hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Electrician uses crisp packet to block tracker and skip work - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Avacee
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 28, 2017, 05:33:10 pm
content: https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/career-news/electrician-skipped-work-140-times-with-crisp-packet-trick/ar-BBFOIpw?li=AAmiR2Z&ocid=spartandhpCheaper than a home-made tin foil hat ....

author: R005T3r
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2017, 09:50:55 pm
content: Good to know...
Power supply shipped with a product - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: blueskull
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 02, 2017, 04:11:13 am
content: Hi, a quick question to the knowledgeable people here having designed and manufactured digital gadgets.I have a digital device designed, which uses ~20W of power, and is designed to power a type C laptop in the meantime, and I plan to allow up to 60W output power to type C. Therefore, it needs at most 80W input.The question is, how can I ship a power adapter with it? I don't have budget to design and certify a custom made PSU, so I want to use an off the shelf power adapter.However, since for ITE PSUs, its electromagnetic compatibility is certified with its user product, so if I grab an off the shelf PSU, the FCC/CE label will be voided if I use it with my gadget, not the computer it was designed to work with, is that correct?In my case, I plan to ship my gadget with a 90W type C adapter (Dell LA90PM170 with different IEC C8 plugs for different mains sockets). I can certify my gadget with that PSU model, but in case that PSU goes out of production, do I have to spend another $10000 to re-certify it? Recertification can be very expensive since my design has a custom intentional radiator on it, and I don't want to do it twice.Is there anyway to dodge this stupid certification rule?

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2017, 11:52:13 am
content: I find this a strange rule as well because how about other equipment connected to a device? Do you have to certify each combination?I think what you need to look out for it that the kind of certification for the power supply should match the certification of your device. You can also opt to sell as two separate items.

author: Nusa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2017, 01:11:10 pm
content: Can one even find specific certification reports? Just because Dell marketese describes it as a power supply for many of its laptops doesn't mean they didn't certify it for USB-C power delivery in general. Your entire question may be a non-issue.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2017, 03:20:25 pm
content: In my experience: don't ship the PSU if you are on a budget or do not have the reach and pockets of a true multinational company. Send a leaflet with a clearly specified power supply and where to buy some models that meet the specs.This will save you heaps of money in re-certification in case the PSU is discontinued.(edit) also, you would be hard pressed to find a PSU that fulfills the entire globe FCC, IC, EU are the low hanging fruits, but CCC, KC, Anatel and others are much harder to cover
How did this even get through QA? (Chinese boost converter) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2017, 11:03:33 am
content: Decided to order a bunch of stuff from China just to see if it will indeed handle the outlandlish claims that are made on the auction bodies.Item number one arrived today, which is a little boost converter. Supposedly if I chuck in 5V @ 1A, it'll kick out 12V @ 370mA out switching around 1MHz. That's a respectable estimate compared to some. I've seen things like this advertising 5A outWell it would if the output filter was actually attached at one end:Only one side is actually a good solder joint. The other end, not pictured is floating.

author: Kilo Tango
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2017, 12:41:38 pm
content: and that cap next to the connector has been knocked over physically breaking both jointsMaybe chinese don't actually test stuff, they just build it and ship it.Ken

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2017, 12:43:33 pm
content: Nope, thats just a "floating" output.

author: retrolefty
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2017, 12:50:30 pm
content: Well how does it work after you repaired it?

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2017, 12:59:47 pm
content: Repaired (badly) and tested. It's quite decent. Looks like it passed because the cap was on the input side of things. It's a 10uF MLCC for ref. I measured it out of circuit.I think it had lifted before the solder had returned to solid and it was just tombstoned there. Joint wasn't actually brokenI can pull 6W out of it (500mA at 12V) for 8W in whilst blasting the shit out of it with a hairdryer. Still going strong even if the breadboard is melting (I used a crap one just for this test).Tentacle monster testing it:Output:Not bad for under £1.
Laser Cutter I can use in Sydney? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: pilleya
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2017, 08:26:37 pm
content: Hi All,I'm in a bit of a pickle, I run a small online business selling custom electronics parts and have had an unexpected number of orders.The product uses a small 30x30mm 3mm thick laser cut Acrylic component. The laser cutter I normally use is broken at the moment and I really want to make the parts over the weekend so I can ship Monday morning. I need to make about 100.I have my own material and will happily buy you some beers in return( or give you beer money Smile )Thanks

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 02, 2017, 03:05:53 am
content: I'd like to help - but my laser cutter is still on the "Wish List".Sorry.

