hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Reading EBGA64 flash memory - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: nexus
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2022, 03:05:49 am
content: Hi all,I am working on a little project where I would like to duplicate some embedded memory if possible. This is for the now obsolete Anritsu MS2721B handheld spectrum analyzer, which is a popular unit now with hobbyists.Mine was bricked after a bad firmware update attempt via thumb drive. Since the instrument is stuck in a very early bootloop and does not even reach the bootloader, I believe the two onboard flash IC's which contain the bootloader program were corrupted by this bad update.I am planning to get a parts unit which hopefully does not have corrupted flash, desolder the memory modules, and use them to replace the one on the broken unit. It would be very nice, however, if I could read the contents in between and possibly save that image so that copies can be made in the future if necessary (i.e. another bricked instrument). I would be more than happy to share that image with the community here if I can indeed read the flash successfully.The memory part # is RC28F256P30B85A, which is an EBGA64 package that is rectangular with 1mm pitch. Digikey:https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/micron-technology-inc/RC28F256P30B85A/1869930Does anybody have experience with different universal flash programmers and reading/writing similar devices? I have never removed embedded memory and tried to read/duplicate its contents before. Hopefully there are industry standards at to the pinout for flash in different packages, as well as logic levels so that the RC28F256P30B85A can be read/written using a generic adapter socket, such as this:https://www.ebay.com/itm/193410168668I see that the T56 programmer is pretty popular. Would this be a good starting point?
Reading LCD control signals - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2018, 09:29:01 pm
content: I'm thinking over one idea, which would require reading control signals of the bare glass LCD panel (COM and SIG lines) by the microcontroller (or some small FPGA).The LCD is obviously correctly driven by the LCD driver, so it is a multi-level (looks like 4 levels) signal with positive and negative voltages (referenced to the MCU ground).I have not spend much time thinking about it to know how much of that I actually need to capture to read the state of the segments, but I wonder if anyone has done anything like this before?Quick google search does not produce good results. People are mostly reverse-engineering digital interfaces to the controller.The LCD has about 60 segments, it has 20 pins, and I have not tried to trace the actual signals yet.Again, just bouncing some ideas here.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2018, 09:35:32 pm
content: Have you seen Dave's LCD vids as they offer some good understanding:https://www.eevblog.com/2018/02/05/eevblog-1055-how-to-design-a-custom-lcd/https://www.eevblog.com/2018/04/15/eevblog-1074-custom-lcd-design-part-2/

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2018, 09:39:22 pm
content: No, I understand how LCDs work. I was wondering if somebody had thought through reading those signals back with MCU and minimal external hardware and software overhead.I thought that would be somewhat common problem if displays need to be retrofitted on old hardware, but quick search does not show anything useful. I'll be doing more research this weekend.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2018, 03:40:01 am
content: 4 levels is a bit trickier but a lot of directly-driven segment LCDs will have voltages either +Vdd or 0V on the electrodes, with the difference between the two being the actual signal. Connecting them to MCU input would be enough in that case.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2018, 03:45:20 am
content: Well, unfortunately in this case I have to deal with 4 levels. I will play with the MCU I have selected and see its actual thresholds, I may still be able to read them directly. All I need is to detect strong high and strong low levels.I may also play with internal pull-ups or pull-downs of the MCU to see if I can bring the levels one way or the other.And with COM signals, I only need one, since I can derive timings from there. That still leaves 15 segment signals to sample.
Reading memory from CH340C/E - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: okw
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2025, 06:02:58 pm
content: Writing config (serial number, product string, etc), is only possible with CH340B (which has an EEPROM), but should I be able to read the memory of other varieties (C/E/etc)? They surely have a memory block with "hard coded" PID/VID/product+manufacturer string, etc.I just tried with both CH340E and CH340C, but get read error or corrupt data.I tried the official tool (CH34xSerCfg.exe), and two others (CH340CFG.exe from various chinese pages and CH340BConfigure.exe form Github).The official tool:-can read CH340E, but returns FF for all memory addresses. Too bad it doesn't return an error message, as it's obviously an error.-cannot read CH340C.CH340BConfigure.exe tries to read, but also fails for both. Error messages:-CH340E: "Index and count must refer to a location within the buffer. Parameter name: bytes". All memory FF-CH340C (program freezes for a long time), then returns: "Non-negative number required. Parameter name: count". All memory 00Here is the official tool:https://www.wch-ic.com/downloads/CH34xSerCfg_ZIP.htmlWindows 7 complained about missing CH343PT.DLL, so I downloaded it, and placed it in the same folder as CH34xSerCfg.exe:https://www.wch-ic.com/downloads/CH343SER_ZIP.htmlWould anyone care to try with their chips? I plan to use CH340B in a project, and hope to avoid errors.Both chips works as they should in the projects they are in, and Windows enumerates correctly and PID/VID shows as correct.

