hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
How do I close my eevblog account/profile? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 27, 2015, 07:42:53 pm
content: Hi,I'd like to know how to completely shutdown and remove my account and profile withall aspects of eevblog? There is no info. that I can find on this (so far) to do so.Who do I email to completely unsubscribe?Thanks.

author: orbiter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 27, 2015, 07:49:38 pm
content: Goto.. Profile > Account Settings. Highlight the Actions button & Delete account.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 27, 2015, 09:12:58 pm
content: I think only Dave or Seppy (David) can remove an account and all its posts. Any particular reason why you can't just stop posting ?

author: Galenbo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2015, 01:55:19 pm
content: Quote from: mojo-chan on July 28, 2015, 08:43:22 amThings are getting too hot on the forums where you share your "opinion"?Or does it happen often that you are suddenly payed to share another "opinion"?

author: eas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2015, 09:23:51 pm
content: Yeah, I don't understand the paranoia of some people (not that there aren't plenty of things to be cautious about online).On the other hand. Perl? EWWWW
X-Carve Live Build Thread? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: KennethAa
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 30, 2015, 06:59:45 pm
content: Hi,I'm new to the forum, and have searched around a bit, but I can't seem to find a thread for the live build of the X-carve machine??I have a fair bit of experience with C# interoperability, and I'd like to help David do that data-logging packet thing that they talked about in part 3..With regards,Kenneth
Where's the Silicon in Silicon Valley? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Rupunzell
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2015, 09:11:31 am
content: "An engineer who has experienced firsthand the changes that the engineering profession has undergone since the days of Bill Hewlett and David Packard argues that the loss of innovative capacity is the direct result of a vacuum in American business thought leadership."http://www.eetimes.com/author.asp?section_id=36&doc_id=1324025Comments, ideas and....Bernice

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2015, 03:55:16 pm
content: Quote from: Rupunzell on July 30, 2015, 09:11:31 amI read the article and it looks as an assorted rant of an old dinosaur. What exactly is he complaining about? Shifting of engineering focus from analog first to digital and now to software? What's wrong with that?

author: Mechanical Menace
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2015, 04:51:01 pm
content: Markets will just not accept as many competing hardware platforms in the same space as they used to. Just look at the gaming market. If you went into a shop to buy a gaming PC in the mid 80s just how many valid options did you have? You had more options based around just the 68000 than you have options for PC gaming, consoles, and handheld/mobile gaming combined now.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2015, 06:53:37 pm
content: Evolve and adapt or go extinct.That's all it is.
Any CFHS charts on microcontrollers like the following CFHS chart on PHP ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2015, 01:30:45 am
content: Look at the chart here:http://go.sitepoint.com/t/ViewEmail/y/B9C1DE62FB343D40/0B7A568CFD8231CB6E6039C17E42EE19I am still trying to figure out if longer is better? ie PHP is longer than C, not sure what this means?Notice that mathematica has no S, too bad Dave did not have an input.

author: microbug
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2015, 10:29:09 pm
content: PHP is a plague sent to curse mankind. Longer = more expletives = worse.
Computer repair - great technique though! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: IanJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 29, 2015, 09:36:24 am
content: Computer repair - great technique though!Ian.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 29, 2015, 09:42:27 am
content: Would have been far more effective with a Glock 22.

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2015, 10:10:21 am
content: If his introduction is true, it's all funny up till the point where the hard disk is still in it. Then suddenly very un-funny. Unless it's all just a story, OR he backed the drive up before 'blowing the dust out'. Did he? I couldn't watch all the way through.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 29, 2015, 11:13:36 am
content: The funny thing is, those Dell machines are actually quite solid and stable. Chances are the owner just filled the drive with crapware.

author: deephaven
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2015, 12:03:39 pm
content: What an idiotic waste of time. That's 10 minutes of my life I won't get back.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 29, 2015, 12:34:30 pm
content: That's exactly how we used to repair them back when I was doing Dell warranty work.I used a Glock 19. I will echo Halcyon. Most of the repair work I did was due to power surges and lightning damage as compared to hardware failures. Summer time in Florida was our busiest season. Heat was another when people put them out of sight inside the computer desks and never let the hot air vent.

author: McBryce
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2015, 12:38:07 pm
content: My wife already complains about the noise my PCB drill makes, using a shotgun for repairs wouldn't impress her.McBryce.
What to do with 1800 hard disks...? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: compet17
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2015, 09:35:25 pm
content: Let's say someone gives you 1800 hard disk drives and a lot of time.... for example at December 24 when nobody is really working hard because most people are already in vacation.This is what WE did a couple of years ago :-) There are more videos from other years. Just look for "chrigel1234"Chris

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2015, 10:00:41 pm
content: Cool!Did someone ever attempt this with old PCs?

author: 128er
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2015, 10:14:21 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on July 28, 2015, 10:00:41 pmOr cheap chinese multimeters?I think it would be quite hard with PCs. They stay pretty good with their big footprint.But the video is very cool!

