If you could choose any piece of tech to shoot or blow up, what would it be? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 06:23:50 am
content: Yes I am a bit teed off, but I think this is a fun topic anyways.What I mean is, what piece of tech has caused you so much anger, and so much grief that you want to cause as much physical harm to it as possible? I.E. Smash it into a wall, shoot it, put some explosives under it....For me it would be my Logitech G930 headset which is one of the worst things you could ever possibly use. I will never touch a SINGLE thing from Logitech as long as I live.The build quality is terrible as I know of 5 of them in my direct family, and 3 of them are using hot glue to be held together, one of them is useless because of a busted charging port, and four of them have had charging and connection issues.This is a wireless headset, and it sounds great, but it doesn't hold a good charge, it constantly disconnects and reconnects like a North Korean internet connection, it doesn't allow you to change the focus on a window in Linux, and as I have already said, it appears to have the structural rigidity of Bakelite.If I didn't rely on it for PC audio, I would gladly set a load of Tannerite underneath it and send it to hell.Your turn.

author: Vgkid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 06:40:30 am
content: iTunes Software ,back in the day my brother had a ipod(gen2 Nano, had to wiki it) It needed to get replaced under warranty(time1) and they included a note not to pirate music, and promptly deleted all non apple songs. I go back to loading all of the music back onto it. He managed to brick it, same nasty letter back. Next go around( I think it was an actual problem) , and they refused to fix it.I'm the only one in my family who is currently using an Android device, never owned an Apple.

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 07:16:46 am
content: Any troublesome intermittent audio gear that's had it's insides covered, smothered and traces shorted and eaten away by that horrid amber/yellow glue,and all the @ssholes that still use it on boards to 'secure components' (aka secure future sales of new gear)-----------@ TwoOfFive, I feel your pain, and have no luv for most Logitechhh and Belkin gear.Some of their gear is ok if you can score it dirt cheap, knowing it will flake in 13 months, and time for another lot, dirt cheeep of course.

author: Jeroen3
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 07:17:18 am
content: Printers.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 07:41:08 am
content: Funny about brand haters IMO, Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse here, nothing flash but it's been fine for years.The mouse, well it's just a ordinary mouse just like any other that I have no time for anyway and would gladly use it in my claybird trap machine and blast it from the sky.Another Logitech product that we have a couple of and NO way we'd be without them are Trackman mice, great bits of gear.Apple gear is another thing, good that most of it is, the way in which they don't make it easy to interface with other stuff can be frustrating enough that we say we won't have another but we still do.Over the years I've spent a pile of time repairing all manner of gear and 2 that are sitting in the "todofinish" pile are a nice little Krohn-Hite sig gen and a Tek TDS2012B, both of which for the time spent so far should be written off as BER.I love scopes too much so the poor K-H days are numbered.

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 07:43:37 am
content: Logitech sucks @ss

author: German_EE
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 07:47:34 am
content: The Kenwood TS-990 Ham Radio transceiverhttp://www.rigpix.com/kenwood/ts990s.htmDon't have one, don't want one, wouldn't even accept one as a gift. Why?It's everything that's wrong with ham radio today, an expensive rig with dozens of controls yet it still won't make you a better operator if you buy it. Besides that it looks as if it has been beaten with the ugly stick, twice.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 08:47:33 am
content: Australia's National Broadband Network (NBN). Everytime I see my modem lose line sync (20-30 times a day) and that DSL light starts flashing away, I feel like destroying it into tiny pieces and enclose a "friendy" note with it addressed to the Office of the Minister for Communications.I miss 56k dial-up... it was more reliable!

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 08:54:31 am
content: Pretty much every thing made by Sony. Great when new, works well, does the job when you use it with the appropriate Sony consumables.However, if you want to repair it, use it with almost any other manufacturers equipment, or god forbid, repair it, without access to those hallowed ultra expensive __SONY__ parts you are SOL. Take to the agents and they are very good at board level fixes, changing any and all boards the parts troubleshooter guides go through in the line, and charge you accordingly. Then take one that is just out of warranty, and it is now classed as "obsolete", and parts are no longer stocked or available.But great when new and while they work. Best gotten as second hand or as scrap pick up items.

author: RGB255_0_0
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 10:49:17 am
content: Anything made by Razer.

author: Sredni
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 11:35:36 am
content: Quote from: Vgkid on May 01, 2017, 06:40:30 amSo, they did look at user content and destroyed what they did not like.Can they also frisk you when you enter an Apple store?I wonder if what they did is leg--- Oh, wait, it's Apple.

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 11:47:46 am
content: Quote from: Halcyon on May 01, 2017, 08:47:33 amthen perhaps they should tighten it when it's loose! LOL

author: AutomationGuy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 12:24:21 pm
content: I would recommend to shredder evaluation boards of different manufacturer from time to time. They just cost too much time with little results. Usualy I get my designs done faster if I do it based on the data sheet by my self. Manufacturer just don't care too much for their evaluation boards becorse they don't make money with them.

author: ZeTeX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 12:39:59 pm
content: Quote from: RGB255_0_0 on May 01, 2017, 10:49:17 amWhat is so bad about Razer?

author: Kilrah
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 12:59:39 pm
content: Razer stuff I've had was really nothing special, unlike what their pricing would make you expect. Average stuff with loads of marketing fluff...I've had many Logitech things over the years, never a failure... never had headsets from them though.They're top tier for support though, being one of the rare companies to routinely replace products even after warranty expired. Funnily enough nowadays people often prefer to moan and do nothing instead of contacting support to their stuff repaired.

author: Joel_l
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 01:08:50 pm
content: For me, cell phones. Amazing life existed before them.......