author: PCB.Wiz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2025, 08:54:05 pm
content: Is their newer CH343 any better?

author: okw
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2025, 11:40:31 am
content: Quote from: PCB.Wiz on February 10, 2025, 08:54:05 pmIn terms of reading back the memory? I don't have any, so I can't test.In terms of specs. ProbablyIt at least have some nice, new features - like a built-in LDO. But not sure how useful it is.
Reading Relay Wiring Diagram - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: tree
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2014, 12:57:20 am
content: I have the following relay datasheet:http://www.automationdirect.com/static/specs/h782relays.pdfHow would I go about reading the wiring diagram?Thanks.

author: sleemanj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2014, 01:02:05 am
content: Quote from: tree on February 22, 2014, 12:57:20 am9,10,11,12 are the commons (4 pole)1,2,3,4 are first throw (which is NC)5,6,7,8 are second throw (which is NO)13 and 14 are the coil endsAt least that's how I read the diagram.

author: tree
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2014, 01:04:24 am
content: Quote from: sleemanj on February 22, 2014, 01:02:05 amI'm assuming NC=normally closed and NO=normally open.How would I wire up a signal for NC and for NO?

author: tree
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2014, 01:20:23 am
content: How can you tell which one is NC and which is NO?

author: sleemanj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2014, 01:50:25 am
content: Quote from: tree on February 22, 2014, 01:20:23 amZoom in on the diagram, you can see the common contacts are depicted in the closed state against the top most contacts.

author: tree
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2014, 01:58:39 am
content: Quote from: sleemanj on February 22, 2014, 01:50:25 amI didn't even see that small gap in there.
Reading temperature from a 936 clone (Atten 937b) with a micro?  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: rwgast_lowlevellogicdesin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2015, 05:05:37 am
content: I own a sparkfun branded atten 937 soldering station. I was thinking it would be neat to send the temperature data wirelessly to a phone app or something along those lines. I understand the station just uses a pot to control a thermocouple in a feedback loop. The problem is I cant figure out what kind of thermo couple these irons use, and if there is an easier way of getting a the temp than reading the actual thermo couple. I figured I would just use one of those maxim chips that reads a thermo couple but there only for K type and im not sure if thats whats in the iron.

author: charlespax
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2015, 07:36:05 pm
content: It is most likely a K-type thermocouple as they are by far the most common. Since the soldering iron cable detaches you can check this by taking measurement from the terminals if you have a multimeter that takes K-type input.
Ready made 4 digit LED module with bezel? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: Chris56000
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2019, 09:18:58 am
content: Hi!Just a quickie one!I fancy having another go at the P.E. Autoranging Multimeter from April/May 1979 of Practical Electronics – can anyone point me in the direction of a ready–made 4 digit LED assembly of reasonable size (0.56" or bigger) I can use for this?It doesn't matter what function it originally performs as I'll be binning whatever electronics it comes with and connecting the 23 segment/anode connections to the main board, or alternatively make a compatible display board to fit the bezel!Chris Williams

author: ledtester
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2019, 04:29:47 am
content: There are a lot of 0.56" panel meters on aliexpress/ebay... just search for "0.56 panel meter"Some links to hacks that have been performed:-https://hackaday.com/2013/08/25/turning-cheap-voltmeters-into-i2c-displays/-https://www.swharden.com/wp/2016-09-19-hacking-a-cheap-ammeter-voltmeter-to-provide-a-bluetooth-pc-interface/-https://www.stm32duino.com/viewtopic.php?t=854Also, you can get the empty bezels on aliexpress:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32603402118.htmlProduct title is: "Plastic Case for Voltmeter and Ammeter 48 x 29 x 22mm Black Shell for Voltage Current meter""shell" and "case" seem to be the significant words to find these things. You can also get the empty bezels for character and graphic lcd displays (e.g. 1602 and 12864).Note that in some cases it is less expensive to buy a complete meter in a bezel than just the bezel, although the price goes down to about $0.50/piece in larger quantities.
ready to go 10 to 100 thermally matched resistor availability? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: SArepairman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2015, 04:44:40 pm
content: So I really would like to be able to buy 10 ohm 100ohm series center tapped packages, on one chip. Specifically this is for distributed op amp gain using low noise op amps (LT1019 or such). The idea being to keep input resistance low but maintain like 0.2-2ppm TCR tracking. Usually parts like this can be had for about 10$ each. But I only got as good as 1k 10k. I never saw a 100:1000 or 10:100 package that would be more useful for like 10$ from vishay. If you need or two it aint so bad, if yoou cascade the gains then you can use for the next chip, as the amplified input noise surpasses the resistor noise at this point.i found 100:1000 and 100:10k, but nothing for the first stage...I can't find this bloody part though.
reagent for detecting capacitor leaks? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 01, 2024, 07:54:54 am
content: Is there a indicator that you can use to detect small amounts of capacitor leakage? Perhaps old and evaporated or whatever it does.Sometimes its not obvious if its external, flux or capacitor juice.Something very sensitive to pH maybe? The idea would be to drip it on the board and look for a reaction, or brush it on.Boards with conformal coating, glue residue and environmental contaminants are confusing.Maybe there is some chemical that can make a UV signature if it reacts with capacitor residue? Or a smell?I just pulled off some old conformal coating that was under some capacitors, some of it from under one capacitor was stained brown. I don't know if its flux they failed to clean, or capacitor juice, or even rust that came off a rusty component (I got rusty stuff brand new from DK before). It might help me understand whats going on this PCB, even though I am going to replace the capacitor, I want to know what has gone on.