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2015, 10:18:57 pm
content: I wonder how many yottabytes of storage there was in 1800 HD's?

author: Mechanical Menace
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2015, 10:20:08 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on July 28, 2015, 10:00:41 pmYuphttps://youtu.be/5_tXcRYOYZ0But did anyone do this with 42u server cabinets?Well I can but dream

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2015, 10:40:38 pm
content: Thanks for sharing.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2015, 11:35:41 pm
content: Quote from: Mechanical Menace on July 28, 2015, 10:20:08 pmI think that's more commonly referred to as an earthquake. lol

author: AG6QR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2015, 12:11:13 am
content: Quote from: tautech on July 28, 2015, 10:18:57 pmWell, unless each disk had a zettabyte of storage or so, I suspect it was much less than one yottabyte.Since these were discarded hard disks, I'd assume they averaged in the range of a hundreds of gigabytes, or maybe much less, depending on when they were discarded.Maybe a nano-yottabyte? A few hundred pico-yottabytes?
Felder Lottechnik solder  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 28, 2015, 05:16:43 am
content: I ordered some of this, anyone had any personal experience with it ?https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/solders/1047432/

author: AKM
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2015, 01:06:53 pm
content: I got mine from Reichelt few years ago, and never had any problems.

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 28, 2015, 01:14:22 pm
content: Thank you

author: Rolo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2015, 01:36:50 pm
content: Recently bought this one from Felder : Sn62 Pb36 Ag2 F-SW 32, it has 2% silver in it. Works great, I do mostly trough hole stuff.

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2015, 04:33:56 pm
content: One of my clients is using this ISO-Tin material in an automation soldering system. We have tried many different manufacturers but Felder seemed to have the most stable system. In addition, when the material has been used in the automation system, Felder makes free analysis and cleaning of the material. The only company that I know of in Germany, that is doing this.They have very high end material.

author: Augustus
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2015, 04:38:52 pm
content: I use Felder 60/40 "EL" all the time, it's pretty good stuff for a reasonable price.
Courier pickup of auction items? (UK) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dkozel
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2015, 02:35:11 pm
content: Hi folks,This site keeps turning up interesting items, but does not ship items! Such a tease.http://whitelabel.globalauctionplatform.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/timed/wca/catalogue-id-witham1-10000?clienturl=wcaDoes anyone have any experience with hiring a courier to pickup, package, and post something? The company is awkwardly located away from major cities, Nottingham is the largest city in 30 Km.Thanks for any comments.

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2015, 04:14:28 pm
content: It sounds odd, but my employer has used a local taxi service before to pick similar items up, at considerable premium, of course.If you have access to a car and can pick up anything more than a few items, that's probably the best way. The fuel cost and driving time would of course have to come into account.I would not trust a courier unless the auctioneer would pack the items too.

author: woodchips
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2015, 04:49:33 pm
content: Withams will pack and send items bought, just talk to them. Similarly with Ramco for the odds and ends government sales.

author: dkozel
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2015, 10:02:57 am
content: Woodchips, have you done that yourself? I sent them an email and they said they would not ship anything sold on the online auctions.They've posted another tripod, it's driving me crazy. I have a radio astronomy array that is coming together and these look like by far the best deals on good tripods that I could get.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2015, 10:59:35 am
content: UK is not that big that you can not just look at driving there for collection. 1400km at most from one end to the other of the UK, I used to do more than that for a weekend. 749.3km per leg, under 8 hours including stops.

author: woodchips
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2015, 07:57:17 pm
content: Well, that is a surprise. They will pack tender lots, so why not auction lots as well?I haven't used the packing service, only live a few miles away so collect. Just seen the we will pack signs.Keep an eye on Ramco.co.uk with their monthly tender sales and ebay eyc shop, what turns up at one very often turns up at the other.

