hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Lead free vs leaded for desoldering station - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: cravenhaven
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2013, 04:56:54 am
content: I have been following the several conversations about desoldering stations and saw that element14 had the Tenma unit for a reasonable price. In the specs it says it is a "lead free" rework station so I wanted to know if there is any difference or effect from using leaded solder in a device designed for lead-free solder.http://au.element14.com/tenma/21-10130-uk-eu/rework-station-900w-220v-uk-eu/dp/206263301

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2013, 05:13:24 pm
content: None. Lead free means no lead content in the construction, most particularly lead alloy solder or leaded solder used to tin soldering iron tips, whatever tips are provided with it.Better soldering station makers use better tip alloys or thicken the Fe content of their 'lead free' tips to deal with the more corrosive effects of 3 killers of soldering iron tips: lead free solder alloys, its more aggressive fluxes, and the higher melting temps used. But its most likely the've reused their old designed tips and simply tinned them with lead-free solder, and that's it. But if you keep your tip temps as low as possible, choose a lead free alloy with a low melting point, keep tips clean of residual flux, and your station provides good temp regulation and thermal recovery, you can optimize wear rates of standard tips using lead free solder.http://www.elexp.com/tips/Weller_Coping_with_Lead_Free.pdfQuote from: cravenhaven on November 07, 2013, 04:56:54 am
Yihau 995D Solder & Hot Air - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Twistx77
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2013, 04:27:31 pm
content: Hi,I'm looking for a new soldering iron + hot air. I want something good but I don't want to spend 350€ for a soldering iron like PACE or JBC. I know the chinese brands are not the best quality but I've tested some atten ones and they are pretty good compared with my rusty 30W JBC. At work I have the JBC which heats up in 3 seconds. It is pretty sweet but I can't spend that kind of money and I also need a hot air station while I don't have much space to spare so I figured I could get a 2 in 1. I saw the Atten 8586 it seems ok but I've found an offer for a Yihau 995D which seems a bit better. It has an sleep function which is something I really find useful, the temperature control seems better than others and also the looks of it are way better.Can anyone give me an opinion on this unit?Thanks!

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2013, 06:58:11 pm
content: From what I have seen Yihua products seem to have decent construction, nothing looks overtly cheap. There are some photos about if you can google well.I have 4 Yihua 936 soldering station clones ($15, non digital) and will eventually get a couple Yihua 858D hot air stations ($70, digital). It works out to be the same price as what your after at around $85 (USD) total.I'm planning to mod my 936's and I'm not too concerned about digital display on either really. Once I've checked it's calibrated and stable an "on" and "at temp" LED is going to be what I need in the way of features.

author: Twistx77
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2013, 03:55:34 pm
content: Thanks.At least as you said they some seem as cheap as the other Chinese brands. Only time will tell if they are good or not.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2013, 04:07:28 am
content: How much you paying for the Yihua 995D?

author: Twistx77
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2013, 09:52:25 am
content: About 110€ but they don't have stock right now.
LED driver board - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: cavlovic
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2013, 04:33:50 pm
content: Hey guys,I have auxiliary LED lights on my motorcycle, but water got inside one of them (twice) and they rusted inside. First time I cleaned them up and they worked for a while, but water got inside again and this time they are toasted. By toasted, I mean LED driver board needs to be replaced. LED attached to a heatsink works (tried it with my power supply directly at 3.7v).Here's pictures of LED driver board:Board is produced by TRIAL TECH part no. 3180-PCB, v2.3.2.I'm almost certain that I will not find the same exact one to replace, but it is worth a shot to ask here as someone here may even work there - this is a big communityIf I don't find that board, I will have to get 2 new ones (for both lights) - they shouldn't be hard to find, but will need to find ones with 2 holes for screws, and that could be a problem.Btw, this is 3 mode driver board, and both aux led lights cost over 300 eur, so I wouldn't like to throw that much money away\Any input is appreciated!Thanks,Balsa

author: cavlovic
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2013, 04:38:08 pm
content: Forgot to mention that current draw at 12v is:mode 1: 250mAhmode 2: 500mAhmode 3: 1000mAh

author: con-f-use
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 02, 2013, 05:05:07 pm
content: Good luck. If you get a replacement, double coat it with some protective spray. Just in case.

author: macboy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2013, 01:29:02 pm
content: It won't be exact, but you may find something workable at deal extreme.http://dx.com/s/led+driver+12v

author: Corporate666
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 04, 2013, 11:40:44 pm
content: Is it not perhaps "TRAIL TECH" and not "TRIAL TECH"?If so, these guys?http://www.trailtech.net/lighting/led/led-motorcylceHave you tried contacting them about getting a replacement board (maybe even under warranty)?You mentioned 3.7V so I am guessing these are white LED's for auxiliary forward lighting? Can you read off the part numbers on the chips (especially the one where the corrosion/rust is on the wire-side of the board)? It's possibly some sort of standard module.