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 01, 2024, 09:48:19 am
content: It would depend on the electrolyte. Which one are you concerned about? If it is the complex of ethylene glycol and borax (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrolytic_capacitor), a water rinse that will be alkaline, i.e., turn litmus blue. Do not make the mistake of using litmus without water present.
real or fake analog device AD8628 ??? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2021, 02:37:16 pm
content: Hi folks,I've some ad8628 from different sourcesone is an analog devices sample - works fine in my shorty prototypeone is bought from lcsc.com - has parasitics oscillations on my shorty prototypeone is bought from rs components - not yes tested but soon !what bothers me is that they all have different marking. are they fake ?

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 05, 2021, 02:45:58 pm
content: Marking looks legit on all of them. Paint was usually used on older parts.

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2021, 03:27:52 pm
content: thanks.yes I have the sample for a long time, the others have been bought this year.
Real time current measurements over PLC - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2019, 05:17:28 am
content: I'm in the planning stages of a project that's more or less a grid tie inverter, except it does not export to the grid. There are two units involved in the part under discussion - the inverter itself that connects via a dedicated 240V circuit and a current sensor that installs in the breaker box. The tricky part is how to send the current measurements (split phase, two sensor coils) from the sensor to the inverter without requiring the installation of extra wiring. It must be low latency (less than 1ms) so that the inverter can instantly supply power to offset arbitrary loads. (In practice, it will still allow the grid to supply a small amount of the power - a few % or so, in order to enforce the zero export requirement and ensure that it shuts down if the grid goes down.)I'm thinking of transmitting a pair of RF carriers (one for each phase) FSK modulated by Delta Sigma bitstreams or even just a pair of analog FM carriers, but now I'm wondering if some more sophisticated modulation scheme might be more robust and still meet the low latency requirement. If it helps, the inverter is going to use a FPGA for real time control, but the sensor should be kept simple mostly to avoid failure mechanisms and bugs that arise from sophisticated embedded code.BTW, it's part of a personal project, not a product for sale.

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2019, 01:11:08 pm
content: Maybe I should define the requirements? The link needs to carry a pair of signals each with a few kHz of bandwidth, but unlike audio, they're only weakly correlated to each other. (Thus the sum/difference approach used in FM broadcasting is not likely to be helpful.) It does have to be pretty robust and the receiver must have a way to verify the signal is valid.At this point, I'm leaning on a pair of FM carriers in the few hundred kHz to few MHz range, simultaneously sent on both phases. The receiver can then use diversity to improve noise tolerance on one of the phases.
Real-time data Arduino to Android TCP - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: app1235
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 12, 2017, 08:44:55 pm
content: I am an electrical engineer working on my senior capstone project. The project is a portable ECG device which uses an Arduino MKR1000. I am developing an Android application which I want to graph real-time data received from the Arduino using a TCP connection. I know this isn't exactly and EE question but I am not very familiar with coding and especially new to networking using TCP. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thank you

author: LaserSteve
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2017, 10:36:27 pm
content: If your a student, and don't mind switching platforms, you can get academic edition Labview for free. That would be much easier to do.Steve
Real time data visualization and logging - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: ricko_uk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2020, 09:21:56 pm
content: Hi,there are many data acquisition systems on the market but I am looking for a low cost solution (even DIY) that does the following basic functions:- acquire 2 analog channel minimum (preferably up to 16 channels). All synchronised in time- I can sent the sample rate (usually between 100Hz to 1KHz - even better if it can go up to 10KHz)- display them in real time on a PC monitor- save the data and be able to recall it later for viewingAny suggestions?Thank you