author: dkozel
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 27, 2015, 10:10:08 pm
content: Thanks for the tip woodchips.It's a fair distance to drive, but not impossible for sure. I don't have a car which doesn't help, but could take a train to Manchester and rent a car there for an afternoon. It just adds cost and time to what I wish was a bit easier. These tripods seem to come one a month or so so no chance of aggregating several together to make it more worth while. I'm also not interested in armored personnel carriers or strategic bomber drop tanks...http://whitelabel.globalauctionplatform.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/wca/catalogue-id-witham1-10000/lot-df026ce5-683a-498d-9ec0-a4dc00a73951?clienturl=wca
[OT] Video: The Mechanics of the Film Projector - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 27, 2015, 06:52:32 am
content: Not electronics but is interesting nevertheless. This well made video explains how electro mechanical/optical film projectors worked. They even had a X3 frame rate multiplier to reduce the flicker. If the length of the film between the lens and the audio sensor was too short or too long (vs the nominal 26 frames), you could notice time difference between the audio and the image.http://youtu.be/En__V0oEJsU

author: Mechanical Menace
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 27, 2015, 09:44:48 am
content: Quote from: zapta on July 27, 2015, 06:52:32 amIt still surprises me what we used to do without electronics or computers. If you didn't already know how it works could you recreate it without? I honestly don't think I could. I definitely wouldn't of thought of optically encoding analogue audio. I'd reduce the lifetime with a magnetic strip. Or using a rotating shutter. I'd be trying to control the light source instead.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 28, 2015, 02:29:32 am
content: Not just analog audio but even today digital audio is optically encoded onto film. It's fascinating stuff.This image is 35mm film encoded with SDDS, Dolby Digital, Analog Audio and DTS Time Code. The white spaces are actually the sprocket holes so it gives you an idea how small it is.

author: helius
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2015, 03:16:36 am
content: This barely scratches the surface: no mention of the Geneva Mechanism, and nothing about optics.There also were shutter wheels that could switch their teeth dynamically based on playback speed.
New Battery Recharge Idea - Tank Up on Electrolyte? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ludzinc
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 27, 2015, 04:38:38 am
content: http://www.nanoflowcell.com/technology/Anyone know anything about this idea?Rather than re-charge your EV battery pack, just swap out the reactants.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 27, 2015, 04:43:03 am
content: Oh gosh, I hate websites like that with lots of fancy marketing and no information. Does it work? Is it practical? Who knows. It doesn't seem like I am going to find out from that website.

author: Whales
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 27, 2015, 05:10:06 am
content: Do we have battery chemistries that don't modify the electrodes? If this is a problem I guess they too could be hot-swappable, but then you are basically replacing the entire battery anyway.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 27, 2015, 05:43:54 am
content: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zinc%E2%80%93air_battery#Mechanical_recharge

author: LabSpokane
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 27, 2015, 05:45:59 am
content: Flow batteries are real, but really haven't been proven commercially. The first, large installations are going in now. These guys look like they're all show, no go.http://energystorage.org/energy-storage/storage-technology-comparisons/flow-batteries

author: codeboy2k
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 27, 2015, 05:46:27 am
content: Flow batteries. Basically, the energy is entirely stored in the electrolyte. So sucking out the used electrolytic fluid and replacing it with new, recharged fluid is feasible (but is it economical?)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_battery
Sheila vs. Alcazar (Music Thread) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 26, 2015, 01:27:05 pm
content: *facepalm*I only just realised this now. Can anyone else spot the similarities between these two songs?

author: Mechanical Menace
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2015, 01:48:39 pm
content: Well seeing as the second judiciously uses samples from the first I've got to admit I find it hard to believe that if you already knew the first song you wouldn't instantly notice them.Sorry. But I'll admit I had the advantage of listening to the first 20 seconds of the Sheila one straight before the Alcazar one.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 26, 2015, 01:52:32 pm
content: I hadn't actually heard of Sheila before (even though I own the CD -- it just got lost among the thousands of others). The Alcazar version is far more popular. I now think less of it.

author: Mechanical Menace
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2015, 02:04:25 pm
content: Quote from: Halcyon on July 26, 2015, 01:52:32 pmToo derivative? I can get that. Like when Sugababes ripped off Are "Friends" Electric? Yeah I generally prefer a bit more originality when people sample something, or just have them do a straight up cover.But, and I'm ashamed to admit this, that massive cockwomble who shall not be named's Harder Better Faster Stronger has grown on me since it was released.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 26, 2015, 02:13:47 pm
content: Give me Daryl Braithwaite, Icehouse, Dire Straits or Belinda Carlisle any day.