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 01:27:50 pm
content: The image Captcha software used to "Protect" many web sites. I find frequently that the software loses sync between the displayed image and the test of your response. Incredibly frustrating when you know you have typed the correct response in and it repeatedly asks you to try again.Unfortunately, blowing up software is remarkably unsatisfying.

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 01:50:09 pm
content: Would get much relief after sending a couple of 12 gage shotgun rounds into a rigol oscilloscope.

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 02:41:51 pm
content: Quote from: CatalinaWOW on May 01, 2017, 01:27:50 pmYou know what else is incredibly frustrating?"Looses" when it should be "loses"...

author: Kuro
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 02:47:08 pm
content: I've more than often raged against a machine, but then I remembered it's not the machine's fault (never had a machine lie to me, not even the most recalcitrant ones) but the stupid engineers that put form over function. Plenty of people I'd want to blow up...

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 04:39:55 pm
content: Ok now you got attention of your government agency

author: onesixright
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 04:47:24 pm
content: I understand blowing of some steam, and if this make your boat float, well huhBut IMHO, I think shooting stuff is -forgive me- prettyretartedsilly.So I would not shoot any stuff, I do however get some satisfaction formatting Windows systemsGuess im the minority here.

author: rrinker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 04:53:12 pm
content: Quote from: Jeroen3 on May 01, 2017, 07:17:18 amOnly if they constantly say PC Load Letter

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 05:48:59 pm
content: Quote from: onesixright on May 01, 2017, 04:47:24 pmMight be the American in me, but I think blowing shit you hate up provides a good feeling of relief.But with the Logitech headset I could probably smash it into the wall and have it turn into dust.

author: onesixright
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 06:07:56 pm
content: Quote from: TwoOfFive on May 01, 2017, 05:48:59 pmHehe, that must be itWe can't get our hands on weapons that easy! Anyway have fun!

author: Galenbo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 06:20:37 pm
content: Road Radar speed control

author: dmills
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 06:44:07 pm
content: Any software that uses FlexLm for license manglement, life is just too short, the existence of this mess is all the excuse you need to download cracked versions of software you have paid for.DxDesigner gets two point for being both written by MentalGraphics and using FlexLm, so not a fan.Regards, Dan.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 07:32:09 pm
content: Windows 8 followed by Windows 10.I don't blame the hardware and will not take my anger out on innocent inanimate objects but I have never been so frustrated by such a hostile piece of software in my life. Win8 has a horrible UI, and Win10 is a bit nicer in that regard but extremely pushy and obnoxious. I have to use it at work and it is constantly reverting things that I have set specifically the way I want.

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 08:15:27 pm
content: Quote from: james_s on May 01, 2017, 07:32:09 pmUse Server 2016 if you have an MSDN or Imagine subscription. It's Windows 10 without most of the annoying crap you have to deal with, and some pretty neat and powerful equipment too. I have not yet found any software that I needed that has not worked with it.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 08:44:03 pm
content: Well at work I don't have a choice, except I can run Linux on my desktop which is what I've been doing. I miss MS Outlook on this but other than that I find it works better and I spend a lot less effort fighting it. At home I have a few Windows 7 Pro licenses so I intend to continue running that for the foreseeable future.

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 09:42:56 pm
content: The biggest peace of shit Motorola ever made.The Trunked Mostar.Thermite Baby thermite

author: Vgkid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 10:22:44 pm
content: For gear:Solartron 7065. When I went to buy my first 6.5 digit meter, it was either this or the 3456A. This being about 33% cheaper than every 3456a + no custom components, made this an easy decision.I noticed that it would take several hours to be useable as a 6 digit meter(where my 3456A takes a few minutes). Was rather drifty, would not always power on, or if would sometimes go into a mode of rapidly turning on/off. Sometimes the meter would get stuck in remote operations mode, sometimes the meter would not read anything. Found out it was really out of cal.I'm tempted to chuck it on epay for $20, and not mess with it. Part of me wants to get it working more correctly

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 09:02:37 am
content: Quote from: rrinker on May 01, 2017, 04:53:12 pmYou Americans! In most other parts of the world it would be "PC Load A4" ;-)But I appreciate the reference.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 09:09:50 am
content: Tektronics TDS2000 series. Every single Pegueot car on the road, and please take away all the drivers license form the owners.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 09:26:36 am
content: Quote from: NANDBlog on May 02, 2017, 09:09:50 amCan I ask what Tek did to upset you ?TDS2102B was my first real DSO way before Siglent days and I thought it was OK, much better than Atten.