author: JohnnyMalaria
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2020, 12:37:36 am
content: I've had great success with this:https://www.mccdaq.com/usb-data-acquisition/USB-1608FS-Plus-SeriesI control it with Python and easily capture 6 16-bit channels at 32kHz continuously. i.e., I have to collect data for many minutes at a time and I collect every single sample. The drivers continually transfer data in the background. Note, this is a simultaneous sample-and-hold device. If you have to have all your channels sampled at exactly the same time, you need simultaneous. Cheaper versions use a single ADC channel multiplexed to multiple sources. Hence, there is an inherent time delay and the maximum sampling rate decreases with the more channels you have. In my case, I am recording a in- and out-of-phase quadrature signal and it is essential they are sampled at exactly the same time.I currently use it on Windows but the vendor provides Linux drivers and it works on a Raspberry Pi. They also provide data logging software:https://www.mccdaq.com/daq-software/DAQami.aspx.Attached shows my unit in use (I took it out of its case).

author: ricko_uk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2020, 04:38:16 pm
content: Thank you Johnny.That's an nice solution.But I am looking for a low cost solution. Any other suggestions?Thank you

author: JohnnyMalaria
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2020, 05:41:18 pm
content: They do a $99 version but it is multiplexed sampling:https://www.mccdaq.com/usb-data-acquisition/USB-200-Series.aspxOr, there's this:https://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-I-O-Data-Acquisition-DAQ-12bit-ADC-PWM-DAC-SPI-UART-TIMERS-Virtual-Com-Port/200715038885?hash=item2ebb8c70a5:g:iQ8AAOxyTh1Q4JTwwhich is a lot cheaper. Full details are athttp://starting-point-systems.com/specs.html#adcClaims up to 200kHz sampling but doesn't indicate if it is simultaneous (I doubt it) or how to program it.

author: Conrad Hoffman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2020, 06:08:40 pm
content: I second the mcc stuff. Used it for years with great success. Also, you're in the UK- does Leo Bodnar have anything that would do the job?

author: ricko_uk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2020, 12:03:24 am
content: Thank you both!
Real time overlay of data onto video stream - windows? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: max_torque
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2019, 01:04:46 pm
content: I have a web cam watching a test rig, and i have a Data acquisition system recording data from several sources, all running in windoze......The Aquisition currently uses a simple application (coded in visual studio) to grab chunks of data from the various sources (mostly streamed over serial links) stick them all together and write them to a .csv file at around 10 Hz.How hard would it be to write something to overlay some of the data onto the video stream in near real time? Even a 2hz update would probably be fine? Does something like this exist already? I can find programs likehttp://www.dashware.net/that do it in "post process" but i wondered if anything exists to do in real time in Windows?. My data application could just write a single line .csv every so often with the latest data in it, and the overlay application could parse the data out of that file and overlay it?Sounds easy huh? Anyone done this before?

author: zzattack
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2019, 01:45:14 pm
content: I've done something similar using a DirectShow filter. We had video data coming in from one source and telemetry over a serial receiver/UHF radio. The solution I came up with was an application that coupled the video source with the data, and a DLL that presented itself as capture device. This DLL would "proxy" the video data, and host a server component from which it was fed the teletry data to overlay, kind of like a video-game HUD.An alternative nowadays might be to use OBS. If you intend to stream or just display the resulting picture somewhere, it is perfectly capable of combining video sources. Your overlay would be a simple OBS plugin I reckon.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2019, 01:46:31 pm
content: Take a look at ffmpeg. It works pretty much the same way in windows as in linux.
Real Time Pitch Shift and WAVE file advice needed. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: moffy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2021, 12:11:52 am
content: Hello, and a merry Christmas to all.I have found some pitch shifting code for my SEEED Arch Mix iMXRT1052 board:https://github.com/dbry/audio-stretchIt works surprisingly well in Windows giving good results. It takes in a WAVE file then shifts the pitch and produces a new WAVE file of the same time period. There is just one anomaly with the output file, the data rate is increased by the same proportion as the pitch shift. So if the original sample rate is 44100 Hz and the pitch shift is +10% then the new sample rate is 48510 Hz or exactly 10% faster. I am not so concerned as to why the sample rate is faster as to how Windows successfully plays it back when the sound card sample rate is set at 44100 Hz. If I try playing a 48kHz file back when the card is locked at 44.1kHz, it doesn't play. I know that technically Windows can insert a ASRC(asynchronous sample rate converter) to resample down to the 44.1kHz, but it doesn't seem to do that for the 48kHz file. It's bugging me so any enlightenment would be appreciated.