author: cavlovic
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2013, 03:25:59 pm
content: Quote from: Corporate666 on November 04, 2013, 11:40:44 pmYou are completely right... Its TRAIL TECH. Thank you very much for details, I already sent them an email. I doubt they will replace them under warranty as I have modified lights with an external intensity switch, replacing internal pushbutton switch. This way I can control both lights with one switch and right from my dashboard.Coroded part is M121AD, A3D0.Quote from: macboy on November 04, 2013, 01:29:02 pmI already went through all those, but they will not fit as they are smaller in diameter, and since this is motorcycle equipment I need it to sit securely inside. If I don't find any replacement board, I will get external driver circuit for it and mount it somewhere on the bike I guess.
RIP my wire cutter! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mianchen
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2013, 02:56:36 pm
content: Too handy to use when trying to open up a case.... bam!I should not have done that!Why didn't I use the cheap arse cutter

author: Clint
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2013, 03:16:02 pm
content: You give up too easy, a reshape and sharpen on a nice fine grinder wheel will give you an awesome pair of small nose cutters

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2013, 05:05:45 pm
content: On the next one order the steel wire cutting option.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2013, 06:28:52 pm
content: Please post a warning if showing mutilation imagery.

author: staxquad
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2013, 07:33:44 pm
content: hardened steel is brittle (Samurai swords would break in an instant while used if the hard edge was not backed by softer metal)I used a long Zwilling J.A.Henckels paring knife to remove the plastic shrink wrap around the top of a bottle of soya sauce and 1 cm of the tip broke off, wtf! Had removed that bit of plastic quite a few times before using the same knife, all I was doing was slitting the plastic then pulling the rest off with my fingers, use something else now.Ground it down to usability, but get reminded of my blunder every time I use the knife. It will always look shorter.

author: staxquad
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2013, 07:35:49 pm
content: Quote from: SeanB on November 03, 2013, 05:05:45 pmthat will probably be even more brittlenever break the intended use law, you'll always eventually get arrested

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2013, 08:12:41 pm
content: My knife sharpener cost $500. Not the intended use but what do you do with a broken precision dispenser, made from quartz glass and ceramic, if it has been dropped and the quartz outer shatters, but the plunger is still perfect. A new quartz cylinder costs the same as the whole Hirschmann dispenser, so we buy new ones. I use the old ceramic inner cylinders as knife dressers, round and very capable in dressing high carbon steel blades. You can hone a blade to razor sharpness with it very easily, and all you need is water to clean the ceramic and cool the blade.
Weller Wx1012 US model in Europe - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Fonnesbek
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 23, 2013, 11:47:01 am
content: Hi is there someone who has the weller wx soldering station who can check if the transformer has a 240volt primary winding, so it can be used in Europe ?ThanksFonnesbek

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2013, 06:28:22 pm
content: I've never seen Weller use multiple primaries to handle different voltage standards (they've all been region specific, so the transformer would have to be swapped).That said, is there a particular reason you're not able/willing to use a suitably sized step down transformer to get it to work?I ask, as a 300W step down isn't that expensive.

author: Fonnesbek
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 25, 2013, 08:34:50 am
content: Thanks but I was hoping to avoid a step down

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2013, 04:32:10 pm
content: Quote from: Fonnesbek on October 25, 2013, 08:34:50 amYou could try and replace the transformer in the unit, but I'm not sure if that will be cost effective. I suspect the step-down would be both easier and less expensive, particularly if you get the replacement transformer from Weller (not exactly inexpensive on replacement parts these days).Maybe put the step-down on a shelf or the floor to save from using bench space?

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2013, 05:44:53 pm
content: If they have normal transformers , then buy two units and put them in series. If thats too expensive buy one in your local shop.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2013, 06:57:43 pm
content: Quote from: Kjelt on October 25, 2013, 05:44:53 pmSadly it wouldn't fit, as it's just too tight in there. WX series uses a toroidal transformer, and there's a board directly on top of ~ 1/3 of it. Second board is attached to the interface that makes up the front panel.About 1:50 into the video and you'll see what I mean.

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2013, 06:15:51 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on October 25, 2013, 06:57:43 pmThat's not what I meant, I meant he should buy two Weller 115V stations and put those in series
Hakko Nozzles vs 3rd party? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TheBorg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2013, 01:31:58 am
content: I bought a Hakko rework station a few days ago and am looking to get some tips for it. Nothing special at the moment, but I am seeing a lot of cheap nozzles on eBay where Hakko's nozzles can run from $20 to 300 dollars! Would I see much of a difference between hakko and 3rd party?