author: pilleya
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2017, 08:47:20 am
content: Managed to use a makerspaces laser cutter today, I am going change the design and just get 1000-2000 of them made by JLCPCB its easier and quicker than making them myself. Also the FR4 will be far more heat resistant( and stronger) than the acrylic.
Early Apple history - Jobs and Woz tell the Blue Box story - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2017, 03:30:40 am
content: http://www.mac-history.net/apple-people/2013-02-02/blue-boxThis is all true. And one can see a link between the blue boxes and the iphone, etc.But ironically now smartphones have been turned into an instrument of surveillance as much as of empowerment.This is the article that Wozniak found and read to Jobs over the phone.http://www.lospadres.info/thorg/lbb.html
FBI declassifies files relating to Nikola Tesla - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2017, 11:47:48 pm
content: FBI declassifies files relating to Nikola TeslaOver 300 pages, some heavily redacted and repeatedly saying the FBI does not have Tesla's files.After his death Jan 8, 1943:"Gorsuch and XXXXXXX Fitzgerald of Alien Property Control went to the hotel and seized the property of Tesla, consisting of about two truckloads of material, sealed all articles and transferred them to the Manhattan Storage and Warehouse Co. NY, where they are now located. At that time there were also thirty barrels and bundles belonging to Tesla which had been there  since 1934."About 3 weeks after that, all of Tesla's things and documents were examined by a group of FBI agents that included John G. Trump, uncle of the U.S. President Donald TrumpAnyhow, it looks like concern about his Death Ray, Teleforce, wireless energy transmission etc."Tesla claimed that the lightning balls (which destroyed his equipment) could be used to destroy aircraft. XXXX saw one inside his plane and most AF personnel fear these 'rf-balls' as they call them."Lots of conspiracy theories.June 14, 1957"Margaret Storm has been assigned to certain work with the Space People, as follows: She is writing a book - Return of the Dove - a story of the life of Nikola Tesla, scientist, and the part his inventions will play in the New Age. Much of the data for this book has been supplied to Mrs. Storm through transcripts received on the Tesla set, a radio-type machine invented by Tesla in 1938 for Interplanetary Communication. Tesla died in 1943 and his engineers did not build the Tesla set until after his death. It was placed in operation in 1950 and since that time theTesla engineers have been in close touch with space ships. The Space People have visited the Tesla engineers many times, and have told us that Tesla was a Venusian, brought to this planet as a baby, in 1856, and left with Mr. and Mrs. Tesla in a remote mountain province in what is now Yugoslavia."The original pdf docs are here.Warning! your computer will be compromised by visiting the FBI website and a tin foil hat is strongly recommended:https://vault.fbi.gov/nikola-teslaAlfred Kinsey, Einstein, Charles Kettering, many others were "on file", bizarre reading.

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2017, 12:45:02 am
content: Quote from: floobydust on December 01, 2017, 11:47:48 pmSimilar to Clark Kent's storyEarth must be regarded as a safe haven for alien babies in danger of their world dyingor out of reach from intergalactic pedophyle predators
Cool teardown video of electronics from 1963! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2017, 02:47:53 pm
content: I haven't seen anyone post a link to this yet, so I will link to it here. It's a fascinating piece of industrial archaeology and the enthusiasm of the presenter is infectious!https://youtu.be/2BIx2x-Q2fE

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2017, 03:03:04 pm
content: I had not seen that calculator before and was not aware of the acoustic memory storage.How interesting!

author: Cyberdragon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2017, 05:44:43 pm
content: Someone always beats you to it on this forum, if they haven't, it's probably not interesting enough.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/first-all-electronic-calculator-from-1963/

author: CNe7532294
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2017, 05:58:20 pm
content: Dr. Stoll is a great mentor. I like his style. It speaks to me very much so. I liked it when he used the "measurement ruler test" and gave a valuable life lesson. I liked his explaination here as to precisely why I collect equipment. Exactly as I had stated to someone in curiousmarc's vid of repairing a power supply from hell. Still, a current RF engineer friend brushed off one of the units I was repairing as a "trash design".Please be patient with said engineer hes young and new but quite passionate about EE. I know because I always get a wall of text whenever we chat about electronics on steam. Besides he did say that the trash design must have been good for the 80s. I'm sure he'll come around.I should probably show him what something in the 40s looks like. Should be fun.

author: Kleinstein
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2017, 06:17:13 pm
content: Acoustic memory was used before in some of the very early computers (around 1950) - however a in non RoHs way with mercury filaments.Long time ago (around 40 years) I took apart an calculator of similar age - also using germanium transistors, but no scope tube but nixies or similar. Only a 4 banger - so no square root, more like 6 digits and no acoustic memory and maybe half the size.