author: moffy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2021, 06:20:12 am
content: Seems Windows does resample:https://www.thewelltemperedcomputer.com/Intro/SQ/SampleRateConversion.htmnot sure why playing back at 48k didn't work at 44.1k.
Real world circuits for measuring voltage and frequency in automotive apps - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: Corporate666
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 03, 2015, 04:21:12 pm
content: Just curious if anyone is familiar with any best practices of pitfalls to be aware of on this.I am working on a device which will need to measure frequency from 0 to maybe 1kHz, and voltage from 0-5V or 0-12V. Frequency is engine RPM, voltage is from various sensors (TPS, MAF, etc).I'm using the ADC on a Cypress PSoC to measure voltage. I know that we experimented with lots of different methods to measure frequency previously and ended up settling on a mixture of software + hardware filtering. Hardware was caps and resistors driving a transistor to give a nice signal to the MCU and software was essentially discarding any pulse that was more than a given percentage deviation from previous measurement (since engine can only accelerate at a given rate).I'm not sure about real world circuitry for ADC measurement of voltage. I guess as clean as possible power to the MCU itself, and some hardware filtering - but what? I can average samples obviously to clean up the data a bit, but whatever I can do in hardware will help also.Suggestions?

author: Siwastaja
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2015, 04:47:12 pm
content: Most of the sensor voltages typically react very slowly, so you can just limit the bandwidth even down to a few dozen Hz with heavy RC filtering. I tend to use a huge capacitor (something like 10 uF)directlyat the ADC input pin - this provides a low impedance signal for the ADC to work with.This may not solve all noise problems, because noise can couple in many different ways, so you still need proper shielding, ferrite beads etc. But having the large cap (with a smaller bypass parallel to it) directly between the ADC AGND and input pins will do a whole lot.
realistic life time increase of LED strip heat sink? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 20, 2018, 01:37:12 am
content: If I made a heat sink for my LED strips that will make lighting out of aluminum plate cut thin, what is the realistic increase in life time?Flexfire LED brand.I am probably gonna do it regardless but its alot of cutting to do.Actually I am gonna do it anyway because if it shorts out the supply its gonna act like a big heat sink to prevent fires I think. Since it will be laid ontop of wood.

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 20, 2018, 01:40:50 am
content: How thin is thin?

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 20, 2018, 01:56:09 am
content: something like 1/4'' x width of strip * 1.5 , thats what I have enough materials for I think. Laying vertically (lights will go on top of a beam frame to bounce light off the ceiling.
clever method to hold an SD card - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: squadchannel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2025, 01:17:54 pm
content: https://www.reddit.com/r/ElectroBOOM/comments/1m8x56h/how_does_a_design_like_this_be_approved_and/might be best to use the lock type.

author: ledtester
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2025, 01:31:41 pm
content: Besides holding the SD card in I wonder if the cap is also being use as a cap.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2025, 02:46:22 pm
content: It is not. It is on the end of along milled out stick. It is there purely to be a latch. This picture was making round a few weeks ago.

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2025, 02:51:21 pm
content: Well. Why not. Are there really "locking" (micro)SD card holders? Because the push-in kind that "locks" the card when pushed in and "ejects" it when pushed again is not ideal either. The card could get ejected if there are high vibrattions, or after a shock (such as the device falling down) that would trigger the mechanism.When the card doesn't need to be accessed by users, I've seen the simple holders used more frequently. If there are "true" locking sockets (that is, which don't eject the card and would require a very specific action to unlock the card), I'd be glad to find one though.

author: squadchannel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2025, 03:01:29 pm
content: Quote from: SiliconWizard on July 28, 2025, 02:51:21 pmyes, Push-push type. it comes off due to vibration.For such applications, I think it would be better to use eMMC or fix it with silicon, as other products do.think the trouble of removing it later when it is fixed with adhesive, it may be ideal for applications where you want to remove it sometimes but don't want it to come off due to vibration.Quote from: ledtester on July 28, 2025, 01:31:41 pmI don't think cap is connected electrically. It's just a stopper.

author: Hydron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2025, 04:16:45 pm
content: It's to avoid the SD card being "Found on floor"d:(I found the image here:https://www.reddit.com/r/shittyaskelectronics/comments/1m9y4yx/who_lost_their_sd_card/)

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2025, 04:52:29 pm
content: When you need an internal Flash storage that acts as an SD card (so with a SDIO interface), there are chips that do just that (NAND Flash with SDIO) and can be almost drop-in replacements for SD cards if for such an "internal" use.Of course, SD cards make it easier to replace the Flash if it wears out. And I guess SD cards are so ubiquitous that they can be sourced for very cheap, which is a lot less the case for the corresponding chips themselves.
really funny way to make a touch screen ?? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: oz2cpu
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2022, 11:56:33 am
content: i started to do teardown videos again,and sometimes i find really funny technical solutions,this one i have to share with you tech dudes :-)https://youtu.be/3Km5UXAarA4have you seen anything like this done before ?

author: oz2cpu
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2022, 08:39:34 pm
content: not a single person ever seen this type of touch before ??me too :-) and i have pulled electronics apart for 35 years now,and i still find it funny, and i still find new cool things.

