even when the drive is idle. Anyone have a name for this or is this something that only IBM could dream up?

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2024, 10:30:13 pm
content: some kind of ECL?

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2024, 10:49:59 pm
content: Looks like raw (amplified?) data from the disk head.

author: epitaxial
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2024, 03:58:49 pm
content: Data from the disk head makes sense. I'm going to see if this is active during a spin up. Maybe a drive signature or check that's always running to gauge health? This machine was introduced in 1984 and there is no published information or specs about the interface.

author: ejeffrey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2024, 07:58:19 pm
content: NIM (nuclear instrumentation module) logic used negative current steering logic (some ECL derivative) with similar logic levels.

author: Roehrenonkel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2024, 09:40:08 pm
content: Hi epitaxial,what probe was used?Maybe ringing in the gnd-wire??Is there a negative supply on the board anyway???Good luck

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2024, 10:02:50 pm
content: As I remember from 1975, the fast outputs from a NIM module were something like 30 mA (negative) pulse, designed to drive two 50loads in parallel, usually one at the driver and one at the receiver, to get roughly -700 mV pulse voltage.The driver was a long-tailed pair from -12 V, where the NPNs did not saturate.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2024, 12:43:15 am
content: Quote from: epitaxial on January 04, 2024, 03:58:49 pmIt's probably the raw data, from whatever track the head happens to be sitting over while the disk is spinning.How many pins does the interface have? Look up ST-506, which was used in PCs of the 80s. This may be very similar to that.
Hardware Issue Tracking tool? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: norand
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2024, 10:00:33 am
content: Hi All,Boring question. I've started at a new hardware consultancy and we don't have any form of issue tracking. I recently got IT to set them up with SVN VCS (as it is easier to get the older layout folks on board) so ideally looking for a tool that integrates with this.Previously I have just made a spreadsheet and checked this into the VCS (Git/SVN) - but is there anything better tool-wise to use?Thanks, Andrew

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2024, 10:37:36 am
content: We use Bugzilla, works fine for this purpose.

author: Shonky
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2024, 10:41:19 am
content: What's wrong with any conventional issue tracker like JIRA, Mantis, Bugzilla etc?Checking in or committing a spreadsheet will not work at all IMO. Version control software can't merge spreadsheets and you will have conflicts all the time.I'd prefer to use a git based version control that has issue tracking built in like Gitlab or Bitbucket/JIRA

author: norand
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2024, 12:51:58 pm
content: QuoteNothing at all I just want to get a feel for what people are using!Any pros/cons to them if you have any experience with the above?

author: Shonky
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2024, 11:02:05 pm
content: Quote from: norand on January 03, 2024, 12:51:58 pmI have use Mantis and JIRA extensively. Bugzilla sparingly and don't particularly like how sparse it is.Mantis is free to host your own instance, fast and lightweight and quite customisable. I like it. Can set up users with permissions. You could have external customers that can only see their own projects etc but that's pretty standard in any decent issue tracker.JIRA is paid although only $10/month if you are quite small (be aware the next level up gets a lot more expensive, by which stage you might be somewhat locked in). Almost too customisable but you can set any workflow you like so given some time you could make it really well setup. Mantis can do this somewhat too with some customisationMy advice would be just to have a plan/process to log and track issues. How are you going to handle releases, long term issues, what stage is an issue closed or resolved etc.Make sure you set up custom fields in a way that works for your process. Don't create more than is really necessary or they don't get used.Really it all comes back to your process.Aside from that pretty much any issue tracker is going to be better than a spreadsheet or text file that is committed to a repo.
The Repair Shop does electronics, sort of - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: armandine2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2023, 12:50:29 pm
content: https://theafterword.co.uk/mad-professor-the-repair-shop/A bit of a flat TV experience, not atypical as repairs go ... the Mad Professor's electronics gear is fixed by the Shop's resident electronics guru , with the aid of his mate.An unusual piece of music tech - plenty of head scratching , no observable TEA

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2023, 12:00:28 am
content: No TEA is not really a bad thing. I'm always amazed seeing the mountain of stuff that My Mate Vince fixes with his cheapy Surpeer.