author: quarros
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2013, 12:26:52 pm
content: Quote from: TheBorg on November 02, 2013, 01:31:58 amI think you meant max 30 USDAnyways yeah Hakko tips are expensive but worth it. Once I tried a 3 party replacement tip with my 888 but the results where very unsatisfactory. It worked. But the solder did not flow on it so easily, and sometimes it did not stick to it as good as with the original, and it required much more constant maintenance (meaning: you had to be very thorough in cleaning it when turning the iron off, otherwise at the next start was troublesome). Can't really comment on longevity tough as I gave up on it after a few week's

author: staxquad
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2013, 08:56:04 pm
content: Quote from: quarros on November 02, 2013, 12:26:52 pmhot air

author: TheBorg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2013, 10:20:23 pm
content: Quote from: staxquad on November 02, 2013, 08:56:04 pmThanks, yes, these are hot air nozzles. Apparently I have a thing where I'm not very clear when writing on forums

author: quarros
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2013, 11:18:18 pm
content: Quote from: staxquad on November 02, 2013, 08:56:04 pmSorry. Apparently misread.Quote from: TheBorg on November 02, 2013, 10:20:23 pmMy fault... Nozzle not Tip

author: ErikTheNorwegian
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2013, 11:38:13 pm
content: I got these one just a week ago, very good.. and cheap... lots of money saved. Did fitt my BlackJack Solderwerks BK6000 (Aoye OEM ?)perfect..The heads/plates have a mounting "tube" where they are attaced with a screw, simple- but it Works ok.9 blowheads for 12 USDollar..http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hot-Air-Gun-Soldering-Rework-Station-Nozzles-1-Set-Hakko-Aoyue-Atten-ZK105-/261303931969Nozzles are compatible with Hakko, Kada, ATTEN and Xytronic, Aoyue 906, 968, 850, 6028, and many other systemsDirect replacement for Hakko Hot Air Rework NozzlesAll nozzles fit to 850/850A+ SMD Hot Air Rework Station.Package :9 blow head Sizes :11.5 x 11.5mm10 x 10mm11 x 9mm9 x 9mm8.5 x 8.5mm8.5 x 5.5mm9.9 x 9.9mm7.7 x 11.3mm7 x 7mm1 mounting (Inside Fitting diameter of 22mm.)

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2013, 07:25:21 pm
content: Yes they are cheap on eBay there is about 6 different clone nozzle packs from various sellers $1-2 each is the going rate in bulk.I recommend you get a list from Hakko and go completely through eBay as what one guy sells for $100 another sells for $10.
DualShock 4 Teardown - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: frank26080115
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2013, 04:23:01 am
content: EB Games in Canada started selling the DualShock 4 controller for the PS4 today. I was the first one at my local store to get one.I am keeping notes here:http://eleccelerator.com/wiki/index.php?title=DualShock_4, I will edit that page as I discover more info. So far I see signals on the USB, SPI, and I2C busses. I will sniff that SPI and I2C in more detail later. The USB traffic is just regular HID, I don't think audio goes through USB at all because of the endpoints available. It might have some special tricks I don't know about though.A teardown picture album is here:http://imgur.com/a/ytRW5, some pictures in the album have a title and descriptionI cannot do Bluetooth sniffing yet. I have a Ubertooth that I might try to use but I still need the PS4.
Metcal MFR-1300 Series (desoldering) simple/lame hack... - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Co6aka
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 02, 2013, 04:16:31 am
content: OK (pun intended) this isn't really a "hack" but a simple tweak that has clearly made my unit "suck more" (solder) than in its "stock" config.The vacuum hose supplied with the unit measures approx 0.125'' ID, so I replaced it with very similar black silicone hose that measures approx 0.1875'' ID, and now it "sucks" noticeably better.(Yes, the larger diameter hose fits snugly over the nubs/barbs on the handle and base.) I don't have anything to measure airflow (no political analysts around today) so I can't post quantitative A/B results. I found the replacement hose at PetSmart: "TopFin Silicone Airline Tubing, 25 feet" for a grand total of... $5.99 plus tax.My original desoldering setup consists of a hacked together pair of Pace handles, a pneumatic toggle, and a hefty surplus vacuum pump as big as the Metcal 1300 base unit -- it REALLY sucks, 31'' Hg! So, I was a little disappointed with the Metcal, but now it's a step closer to my hacked Pace.

author: Skimask
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 02, 2013, 05:38:12 am
content: Quote from: Co6aka on September 02, 2013, 04:16:31 amHmmm....

author: Parak
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2013, 08:17:21 pm
content: Stumbled on this thread via an unrelated search - looks like a great idea. I'll be trying this myself on a PS2K, though with something a bitbeefier, for better or worse. Will report on results, though some way of objectively measuring the change would be greatThanks Mr Dog

author: ConKbot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2013, 12:22:55 pm
content: Quote from: Skimask on September 02, 2013, 05:38:12 amMaybe the mercury is really cold and has a really low vapor pressure
T Shirt - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: edwardcurrentclamps
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2013, 05:11:29 pm
content: What is going on with this T Shirt? I want to order it and it tells me I can't order it to Australia!!!! Only negative feedback, yeah, that's right!Grrrrrr, Dave!!! I want one!Any of you guys had problems ordering one?