author: Mechanical Menace
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2015, 02:21:54 pm
content: Quote from: Halcyon on July 26, 2015, 02:13:47 pmI had to search themI tend to go more rhythm and blues (still can't get used to R&B not meaning that), grunge, prog rock, andMETALwith the odd bit of electronica thrown in for good luck lol.EDIT: Oh and ska punk, 50s garage punk, dub punk, pop punk, almost any punk that isn't The Sex Pistols, soul and some of the hippity hoppity music...Alright, I can like things of almost any style even if I hate most of the stuff in the genre.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 26, 2015, 02:40:40 pm
content: Quote from: Mechanical Menace on July 26, 2015, 02:21:54 pmThey're Aussies. Some of the classics:Although interesting story about the One Summer video clip, it was actually a miserable day when they filmed it. (From memory it was somewhere in Sydney.) I spoke with the producer years ago and they had to 'colour correct' the video to make it look sunny. If you have a look the still below, the blue sky is actually edited in. They've blended around the tops of the trees to disguise the cloud. You can also see a fairly strong breeze in some of the shots.
Surveyor 1 lands on the moon. June 2nd 1966. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 26, 2015, 11:48:44 pm
content: REAL reality television!Now we have Duck Dynasty

author: LabSpokane
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 27, 2015, 02:04:31 am
content: QuoteOh, I'm still laughing about that one. Just finished reading "Digital Apollo" and the consensus was that moon landings are IFR affairs.Before that, I was giggling over the reference to the Ranger missions. My neighbor's step father was at JPL for those and oh boy does he have stories.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 27, 2015, 02:17:27 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on July 26, 2015, 11:48:44 pmflying on a machine with the horsepower of a pocket calcualtor. now we have supercomputers with quad cores the size of a calculator so we can run flappy bird ...
Farnell /cpc web site  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 25, 2015, 07:42:04 am
content: Is anyone getting the message the site is closed for maintenance or is it just me ?

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 25, 2015, 07:54:29 am
content: happens quite often on weekends

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 25, 2015, 07:56:14 am
content: Oh, ok Mike, thanks, first time I have seen it

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 25, 2015, 08:08:23 am
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on July 25, 2015, 07:54:29 amNot to mention weekdays in the evening. Frustrating.

author: lewis
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 25, 2015, 08:22:24 am
content: Normally happens when I'm half way through several hours of work compiling a BOM

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 25, 2015, 09:16:37 am
content: Really frustrating. How can a website be closed?Could they simply not do their development work on a separate server, then switch over once ready, minimising downtime?

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 25, 2015, 10:13:16 am
content: They should hire IT expert from finance or banking industries.
Math dilema - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 24, 2015, 07:30:50 pm
content: Attached is a portion of my maths studies, the first part of the 37.5% that makes up a HNC in electrical engineering, mathsI can't see how the first formula becomes the second, if i = 0 when t=0 and using this scenario demonstrates the second formula I struggle to see how iR is still there because if t=0 then 0xR=0

author: apis
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2015, 07:58:48 pm
content: Quote from: Simon on July 24, 2015, 07:30:50 pmYou only use i=0 and t=0 to determine C, then replace C in the first expression with what you found.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 24, 2015, 08:13:26 pm
content: oh I see, thank you

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2015, 09:19:08 pm
content: Background to this. The first equation was obtained by integrating another equation that describes the rate of change of current in the circuit (integral calculus). When you integrate something you always get "plus a constant" in the answer. To find the constant you have to plug in some numbers that you know, for example the initial condition of the system (the state at time zero). In this example we know that at time zero (the instant when the switch is closed), the current must be zero (because there is some inductance in the circuit). So using the knowledge that t = 0 means i = 0 allows the unknown constant C to be determined.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 25, 2015, 05:59:13 am
content: unfortunately i am dumb when comes to maths and this is just the start of the course so i was hoping for it to be a bit more verbose.
interesting opto isolator circuit configurations - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SwitchSkillz
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 25, 2015, 01:49:56 am
content: Hi AllThis is my first post here, sorry if its in the wrong section or a duplication.I came across this youtube video and though it was very interesting, its on Julian Llets YT channel and he explains diiferent configurations of opto isolator circuits with some questionable results.Take a look it does spark many questions and thought it may interest the forum.https://youtu.be/tebprQvrqk4RegardsOlly

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 25, 2015, 02:12:34 am
content: Crappy circuit. If you need to use a pair of optos in a push-pull configuration and want to avoid the leakage current issue, wire their LEDs antiparallel with a single series resistor to limit the input current. You then get a choice of where to return the other side of the LEDs to - input side ground for simple positive/negative detection (provided abs(Vin)>Vf) or a rail maintained at 1/2 Vcc if you want logic levels like Julian was using. You can also get there by putting the input direct to one side of the LEDs and taking the other to a potential divider to both set the input threshold and limit the current, but you then have standing current in the divider. Actively generating the 1/2 Vcc rail using a micropower OPAMP or other low quiescent current rail splitter avoids that, and its even easier if you can tap the 1/2Vcc point n a battery pack.
Fuel gauge / BMS IC...  google clickbait - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: justanothercanuck
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2015, 01:37:08 pm
content: Was browsing google news and came across this...http://electronics360.globalspec.com/article/5506/renesas-li-ion-fuel-gauge-ic-delivers-precise-controlQuoteOh yeah, like we haven't had those for years already...