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2023, 07:32:39 pm
content: So... err... the conclusion was the foot pedal was missing and the thing just didn't work without that? A bit odd. Less "Repair Shop" more "Read the Manual Shop".

author: armandine2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2024, 07:59:34 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on December 30, 2023, 12:00:28 amHAhA ... I've just watched (and emulated) his Milwaukee Grinder "repair" - stroke very temporary fix

author: pcprogrammer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2024, 08:24:27 pm
content: By the looks of it, they use a Hantek scope at the repair shop. See around 5:49 and 6:09 in the video on the bench on the left of the sound effect machine.

author: 5U4GB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2024, 02:17:33 pm
content: Man, you guys are years ahead of us in your episodes. Here they're still using VTVOMs and coal-heated soldering irons to fix things.
Analogue IC Design - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Aryan
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 06, 2024, 01:13:25 am
content: Hi, I am going into 4th year of my EE degree and have to decide on a thesis topic to do. From the introductory microelectronics course, I am interested in pursuing analogue IC design but am uncertain of job prospects in Australia. Any insight/ thoughts on this?

author: mawyatt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2024, 02:58:26 am
content: Here in US analog IC Design is a unique skill, requiring extensive education and experience. Usually PhD and Post Doc efforts followed by many years gathering experience from "seasoned" colleagues is the typical path for most younger up and coming folks.Best advice is stay in school as long as possible and push towards PhD, because once you leave and get a job you'll likely never complete the advanced degrees, and on the job experience will initially likely be mundane and not directly related to your keen interests. You'll need to wait years for the job(s) to come around to your true interests where you can lead the charge!!This is the exact message I gave my Grad students when I was an Adjunct Prof long ago creating and teaching Advanced RFIC design courses. Few followed thru, most didn't, but can't recall a single student that returned to the classroom and completed the advanced degrees after leaving!!Study the works of Widlar, Erdi, Nelson, Gilbert, Fullagar, and Brokaw, these are the True Masters of the Art of Analog IC Design in Silicon.Another path is to master Analog Discrete Design with emphasis on Active Device Behavior and detailed Semiconductor Theory, after one becomes a true Analog Discrete Design master (many years active experience), then migrate into the IC design world (hopefully with the guidance of a seasoned IC designer) and prepare for entering a new world learning experience of IC design.Best,

author: Benta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2024, 10:05:33 pm
content: Best advice I've seen.PS: you left out Pease.

author: Andy Chee
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2024, 05:21:07 am
content: Quote from: Aryan on January 06, 2024, 01:13:25 amUnless you have other strong reasons (e.g. family ties, private local business, etc), do not restrict yourself to the Australian job market.As an engineer you will have an occupation in which you can "work from home", so your employer need not be based in Australia.

author: Andree Henkel
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2024, 11:20:04 am
content: I wouldn´t be affraid of job opportunities.If your interest is in analogue IC design, go for it for now.With this background, you should have no trouble switching to board level analog and mixed mode design later, so there should be plenty of jobs also in australia.However purely remote work in both analog IC Design and Board level is most probably not an option, finally you need to verifiy real hardware.
CC-CV mode  battery charger LT3741  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Om Unhale
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 03, 2024, 07:05:24 am
content: Problem with the charger:The charger is not providing constant current when a NCR18650B is connected to the output.Also when a load resistance of 9 ohm is connect input voltage of supply drops and current is drawn over the set current by me which is 0.3A.Please can someone help to figureout what could be the problem.Schematic and board file is attached below.and how attach boardfile and schematic file in this post .
Is 'Firsttool Store' on Aliexpress legit? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Silver_Is_Money
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2024, 02:05:25 pm
content: China. Good prices. 98.1% positive feedback. But is it a scam, or legit?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2024, 10:45:42 pm
content: You can link the storehttps://www.aliexpress.com/store/1101711604Looks fine to me, any item specifically you are referring to?