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 03:00:02 pm
content: Quote from: NANDBlog on May 02, 2017, 09:09:50 amFunny story behind that.All of my family on my dad's side lives in Germany, or at best Europe, so we went to visit them in Germany several months ago. To get around we rented a car in Frankfurt, and we got a Peugeot.To be fair it was a bit of a higher end car, and it was one of the most expensive cars we had ever used (We are a very cheap KIA family), but it was excellent. My dad had a good time driving it around Germany, and it was a comfortable car all around. I forgot what model it was though.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 03:28:30 pm
content: Wow I haven't seen a Pugeot in a long time, I don't think they've been sold in the US for years. I remember a few of them around in the 90s, they did not have the best reputation but there were certainly worse cars out there. A friend of mine had a Yugo, now that was a turd.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 03:37:51 pm
content: Quote from: james_s on May 02, 2017, 03:28:30 pmMy issue is not with the cars (though they are ugly), because I will not buy one ever. My issue is the drivers. They are bought by people, who have no interest in cars, and drive like idiots. You know, not keeping following distance, driving way below speed limit through children and bus stops, just to scratch your car when parking next to you. Its like a bad magnet for bad drivers. Its hard to explain, you need to experience it. You know, its sort of, like a subaru imprezza's "Ah it is one of those people." Just with very bad drivers and thousands on the road.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 05:44:49 pm
content: That's kind of how I view BMWs, they're not bad cars, in fact I would say they're excellent cars, but I'm not sure I'd want to own one because of the stigma that comes with them. Smug, snobby wealthy people who drive like pricks. Audi is getting that way these days too, not really sure why.Recently though an even bigger issue has overshadowed all this and that's people driving around while glued to their smartphone and not watching where they're going. The last few years I've been seeing that in all types of cars and it's getting worse all the time. They're scarier than the drunks.

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 07:25:07 pm
content: Yikes.....

author: dexters_lab
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 07:38:35 pm
content: tech i'd send to room 101... anything made by appleon a different angle though i'd love to throw a brick in a big centrifuge or a CT scanner on full chat... photonicinduction style, in the name of science

author: Jeroen3
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 07:56:26 pm
content: Quote from: NANDBlog on May 02, 2017, 03:37:51 pmHave you seen the French drive cars? It's amazing they don't have accidents every 100 meter... It why they've developedthis.Also keep clear ofMercedes A, they contain old people.

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2017, 02:06:57 am
content: Quote from: NANDBlog on May 02, 2017, 09:09:50 amthat would be zero, since there's no such car.

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2017, 02:09:01 am
content: Quote from: james_s on May 02, 2017, 03:28:30 pmPeugeot

author: rrinker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2017, 02:09:41 am
content: Quote from: Halcyon on May 02, 2017, 09:02:37 amBut it's not as legal to shoot them in those other places. Ha!

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2017, 02:15:16 am
content: No one puts out uglier or bigger piece of shit cars than the American automakers... blow em all up.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2017, 05:45:01 am
content: Quote from: P90 on May 03, 2017, 02:09:01 amSorry, I'm not French, Peugeot cars have not been sold in my country for more than 20 years and I haven't seen one in more than a decade, excuse my spelling.

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2017, 06:04:26 am
content: Ok, video #1 for the LOGITECH fans, includes keyboards, mice, video cards, cameras, cell phones and 2 bottles of water (This is better than blowing these items up!):

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2017, 06:17:56 am
content: Video #2 & #3, floppy discs & VHS tapes. (this should be enough, though this guy has done video other tech as well.)

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2017, 09:18:05 am
content: Guys, please go easy on the product hate agroisn't there already a shortage of female talent on EEV ?

author: cleaningOut
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2017, 07:17:17 pm
content: ...

author: Avacee
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 03, 2017, 08:27:33 pm
content: Does Wix count as a tech? - I want to blow them up for their YouTube advert before what feels like every video I watch at the moment.If I ever wanted to do a website it won't be using wix.Why doesn't YouTube have a "Never ever show me an advert from this company again .... ever" button?As for tech to shoot? ... I want to fire a Railgun

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2017, 09:24:27 pm
content: Quote from: P90 on May 03, 2017, 02:15:16 amBoooo. Not all of them are bad. Heck, Fords are all over Europe.Quote from: Electro Detective on May 03, 2017, 09:18:05 amYou saying women are incapable of wanting to destroy annoying tech? If anything they are more inclined to do so.

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2017, 10:52:30 pm
content: Quote from: TwoOfFive on May 03, 2017, 09:24:27 pmMaybe in your part of town, anywhere else they just upgrade to the newest model overpriced pos, same deal as last time. EasyLife is short, why waste time finding the reset button.. when you can go shopping ?

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2017, 11:22:28 am
content: Quote from: Avacee on May 03, 2017, 08:27:33 pmIt has. It is called Adblock. I dont leave 127.0.0.1 without it.

author: NivagSwerdna
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2017, 11:41:28 am
content: Homeplug(It almost works)

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2017, 01:18:48 pm
content: HP Laserjet 3600.Well it's not so much the hardware that is bad, but the driver. That was the bane of my existance when I was a server tech. That driver will single handedly take down the entire print spooler just by looking at it funny. It's kind of hard to smash a driver so may as well smash the printer.

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2017, 02:37:34 am
content: My #2:Any piece of gear with obese spurted cRapacitors, that the tight @$$ manufacturer has placed in tight skin cutting places,..that only a double barrel shotgun can access quickly and easily

author: dmills
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2017, 10:24:56 am
content: Doubly so when they sandwich them between boards with soldered wiring around the edges stopping you getting them apart without major disassembly.Anritsu, looking at you (That company sure does love electrolytic caps, hundreds of 'em in difficult to access locations).You know what the difference between something that can be expected to fail and something that is not expected to fail is? When the thing that is not expected to fail fails you cannot get to it without a total strip down.73 Dan.

author: OpenCircuit
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2017, 10:32:14 am
content: Damn thing can't even read a 5v reference signal and get it right. The pain this POS caused me.Anyone planning a recorded detonation for all of us to see, let me know and I will send this in.ETEK 10709https://www.walmart.com/ip/Digital-Multimeter-10709/14521541

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2017, 10:42:18 am
content: (1) Pcb Milling machines.(2) cheap nasty pick and place machines

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2017, 11:13:00 am
content: Quote from: Red Squirrel on May 04, 2017, 01:18:48 pmFunny thing is, all these HP printers require some 200MB drivers with built in bullshit to print something. And then I kid you not, at some point I saw some linux driver hacked for a PIC32, was able to print full pages B&W, with graphs. All in a 512KB microcontroller.