author: duak
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2017, 07:54:43 pm
content: Got one of those calculators in 1977 for a reason I can't remember now, maybe to use the CRT for somethng. It still worked and was neat to play with but pocket calculators were already cheaper and far more useful. It got a second life, after I sold it to a classmate who gutted it and used the case and power supply to house one of the original Apple II boards. He got his board in summer when Apple still sold them separately, and was probably from one of the first few production batches. I suppose both items are sort of collectors items now, but probably aren't even worth their original value.Cheers,
Grounding/filtering issue or multimeter is faulty? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: zape
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2017, 07:54:25 pm
content: I have a weird situation here with plasma TV.When I measure Vs and Va output with my cheapass harbor freight DMM it reads random values.To my surprise I noticed that if I use GND output pin on the power supply instead of chassis then it reads correct values.Then I measured across GND pin and the chassis and I get random readings again! but the ground is connected to the chassis! How this can be possible?Is this something to do with bad filtering or some sort of noise happening? Or this noise is okay and it is just bad multimeter which can not filter out this noise?
Videos no longer 50 FPS? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: nitro2k01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2017, 02:13:02 am
content: I've noticed the latest EEVBlog videos haven't been encoded as 50 FPS. This goes as far back as eevBLAB #40 which was uploaded 6 days ago, so I don't believe it's a matter of Youtube not being done encoding all versions of the video files. Is this an intentional or accidental change?

author: chriswebb
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 04, 2017, 02:17:38 am
content: Seems to coincide with use of Vegas 15? Some videos of his trials of this new software on eevblog2.

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2017, 11:06:25 am
content: I prefer the lower FPS. It allows 2x speed playback without issue on my weaker tablet PCs.50fps at 2x playback speed drops frames and sags at 1080p since my device cant render the 100fps.
Best "Soldering 101" video? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: kalel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2017, 04:09:05 am
content: I have seen a few already (Dave, BigClive, other Youtubers), but I'm curious as to your take on the best (or one of the best) made Soldering 101 video so far. I'm sure there are some I missed, and while practice is definitely the best way to learn (and a must) - sometimes you pick up a tip or two you didn't think of, especially as a beginner.

author: CNe7532294
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2017, 04:18:38 am
content: Don't forget Mr.Carlson's lab recently. There is also this.which came from thishttp://rfic.eecs.berkeley.edu/142/labs.html.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2017, 07:02:12 am
content: You might want to view Pace's Basic Soldering Lessons 1 - 9.Lesson 1

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2017, 07:16:25 am
content: Quote from: nanofrog on December 01, 2017, 07:02:12 amHuge thumbs up for the Pace videos. Excellent.Best 6 minute video.
Looking For A Switch - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Fisher77
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2017, 03:32:54 am
content: Does anyone know were I might find this SMD tactile switch. It has a red LED made into it where the red box is.I have tried the usual sites, and a google search with no luck. Goes in a Sony car stereo.

author: Nusa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2017, 03:48:31 am
content: Any markings on the the switch?Can you identify the manufacturer and product that it's installed on? That might help.

author: Fisher77
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2017, 05:19:35 am
content: Quote from: Nusa on November 30, 2017, 03:48:31 amNo markings at all on the switch. The stereo is a Sony CDX-GT33W. Did not see any numbers on the circuit board.

author: Nusa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2017, 06:46:29 am
content: This looks like it, or very close:https://www.ebay.com/itm/Switch-Tactile-with-LED-for-Sony-CDX-GT23-CDX-GT230-CDX-GT232-CDX-GT237EE/253218405474

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2017, 12:14:38 pm
content: It could be a custom part, but if it's not, the manufacturer is likely to be Japanese.

author: Fisher77
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2017, 06:09:04 pm
content: Quote from: Nusa on November 30, 2017, 06:46:29 amThanks Nusa. That looks just like it. I sent a msg to the seller to see if they know the color of the LED. Hopefully it Red.
The Trigger Trap Saga - the challenge of doing hardware for Kickstarter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Peabody
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2017, 06:39:57 pm
content: Trigger Trap was a camera triggering product that was successful on its first Kickstarter, but failed on the second, and the company is now defunct. The full sad story is presented in an audio podcast called Inside the Lens which is produced by Don Komarechka, a Canadian professional photographer and total geek:http://photogeekweekly.com/podcast/inside-the-lens-episode-7-the-triggertrap-saga/In a way, there are no surprises here. The product is actually quite simple, but everything you think could go wrong, including hiring incompetent EEs, does go wrong. But the story is very well told, and I think worth a listen by anyone who might ever be involved in such a project. The bottom line, as both Dave and Chris would confirm, is that hardware is really hard to do.Don now does two podcasts at photogeekweekly.com, both of which are deliberately technical. Fair warning.