author: Silver_Is_Money
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2024, 12:04:20 am
content: Quote from: thm_w on January 02, 2024, 10:45:42 pmI'm referring to an OWON TAO3072 (or TAO3102) tablet oscilloscope.
Segway Infokey Resetting - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: eduaqa
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2024, 09:00:58 pm
content: Hi allI have 3 segway infokey, different segways i2, and they present the same problem which is already reported, however, I did some additional test and get some weird resultWhen I power the infokey with the recommended battery which is 2430, and a push the power button, it reset the infokey (the clock/time, distance, etc is reseted) and the segway did not power on. If I push the power button a second time it works. However if I use battery 2450 it don't happens (at least i already tested about 10x and never failed). Of course the battery cover cannot be used when using 2450 because of the size.The info key is based in the following main components: it use the microcontroller M430F437 and the RF generator CC2420 and for the display backlight which is not important here it use SB6540S (but i'm not pushing the backlight button, so not important here).Besides that is use so others components, resistor, xtal, capacitors, etcAny idea?
Avoid UTSOURCE - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dorkshoei
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2024, 01:30:49 am
content: I've bought from utsource.com several times over the past 10+ years. I used to think of them as one of the few semi-decent Chinese sellers within a sea of deceit.My penultimate order I ended up cancelling because they played bait-n-switch with the pricing, wanting more after I'd ordered.I was also jaded about their new platform where they now list multiple suppliers. In this new model I believe supplier "utsource" is them (the supplier i'd historically ordered from) but it's now full of other sellers who have obfuscated matters with names like "original utsource" and "utsource genuine store" and there is no way to filter them out.I'm building the KISS 68030 retro board and I ended up with 5 parts I couldn't easily source, so I decided to order them from utsource.com.It wasn't a great experience:1) According to the KISS 68030 website, at higher clock rates Phillips branded chips work for a specific device but NatSemi don't. Utsource specifically listed Phillips as the supplier (stated in description plus a photo) but they sent Nat Semi.2) All the parts were available from multiple suppliers on the site. For all I selected "utsource" who were always the most expensive. When I got the invoice it showed they had sourced two parts from the cheaper suppliers (that I could have selected but didn't) but still charged me the higher price.3) One of the parts (74LS688) is clearly remarked. All 5 chips have identical TI lot codes but the packaging and ejection molding style of every chip is different.Trying to discuss this with them was maddening. The person in their sales who kept responding to me, "Judy", was either incompetent, or deliberately obtuse.Previous post about bad experience:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/utsource-bad-expirience/msg3505740/#msg3505740

author: dorkshoei
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2024, 03:11:17 am
content: I filed a dispute with PayPal for 35% of the order total. I selected "return items" for the incorrect product and remarks, "refund" for the overcharges. I attached clear screenshots and photographs of above.Utsource just refunded the full claim without disputing anything. This despite sales@utsource.com refusing to discuss for weeks.Still there goes maybe one of the last sources for not-utter-crap out of China.

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2024, 04:47:37 am
content: They did a similar thing with me a couple of months ago. Ordered chips they said were in stock, only to have them email me afterwards and say there's a problem and I need to pay (a fair bit) more. I cancelled the order and they refunded fairly quickly. Until then I'd not had an issue with them.
DRM on Polish trains - a train manufacturer breaking their own trains - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2023, 01:16:23 pm
content: I think this story is kind of mental.A Polish train manufacturer services their own trains, but the contract comes to an end and they don't win the next contract as another supplier bids under their price. To make any other companies that do the servicing look bad, the manufacturer has embedded code into their train software which makes the trains malfunction under certain conditions, such as the day of the week and GPS position matching the servicing area of competitor companies.If the people involved in this malicious engineering (including the management that surely demanded it) are not prosecuted, it will be a great disservice to all society.

author: pcprogrammer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2023, 01:21:30 pm
content: Believe to have seen something about this kind of practice before on this forum. Something with tractors of some big company?It is indeed appalling behavior.