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2017, 12:28:41 pm
content: Quote from: NANDBlog on May 05, 2017, 11:13:00 amHahaha yeah it's ridiculous how bloated the drivers are, no reason for that.

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2017, 03:00:19 pm
content: Quote from: TwoOfFive on May 03, 2017, 09:24:27 pmJust watch the Mythbusters episode where Kari tears down a car in order to test how well duct tape can patch it.Quote from: OpenCircuit on May 05, 2017, 10:32:14 amSend it to Joe Smith if you want it destroyed in a scientific manner, or to Photonicinduction if you just want it to go pop.Quote from: NivagSwerdna on May 04, 2017, 11:41:28 amHomeplug over phone line works like a charm, but doesn't coexist with DSL.

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2017, 07:35:52 am
content: Cars that speak. Anytime I have to drive a recent model car and it speaks to me, I have a strong urge to pull over to the side of the road and set fire to the damned thing. No! Car, you have nothing to say that I want to hear. Also, I already know when my seatbelt is not done up, and if I'm backing up I can judge the distance to objects better than your damned ultrasonic sensors, that act and sound more like demented bats.How many accidents are caused by cars distracting and infuriating their drivers with all this unwanted bullshit?Also, cars that have constantly on wireless WAN connections. Not acceptable.

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2017, 08:10:15 am
content: Quote from: TerraHertz on May 06, 2017, 07:35:52 amlike the old p.o.s. nissans that would say shit like "your door is ajar." annoying indeed!

author: Towger
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2017, 08:34:32 am
content: Quote from: TwoOfFive on May 01, 2017, 05:48:59 pmIt is, the American in you and it also partly depends on the part of America. My in law's live in Texas and even their relations from other parts of the states think they are totally gun mad down there Comming from Europe, we tend to think you are all gun nuts!

author: Towger
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2017, 08:54:46 am
content: Quote from: TerraHertz on May 06, 2017, 07:35:52 amI have not seen a car that speaks since the 80s. Do you still have them down there?It reminds me of a story I heard years ago about an owner of one such car blowing his top at having to listen to it telling him a bulb had failed every few minutes on a 3 hour drive....

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2017, 02:40:04 pm
content: They recently installed a new talking self-checkout system at the local K____ store. It is very obnoxious."Item one dollar... and fifty nine centsdiscount thirty cents" (yes, no pause it runs together)."Price one dollar... and twentynine cents"Things that must be weighed, if you don't remove the item from the scale within 0.1 microseconds,"Please place your...bell peppers...in the bagging area" as if I didn't know to do that.The installer must have been half deaf because the 3 (yes, only 3) volume settings are loud, louder, and off. It's on by default, can be easily understood from 50 feet away, and they crammed twelve of these into a 15x30 foot area. It's a busy store and between 11 am and 8 pm it's normal that all will be in use at once. You can imagine the din.To top it off, the on screen UI is that ugly flat style where you can't tell the buttons from the background.

author: Neomys Sapiens
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2017, 05:12:11 pm
content: Either a LeCroy scope (choose one) or a Dr.Klaschka PLC from the 80s.The latter was so unbearable clumsy an unflexible and behind the state of the art, and yet some companies stuck to it doggedly. The only possible explanation is a combination of graft and sadism.Also, I will never forget the LC scope that changed the trigger when you changed the horizontal factor. It really evoked violent feelings.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2017, 07:06:20 pm
content: If SW could be smashed, I would choose the crap that corporate IT puts in our PCs: Connected TLM and Checkpoint. The former is a terribly inefficient and buggy backup program and the latter is HDD/SDD encryption software, which steals a great deal that a M.2 SDD could give you.OTOH, I like Logitech gear a lot - that is my choice of mice for more than 15 years.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 06, 2017, 07:16:02 pm
content: Quote from: P90 on May 06, 2017, 08:10:15 amMy door is a door, not a jar. I had a friend that had one of those cars. Hated being in it.

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2017, 09:04:17 pm
content: Quote from: TerraHertz on May 06, 2017, 07:35:52 amFunny you say that because when I was a kid my grandma had a car that spoke in French, and it caught on fire while I was out with her blueberry picking. We were in the middle of the forest and I see a huge cloud of smoke but it kinda looked like clouds so I mention it to her and she was not too worried so we keep going for a while. We eventually finish up and head back to the car only to find it in flames. It was an open enough area that it did not start a forest fire, thankfully.Nobody knows what it said while it was on fire but I always joked it probably went "Au feu! Au feu!". That poor car.

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2017, 12:50:08 am
content: Quote from: Towger on May 06, 2017, 08:34:32 amI live in Schenectady, New York, right near where GE was founded. We are the morereasonableliberal part of the US, but you can walk into the super Walmart and buy a hunting rifle.I personally don't own a gun, nor have I ever touched one. But the stereotypes of a fat, stupid, gunslinging American isn't far off. You can walk down the street and maybe find a tenth of the people in good shape. We elected a giant cheeto for president, and guns are legal to own and use in every single state by constitutional right. There are more guns in this country than there are people by a decent amount.I plan to head to Germany at my earliest convenience. I am 15 and I am about to go full time into college in a year. (Currently just doing maths classes) so once I am out of college, I am gonna make it my goal to move.But regardless, I do understand the allure of sending shit to hell with the biggest damned gun in the world. It's a primal rage thing, and even in video games, it's just so satisfying.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2017, 02:24:11 am
content: Quote from: NANDBlog on May 02, 2017, 03:37:51 pmIt may be in more recent years. One of the best cars I ever had was a 406 - very similar to the one shown in the picture below. I had to sell it when I moved to the US in 2006

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2017, 04:39:24 pm
content: This was today.......