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2015, 02:18:29 pm
content: The part number prefix has someinterestingconnotations.

author: poorchava
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2015, 02:47:54 pm
content: I wonder what the low volume pricing will be. I mean fuel gauge chips seem surprisingly expensive in small quantities.Sent from my HTC One M8s using Tapatalk
A 1-click BOM - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: kasbah
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2015, 02:20:59 pm
content: Hey people,sorry to promote my own project with my first post. Feel free to remove if I am breaking any rules.I have been working on a little open source browser extension to make it easier to purchase components. It has been available for Chrome for a while and is now also available for Firefox. Source and info is available at:https://github.com/monostable/1clickBOMI would really love to get some feedback as to whether people find it useful. I would love to see more OSHW projects standardise on a BOM format so that you can easily get the components for them without the creators having to make kits.Cheers,KasparEDIT: So for instance if you wanted to build a Bus Pirate you could visitbus_pirate.tsvand then you could easily get all the components from your favorite retailer using the extension.
Bodges .. not workarounds - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 23, 2015, 01:56:16 pm
content: Ok so today has been a day of finding bodges, first up was the LCD on a aser laptop, someone had rammed a LCD in it that did not fit properly and wondered why it had cracked, i got it free and replaced it an hour ago so its now working, but I hate people who do such things and also leave half the screws missing...Then I opened a function Generator i got to find the mains input leads had been spliced and the bare wires although soldered had then been covered in ....... plain masking tape. So I can't fix that today and had to order some heat shrink tubing. I suppose I could replace the caps I got for it though.Whats your bodge find this week ?.
Dave's powers are growing! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: XOIIO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2015, 05:23:59 am
content: It began with simple electronics, but then Dave realized he could affect much, much more...

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 21, 2015, 06:27:23 am
content: You obviously never saw his stand in .. Richard Burton in The medusa touch

author: XOIIO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2015, 06:32:10 am
content: Quote from: Deathwish on July 21, 2015, 06:27:23 amI have not, looks interesting though.

author: dexters_lab
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 21, 2015, 02:41:45 pm
content: Quote from: Deathwish on July 21, 2015, 06:27:23 amloved that movie, good disaster film with the paranormal thrown in for good measure!
Cut to size sil pads? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: XOIIO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2015, 10:29:45 am
content: Hey all, something I've wondered about for some time, is there anywhere to get cut to size sil pads for transistors, voltage regulators and mosfets. Ebay, or mouser or whatever would work, I haven't looked into it massively as I was just reminded about them, but something that comes in a 6 inch square that you could cut would be great when you are working on power supplies to replace ones you have removed/lost.All the ones I've found so far are pre-cut.I'm also wondering if new ones have a storage life at all where they loose stickyness at some point? I've seen some that must have been decently old that were still pretty sticky, but putting new ones on would still be nice.

author: Mephitus
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2015, 05:38:33 pm
content: A quick google search turned up that a brand by the name of Bergquist sells sil-pad in sheets. Heres a link to a 12"x12" from digikey.http://www.digikey.com/product-search/en?mpart=SP900-0.009-AC-1212&v=211I was also able to find that they make multiple other sized sheets:http://www.bergquistcompany.com/thermal_materials/sil-pad.htmHope that helps!

author: XOIIO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2015, 05:40:06 pm
content: Hmm, a bit expensive for the occasional use, but maybe their website has something cheaper than digikey's minimum order.
WiFi Module - Embedded - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: docmur
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2015, 06:53:57 pm
content: Hey GuysI'm looking for a small form factor Wifi Module for an embedded project. I have very limited space 15 x 15 mm max, I was hoping for a small pin count package. Does anyone know of any good ones they can vouch for?

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2015, 12:38:55 am
content: Quote from: docmur on July 18, 2015, 06:53:57 pmThe ESP8266 modules are very popular these days, at least for hobby projects.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2015, 01:14:02 pm
content: The ESP8266 modules are available in large numbers. I'm considering using it in a product but I want to test the sh*t out of it first.

author: docmur
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2015, 11:33:41 pm
content: That might work :-), it's rather large, but I might be able to make it work!