author: johnboxall
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 13, 2013, 10:56:07 pm
content: Quote from: edwardcurrentclamps on August 13, 2013, 05:11:29 pmNope, they've all been fine to Australia.

author: edwardcurrentclamps
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2013, 05:12:36 am
content: You are kidding. Bloody PayPal, didn't like it at all. Neither did it want to accept my MasterCard. LOL

author: edwardcurrentclamps
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2013, 11:26:48 pm
content: Hey Wilfred. Thanks for offering help. Took me long enough to see that you answered. Well, I don't even remember the details anymore. But I never had any problems with PP. Yes, my MC is linked and yes I did have funds in my PP.And getting into contact with PP no thanks! Have you ever tried calling them. They just employ some generic hotline people somewhere in the middle of nowhere. They never listen to you issue and come up with idiotic solutions for problems that you don't have!Thanks anyway!
Scored some Power Resistors for my Load Testing - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Terabyte2007
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2013, 04:10:09 pm
content: I scored a couple power resistors over the weekend for some passive load testing. I found a Dale 3 Ohm 5% 95W and a Ceramic 5 Ohm 135W which does not have a tolerance rating that I can see, but, it appears to be within 5% according to my Fluke 289.

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2013, 07:39:02 am
content: The one on the right... I've seen quite a few of those at Tanner Electronics in my area.
Tweezers for smd soldering - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: elektronchika
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2013, 05:54:13 pm
content: Hi, can you recommend me a good brand for thin tweezers that I can use for soldering smd. I want some made of hard material, better non-magnetic and handy one. Thanks!

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2013, 07:16:49 pm
content: Ideal-Tek (http://www.ideal-tek.com/catalogue/electronics/tweezers/boley-tweezers). Would by my first choice (also sold as Lindstrom).Erem (http://www.apexhandtools.com/brands/erem/index.cfm?model_list=1&att_id=ERE001&att1=High%20Precision%20Tweezers&att2=Swiss)Dumont (http://dumonttweezers.com/)VOMM (http://www.vomm.com/eng/katalog.htm)Please note, these are top quality, not budget brands. Some offer more budget minded ranges, usually made in Pakistan, but I don't recall the SMT specific styles available in them.Hope this helps.

author: eliocor
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 15, 2013, 09:09:27 pm
content: take a look to this previous thread:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/on-ebay-lindstrom-tweezers

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2013, 09:34:46 pm
content: Duratool D00339They are decent enough, and cheap.http://uk.farnell.com/duratool/d00339/tweezer-type-3c-sa-110mm/dp/1306392

author: krenzo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2013, 03:08:15 pm
content: I highly recommend these:https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10602

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2013, 04:26:43 pm
content: These are good and don't cost a lot.http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6-pcs-ESD-Safe-Anti-magnetic-Stainless-Steel-Tweezer-Forceps-Nipper-Kit-Set-Tool/181165179500?rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D18220%26meid%3D2119772728459890564%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D8339%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D5%26sd%3D171065620102%26

author: kizzap
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 21, 2013, 12:58:26 pm
content: Quote from: G7PSK on October 20, 2013, 04:26:43 pmPretty much the exact same set that I bought, decent enough quality, I just need to be less gumby when using them now.-kizzap
Alcohol Tester Breathalyzer - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Fay
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2013, 10:05:44 am
content: Why the price for Alcohol Tester verifies from several dollars to hundreds??need to purchase some, but I do dont know how to make out the differences?http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/High-end-Portable-Professional-Police-Use-Fuel-cell-Breath-Alcohol-Tester-Mini-Digital-Breathalyzer-with-mouthpiece/521168_1416156168.html

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2013, 10:07:44 am
content: That one is "Police Use" it must conform to official standards and its readings must stand up in court so it's more expensive.A cheap alcohol tester for personally does not need this level of certification and accuracy so can be designed cheaper.
Another X-Ray machine.... - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: firewalker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2013, 08:18:51 am
content: How much did you spend for it? Could you place the SLR to the place the original camera is?Alexander.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2013, 08:21:01 am
content: I didn't get very good results with SLR in place of the original cam - plastic at bottom of cabinet increases distance between subject and phosphor, also I think phosphor in cabinet may be thicker to increase sensitivity, at cost of resolution.

author: steve30
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2013, 11:12:36 pm
content: Nice video Mike.Just wondering, do you actually have any practical use for this? Or did you just get it out of interest?

author: sleemanj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2013, 12:02:32 am
content: Quote from: steve30 on October 20, 2013, 11:12:36 pmSee the Flir teardown!
G3 Wireless GameCube Controller Transceiver teardown - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: sonnytiger
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2013, 12:49:11 am
content: http://youtu.be/HmwRhXREv8YNot terribly interesting but I enjoyed taking it apart.Any idea what the chip may be?