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2017, 11:09:23 pm
content: Quote from: SeanB on May 07, 2017, 04:39:24 pmnew slim version? LOL

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 08, 2017, 05:19:39 am
content: I had an Epson printer once....When it worked it was OK - but one day it decided to be a pain and insist the new ink cartridge I had put in was not genuine Epson. I thought it was - but I went to a local, official, overpriced stockist and bought a new one.It still complained it wasn't genuine.I then went through several efforts to make it see sense - all to no avail.I felt like taking it into Epson's head office, going off and smashing it into gravel in the lobby. However, the only satisfaction I got was flinging it 5m into the skip bin at the local eWaste collection facility.

author: BradC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2017, 05:24:46 am
content: Quote from: cleaningOut on May 03, 2017, 07:17:17 pmI actually don't mind SPIN. I guess growing up with Pascal it was kinda second nature. If you can tolerate the speed of an interpreted language it makes for pretty rapid prototyping.Not much fun to write a compiler for however.The propeller itself is ok, and I've probably still got 20 or so proto-boards here for quick lashups, but I went back to the PIC for real work. The "boot" time of the Propeller in loading itself from SPI ram just sealed the deal.The fact they still haven't got MKII out the door is pretty damning also.

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2017, 06:36:43 am
content: Quote from: Brumby on May 08, 2017, 05:19:39 amAh, that's why you need a printer like this:It doesn't care what ink you put in it, because it doesn't know what ink is even in it. Yes this is dot matrix, and yes I do use this for printing because it can print almost anything onto anything for barely anything. It works on any computer with a parallel port, even on a Commodore 64/128, and it's built like a tank.Interestingly enough, it's actually a 230v printer, and as can be seen by the printer I am using 120v through a step up converter. This thing can print on anything from standard A4/Letter paper to entire envelopes and cardstock.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2017, 05:11:57 pm
content: If you open it up ( turn upside down, pull platen wheel off, undo 4 screws with arrow marks) you will find, near the power transformer, a small brown SRBP board with the mains filter, fuse and more importantly, a 120V jumper position marked, with a red wire and a diagram of how to move it to make it 120VAC.While you have it open, a drop of oil on all the bushes, a drop on the motor bearings and a good dedusting will make it like new again, plus a drop on the head slide will help as well.Think I still have some ribbons around for that model in the cupboard.How is the head, that is the only part you cannot get any more, and if that 24 pin unit dies it is scrap, though you can live with an almighty amount of slop in pin guides, you just get wriggly printing.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2017, 05:13:54 pm
content: Quote from: P90 on May 07, 2017, 11:09:23 pmThe concrete paving brick it is resting on was intact when I started, the other I used as the actual percussive force applicator survived, this one did not.

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2017, 09:52:42 pm
content: LOL

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2017, 09:55:41 pm
content: Quote from: SeanB on May 08, 2017, 05:11:57 pmHoly shit. I didn't know that. I think I am going to leave it though as I already have 230v power for my commodore stuff. I have around 3-4 spare ribbons, and I don't print like crazy so it should be fine.And the head is fairly good. It shows no signs to me of breaking, but I don't entirely know what signs those would be.

author: Inverted18650
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2017, 02:16:08 am
content: Melted with 25.5V and 15A's through it. Amazingly the PCB is still working. Just I'd still like to put a couple blocks of C4 (P=plenty for all the Sappers) on it for the headaches.Running 2x255W panels in parallel, through the controller, to 4x13.7V@20Ah SLA packs. Powering a couple 90W automotive fans for air ventilation in a small DIY greenhouse. Fun project

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 09, 2017, 03:07:21 am
content: Reminds me of my car solar battery charger I have on my dashboard.My car tends to make short trips these days and this little trickle charger seems to match my usage, keeping my battery ready to rock. Unfortunately, sitting on the dash in the baking sun seems to have exceeded the casing's structural integrity limits.It is sad to look at - but it still works!Is it too much to expect the manufacturer use a plastic that could handle the environment?

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2017, 06:22:12 pm
content: Quote from: Brumby on May 09, 2017, 03:07:21 amWhat would be nice was if it was made out of a good material like wood or metal, but I am old fashioned so that's just me.

author: Cubdriver
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 10, 2017, 03:37:36 am
content: C'mon, guys - expecting manufacturers to make a solar charger that can withstand being in the sun? Being just a bit unrealistic there, aren't you?-Pat

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 10, 2017, 04:45:33 am
content: Maybe they made it for the Alaskan sun - not the Australian sun.

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2017, 05:29:41 am
content: Quote from: TwoOfFive on May 08, 2017, 06:36:43 amlet me guess, you drive an AMC Gremlin... lol

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2017, 06:12:43 am
content: I don't drive yet.

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2017, 06:17:03 am
content: Quote from: TwoOfFive on May 10, 2017, 06:12:43 amlucky you... I wish I could say that...

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2017, 06:44:05 am
content: Quote from: P90 on May 10, 2017, 06:17:03 amYou wouldn't want to. It takes me 1.5 hours one way to go to the next city over. Imagine 3 hours of being on a bus 5 days a week. Fortunately I don't have to go to that city that often, and I don't have to go on a bus 5 days a week.