author: ebastler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2017, 08:40:54 pm
content: Not a brand new podcast; I believe it's the same that was already mentioned here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/crowd-funded-projects/kickstarter-triggertrap-ada-camera-trigger-calls-it-quits/msg1139329/#msg1139329But interesting to listen to -- thank you for the reminder!

author: Peabody
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2017, 09:07:23 pm
content: I didn't realize it wasn't new content. Thanks for the reference to the original thread on it.
MicroCurrent availability  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jgalak
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2017, 07:58:38 pm
content: Currently shown as out of stock in the eevblog store. Anyone know when it's likely to be back in stock? Also, any US sellers of it? Adafruit lists the old model as discontinued and doesn't have the gold at all.
YiHua 853D replacement iron safety question - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ColdRFusion
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 28, 2017, 07:35:24 pm
content: Hi all, the original iron on my YiHua 853D solder station failed so I ordered a couple of cheap replacements from China (they were cheaper than a new element!)The Irons heat up fine but the temp display stays at 1 degree. I checked the pins/wiring and the thermocouple & element pins are the same as the original iron.Is it safe to use them as presumably the station would keep the element on all the time? or could the thermocouple be detected by maybe adding a resistor?[Iron is 24V 60w]

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 28, 2017, 07:43:44 pm
content: You bought soldering iron with a wrong heating element. There are two types, one has thermistor, another has thermocouple.

author: ColdRFusion
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 28, 2017, 07:46:59 pm
content: It was supposed to be a direct replacement, safe to use for a while do you think?

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 28, 2017, 07:49:55 pm
content: As minimum, heating element will overheat and burn in a few minutes.
need help bitcoin - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: sony mavica
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2017, 05:36:03 am
content: using this site coinpot.co to mine bitcoin but im confused about how to make a bitcoin walletalso is there a way to convert bitcoin to paypal money?

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2017, 02:40:29 pm
content: Welcome to Bitcoin.This website you have found is called a Bitcoin faucet.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitcoin_faucetYou are not actually mining bitcoin, you are just being given incredibly tiny amounts of free bitcoin. I am not sure of the exact details of the site, but that's what it appears to be.To make a wallet, all you need to do is download a wallet program, something like Bitcoin Core, and then download all the transaction history to your computer. This will take a long time, so just be patient and leave it there.To actually mine Bitcoin, you need computing power. General purpose power like graphics cards and CPUs are almost completely useless for mining Bitcoin now as WAY faster application specific machines have taken root. In order to mine Bitcoin you just need to have a mining machine, normally with a special ASIC inside, and then hook it up to either a mining pool, where resources are pooled in order to mine bitcoins faster, or take your chances solo mining.The reason currencies like Etherium are so popular is because they are supposedly ASIC resistant, meaning all currently developed ASICs for mining Bitcoin or Litecoin are useless, meaning people can have a chance just using general purpose hardware. This is why there has been an actual shortage in mid to high range graphics hardware, just because of all the nutjobs trying to make a quick buck.Like all currencies, Bitcoin is worthless unless you find somebody to pay you a more useful currency for it. These exchanges are all over the place, and will likely charge different fees/prices for USD, AUD, or NZD.This is just a rough explanation. Truly understanding how it all works is something left to a five minute google search. Happy mining!
Top end snake-oil cables - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: cybermaus
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2017, 11:11:30 am
content: I know its a old topic, so well known its not even interesting anymore. But still, every so often a new high (low) catches my eye.Thiswas shown in the side of my Amazon.Some checking showed that is indeed themanufacturer's price.Amazing. Then again, I am less worried on the likes of Zuckerberg spending $8000 on a hdmi cable then about my brother in law thinking he needs to spend $50Zuckerberg & co can afford it. (Used as random rich guy name. Not sure if he is sucker enough to fall for this)

author: daqq
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2017, 11:34:01 am
content: As usual with these items, the customer reviews are the best part of the item:Quote

author: cybermaus
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2017, 11:44:17 am
content: I had not thought about reading the reviews. By far the funniest 5 minutes of the day.

author: dkonigs
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2017, 11:33:12 pm
content: The best part is that this is one of the company's "cheaper" products. They also seem to make $38,800 speaker cables.

author: cybermaus
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2017, 05:16:35 am
content: And I though yesterdays find of $8000 was a new personal high for absurd prices I came across.But its true. $48500 for6 mtr speaker cableIs there *anyone* who actually buys that stuff. Even Saudi prince/Sheiks? Or is this just a display case but their real market the "normal" $100 oxygen free cables.You know, so that even people who buy $100 cables can believe they are very sensible and not buying into the crazy stuff.

author: RobK_NL
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2017, 12:33:55 pm
content: QuoteDammit!

author: cybermaus
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2017, 01:13:59 pm
content: QuoteIf they believe you area suckera serious buyer, they will ship it.