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2022, 12:10:31 am
content: Around 1982, I remember low-resolution touchscreens that used a set of light sources above the screen frame, pointing down to a set of detectors below the frame, and a corresponding array going from left to right, that had a useful resolution comparable to the width of a finger.

author: mikerj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2022, 10:32:37 am
content: I have seen something similar before, years ago you could turn a monitor into a touch screen by mounting in on a special stand that used strain sensors in the same way.

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2022, 05:27:32 pm
content: ah, the HCCafair the first prototype had four sensors but that didn't work at allsome other interesting trivia about Digianswer, they made the worlds first Bluetooth SIG certified Bluetooth device, shortly after they were bought by Motorola which then later became Freescale

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2022, 03:46:14 pm
content: Quote from: TimFox on February 28, 2022, 12:10:31 amStill common. The printer Dave took apart in last week’s video uses that type.

author: mikerj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2022, 05:56:30 pm
content: Quote from: tooki on March 02, 2022, 03:46:14 pmSome older e-book readers like the Kobo also used a light matrix for touch sensing. They weren't very good though.

author: Renate
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2022, 11:48:51 am
content: The Nook "Simple Touch" and the Glow3 used IR to sense.In idle, it pulsed only two LEDs to sense any interruption.Then it went to full two axis mode.A single LED would illuminate two photo diodes a bit left and right of axis.I made a utility to troubleshoot problems with this system.You could see where there were problems with beam transmission.Usually it was cruft on the inside of the bezel.(In contrast to other schemes, a dirty screen hardly affected things while cruft inside the bezel was a killer. You had to clean with a Q tip.)There were also problems with the IR transmissive part of the bezel being warped.The image shows the usual anomalies and a finger poke.
Realtek RTD2660/2662 play around? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: johnnyfp
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 06:45:11 am
content: Anyone played around with the Realtek RTD2660/2 Flat Panel Display controller?Specifically any pointers to some sample source code to get me started in programming it.Cheers

author: Rasz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 06:58:31 am
content: do you have sdk? programmer?

author: johnnyfp
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 07:06:01 am
content: I have nothing at the moment. Doing a cursory google search didn't bring up any open source sdks for it. Its sad that a chip manufacturer is so tight with sharing or giving away information on thier chips.It was hard enough trying to find a full datasheet for the chips (still looking for the 2662 full version of the datasheet).
Realtek RTL8722DM_mini Arduino Compatible WiFi + BLE IoT development board - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: dakamaster
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 09, 2021, 01:45:13 pm
content: Realtek's RTL8722DM_mini development board is now supported in the Arduino IDE.In addition to features found on the regular RTL8722DM such as GPIO, UART, SPI, I2C, ADC, WiFi, and BLE 5.0, the new mini development board integrates a microphone, audio output jack, and SD card slot for audio-related projects, while also reducing the PCB size to better fit into your projects.More details on the new development board can be found on our official website:Ameba ARDUINO: Getting Started with RTL8722DM mini – Realtek IoT/Wi-Fi MCU Solutions​Join in the community discussions at:https://www.amebaiot.com/en/amebad-mini-arduino-getting-started/Realtek Ameba IOT Developers Forum​:https://www.facebook.com/groups/AmebaIoT/Purchase links for the various Realtek development boards can be found at:https://www.amebaiot.com/en/where-to-buy-link/
reason for not being able to drive another input low - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: rookie
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2019, 08:54:16 pm
content: I have a circuit that detects a pulse and counts it(henceforth "counter"). I treat it like a black box at the moment The input to this circuit is pulled up with a resistor.I am testing this with two inputs:1 - one where a microcontroller GPIO is being pulled up briefly and then pulled back down at some interval2 - another where a PWM signal is being generated by another microcontrollerWhen I connect the PWM signal(2) to the counter circuit, it is able to detect and count pulses correctly. The signal at the input of the counter also looks like the PWM signal.But when I connect the GPIO signal(1), the signal on the input of the counter does not look like the original signal when unconnected. There is a DC offset to the signal, and hence the counter doesn't work correctly. It seems that it is not able to bypass the pullup on the input of the counter.What could be happening here? Is it worth while to remove the pull up as there would always be some signal connect to the counter in a practical scenario? Why is the PWM signal able to drive the signal low but the other GPIO input not able to do so(they are separate microcontrollers)? What electrical characteristic of the pin should I look at when trying to figure this out.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2019, 10:41:19 pm
content: What is the value of your pull-up resistor? Generally you need to look at the maximum output current to know what kind of pull-up resistor can be pulled low by the output.