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2017, 01:38:07 am
content: For those who don't approve of the violence of explosives or firearms, feel free to substitute a hydraulic press or recycling shredder.

author: t_ryner
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2017, 01:59:17 am
content: I'd use a shaped charge on the biggest CRT Tv I could get my hands on. That, or I'd conduct a controlled demolition of a bank of these .

author: karoru
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2017, 02:41:42 am
content: Quote from: dexters_lab on May 02, 2017, 07:38:35 pmThrowing a brick into high-speed centrifuge is a miracle - it multiplies amount of bricks by at least an order of magnitude. Caveat - only if wall of the room is made of bricks. And it WILL kill you, even pretty innocent looking one, objects that fly and rotate at very high speeds aren't fun. Over the course of history there was plenty of very unfunny accidents in biological labs.

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2017, 02:51:29 pm
content: Quote from: t_ryner on May 11, 2017, 01:59:17 amBefore you do, let me grab a rack of them, I've been looking for some new servers.

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2017, 09:36:00 am
content: my#3A Windows 10 PC that's gone belly up, with a corrupt Bios and HD password BS to seal the dealDouble barrel...BOOM!----------------------my#4Any crAPPLe MAC pos with infinite beach ball loopTWO DOUBLE BARRELS(at the Mac, not the semi-bankrupt idiot owner)

author: t_ryner
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2017, 12:38:44 pm
content: Quote from: TwoOfFive on May 11, 2017, 02:51:29 pmSure, I'd need to get a bank first. Blowing up a unit while they are online at for example; facebook, would present a massive logistical and technical issue.

author: Le_Bassiste
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2017, 06:07:00 pm
content: here are my all-time favourites1) HP scanner-/printer-drivers2) Websites and apps that feature light blue text on light grey background as latest and greatest achievement in web-design3) harley-davidson motorbikes that run on internal combustion engines4) any piece of equipment that comes with documentation printed in 1pt. text size5) talking GPS & in-car systems6) e-readers that silently kill your purchased e-books upon license changes7) smartphones that accept text input from my earlobesDSOs that boot forever9) windows boxes that need finish urgent upgrades when i'm in a hurry...well, you guessed it. this thread puts me into grumpy-mode

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2017, 04:08:54 am
content: Blow up any POS Android phone, tablet, or other Android enabled device!!!

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 10:53:12 am
content: Not sure if it's been mentioned, butcheap crappy multimeterswould be awesome for clay pigeon shootingIf you don't favor noise or guns, take the pos meters out on the golf range for a relaxing gameDon't forget to bring a sledge hammer in case the game isn't going your way

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 12:09:32 pm
content: Quote from: Electro Detective on May 16, 2017, 10:53:12 amDisagree DisagreeNot enough butane cannons

author: cprobertson1
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 12:35:43 pm
content: Any piece of tech to gratuitously obliterate... hmm...Those exhaust pipes the size dustbins that sound like a constipated elephant relieving itself every time they stop at a set of traffic lights... to say nothing of the people who paid somebody to "custom fit" it to their car.Wait... does that count as a technology?You occasionally see them in parking lots strutting their blinged up wheels...ew... I'll never say that again, I promise.- it reminds me of male gorillas posturing in front of each other. They even share the same swagger, grunting noises, the hooting, and oftentimes beating one's chest is indicated as well.

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 12:37:23 pm
content: Quote from: cprobertson1 on May 16, 2017, 12:35:43 pmThis is why slapping by the public should be a punishment.

author: cprobertson1
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 12:38:33 pm
content: Quote from: TwoOfFive on May 16, 2017, 12:37:23 pmWait, because of my posting? Or the contents of my post :O Please don't slap me. I dont like pain! It hurts meIf regarding the slapping of the general public by the general public, then - yeah, definitely. I used to work in retail and....... I've seen things, man... I've seen things

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 12:40:35 pm
content: Quote from: cprobertson1 on May 16, 2017, 12:35:43 pmI thought that was universally understood that they should be blown up and or crushed! I call those ridiculous exhaust tips "coffee cans." Those little shits and their obnoxious noisy wanna be race cars should be physically removed from public roads... and they're mostly POS Subaru drivers... LOL

author: cprobertson1
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 01:11:37 pm
content: I've only seen one Suburu with the 24" exhausts... round here it tends to be various small cars - Ford Focus-styled cars -- usually small hatchbacks and an extra shot-glass of cylinder volume.And LEDs in places where LEDs should never be go... such sacrilage

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 01:14:27 pm
content: Quote from: cprobertson1 on May 16, 2017, 01:11:37 pmBut all the other cool kids have LEDs...

author: cprobertson1
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 01:27:06 pm
content: Quote from: P90 on May 16, 2017, 01:14:27 pmNot on their car's brake mechanisms they don't! Unto not the car's butt shall LEDs be placed!--EDIT--Just thought of something worse than gutter-pipe-sized exhausts...The clothes Iron.Let's face it: ironing clothes is pointless. It's something you do for other people with no benefit whatsoever and no return.When was the last time somebody said to you - "Oh, nice shirt - did you iron it yourself? I quite like the crease in the collar; did you have it set to high or low steam?"NEVERSeriously, an hour every week that I will NEVER get back... what a waste - do you know how much SCIENCETMI could do with an hour! About 50-minutes' worth

author: Zbig
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 01:52:14 pm
content: Quote from: P90 on May 16, 2017, 12:40:35 pmI'm pretty sure the "official" established name for these on the Internet is "fart cans". At least that's how they were referred as in pretty much every forum discussion I came across while researchinghow to set on fire those POS cars of the POS losers driving them without being caughtthis nice and colorful subculture.