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2017, 02:29:18 pm
content: Quote from: RobK_NL on November 28, 2017, 12:33:55 pmAmazon.com won't ship to my home address either.Gutted
Windows virus inside Linux iso distros? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: MT
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2017, 03:50:18 pm
content: I know zero about Linux.Is it possible to embed a virus in this case WIN32:vitro inside a Linux iso in this case Knoppix?Because my antivirus flagged a file on the USB stick after using Rufus to make a USB stick Knoppixbootable image under the isolinux map as being contaminated?I thought Win virus didnt work on Linux (perhaps a displaced assumption).

author: technogeeky
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2017, 04:59:47 pm
content: Quote from: MT on November 30, 2017, 03:50:18 pmIt is, of course, possible. When scanning, virus detection is done based on the contents of a file, not the behavior of a program in memory. A file is a file across any operating system or storage medium.This thread(which is very recent) seems to suggest that the detection of this virus in a Knoppix ISO is a false detection. Even if the virus were really present in the ISO and you installed and used the operating system, it's not likely that it would damage the Knoppix OS installation.

author: CJay
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2017, 05:06:03 pm
content: Quote from: technogeeky on November 30, 2017, 04:59:47 pmI wonder if it would be possible to scrip the injection of malware from a bootable Linux USB stick when it's booted as a 'live disk' on a windows machine...Doesn't seem like that'd take much effort.

author: rstofer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2017, 06:13:19 pm
content: Sure, just find the hard drive and write whatever you want. Heck, erase the thing. Start with the MBR and wipe out the directory chains. That ought to do it.

author: MT
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2017, 12:45:30 am
content: Quote from: technogeeky on November 30, 2017, 04:59:47 pmAh i see! Yes AWG barked. Thanks for the link! I pointed the iso url for VT to test it , it goes green.ftp://ftp.uni-kl.de/pub/linux/knoppix-dvd/KNOPPIX_V8.1-2017-09-05-EN.iso

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2017, 12:59:57 am
content: Maybe I don't see it, but it is a bit disappointing that a distro as old as Knoppix isn't providing a sha256sum so you can verify its ISO image.Nevermind, found it below.Linux Mint was hacked Feb 2016 and now recommends you check your image using md5.https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2994edit:http://knoppix.net/wiki3/index.php?title=Downloading_FAQ#What_are_these_md5_files.3F
Why semiconductor companies so actively buys each other last time? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: kazan417
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2017, 04:20:42 pm
content: What is happening with semiconductor companies?altera is aquired by intelatmel is aqured by microchiplinear technology is aquired by analog devicesIt is good for us or bad?Who is next?And of course DANGER Russian virus in this message, because... you know... i am from Russia so take it01101010 01101111 01101011 01100101

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2017, 04:43:43 pm
content: One word. Patents.

author: kazan417
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2017, 04:52:13 pm
content: Do you think it is good for us - customers? If companies integrate more technology in their new chips it is good for us... wright?

author: daqq
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2017, 05:07:18 pm
content: It's not just semiconductor companies, the frequency of acquisitions/consolidations has increased in other areas as well. Just an example: IBM bought several noteworthy companies in recent years, so have others. Mentor got bought by Siemens, Eagle got bought by Autodesk (and the reaction is universally bad).QuoteNo. Monopolies or oligopolies are rarely good for the consumer. Basically, if the buying company just wants their patents/IP they might discontinue the products (or a portion of them) of the acquired company. Also, larger companies tend not to give a shit about the smaller customers (smaller = buys less than 100k pcs/year), so you may expect NDAs popping up instead of previously available datasheets, depending on the corporate culture. And then there's the part where competition leads to innovation. And also the entry into a market that's controlled by a few gigantic companies is pretty much impossible.As to more tech being crammed into ICs, well, that's nice, but at the end of the day you don't want the simple devices to disappear. Basically, you want a market where you can get a non 0.5mm BGA version of the chip you want.

author: razberik
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2017, 10:59:35 pm
content: I always say "shareholders are idiots". I mean those shareholders who sold their shares.

author: ivaylo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2017, 07:49:12 am
content: Tough market with tiny margins so they have to consolidate is the last explanation I heard.

author: daqq
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2017, 10:05:42 am
content: Quote from: wilfred on November 27, 2017, 10:51:10 pmPlease re-read that statement - I claim that you want a market where you can get aNON0.5mm BGA version of the chip. I fully agree with you that most people want to avoid too high end stuff.
X-Ray video of an 18650 Lithium cell thermal runaway. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: aargee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2017, 02:06:43 am
content: Interesting 18650 X-Ray video, ever wondered what's going on inside that lithium cell before it pops?Actually, this guy has a few videos up on the 18650, I guess what they do at a syncrotron after hours... :-)https://youtu.be/4u2ZgFRosoQ