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2013, 04:26:33 am
content: On the antenna they are usually coiled to save on space. Because of the way RF stuff works a lot of times antennas are a fractional amount of the total wavelength. For example, 2 meter ham radio doesn't always have a 2 meter antenna, it may be 1 meter, or .5 or .25 meters.Most home stuff is either in the 428-435MHz range, 900, or 2.5GHz.As far as uncoiled length that antenna looks to be about right for full wave 2.5GHz ISM band.

author: sonnytiger
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2013, 07:59:12 pm
content: Oh ok is a loading coil a different thing/arrangement?
Korg Monotron, Monotribe - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: andrewkirkby
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2013, 09:29:51 pm
content: I'd be very surprised if anyone here hadn't tinkered with Korg's analogue synthesisers. They're back end is open to hacking both hardware and firmware (although the firmware side of things is a bit odd following Korg's update method).My question is has anyone done much in the way of modding these? I'd like to get a few ideas and because I'm not the most clued up with synthesisers, I'd like to learn a bit too in the process.On a side note, I'd like to add a midi mod to the monotribe which I guess would involve using an optocoupler but I'm a bit unsure on the circuit required. I do however know paying someone $70 plus shipping from Brazil is a bit overpriced for a pair of midi connectors and a few £ of components..

author: AndreasF
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2013, 07:41:07 pm
content: The MIDI input side using an optocoupler is indeed quite trivial and examples are very easy to find. E.g. the official MIDI manufacturers association has a sample circuit diagramhere.

author: fcb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2013, 07:54:20 pm
content: Sticking MIDI on the monotron is non-trivial, and yes the parts aren't expensive - your paying for labour and know-how.
Differential probe's Technical Specifications questions - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: 2nOrderEDO
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2013, 09:13:47 am
content: Hello people,Now in my work we are developing Switch Mode Power Supplys and we need to measure voltages on the primary side of our power supply. To achieve that we want to buy a differential probe so we can measure without using an isolation transformer (which is dangerous).In our power supply the voltage on the drain of our MOSFET can go from 450VDC to 800VDC and I'm a little bit confused because the technical specs on the datasheets of the differentials probes. We have a RIGOL DS2102 oscilloscope and we are thinking on buying the RP1050D differential probe.Below are the electrical characteristics (picture attached)Can someone explain to my the specs? I know what maximun differential voltage is, and the single ended one with respect to ground. But I don't know what they mean with DC+AC peak to peak or when they say:"Maximum differential voltage: 7000V (DC+AC peak-peak vale) or 450Vrms" (fromhttp://beyondmeasure.rigoltech.com/acton/attachment/1579/f-01c6/1/-/-/-/-/file.pdf)¡To me 7000VDC is not 450Vrms, is 7000Vrms!If someone can help me understand the specs It will we nice, or if Dave does a VBlog on differential probes will we wonderfulthank you in advance. ^^PD: Sorry about my English and about spellings mistakes.15/oct/2013 Rigol's answer:Uploaded withImageShack.usI'm attaching the picture to this post and the new datasheet too.Thanks for you answer Dave! (Dont confuse with Dave Jones)

author: Dave
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2013, 03:25:21 pm
content: Quote from: 2nOrderEDO on October 09, 2013, 09:13:47 amI have a feeling that one zero slipped away. 4500Vrms would make more sense there.Why don't you contact the manufacturer and ask them about it? They would surely be the most reliable source for that information.

author: 2nOrderEDO
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2013, 07:38:38 am
content: I'm sending an Email to Rigol. I will post what they say. Thanks for the answer.

author: 2nOrderEDO
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2013, 01:32:55 pm
content: Rigol dind't answer yet. That is what makes me think on buying a Agilent Oscilloscope instead of a Rigol one.

author: 2nOrderEDO
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2013, 07:47:37 am
content: I received the answer and I'm modifiying my first post to accomodate the explanation.
Kogan USB Charger - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: NickS
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 14, 2013, 09:03:45 am
content: I bought a mobile phone from Kogan which came in French with a EU power plug.Kogan also supplied an Australian USB charger to make it usable.It's a nice small one which is apparently rated at 2 amps!I had to take it apart to see how it was made since it was Kogan branded and obviously from China.To my slightly trained eye it looks dirt cheap made properly which is a odd combination.The main chip is a "Stronglink SL2128". The one page Datasheet for it has some hilarious chinglish.However the spacing between traces looks reasonably good, solder joints look very shiny, no traces break the isolation line except an optocoupler and a good looking cap and there is even an output inductor.What do you guys think? Did Kogan actually supply something of quite good quality?

author: peter.mitchell
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2013, 10:29:05 am
content: I've used the 1A version, it looks literally identical.My PostProvided yours had the pieces of plastic/paper in the housing, i'd say it was acceptable.I mean, the output is likely to be clean, and it seems well isolated, the input is fused, and has a cutout, BUT the traces for active and neutral are awfully fucking close. If there is a short, you're going to be hoping your house has appropriately rated breakers.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2013, 11:14:34 am
content: Definitely above-average.If you Google the email address on the PCB, you get some interesting results...