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2015, 07:10:25 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on July 19, 2015, 01:14:02 pmYou can also buy the new chips. Better quality control this way. Not sure what it does to FCC approval.
Ringtones for your Smartphone - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 20, 2015, 09:21:26 am
content: I kind of miss my old Nokia handsets. If they supported 3G/4G networks and the new frequency bands, I'd still be using them.As a tribute to my old Nokia, I've set my ringtone to the "Nokia Tune" from 2004 (attached). The original tune is also attached but it hurts my ears.Some interesting trivia (thanks to Wikipedia):In 2010, it was reported that the tune is heard worldwide an estimated 1.8 billion times per day, about 20,000 times per second.What does everyone else have?

author: Mechanical Menace
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2015, 09:46:53 am
content: Thanks for the 94 version.

author: dexters_lab
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 20, 2015, 02:20:27 pm
content: that ringtone will always make me think of Trigger Happy TV

author: AG6QR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2015, 05:17:16 am
content: Quote from: Halcyon on July 20, 2015, 09:21:26 amThis is my "generic" ringtone for an unknown caller. I've got more specialized ones for people I know who frequently call me.

author: XOIIO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2015, 05:25:54 am
content: Nothing retro though I've been thinking about changing mine for a while since I can't jalbreak my phone to say "Cybus" as the network with this OS. It's the Tardis taking off.

author: Muttley Snickers
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 21, 2015, 05:34:15 am
content: Thunderbirds theme for customers, The Benny Hill Show theme for mates, the family gets money for nothing and are always in dire straits.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2015, 06:38:35 am
content: Quote from: dexters_lab on July 20, 2015, 02:20:27 pm+1

author: XOIIO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2015, 06:48:36 am
content: Quote from: zapta on July 21, 2015, 06:38:35 amThat's awesome.
Wonderfull vintage audio banter on BBC coverage of Apollo 16 launch - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: calexanian
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2015, 06:01:52 am
content: James Burke and the BBC doing live coverage of Apollo 16 launch. Its raw feed and audio. Lots of television production chatter, and of course classic James Burke speak. Then at about 34 minutes in an audio engineer gets on the line and begins bantering about the bad audio somebody is receiving over the transatlantic feed. Then again at 40:15 there is interesting audio feed ralated banter. Quite amusing to hear British people talking about this stuff when they think nobody important is listening! The engineer gets quite animated at one point.Enjoy!

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2015, 07:35:26 am
content: Ah, memories. Thanks for posting.Because the video poster seems to have forgotten to mention the Apollo 16 launch date, it was April 16, 1972.I was 16. Would never have imagined we would go no further, or even back to the Moon after the Apollo program.Robots everywhere. And they can't even jump out of a small hole. Looking at you, Philae.

author: calexanian
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2015, 10:03:12 pm
content: I need to re watch connections and all of those other things James Burke did in the 70's and 80's. I think that was the first time I ever saw a demonstration of a Transistor. Magic to my young mind.

author: richfiles
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2015, 10:20:51 pm
content: That was a great video!Except the part where they were talking about our return to the Moon possibly being put off 15 years... If only that were true...
Amp Hour "guest" suggestion - David2 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Chris_PL
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2015, 10:51:56 pm
content: On many AmpHour episodes Dave & Chris discussed problems of current education (esp. EE), so why not invite David just on that matter - he's got a "first hand" experience, he's definitely not camera shy (microphone shy, to be strict) based on recent live videos. I think it would be a nice episode. Does anyone agree?
Exchange rate , euro , GBP and batterfly via paypal - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 19, 2015, 07:21:07 am
content: I am thinking of getting a Rigol DS1054Z from Batterfly but at 400 euro's I am concerned at paypal / visa etc hitting me for the exchange rate, has anyone in the UK purchased one and what was the final GBP amount.

author: Andy Watson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2015, 08:58:47 am
content: About one month ago I paid a seller 350 euro. 263 GBP were taken from my bank account. The exchange rate at the time was 1.38 euros to the pound. If you work out the difference I think it amounts to a paypal charge to you of about 3.9%.

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 19, 2015, 09:02:55 am
content: Thanks Andy, I never trust those people, they like to charge for fee's plus exchange rates that seem to be made up at the time to my mind.

author: mtdoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2015, 04:28:19 pm
content: Yep, Paypal screws you on currency conversion. I just paid for a Canadian vacation rental and ended up paying about $200 more than I should have based on market rates. It would have cost less to do a bank wire. If you have the choice to pay directly with a credit card the exchange rate should be much better.

author: AndreasF
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2015, 11:39:11 am
content: I started using TransferWise to send money from my UK current account to accounts in Germany. By far the cheapest option I have found both in terms of exchange rate and fees. Not sure if would work to make payments, though.