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2017, 09:40:56 pm
content: Thanks for that. Interesting, though not sure what practically useful information it provides.It looks even better if you download the video and play it at around 4x speed. (https://keepvid.com/works for me.)I wonder how they made it go into thermal runaway?

author: Jeroen3
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2017, 04:42:27 pm
content: I didn't even know high speed x-ray was a thing. But these are some interesting videos.
The Toaster Oven - Bialetti? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: metrologist
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2017, 09:27:57 pm
content: We've had a Welbilt for ~20 years - 5 elements with rotisserie. 3 elements have warped and stopped working. These are 1/4" round, looks like a steel tube filled with some kind of composite. I found a couple places that sell the elements, but are $20 each, so are looking at new ovens.Most are too small or too big. I found a Bialetti that fits, but never heard of this company and the only place that carries them is Target. Anyone heard of them? The oven looks very similar in the LCD menu and button layout to the expensive Breville. Is that possible?https://target.scene7.com/is/image/Target/52565257_Alt01?wid=520&hei=520&fmt=pjpeghttps://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0274/0525/t/11/assets/slide_1.jpg?2701047093396789071Or I get a slightly larger Cuisinart at Costco.

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 27, 2017, 09:52:21 pm
content: Can't really help with your question, but I did once find someone in Auckland that makes all manner of kettle/hot water/oven elements like you describe.I bring it up because I was surprised there was money in it. If it's a viable business in Auckland, you might also find someone local.Can't remember the name of them now, they were out in Penrose somewhere near Serious Shooters. Cool guys. Gave me a tour of the workshop and explained how they're made and everything.

author: metrologist
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2017, 04:35:20 am
content: Well, this is interestinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfonso_BialettiAnd, I've had one of these for a couple decades as wellhttp://www.pezzetticaffettiere.it/?lang=enI learned that straightening out the elements does not fix them.
Pencil eraser on protoboard test results - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: kalel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2017, 09:27:42 pm
content: Some have mentioned using pencil erasers for cleaning various contacts as method that doesn't do much damage, so I wanted to test it on something, I took a cheap protoboard to do the test.It seems to really clean things well, but in this case it will also fill the holes so it might not be a great method for this use.I'm sure you can notice which area is cleaned (some partially which is good for comparison):I assume the cleaned areas would take solder much better than the other.Why the remaining parts of the rubber eraser are black, I'm not sure.

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2017, 02:13:53 am
content: Quote from: kalel on November 24, 2017, 09:27:42 pmFine metallic particles tend to look black. Same effect can be seen when polishing metal with Brasso and a cloth, or any polishing paste and cloth buffing wheels. The cloth becomes very black.

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2017, 02:28:27 am
content: Keep a few toothpicks on hand to clean the rubber particles out.If you have an air compressor, just blow them out.
Playing with superconductors - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 13, 2017, 11:46:35 pm
content: It seems likely that some of you guys have done this already. I want a turn!I've (surprisingly) found a few places on the web that sell superconducting stuff. I'm wondering if anyone here has a recommendation for a supplier I might have missed?

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 26, 2017, 12:00:16 am
content: Don't normally do this, but since it's the weekend I thought I'd give this a bump and see if anyone with experience is around...
Help rebuild a burned down FabLab - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Watth
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2017, 05:39:08 pm
content: La Casemate's FabLab in Grenoble, France, was burned down Tuesday 21 nov. Their insurance won't cover 100% of the loss, and loss of profit.This FabLab is a reference in the French FabLab/Maker-Hackerspace community; as a non-profit organization, supported by local municipalities. (en:https://lacasemate.fr/about-la-casemate/)The worst thing is that the arson claimed by a bunch of idiot luddites from anarchist movements (fr:http://www.ledauphine.com/isere-sud/2017/11/24/grenoble-l-incendie-de-la-casemate-revendiquee-par-la-mouvance-libertaire).So if you want to help rebuilding a community based FabLab that promotes scientific and technological culture, you can chip in here :https://www.kocoriko.fr/en/projects/reconstruction-de-la-casemate
What logo is this? [R] - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: matseng
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2017, 02:10:50 pm
content: Both these devices have a logo/symbol that looks like a capacitor and a part of a flash inside a ring next to the R-in-a-square. I guess that it is some kind of a conformity/approval logo considering the 3+6 character code to the right of them.But who are issuing them? I can't find either the cap-logo or the  in google image search. And searching for the "approval" code doesn't give any relevant hits either.

author: Cerebus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2017, 02:31:35 pm
content: Certainly looks like some kind of EMC conformity marking (lightning bolt for radiated, cap for conducted?), but I can't say I recognise it.I'm curious to know who it is because if it is a conformity mark I feel that I ought to already know it.

