hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Heads up to android users! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: FreeThinker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2011, 11:16:14 am
content: Just a heads up in case you get caught outhttp://www.elektor.com/news/android-users-get-malware-infected-apps.1731855.lynkx?utm_source=UK&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2011, 01:12:21 pm
content: Other reports specify ~ 21 apps, written by 2 authors. A bit misleading to say 'many apps'.The whole smartphone market is open to malware, primary trojan horses which these were. Security sweeps of all systems by many security agencies such as NVD reveal lots of holes that so far, haven't been exploited to true reported consumer events.Android 2.2 is less secure however than iPhone 4, as of this writing.http://web.nvd.nist.gov/view/vuln/search-results?cid=3

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2011, 11:20:37 pm
content: Reported today:http://news.yahoo.com/s/mashable/20110306/tc_mashable/google_unleashes_kill_switch_for_android_malware;_ylt=AqUDVpNE0tesrueYFNc.b2.EzdAF;_ylu=X3oDMTNzbzI2bHJvBGFzc2V0A21hc2hhYmxlLzIwMTEwMzA2L2dvb2dsZV91bmxlYXNoZXNfa2lsbF9zd2l0Y2hfZm9yX2FuZHJvaWRfbWFsd2FyZQRwb3MDNQRzZWMDeW5fcGFnaW5hdGVfc3VtbWFyeV9saXN0BHNsawNnb29nbGV1bmxlYXM-Apparently google has an kill switch, that can delete apps remotely, and its permission is embedded within the OS itself. A total 58 apps were malware and 'all phones' with Android have had these apps purged remotely last night.

author: the_raptor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2011, 12:14:13 pm
content: AFAIK Android tells you exactly what you are allowing an app access to when you install it*. In that case any malware etc is mostly a PEBKATS error. Apple would have the same problem except they charge app produces so that they can vet apps for this kind of thing. Nothing stops people setting up a "secure" Android app store with only vetted apps.* I wish desktop OSes had such a robust and obvious security model.

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2011, 04:16:50 pm
content: PEBKATS is something new to me, Did you mean PEBKAC?Android is a better platform in the end, I think. I use it, not iOS.Back to electronics though, you can find a number of basic EE aids for newbies which is about the same as those on iOS in terms of general functionality.

author: the_raptor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2011, 03:44:58 am
content: I meant PEBTSAC (Problem Exists Between Touch Screen And Chair).

author: flapjackboy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2011, 07:37:59 pm
content: On a slightly related note, I'm liking the Digikey app for Android.
oscilloscope AC coupling - important? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SnakeBite
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2011, 11:04:18 pm
content: hello,i found a tek scope in a great price but it doen't have AC coupling only GROUND and DC . how important is AC coupling for everyday use?thanksIdo

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2011, 11:17:38 pm
content: That's very unusual for a standard scope - my guess is it is a 50 ohm input, which is useless for general-purpose use as it will only work with expensive active probes.

author: mkissin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2011, 03:28:23 am
content: As mikeselectricstuff said, it is unusual for the feature to be missing.For everyday use, it would depend on what you use the scope for. I tend to use it a lot, for seeing small AC ripple on top of a large DC voltage. You can AC-couple the signal to get rid of the DC offset and then crank up the scale to see the AC component easily.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 28, 2011, 03:36:10 am
content: I am sure it's a great scope, but the question you should be asking is how to add AC coupling.What is the input impedance and capacitance of your current scope?By the way, which scope is it?
The curious case of the wacka 'o' mole and the logic bomb - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Sionyn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2011, 12:53:36 pm
content: http://www.wftv.com/news/26986709/detail.html

author: sonicj
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2011, 02:58:28 pm
content: I'm gonna find out the hard way that I'm not a pussy if they don't start treating us software people better.They don't understand. I could come up with a program that could rip that place off big time… big time.