author: Jacon
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2023, 04:08:41 pm
content: Discussed already here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/general-computing/when-your-train-suddenly-stops-working/msg5209014/#msg5209014
[uBlock] Less distractions and more egalitarian EEVblog forum - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: PapierzToaletowy
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 31, 2023, 12:53:55 pm
content: Knowing how to make my own filters foruBlockis one of the things I'm glad I finally picked up. It made 2023 just a bit better.Here's my filter list for EEVblog forum which removes distractions, unused functions and makes viewing threads more egalitarian - lets me focus more on post content instead of poster (by means of removing avatar and signature). If you like it, enjoy!https://pastebin.com/raw/qgimuwrBAlso, here's a "shit-list" filter template I made some time ago. Useful when you don't want to see posts made by specific user.https://pastebin.com/raw/LLXjnS7hPS.Sorry for using pastebin. Forum software expands URLs inside code tag

author: gnif
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 31, 2023, 02:48:54 pm
content: User banned due to continually going back in time and editing their posts with random garbage,for example:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/custom-ublock-filters-for-hackaday-com/msg5078071

author: magic
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2023, 03:07:29 pm
content: Interesting. Is this one of those "minor acts of sabotage" he once said he is committing against, I forgot, people with "economic means" or "privilege" or whatever it was that he saidCertainly was a weird one.BTW, he also qualified for the "wanted a rude username" treatment and I considered reporting him, but curiosity got the better of me.
Funny colloquialisms from your country - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Dan123456
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2023, 04:52:35 am
content: I was just watching something and they said a funny Australian colloquialism which they had never heard before. This got me to thinking, do you guys have some good ones from around the world?A few Australian ones are:“I’m not here to fuck spiders” - I’m here to work, not mess around.“I’m flat out like a lizard drinking” - I’m busy.“Lower than a rats ass / snakes bum” - either something physically close to the ground or to describe someone who is an untrustworthy person.“A bees dick” - an unofficial measurement. I.e. I cut something slightly too long so my measurements must have been off by a bees dick.Do you guys have some good ones?

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2023, 05:28:44 am
content: (American movie, Robert Redford, I think.)" That's not enough (dynamite) to BLOW your nose! "..."(Does) the POPE shit in the woods ?"That's a mangled technique, where TWO collocqials are merged into a hilarious (sometimes) hybrid. Mangled from:Does a BEAR shit...in the woods ?Is the POPE...(Catholic) ?

author: RoGeorge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2023, 02:16:03 pm
content: And how is this EEVblog related,Dan123456?You like this place exactly because it doesn't have such topics. Post that on tik-tok.Please read them:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/forum-rules-please-read/Quote

author: Dan123456
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2023, 02:31:41 pm
content: Quote from: RoGeorge on December 29, 2023, 02:16:03 pmSorry, you are right. I probably could have explained how it relates to EE better.The video was talking about dealing with tradies in Australia (tradies are people who learn a trade such as plumbers, mechanics and electricians etc.) and all those terms I used as examples of what you will often hear tradies say on the job site.I figured that maybe a good proportion of people here might deal with electricians and maybe they have funny saying in other countries tooAll that said, Mods, I’m happy for this thread to be locked or deleted if you feel it is still too off topic

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2023, 02:37:09 pm
content: Quote from: RoGeorge on December 29, 2023, 02:16:03 pmborderline but if you work with people from different countries it is handy to know what they mean if they use weird expressionshere one is ant fucking or fly fucking, meaning nitpicking

author: RoGeorge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2023, 03:22:20 pm
content: Quote from: langwadt on December 29, 2023, 02:37:09 pmHow about using articulated language instead?Once the bar is lowered, there is no way back.