author: dr_p
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2013, 01:59:13 pm
content: load it up with a dummy load (resistor or better) and see how the voltage looks.Maybe put a scope on it if you can.
UPS Self-learning Project - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: tmurphy31a
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 10, 2013, 11:18:43 pm
content: Hi folks.My name is Tim. I am 2nd year EETN student. I have chosen to study Uninterruptable Power Supplies as my self-learning project this semester.One of my instructors had a spare, unworking, UPS so I can take it apart and understand it a little more.I know very little about UPS' so beginning at square one.I know the three common types: offline, line-interactive, and online.I have several pictures but having a little difficulty attaching more than one. My instructor has encouraged our class to create an online blog to track our progress, and I have uploaded all the pics there if you are interested:http://eetnblog.wordpress.com/I am wondering if anyone can provide a little bit of information on this UPS before I begin tearing it down?I will attempt to add pics to this post.Thanks,Tim

author: tmurphy31a
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 10, 2013, 11:27:03 pm
content: I should add that a portion of my project I have included building a portion of a UPS.I will use a breadboard and am comfortable with following a schematic.Wondering if anyone has any recommendations on a particular section to build? I realize there are too many designs out there, however, in general if you have any experience, it would be helpful.Thanks,Tim

author: cloudscapes
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 01:41:26 am
content: In the literally 2-second delay between seeing/clicking on the thread title and actually seeing a glimpse fo the contents, I imagined it would be about a project to tilt UPS packages (misread self-LEANing) in UPS trucks to try and fool the drivers. I swear I'm not making this up. This is how my brain works!

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 01:48:07 am
content: This is an online UPS. A little googling goes a long way.

author: Jebnor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 01:53:36 am
content: Have you watched Dave's video,

author: tmurphy31a
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 01:57:22 am
content: Monkeh, agreed!This semester of school has been quite busy and I have not had a lot of time to do a lot of research yet.My goal in reaching out to the community was a little perspective as I can see from the many other posts everyone here has a lot of combine experience.Thanks for determining the type! I am working on getting to the part of analyzing the board determining the layout.Jebnor - I HAVE found this video by Dave, which is actually the reason why I have joined the forum community! I have been able to watch it a couple of times, and because I enjoy Dave's teaching methods, I can follow each step without much difficulty. Thanks for taking the time to posting the videoTim
Thermal chart recorder goes to the scrappie - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2013, 07:46:18 am
content: Here is an old retired chart recorder, was bought a few years ago on auction as part of a lot, and has been sitting around till now. going to parts and then the leftovers to scrap.IMG_1348bySeanB_ZA, on FlickrThermal paper and a thermal moving coil print head are what drives this unit.IMG_1352bySeanB_ZA, on FlickrBack panel, yes it is 120VAC 50Hz internally, with a very poor job of placing the step down transformer in it.IMG_1353bySeanB_ZA, on FlickrThe step down transformer, just lying in there loose..... Pot luck as well as to what the output voltage will be with respect to ground as well, either close to it or close to the live input.IMG_1354bySeanB_ZA, on FlickrMain capacitors, made in 1976 by Nichicon. After 37 years of use capacitance is 5200uF, close to the marked 5000uF and ESR is pretty much zero, dissipation is pretty close to zero at 0,06. Still, as they are a wound construction I could only test at 120Hz, at 1kHz or higher they appear as a very poor inductor. In fact they are still usable as mains filter capacitors.IMG_1356bySeanB_ZA, on FlickrBack panel with the 2 power transformers and the 2 plug in cards.IMG_1357bySeanB_ZA, on FlickrThe 2 cards, one on the left is a power supply giving plus and minus 15V rails, the positive being a regulator chip in a TO3 package and the negative being a zener diode. the other card has a 555 timer with a 15uF wet slug tantalum capacitor as the timing capacitor, 10M and 15uF with some fine cotrol via the control voltage pin. Probably used to generate an adjustable 1-3 minute marker on the paper tape.IMG_1360bySeanB_ZA, on FlickrThe moving head assemblies, with the heaters inside them. Heaters are fed with AC from the internal transformers with a simple variable resistor providing heater control.IMG_1362bySeanB_ZA, on FlickrDrive for the head, with adjustable damping and gain and offset.IMG_1363bySeanB_ZA, on FlickrDrive for the paper is done by a synchronous motor with 2 speeds, selected by a switch that adds an extra capacitor in parallel with the 1uf already there on the synchronous motor.img1351IMG_1365bySeanB_ZA, on FlickrIMG_1367bySeanB_ZA, on FlickrIMG_1369bySeanB_ZA, on FlickrThe drive board, with 2 741 opamps. The Siemens capacitors there providing the power supply decoupling do seem to be well past their best, one has vented and has overheated a little. Each board has it's own discrete power supply to power the opamps.
Tore down modern-ish smartphone, found something unexpected.. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: cloudscapes
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2013, 08:47:50 pm
content: Tore down my old HTC Desire (2010) which had recently been drowned in a crazy spontaneous rainstorm. I had tried drying it in rice for a few days, with as much of its case I could take off without fear. Managed to get it to sort of boot up, once (sound wasn't working, buttons weren't working), and afterwards only managed to show me a turqoise and magenta rectangle.Anyways. Found something I did not expect to find in a modern smartphone!A MEGA88 avr! I really wonder what it could be used for. Maybe as a RTC when the phone is completely off? Overkill. Something else when it's in a low-power standby state? I had thought the SOCs these phones used had their own low power modes. Can't identify the chip right under it, and on the other side there's the big RAM BGA so I can't trace anything.As a side-note, those SMD caps/resistors are insane!