author: MAS3
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2017, 02:54:19 pm
content: Hi.Espressiflists their products certifications.It isTELEC certification, and once you know that, it is easy to google it.

author: Jeroen3
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2017, 03:24:57 pm
content: I optimised the image and did a reverse google image search. It is indeed Japanese TELEC.
Bent soldering tip.. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ChrisLX200
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 24, 2017, 11:58:00 pm
content: So I fancied trying a bent/curved soldering tip, I could see some advantages in demo vids when working with multi-pin ICs (easier to get the tip to span several pins at once). Rather than buy one though I just shaped one taken from my stock of otherwise fairly useless Weller long/fine conical tips I seem to have collected. These tips are iron plated, but whether the iron is ductile I didn't know - so it was possible the plating would simply crack. I wetted the tip first then held it in a 3-jaw lathe chuck and gently tapped it with a copper mallet into something like a useful shape. Feels good in the hand and apparently works well. Can't see any evidence of the plating cracking but time will tell how long it lasts.Rather than swapping tips I keep different tips on different irons, so the 60w Ersa has a stubby 3mm chisel-tip, the newer Weller 45w a finer 2mm chisel, and the old Weller (think it's also 45w) now holds the curved tip.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2017, 12:25:17 am
content: It wont last as you can bet the plating is micro-cracked. If you want to bend another one without cracking the critical plating in the wetted area, I would recommend you take a threaded hollow brass spacer >1/2" long, and plug one end with a short machine screw, Flux and tin the inside, fill it with solder and plunge the tip into it till the edge of the wettable part is a few mm below the surface. Let cool. You can now bend it while keeping the wettable part straight and firmly supported.You need to build up a carbon layer in any cracks to protect the core from oxidisation which would cause the plating to spall off, so wipe the sides, but not the shank with sugar water, let it dry, then put it in the iron and melt the tip free, and turn the iron up to max long enough to fully carbonise the sugar then wipe the sides with kitchen paper and a trace of vegetable oil as it cools, then finally clean and re-tin the tip. That should give you a firmly adhering carbon and metal oxides layer on the sides, similar to seasoning a cast iron saucepan.

author: ChrisLX200
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 25, 2017, 12:35:14 am
content: I have about a dozen to play with so I can always try againThanks!
Toaster Oven Failing - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: metrologist
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2017, 12:13:32 am
content: My Welbilt oven is failing to glow all 5 elements. It's been great for many years, but only 2 of 5 now glow. The elements are about 1/4 inch diameter and some have warped enough to touch the chassis. Is there anything to do there, or should I look for a new one?
FCC waits for holiday to unveil corporate ownership of Internet plan - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2017, 08:26:56 pm
content: In keeping to form FCC czar unveiled a plan to be voted on in just a few days to deregulate the Internet effectively triggering a one way ratchet which may become binding in perpetuity due to already existing trade and investment agreements and ISDS.https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/11/22/fcc_net_neutrality/"The 210-page document bears the title "Restoring Internet Freedom," which echoes the 2014 "Internet Freedom Act," a failed House bill floated on more than $800,000 in donations from US telecom firms seeking to gut net neutrality protections."Its not clear to me if irreversible rights to ever deregulating US internet regulation would be binding, and enforced by international arbitral tribunals against it, if US laws did not allow it at the time the investment was made, or afterward (see definitions of standstill, ratchet, rollback, indirect expropriation, etc.)The whole point of trade and investment agreements is to give corporations certainty. Otherwise, the US would be free to re-regulate the Internet, as things were in the pre-FTA past. But, is the creation of rights that violate a host state's laws a defense to violation of an investors perpetual rights?Its not so clear.See Desert Line Projects LLC v. Yemenhttps://www.italaw.com/documents/DesertLine.pdfandRumeli v Kazakhstanhttps://www.italaw.com/sites/default/files/case-documents/ita0728.pdf
2 pin addressable LEDs? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: VoidsWarranties
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2017, 05:27:26 pm
content: We got a new Christmas tree this year and it’s one of those fancy ones that has color changing LEDs on it. I was interested in how each light had only 4 wires going to it. And Each led has only 2 pins. They are addressable LEDs since a single led can be any of the color options on the remote, rather that it being a single color and only lighting when you select that color. My question is how these things work. they seem to have a really low update speed to change color but they have a flicker when running just a solid color. Any ideas?Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Increductor - Any use or information?  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: iampoor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2017, 04:54:45 am
content: https://imgur.com/gallery/9f9zn/Figured someone might know more about this. Looks like a saturatable inductor?No datasheet avaliable from what I can tell, heck I dont even remember where I got it from!