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 20, 2015, 11:56:17 am
content: I have found a UK source for my scope but am awaiting confirmation it has arrived in stock so batterfly is no longer an option. Price is only £2 different.
Strange SOIC-DIP hybrid package in Chinese phone charger - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2015, 06:11:58 pm
content: First time I've seen one of these. It's sort of like a through hole SOIC package. Anyone know any information about it? The only datasheet I could find for the IC was in Chinese. Looks like the LED is connected to it in some fashion. I'm not sure if the LED turns off when charging is finished or something like that (detecting the phone current.)Charger broke after I tried transient to 35V. Was very cheap - only £1 - curious how they can make it so cheap but it's pretty simple. But at least output went to 0V, not shorted to input.edit: Please could a moderator move this elsewhere as it is posted in the wrong forum.

author: mmagin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2015, 06:21:48 pm
content: A question that's been nagging me: Why are all the really cheap things still through-hole? Is it because that way unskilled hand-soldering labor is more likely to assemble it correctly? Reuse of second-hand wave-soldering equipment?

author: rollatorwieltje
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 18, 2015, 09:12:12 pm
content: If you translate the datasheet the package is called "qipai8". It's even patented in China:http://www.google.com/patents/CN102361025B?cl=en

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2015, 12:09:26 am
content: MC34063AD84064Clearly some inspiration there...

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2015, 06:07:28 am
content: Copied from the patent (with some translation garbling):QuoteSo yeah, money. Lots of it.
CPC. I love your parcels but resize my recycling please - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 20, 2015, 12:39:09 pm
content: Seriously, I know they get a price on fixed size, but my recycling is getting silly.... contents are 1 transformer, bag of caps and some ESD foam.... Box size...... MASSIVE

author: DenzilPenberthy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2015, 01:02:04 pm
content: I bought a single lithium ion coin cell from them a year or so ago. It arrived in a box that was about 2.5*1.5*1.5 feet.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 20, 2015, 01:04:31 pm
content: At the opposite end, I just received some wide angle LEDs from Mouser. The package was wrapped in some bubble wrap and then put in what looked like 2 heavy pieces of brown cardboard glued together. They did arrive safely and work fine.

author: McBryce
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2015, 01:05:17 pm
content: You obviously didn't read that they have a special offer running at the moment: "3 qubic feet of air with every order!"Hewlett Packard were always my favourite for ridiculous packaging. They once sent us a single 19in rack device strapped to a pallet!McBryce.

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 20, 2015, 01:10:18 pm
content: Says a lot for being green and keeping recycling down. We should have a dedicated post for CPC etc packaging. could be fun to see who gets the most ridiculous

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 20, 2015, 01:16:32 pm
content: Actually I also ordered some axial caps (for my old Farnell FG3 generator, I am surprised they did not put them in the same order as they were made the same day as the other, I await to see what size box they come in....

author: Fred27
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 20, 2015, 03:36:44 pm
content: I had to go all the way to the post office this weekend to collect a CPC parcel that was "too large for my letterbox". The box was. The contents certainly weren't.
Having freaky thoughts  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 21, 2015, 11:49:01 am
content: I can not get rid of this picture in my mind of EE's walking down the road with a DSO on their shoulders and strutting as if they have a ghetto blaster running....yeah i know .. I am plainly delusional

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 21, 2015, 12:05:42 pm
content: Yep thats about it.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 21, 2015, 12:59:02 pm
content: Actually, there was a thread on the EEVBlog not that long ago that had selfies with test equipment. I did one with a Tektronix 525A oscilloscope on my shoulder. Too lazy to go hunting for it but it is here somewhere.

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 21, 2015, 01:14:45 pm
content: I recall that thread.

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 21, 2015, 01:19:22 pm
content: Quote from: GreyWoolfe on July 21, 2015, 12:59:02 pmThose where the days when men were men and test equipment only had plastic on the knobs.

author: McBryce
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2015, 02:01:08 pm
content: Quote from: Deathwish on July 21, 2015, 11:49:01 amTry using a fume extractor so that you're not getting high on flux fumes.McBryce.
Some old machinery pics - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: BennVenn
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2015, 12:50:24 am
content: I love big old mechanical things and when I walked around our roof and found this I thought I would share.My workplace was built in 1881 and was originally steam powered. Much of the HP steam distribution pipework is still fitted and steam powered cargo lifts - although decomissioned many decades ago - are still in place. Many pipes, leavers, valves, pulleys and miles of wire rope are still fitted inside our work place.I'm not sure when this passenger lift was converted to electric but looks to be atleast 60yrs old. All the switching and contactors are mechanical and all leather belt driven from the main pulley. I have no idea how they kept all this synchronised! Even the govenor was belt driven which on overspeed makes a contactor which activates the big mechanical brake.