author: Zbig
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2013, 09:45:23 pm
content: InterestingMaybe it performs some "glue logic" functions, like conditioning and aggregating various sensor data and presenting it in the way the big SoC and/or its software drivers expect? Or maybe it's there for some bootstrapping or initial low-level configuration of the main SoC?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2013, 09:49:19 pm
content: it may be handling keypad or capsense ..

author: chicken
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2013, 09:51:45 pm
content: Quote from: Zbig on October 07, 2013, 09:45:23 pmNo, that can't be! Motogoogla and iApple just invented that (X8 / M7)http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/09/the-iphone-5s-the-moto-x-and-the-rise-of-the-co-processor/

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2013, 10:11:22 pm
content: Big-ass processors aren't optimised for low standby power and fast startup, so a second processor for power management, RTC, charge control etc. isn't uncommon.Dear in mind the low core voltages for the main CPU will be coming from a switching regulator, which is hard to make work over a wide range of power levels from full to standby, so easier to have a small MCU powered off the battery that can decide when to turn on power to the rest of the system

author: komet
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 07, 2013, 10:18:40 pm
content: This is the touchscreen controller. It is an ATMEGA with dedicated touch sensing circuitry.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2013, 09:46:38 pm
content: Quote from: komet on October 07, 2013, 10:18:40 pmQtouch is a software library. There is no specialized hardware in the mega88 that I am aware of.Atmel bought out quantum research group for this technology. I believe they were using PICs originally, so the code had to ported over to avr.
Energy Monitor - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: smoothtalker
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2013, 04:09:10 pm
content: Can anyone recommend me an accurate energy monitor?I would want to measure the power consumption of my appliances at home. I've search the internet and Prodigit 2000M seems to be the best. It's selling for about USD50 herehttp://www.prodigit.com/index.php?lang=en&op=product&pro_num=1051&pro_id=108The specs are impressivehttp://www.prodigit.com/pdf/e2000mu-01.pdf

author: smoothtalker
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2013, 04:10:04 pm
content: Oh what's does the 30ppm in the specs means? thanks!

author: CodiJack
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2013, 08:03:43 pm
content: Strange to me the way they specify it.Two possibilities:30/1000000 * 100%It gives you 0.003% accuracy for kWh measurements - numerical (with voltage 1% and current 1%)!That make no sensorkWh presented on the display gives you reading with 30ppm "accuracy"
Rs components ds50/80 soldering stations - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Cobra-m
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 19, 2012, 04:02:09 pm
content: Any on tryed the ds50 or ds80 stations and ar they any good?

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2012, 05:25:38 pm
content: They look like rebranded Zhongdi soldering stations.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2012, 06:40:35 pm
content: It's a alternate design of the ZD-937http://www.china-zhongdi.com/tcss01.htmOne of the biggest issues i see straight away is with the cheap looking plastic handle and not having any foam and on top of that a huge handleThe weirdest issue i see here is even chinese sellers refuse to sell ZD products ...

author: Lucas
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 07, 2013, 09:40:18 pm
content: I have the RS DS50 station. I think for the price it's hard to beat! Especially with some nice points to go with it. (I'm a very poor student).The only comparison that I have is a 5 euro straight-into-the-wall iron, which is actually quite bad...
Hakko FX-888D - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: uthenob
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 02, 2013, 02:54:16 am
content: I recently got a hakko fx-888d station and am very impressed. Is it normal for the orange paint on the stand to "go onto" the iron plastic piece?

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2013, 03:36:36 am
content: I read somewhere in here that this does happen (paint wears and gets deposited on the iron handle where it makes contact with the stand).