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2017, 04:59:39 am
content: Yeah. Never seen a datasheet for one, but have seen an ad or two. Should be pretty easy to figure out from measured characteristics.Tim

author: iampoor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2017, 05:05:03 am
content: Quote from: T3sl4co1l on November 24, 2017, 04:59:39 amInteresting, I wonder if someone, deep outside the realms of the internet, had a datasheet sitting in a musty old box.I am assuming these are usually from RF use? I dont do much past 20khz, but I think playing around with this may be fun. What applications have you seen them used in?

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2017, 04:10:29 pm
content: They can work down into the audio and power line frequency range inmagnetic amplifierapplications. High reliability power applications still use them because they are essentially blow out proof short of continuous overload.
Web page scripting security issue - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2017, 12:39:03 pm
content: Session replay scripts can log your keystrokes and mouse movements in real time, before you click submit.https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2017/11/an-alarming-number-of-sites-employ-privacy-invading-session-replay-scripts/It's not all that prevalent yet, but I don't think we are being paranoid enough.
Oh dear.. next will be "The exploding E-Bike battery pack". - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: aargee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2017, 07:51:40 am
content: Check out the 48V connector...I thought "No, surely it's the power supply input plug" until I read on. "3-Hole" it says further down... "something-hole" I'm sure.If there really is a battery pack out there with that IEC connector just begging for someone to plug it straight into the wall....http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-Electric-Bike-Bicycle-EBIKE-48v-36V-10AH-amp-lithium-ion-BATTERY-Charger/131973031465?hash=item1eba34a629:m:mTu7nHJOlsxNsh79mNVMbJg

author: IanMacdonald
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2017, 08:09:34 am
content: Think that ad also violates Ebay misleading item description rules. It is a charger, yet the words E-BIKE and BATTERY are capitalized. No doubt as clickbait since batteries are typically more expensive than chargers.

author: Bashstreet
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2017, 08:13:25 am
content: Quote from: aargee on November 23, 2017, 07:51:40 am

author: The Soulman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2017, 08:21:51 am
content: Yes I've seen those before "in the wild".
Access to UL standards. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: amitchell
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2017, 03:57:10 pm
content: I would like to know if anyone has access to UL standards and is able to let me look at a few of them.UL has made available to active UL certification customers their library of standards for free -https://www.ulstandards.com/unsecured/Logon.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fI am looking for:UL 153UL 1598UL 2108UL 8750Thank you.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2017, 05:07:01 pm
content: You should be able to find a lot of them through careful Googling...

author: rstofer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 20, 2017, 05:07:59 pm
content: Public libraries often have, or can get, copies of these things.Often they have to have them shipped in from larger libraries.

author: amitchell
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2017, 12:52:04 am
content: I was able to source all items online from various corners, they are however outdated by 6-10 years or so.I will check into the library idea, a local university may be a good option, I know a Student that could check.

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2017, 05:20:33 am
content: You have to pay for UL/CSA/IEC/NFPA etc. standards.If your corporation is serious about making safe, commercial products, then this is not a problem.Canadian public libraries offer the CSA Standards Database under digital content section.But you do not get (download) a PDF that can be printed (as I recall), or used anywhere else but with that library card- it's a secure PDF requiring the File Open plugin; which can be found here:http://plugin.fileopen.com/all.aspxIt's a hassle and much pain to eventually look at a secure PDF after getting handed off to the CSA database. That website is slow and not always working properly.But terrific to see the latest standards and notification, errata etc.With the on-going harmonizing of UL/CSA/IEC standards, sometimes you get lucky and find the UL equivalent.
Wanted:Ultra tiny bluetooth PCB antenna design (5 x 5mm). Range isnt so critcal - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2017, 10:35:49 am
content: So im looking for a ultra tiny bluetooth PCB antenna design.Something that can fit in around a 5mm x 5mm (0.2inch) square.It can be a fractal antenna or a weird geometry and it really doesn't have to perform amazing.I wouldnt expect it to, being so small.Anyone have ideas or known working designs?

author: daqq
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2017, 01:04:44 pm
content: Maybe the little ceramic antennaes?http://uk.farnell.com/taiyo-yuden/ah316m245001-t/antenna-bluetooth-w-lan-zigbee/dp/2084742?antenna-type=multilayer&pf=110323808&anyFilterApplied=true&ddkey=http%3Aen-GB%2FElement14_United_Kingdom%2Fc%2Fsecurity-audio-visual%2Faerials-aerials-managementedit: or these fellows:http://uk.farnell.com/molex/47948-0001/antenna-2-4ghz-on-ground-smd/dp/1961265

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2017, 10:43:38 am
content: Quote from: daqq on November 18, 2017, 01:04:44 pmNeeds to be a PCB antenna, for cost