author: DenzilPenberthy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2015, 10:36:05 am
content: Some nice old stuff there.

author: dr.diesel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2015, 11:02:04 am
content: That is very cool. I've been searching locally for a 1-2HP hit and miss to run a ceiling fan in my shop, via an overly elaborate unnecessarily complex drive system.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2015, 12:40:24 pm
content: Hmm......Why not ditch the Heath Robinson drive system and simply provide compressed air to the fan to power it via blade tip jets using Coanda ring nozzles?

author: XOIIO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2015, 04:58:33 pm
content: Look at the balls on that fellow.You should totally get it working again.

author: SL4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2015, 10:28:19 pm
content: Don't let anyone clean and strip,it... if it's ever being pulled out, call your local mechanical museum /historical society to look after it for future generations to look back!

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2015, 07:50:06 am
content: Looks like it is pre 1920 or so, and would probably all work again if you just cleaned, rewired and did a little maintenance.I used to live in a building built in 1939, which still uses the original FIAM lift motor, gearbox and cage, though in the 1990's we did replace the horridly unreliable Express tappet shaft switching with something more feliable, using an Otis retrofit for the controls. Still uses the original 1930's transformers, some of the relays and control gear in it, as they will last pretty much indefinitely.Next door is an old 1900 Otis lift, still in use and still complies to the modern standards, though there are some things that are grandfathered in, and you do need to have it ultrasonically checked every 5 years for fatigue, like the modern units.At work the 1967 Schindler unit is in perfect order, and is the standard local " service example" used for the head office QC inspections every year. There are only a few older units in the country, and they are not in such a good condition.
Supercapacitor Based USB 5 minutes fast Charger Design - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Kedar264
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2015, 06:43:57 pm
content: A 2.7 v 500 farad supercapacitor can be charged in 5 minutes, if provided with 3A charging current,after that charging cell phone for 30 to 50% battery level is possible.The next level is then to step up the voltage upto 5 volts with minimum 500 ma for usable applicationsHere's my video ,check out and let me know your better suggestions.https://youtu.be/6UqNsCfb_zI

author: firewalker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2015, 06:48:00 pm
content: Your video title is misleading. You are charging a capacitor in five minutes. Not a phone.A phone battery would require far more energy that the capacitor used.Alexander.

author: Kedar264
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2015, 06:57:38 pm
content: Well my intentions are to show the practical aspects of supercapacitor like the load it puts onto supply due to low esr it has ,and to show you that it is helpful for quick charging applications ....

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2015, 07:12:00 pm
content: Increasing the voltage beyond ~5.5V on my Samsung Galaxy S4 causes it to suspend charging.On a friends phone, more than 6V stops charging and it brings up a message, "Charger overvoltage - Charging suspended"A 5V supercapacitor will not charge the phone faster than a 5V USB connection. To charge it faster, you would have to access the battery terminals directly. You'd probably have to remove the battery altogether.

author: Rerouter
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2015, 08:58:23 pm
content: Without directly attacking the battery terminals, you would also have to tell the device via a data connection that it can pull that amount of current (i think 3A is the max for most controllers), not to mention charging at that rates going to kill off the life of the battery in the phone,

author: subacati
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 18, 2015, 12:25:13 am
content: There's a video I came across today where they try to promote super-capacitors as replacements for batteries.As far as I know, capacitors are extremely inefficient as energy storage devices because the higher their capacity is, they greater their leakage current is.I wonder what Dave thinks? Maybe he should make a video testing this myth?

author: Wilksey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2015, 12:42:35 am
content: Durr, everyone knows that the fastest way to charge your phone is to put it in the microwave!

author: WZOLL
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2015, 01:05:22 am
content: Graphene super capacitors may replace lithium batteries in the future because of how slim they are. Super capacitors leak a lot so your phone would charge very fast but you would end up charging it 3-4 times a day.
Internet Connected Cars What Could Possibly Go Wrong  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Sionyn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2015, 01:13:34 pm
content: why would have a infotainment instrument connected to the can bus... hell whose bright idea was not to have authoritative response checks for the breaking or steering control systems boggles the mind...http://www.wired.com/2015/07/hackers-remotely-kill-jeep-highway/

author: rolycat
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2015, 01:19:45 pm
content: Ahem.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/terrifyingly-bad-design-makes-jeeps-remote-murder-machines/