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2023, 04:09:08 pm
content: Quote from: RoGeorge on December 29, 2023, 03:22:20 pm"the bar is lowered" ...
Osci-render 2.0 - An open-source audio plugin for oscilloscope art - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jameshball
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 28, 2023, 08:26:26 pm
content: I'm really excited to announce the release of osci-render 2.0! Osci-render is a synthesizer for making music by drawing objects, text, and images on an oscilloscope using audio.You can pay what you want for it onhttps://osci-render.com/and it's available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, as both a standalone application, and a VST3 or AU audio plugin.Thought this might be of interest to some of you - a fun use for any old oscilloscopes you have lying around 😉Osci-render supports rendering 3D object files, SVG vector images, and text files, as well as animated scenes from Blender!It's also fully-programmable in Lua, meaning if you have a tiny bit of programming experience (or want an excuse to learn 😉), then you can easily create your own sounds and visuals that can be automated and played.You can get started by creating or opening a .txt, .svg, .obj, or .lua file. Or you can just play around with the default circle! From here, have an experiment with each of the effects on offer and make something that looks or sounds cool 😊Since osci-render is open-source, you can contribute to it here:https://github.com/jameshball/osci-renderPlease feel free to provide feedback, bugs, or improvements here or on the Discord:https://discord.com/invite/ekjpQvT68CThanks!James
fukushima nowadays - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: p.larner
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2023, 01:36:18 am
content: enenews used to give frequent reports on the status of fukushima,what happened to the enenews website?,is it down to the jap gov trying by threat of jail to anyone publishing non gov approved reports?.

author: Andy Chee
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2023, 02:17:37 am
content: the site is dead, and good riddance.https://downforeveryoneorjustme.com/enenews.com?proto=http&www=1https://rationalwiki.org/wiki/ENENews

author: Dan123456
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2023, 03:37:24 am
content: Quote from: p.larner on December 27, 2023, 01:36:18 amI don’t know the specific website you are talking about but I would doubt it is due to a government cover upCountries and organisations from all across the world have been monitoring Fukushima since the accident so I personally think it would be very, very difficult for the Japanese government to cover anything up
Ordered wrong part! PLZ help identify...  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: bigjoncoop
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2023, 01:51:58 pm
content: I blew up a mosfet on my battery charger and after looking up the part I was fairly confident I had found a suitable replacement...But after ordering some new ones, come to find out they were not the right package size and I could not find that particular part and a smaller form factor. So now I'm thinking it's the wrong part altogether.Below is a photo of the mosfet in question. It has the markings "7240 BD1911" & a manufacturer stamp of what looks like a "C" and "mos".After looking that information up the only thing I could find was a IRF7240. So I ordered the smallest package size they offer and it is almost 2X bigger then original...If someone could help me out and put me in the right direction and I will greatly appreciate it!Thank you

author: Fryguy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2023, 12:37:14 pm
content: You are looking for something like the AON7240 - that one should fit . I can't tell you where to buy it . . .Complete description with package dimensions :https://aosmd.com/sites/default/files/res/data_sheets/AON7240.pdfhttps://aosmd.com/sites/default/files/res/packaging_information/DFN3x3A_8L_EP1_P.pdf
Little mini-teardown:  Air Mattress DC PUMP - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2023, 09:05:53 pm
content: Just so that you don't have to; I've got the pictures, insides of a 3.7 Volt DC air pump, for camping mattress.On the left is a lithium battery; at2000 mA-hrs. Switch is on right of photo. With a small control board with medium sized pwr transistor, that handles the charging over USB mini 5 volts. Sorry, that's likely not the exact term, for doing charging off of a wall wart.Spec. is saying takes about 4 hours to charge.Also, the fan-air pump motor should only be run for 6 minutes at a time, due to heating.
LM337 Current Boost  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mustafayilmaz
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2023, 10:29:32 am
content: As you know, there is no 5A version of LM337.Is it possible to increase the current using a pass transistor while the LM337 works as a current limiter?I've never seen such an implementation in the datasheets.