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2013, 03:39:39 am
content: Yes, it happens, there are few photos of that problem posted in this forum, I just can't find it.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2013, 03:56:00 am
content: Yep, here's my FX888

author: uthenob
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 02, 2013, 12:12:41 pm
content: Right, thanks!

author: jadew
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2013, 07:06:07 pm
content: Had the same issue, Hakko offered to replace my stand, but instead I just used it until there was no more yellow paint left to stick on the plastic.
got a metcal, but didn't come wiht tips, were to get talon tips cheap? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: JWoodrell
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2013, 07:54:47 pm
content: hey guys i got me a Metcal cause i got a good deal on it (i think), not here not here yet$157 for the baseunit, (MX500-P-11)$130 for the talon hand piece(not purchased yet, but I will today)$109 for the MX-RM3E handpiecebut it doesn't have any tip cartridges at all, the talon tips look like they're 100 bucks a set new, is there anyplace to get them cheaper, or used maybe, because that's kinda steep.the normal tip looks like 10-17 bucks apiece on ebayis there a different brand, or something i can look at, or is that just the price of admission. Thanks guys

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2013, 08:03:29 pm
content: Ebay is the only place you'll find them cheaper than normal, but talon tips are relatively rare

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2013, 08:06:15 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on October 05, 2013, 08:03:29 pmand due to their rarity, they're not cheap.

author: notsob
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2013, 10:41:41 pm
content: thermaltronics have just released their tweezer handpiece, stand and tipsets [september 2013] - no idea of pricing yet, they have 3 different versions -one is suitable for the metcal mx500 series, the "indicated" price target I was given back in August was approx $US200 for the tweezer and stand - look at thernaltronics.com 'new product' for a list of tipsets.Generally thermaltronics are significantly cheaper than oki/metcal

author: JWoodrell
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2013, 01:03:32 am
content: I can't find any seller that sells that tweezer, who carries them? there are some straight tips on ebay from thermaltronics, but not the tweezers yet. since the tmt-9000 is "fully metcal compatible" i'm guessing the accessories are as well.

author: mamalala
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 06, 2013, 05:06:10 pm
content: This eBay seller has refurbished Metcal tip cartridges, and sometimes has refurbisched Talon cartridge sets as well:http://www.ebay.com/sch/leftpan/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=. For example, bought this set a while ago:http://www.ebay.com/itm/251322647128and the quality is fine.Greetings,Chris
Teardown: Unaohm EP308B Satellite Field Strength Meter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Forced Perfect
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2013, 02:39:03 am
content: I picked this guy up on eBay for ~$20-30 because... well, it looked pretty cool. Inside it's mostly bodge work and 555 timers (well, not really)It has space for an internal 12v lead acid battery and a pretty bright CRT... and a damn LOUD speaker.One of many bodge jobs to come.RF board.Power board. Loaded with crazy bodginess.Love those kissing resistors.Once I'm pretty sure I got all the photos I want, I will stick it back together and if it still works get some video of it running. It has two modes, one will show a graph (line graph from left to right) and a TV mode which looks like TV static (couldn't get it to show a composite signal from a VCR)Lots more on Flickr so I don't flood the page with image links:http://www.flickr.com/photos/forcedperfect/sets/72157636136928546/Update:Made a teardown video on YouTube

author: Mysion
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2013, 12:59:37 am
content: Wow that thing looks cool.However if you don't mind me asking... what does.. it do? Or what is it's use.

author: Forced Perfect
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2013, 01:17:37 am
content: Quote from: Mysion on October 05, 2013, 12:59:37 amMy understanding is it can show the strength of a satellite signal between 920-2150 MHz when connected to a dish via the BNC connector. It can also display a TV signal - I'm not sure if that has to be via a satellite dish or any video signal can work (my VCR's picture didn't show). Note: This is all referring to old school, unencrypted signals. It's basically useless.It has a lead acid battery and a carrying case so you can go to the home of a satellite customer to set their dish up.

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2013, 11:16:28 am
content: When I had a satellite dish fitted the guy that did the work had a device very much like that, it's used to get correct alignment on the dish, it's taken up the ladder so that adjustments to the dish can be made easily The idea of the screen is that you can align for strongest signal, and not get down the ladder and find that either you have the wrong satellite or the picture is not quite right so further fine adjustment is required.
JBC Desoldering Micro or Regular? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: andyb
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2013, 03:07:44 pm
content: As the topic says, I'm looking to get a JBC desoldering iron, looking for opinions about the Mini or Regular desoldering irons.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2013, 04:07:26 pm
content: Get the 245 handle, has the best range of tip styles and sizes and goes pretty small.EDIT: I guess I should read the post before I think I have something worthwhile to say

author: Rufus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2013, 04:28:33 pm
content: Quote from: robrenz on October 01, 2013, 04:07:26 pmHe said de-soldering. I thought recently someone here was going to post a review or something on JBC de-soldering tools and that they were not very impressed.

author: andyb
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2013, 08:02:53 pm
content: Sad to hear that people don't like them. I've got a modular station and an extra port (already got the 120, 245 and tweezers) so I was thinking about getting a desoldering iron. Just torn between the regular and micro. Hard to tell from the website how big they are.I've never used a desoldering iron, but desoldering on a multilayer board is a real b*tch. Was hoping to pick one up.

author: Rufus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2013, 11:12:37 pm
content: Quote from: andyb on October 03, 2013, 08:02:53 pmhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/talk-to-me-about-jbc-irons/msg268771/#msg268771is the post I remembered.