author: rookie
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2019, 11:39:01 pm
content: I think the GPIO is pulled up with a 25k pullup and is connected to the counter circuit which has a 10k input pullup

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2019, 11:42:10 pm
content: I don't understand your configuration. Any reasonable MCU output should be able to overpower the 10K pull-up. Do you actually drive the output low, or just pull-down the input?

author: fsr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2019, 12:26:57 am
content: Generally, pull-ups are needed for inputs, not for outputs, unless they're open collector outputs, or something like that. Is that the case?Anyways, it shouldn't make any difference, as when the output is "open" the pull-ups should pull the output up, and when the output is low, it should drive both the pull-ups low, unless that's over the output current capabilities, which would be rare.Better if you put a schematic of the whole thing.

author: sleemanj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2019, 12:53:12 am
content: Are you sure you have the GPIO set to be an output?A common mistake for example when using an AVR, if you have left the pin as an input, toggling high/low is just be enabling/disabling an internal pullup resistor.
Reasonable high density footprint rule? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: blueskull
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 20, 2020, 07:29:40 am
content: I was looking for standardizing footprint creation across my group. IPC compliance was not a goal, rather high density yet still reworkable is.I consolidated my past design experience into this document, and plan to submit this for approval.I was thinking if anyone has any other recommendations or suggestions, or just needs something like what I wanted.So I posted my design rule here. Enjoy, and critiques are welcomed.
Reasonably low EMI, low cost, 60V power supply - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: John B
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2019, 08:45:33 pm
content: I'm looking for a supply for an LED lighting project. The desired specs are around 60V, 150 - 200W output power, ideally with a trimmer for output voltage. The goal is a clean DC source, ripple on the PS is OK as long as it's low frequency content.Looking around the usual places like digikey and element14, the choices are quite limited. Once past 48V it seems to be in the realm of medical supplies, which get very expensive.The only option I can find is a Meanwell HEP series sealed ballast style supply. It's a nominal 54V output, but can be adjusted up to 58V claimed by the datasheet. It's reasonably priced at around $140 depending on output power.But surely there's more out there? I don't need a sealed ballast style supply, it's all for indoor use. Mainly interested in minimising any radiated interference from the lights/wiring and also any conducted interference through the mains.

author: soldar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2019, 06:40:20 pm
content: If this is for a one time thing and you can't find it ready made then it should not be difficult to put something together.https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32834798374.html

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2019, 06:53:48 pm
content: buy two and put them in series

author: jhpadjustable
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2019, 07:39:09 pm
content: Couldn't you buy a plain old switching power supply from a commodity Chinese manufacturer, then add ferrites and secondary shielding enclosure as needed? Why do you need low EMI and how can you tell if you have it?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2019, 07:40:06 pm
content: I suppose you can't avoid the load being 60V?...Can always do 12V in series with 48V.Tim
Reasonably-priced 12-pin industrial connector? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2019, 06:14:34 pm
content: As the title suggests, I'm looking for reasonably robust and reasonably-priced 12-pin industrial connectors. Shape doesn't really matter (wouldn't necessarily have to be circular). Would be meant to pass 4 differential pairs (~50MHz digital signals) plus power supply (12V), ground and an extra ID signal (so actually 11 pins would be OK).What I've found so far that would fit is the NEUTRIK miniCON series such as:https://www.neutrik.com/en/product/mpf12-hNice stuff but a bit on the expensive side (although it's still not quite as expensive as LEMO connectors!)I would like to find something a bit less expensive ($5-$6 each max). Don't know if this is realistic. What do you guys think?

author: sokoloff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2019, 06:33:08 pm
content: How many do you need and do you need a reliable, long-term supply or are these custom one-offs?If you can tolerate some uncertainty in supply chain, you might look to military surplus connectors and see what you can find in a surplus store. They're incredibly robust (as they're often in field conditions with GIs who could break an anvil) and often cheap to buy a box of them in surplus channels. Problem is, you won't be able to guarantee a supply of same in the future.

author: duak
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2019, 06:43:26 pm
content: Look for "M12 connectors". These are used in industrial equipment and manufactured by TE Connectivity, Bulgin, Amphenol et al.