author: cprobertson1
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 02:05:06 pm
content: @ZBig - "Fart Cans" - what a name xDWe should start a subculture of EE folk who pimp their labs.Oscilloscopes with backlit dials, neon lit undersides, and RGB-LED fans that change colour depending on the channel in use! Scientific Calculators (casio, of course) with chrome fenders and custom 'foils! Multimeters with airhorns that play "La Cucaracha" when you take a measurement! Benches with alloy wheels and fuzzy dice hanging from the shelves! Sig-Gens with retractable disco-balls! Reclinable lab-stools with leopard print velour! Blinged up Labcoats with gold trim, worn to the side like a 90's cap! Soldering irons with subwoofers! LCR Meters with integral Fishtanks!The possibilities are endless!Oh god, I've gone mad with power... Some of those ideas actually sounded... cool...And now I return you to your regularly scheduled thread...--EDIT-- totally going to start a youtube show called "Pimp my Lab"

author: Zbig
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 03:12:48 pm
content: I'm afraid I'm dangerously close as I currently use 6 x Philips Hue (full RGB + white temperature control from smartphone, etc.) GU10 overhead spots in my lab/mancave! And currently I'm in the process of installing Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus on the wall-facing, rear desk's edge to highlight the shadows by bouncing light off the wall

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 03:18:11 pm
content: I mean we should start slapping the bumblechucks who drive their cars into poles.

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 09:01:31 pm
content: I haven't searched all the pages above this. Did anyone mention gasoline-powered leaf blowers? Besides the obscene amount of noise, it has been reported that a two-stroke engined blower "emits more pollutants than a 6,200-pound 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor" (full-size pickup truck).

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 09:21:39 pm
content: Quote from: TimFox on May 16, 2017, 09:01:31 pmfunny you should mention that... the gardners were outside all day with those blowers today!

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 09:45:25 pm
content: Quote from: TimFox on May 16, 2017, 09:01:31 pmNo shit. They are tiny engines with small, maybe even not existent catalytic converters. The truck is a modern piece of automotive equipment with a good catalytic converter, with some elements of efficiency in mind.

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 09:50:13 pm
content: same goes for Harleys and most other motorcycles... they are gross polluters that should be wiped off the face of the earth...

author: Fred27
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 10:05:27 pm
content: Not my Zero FXS! 100% electric and practically silent. Way more fun than a Harley too. They're only for accounts with a midlife crisis.

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 10:07:36 pm
content: Quote from: Fred27 on May 16, 2017, 10:05:27 pmsilent is golden!also good for doing a drive-by. LOL

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 10:11:22 pm
content: Quote from: P90 on May 16, 2017, 09:50:13 pmHarleys used to sound awesome with good tones,now they sound like ear splitting sluggish revving sonic fartsI've noticed the farts that ride themare always looking around and watching their backsOn the run from the fashion police perhaps?

author: Fred27
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 10:12:59 pm
content: I can't believe nobody has mentioned Arduinos yet. Look at me! Look at me! I bought two shields, download other people's bloated libraries, joined then up with a single "if" statement and think I'm an electronics genius. (Unless it didn't work first time, in which case I'll go onto a forum and demand someone tells me right away why it doesn't work.)

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 10:19:37 pm
content: Quote from: Fred27 on May 16, 2017, 10:12:59 pmno need to mention... it's a given... arduino=loser.

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 10:26:43 pm
content: What I don't get is how people buy Arduinos when they can buy 4-8 Pi Zeros for the same price? I mean the Pi Zero (Or even a regular Pi) has more processing power, potentially more GPIO, and if you go for a Pi 3, it has wireless networking built in. It's also a HECK of a lot easier to get a display on a Raspi as it has the display connectors.

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 10:32:05 pm
content: Quote from: P90 on May 16, 2017, 10:19:37 pmHow many can be squeezed into a clay pigeon firing thingie?(the arduiNOs, not the losers)

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 11:42:04 pm
content: Quote from: Electro Detective on May 16, 2017, 10:32:05 pmTwo easily and depending on the length of the throwing arm, maybe three.They'd come out ~45 degrees apart so some quick draw McGraw skills would be needed to bag the triple.

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2017, 12:53:33 am
content: In the United States, if we have two targets, we don't rely on a fast shooter to hit them. We don't even rely on a bullet. Here in the States, we use nukes.Two targets, two nukes, dead.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2017, 12:57:34 am
content: Quote from: TwoOfFive on May 17, 2017, 12:53:33 amThese days maybe, let's hope nobody's ever silly enough to pull the trigger.Once upon a time you Yanks were know for: if there's lead in the air there's hope.