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2023, 01:55:39 pm
content: Just do the same, but with an NPN transistor.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2023, 12:50:19 am
content: Quote from: mustafayilmaz on December 22, 2023, 10:29:32 amExamples are not as common, but they do exist as shown below from 1980.
Parts availability - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: zaphar
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 23, 2023, 11:08:36 pm
content: I took a break with trying to fix things after the supply chain disruption a few years back, has parts availability recovered? I have an ATX PSU needing to be recapped but the last time I checked, components still seems to have spotty availability.
Mice damage on an power extension. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2023, 03:46:45 am
content: This is what happens when you do not check your electric stuff for 15 yearsSeems some little dude got himself a good electric shock, but apparently survived as no biological remains were found in the junction box.

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2023, 04:55:03 am
content: its a pikachu now
Arc travelling sideways - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2023, 10:46:04 pm
content: This looked weird and reminiscent of my days with a neon-sign transformer and a Jacob's ladder.I expect the breeze was pushing this sideways but green arcs (from experience) have plastic involved.I'd guess the conductor's insulation was supplying smoke, which greatly lowers the air breakdown voltage.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2023, 12:26:07 am
content: Coolest thing I have seen on YT in a while. Thanks for the link.

author: Veteran68
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2023, 01:12:13 am
content: Quote from: floobydust on December 23, 2023, 10:46:04 pmTo my knowledge, high voltage powerlines are rarely if ever insulated though.

author: BrokenYugo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2023, 02:43:09 am
content: You do sometimes see insulated overhead wires, lets the power company get sloppy with the tree trimming.Doesn't look like it though, at least around here that wire is usually spaced much closer in a diamond shape bundle with separators every 10 feet or so.

author: snarkysparky
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2023, 04:02:53 pm
content: bird poop burning off
NASA space probe laser communications demonstration - with cats! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: babysitter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2023, 07:33:02 am
content: Psyche, on its way to the main belt to visit the asteroid of the same name, carries a NIR-based deep space optical communications experiment.This was successfully demonstrated on december 11th - aptly with a video of a cat chasing a red laser dot:https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasas-tech-demo-streams-first-video-from-deep-space-via-laserBRbabysitter

author: RoGeorge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2023, 07:40:13 am
content: Dear NASA, your PR video went full retard.Never Go Full Retard

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2023, 11:03:09 am
content: See, cat videos and cat pictures are the universal solution to every problem!

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2023, 01:15:08 am
content: Seen that yeah.Did the NASA guys pick this video to make their project look all cute to tiktok viewers? All bets are open.

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2023, 01:17:39 am
content: Science communication is an art; this is a good thing, it got space science reported in mainstream news which is great. I like the cat video from NASA and long may they continue.

author: Kim Christensen
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2023, 01:36:36 am
content: Well, they couldn't use the top internet video genre... So a cat video it was.

author: Fryguy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2023, 01:46:32 am
content: Quote from: Kim Christensen on December 21, 2023, 01:36:36 amYes , they could have used it - i only doubt the name of the actor would be "Taters" and that he would chase a laser dot . . .

author: CJay
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2023, 07:30:35 am
content: Quote from: babysitter on December 20, 2023, 07:33:02 am"This is Ginger Tom to ground control"
Modern version of Newnes Radio and Electronics Engineers Pocket Book - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Bebop
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 22, 2023, 11:06:47 pm
content: I’ve got my hands on a copy of the Newnes Radio and Electronics Engineers Pocket Book 15th Edition and it’s fantastic and mainly still relevant, although somewhat out of date being over 40 years old. As a radio amateur and electronics enthusiast it is perfect for me, I’m just wondering if there is a newer equivalent reference handbook/pocket book that people can recommend?Thanks,James

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2023, 01:16:11 am
content: TI has "Analog Engineer's Pocket Reference" which is useful. I don't know how it compares because I've never seen the Newnes book. The TI book was updated about 10 years ago and you can get it as a free pdf download from various places, including TI if you log in. I bought a hard copy when it was updated. It was $5, I don't know if they still sell it.

author: RoGeorge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2023, 01:34:41 am
content: There are a few places where you may find similar materials, many are now free on worldradiohistory, on waybackmachine and so on. Here's a collection of such places:HP Journal and alike