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2019, 07:12:29 pm
content: Thanks. No it wouldn't be for a one-off so availability is important.Just saw the Amphenol Sine series (eg. RTS714N12S03) which looks significantly cheaper indeed. I like the push-pull locking mechanism of the NEUTRIK ones though (as well as the compactness), many of the cheaper industrial connectors don't seem to have such a mechanism and are much larger. I guess I can't have it all.

author: alpher
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2019, 08:07:51 pm
content: Automationdirect.com is the place to go for cheap stuff.They have a huge inventory and reasonable quick shipping.

author: bugrobotics
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2019, 09:23:52 pm
content: If I had a choice I'd go with Turck. Better build quality than some of the other M12 variants. Only downside is you sometimes have to wait a few weeks for the parts as the major distributors don't carry a lot of stock.

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2019, 01:25:55 pm
content: Thanks for the suggestions. I'll get some samples before making a choice. The NEUTRIK miniCON still seems to tick all my boxes for this project except cost though.
Reasonably priced ZIF socket distributor? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: hal9001
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2021, 10:06:08 am
content: ZIF sockets are shockingly expensive on Digikey. $13 for a run of the mill 24 pin zif socketAre there reputable distributors selling ZIF sockets for 24 or 28 pin dip packages for less? Adafruit has for cheaper but they usually upcharge their parts too.$13 Aries 24-6554-10 in picCheers!

author: mon2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2021, 12:01:42 pm
content: Contact a manufacturer of these zif tools:http://www.icsocket.net/It will be a fraction of the above cost. They sell under their brand of "ANDK".https://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=0&initiative_id=SB_20210820040041&SearchText=andkBut the above first linked website is the manufacturer of these sockets.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2021, 01:37:28 pm
content: Quote from: hal9001 on August 20, 2021, 10:06:08 amThere’s a huge difference in quality between the cheap ones on AliExpress and name brand ones; Adafruit is likely reselling cheap ones.I don’t know whether the ANDK brand is any good or not, but they don’t seem to sell DIP ZIF sockets.

author: hal9001
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2021, 09:25:56 am
content: Quote from: mon2 on August 20, 2021, 12:01:42 pmThanks. My experience with direct manufacturer purchasing is they want to sell large quantities to individuals. I wonder if some will sell low quantities like 50 to 100 pieces.Quote from: tooki on August 20, 2021, 01:37:28 pmGreat point. Quality matters for moving pieces like these.

author: up8051
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2021, 09:35:46 am
content: Polish catalog distributor:https://www.tme.eu/pl/en/details/ds1043-240g/test-sockets/connfly/https://www.tme.eu/pl/en/details/ds1043-280g/test-sockets/connfly/Regardsup8051

author: mon2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2021, 03:41:43 pm
content: Thanks. My experience with direct manufacturer purchasing is they want to sell large quantities to individuals. I wonder if some will sell low quantities like 50 to 100 pieces.Yes, they will. At least contact them. Worst case, go back to Digikey and pay their over inflated prices.
Rebuild CRT B/W monitor - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: MrWifiHifi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2020, 02:41:20 pm
content: HiI recently got 3 5.5" (14cm) crt b/w monitors, but they don't seem to work properly, they work but not like they shouldIs there a way, I can somehow build my own CRT b/w tube controleror drive board to use them and display composite video on them (NTSC,PAL) ?I would like to use these small crt's as a vintage computer monitors, or somthing like apollo terminalsCRT monitor models:1.EASTERN EBM-502.HS-803.EU-5775I would be really thankful for any help

author: Renate
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2020, 06:42:47 pm
content: Wouldn't it be easier to just make them work as originally intended?What do you mean that they "don't seem to work properly"?Have you checked the scanning rates?Photos of screen? Boards?

author: strawberry
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2020, 08:02:40 am
content: B&W CRT not need composite converter for NTSC/PAL/SECAM.. just plug single video wire and watch if framerate is right for a monitorIf you want to connect to regular PC, convert Hsync frequency 24kHz and even higher to 12kHz(otherwise you will get two squeezed pictures on the same monitor or out of sync) for crt then level and sum all Vsync Hsync and RGB and feed in to regular video input or find where to connect directlyOr buy VGA to Video converterIf the problem is faulty monitor replace elec.capacitors and/or adjust Vsync Hsync H/V size pots...

author: Renate
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2020, 12:41:12 pm
content: How about buying a couple of these and putting them on an HDMI output from your PC?https://www.ebay.com/itm/HDMI-To-RCA-AV-Adapter-Converter-Cable-CVBS-3RCA-1080P-Composite-Video-Audio-US/293583863451