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2017, 03:54:28 am
content: Quote from: tautech on May 17, 2017, 12:57:34 amThey wouldn't dare, not only is it bad for business and trade,dying survivors will ferret out the trigger pullers and sort them out quick smart,no matter how many miles underground or remote location they do a runner to

author: BradC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2017, 09:08:49 am
content: Quote from: TwoOfFive on May 16, 2017, 10:26:43 pmIf you haven't figured out the numerous applications that are absolutely suited to an Ardweenie and totally not suited to a Pi then you need to hand your nerd card back now.Price is immaterial when you are trying to do tasks in real time, and trust me Linux is good, but it's no RTOS.

author: Zbig
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2017, 10:00:22 am
content: Quote from: BradC on May 17, 2017, 09:08:49 amThere's another aspect to it as well. Me, for instance, after 11 years working with computer systems professionally and countless years prior (and parallel) to that geeking about with computers in my free time, I don't want to fiddle with just another PC, only smaller, for my hobby electronics projects. I don't have a Raspberry Pi because the concept is totally unappealing to me. I just couldn't possibly care less for just another Linux PC. If I want to write another Python script, I'll do that in a Virtual Machine running on my real computer. When I fiddle with electronics, I want to be on the near-hardware level. The last thing I want is being a Linux user writing another bash script on another PC. I don't say there aren't valid use cases for full-blown Linux stack in hobby projects or commercial products. My point is that "more MIPS for a buck" is not necessarily the prime factor for hobbyists choosing the hardware platform for their EE hobby.

author: Kilrah
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 17, 2017, 10:05:01 am
content: I've looked like crazy for hours but still can't find where the freaking ADC pins are hiding on the Pi.Also, any cost savings will be offset ten fold by software development time. If you've got an actual need for the high level functions/networking/processing power/IO throughput yes, but that's rarely the case in hobby projects and if not you're wasting your time with one.

author: cprobertson1
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2017, 11:21:45 am
content: Oh, I dunno about the price point... you can pick up an arduino clone for £2-5 these days, and an arduino nano clone for £<1 - good if you want to prototype something or develop a proof of concept.Granted, I've only really embedded them in projects that happen to need a USB port (because its convenient having the USB built on to the board xD) - for pretty much everything else I'd just use a standalone uC.Anyway, OP seemed to be complaining about thescript-kiddie-esque culture that seems to have grown up around the arduino, rather than the arduino itself. Unfortunately that's what happens when you have a lot of younger people starting off in electronics - you can hash together things and still be proud of it - though the temperaments ofsomeof them leave a lot to be desired... especially the forum-monkeys you mentioned who hash together other people's code, can't get it to work, and demand their community fix it for them xDSure, if they learn from it, great! Mission accomplished! But there are few stotters* about that not only seem to grab all the limelight, but also seem to be of the sort that you don't/can't forget about!*Scottish word - I'll let you look it up yourself

author: perieanuo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2017, 02:46:50 pm
content: Some politiciansEnvoyé de mon iPad en utilisant Tapatalk

author: Kilrah
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 17, 2017, 05:10:02 pm
content: Quote from: cprobertson1 on May 17, 2017, 11:21:45 amAnd sometimes I have to laugh even at that. Sure it's not what will give you the pride of your life... but the job of an engineer is often to find and implement the most efficient tool for the job, rarely to make the most technically perfect and original implementation... And yes, there are many times where an Arduino, existing libs, and a few lines of code to tie them together ARE the most efficient tool for the job.

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2017, 06:07:22 pm
content: Who said anything about Linux?There are a host of incredibly low level operating systems for the RasPi, and if all else fails, Assembly is as real time as you can get.

author: Zbig
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2017, 10:12:24 pm
content: Quote from: TwoOfFive on May 17, 2017, 06:07:22 pmI'm curious, care to name one? Also, how does one go about coding for Raspberry Pi in assembly without all the underlying, proprietary, closed drivers for the Broadcom SoC?

author: karoru
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2017, 01:09:27 am
content: These extension bars with rivets instead of screws. Instead of promoting electrical safety they promote duct-tape solutions to scratches/breaks on power cord as it's nearly impossible to replace the cord without either destructing the bar or cutting the cable somewhere and extending whilst making some heatshrink and electrical tape contraption.

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2017, 01:24:48 am
content: Quote from: TwoOfFive on May 16, 2017, 10:26:43 pmPlease tell me where you are getting Pi Zeros for less than $3 each.

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2017, 02:00:25 am
content: Please tell me where you are buying full Arduinos for 12 bucks a pop.

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2017, 02:56:54 am
content: Quote from: Fred27 on May 16, 2017, 10:12:59 pmTo be fair I think Arduinos are a great gateway to microcontroler programming. And because there's a big community effort it's easier to find stuff on google.Try to search for "How to interface with xxx sensor on Atmel" vs "how to interface with xxx sensor with Arduino" and you'll get more results for Arduino. So even if you're programming the chip directly all the Arduino resources out there will make it easier by providing code samples etc.

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2017, 04:54:18 am
content: Quote from: TwoOfFive on May 18, 2017, 02:00:25 amThat's about how much the Arduino Mega goes for on Amazon.https://smile.amazon.com/Elegoo-ATmega2560-ATMEGA16U2-Compatible-Arduino/dp/B01H4ZLZLQ/

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2017, 05:35:28 am
content: Quote from: blueskull on May 18, 2017, 05:10:48 amYeah I'm a fan of using the Atmel chips directly but I still use the Arduino libraries. I guess it's cheating but hey it works.I find it's really hard to find proper code samples if you want to code the chips without Arduino. Datasheet has some basic samples and that's about it.I did a solar project where I just wanted to display the voltage and current and have a few other options such as a low voltage cut off and a delay cut off where you push a button and it counts down. I made it so you could hook up a USB cable to a laptop and serial in to configure it. It also had all sorts of other debug info etc.Whenever I get around to playing around with building a SMPS I'll probably use Arduino as well. I'm thinking I should be able to use the PWM outputs for the switching then the analog inputs for voltage/current sense. I'll add a serial interface for advance setting/diagnostics and other fun stuff. For a fixed voltage PSU it probably makes more sense to use a discrete chip though.