author: tyblu
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2011, 02:19:20 am
content: Quote from: sonicj on February 26, 2011, 02:58:28 pmLMAO -- gonna have to put that movie on tomorrow morning's alarm menu!
Acrylic laser cutting and engraving - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 01, 2011, 05:34:56 pm
content: Hi all,I need to cut and engrave a piece of acrylic using laser.Is anyone aware of any reasonably priced UK supplier that specialises in small volume production? I have contacted 9 so far.I am also happy to discuss my project requirements with anyone on this board that can offer this service.Thanks!

author: osmosis321
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2011, 05:48:14 pm
content: If you don't find anyone reasonable nearby, there's a guy I've worked with.His laser can do acrylic (up to 1/4", IIRC,) he'll do small volumes, and he won't burn you. Depending on the overall weight of what you need done, the shipping cost might not be prohibitive.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2011, 05:50:08 pm
content: http://www.modelshop.co.uk/article/show/102

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 01, 2011, 05:50:53 pm
content: Thanks mike, modelshop is the best offer I have had so far.Osmosis, I would be grateful if you can ask if your friend can do 12mm thickness. Is he based in the UK?

author: osmosis321
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2011, 06:07:16 am
content: no he's not, you'd best go with door #1.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 03, 2011, 10:40:21 am
content: Many thanks osmosis.
SOT-23 pin numbers - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 26, 2011, 09:03:15 am
content: I need to label pins on a component in KiCAD that is a SOT-23 package. Only thing is I don't know what the standar numbers are on the actualy package. Any pointers ?

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 26, 2011, 09:19:05 am
content: It depends.Some packages label the pins like 1,2,3... others in, out, gnd...So, make the module yourself and label it like the component manufacturer. You will have a particular, not generic, SOT-32.I do it all the time with KiCAD.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 26, 2011, 10:20:15 am
content: yes but i need to know which pins on the footprint have what number. Yes I have a datasheet that does not give pn numbers but shows a 3D model and labels the pins but then I don't know on the pysical package what number each pin is so I can corelate them from schematic to layout, at the moment I am missing the ratsnest on all of my transistors

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 26, 2011, 11:46:59 am
content: Ah! What transistor is it?

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 26, 2011, 03:24:50 pm
content: 2N7002 (sot version of the 2N7000), but the transistor is irelevant, it's the standard pin out of the sot-23 case I'm after

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 26, 2011, 03:30:23 pm
content: It's not irrelevant. I have seen identical named transistrors from various makers with diferent pinouts, so the SOT-23 pin numbers are not fixed.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 26, 2011, 03:37:11 pm
content: oh great, what happened to great old standards. ok sonow the question is what pinout does KiCAD assume for SOT-23 packages ?

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2011, 06:34:50 pm
content: Try this linkhttp://www.supertex.com/pdf/package/K1_03_TO236ABx.pdfHTHDavid

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 26, 2011, 06:54:17 pm
content: thanks, most useful - hits the nail on the head

author: RayJones
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2011, 10:23:42 pm
content: Quote from: EdoNork on February 26, 2011, 03:30:23 pmIndeed, this practice has been around for a very long time.Take the venerable 3055 NPN power transistor - I've seen them in all sorts of pinouts, especially the TO-220 format (and the larger cousins)Assume Nothing!

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 27, 2011, 08:27:46 am
content: Yes I see the point and have double checked the layout. In the days of the 2N3055 cad design was in it's infancy and that particular part was probably never soldered to a board. These days to have different pin numbers for the same footprint package will create mayhem and hours of work toing and froing from schematic to PCB layout through datasheets making sure all parts with more than 2 pins follow the same conventions we thought were to be followed
World's smallest computer (1 MILLIMETRE square) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: orbiter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2011, 10:00:47 am
content: Oooooh.. small stuff.. 'At just one square millimetre in size, the tiny device is a pressure monitor that is implanted in a person's eye.'Daily Mail

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2011, 11:12:28 am
content: I would hardly call it a computer. PIC10F200 in a SOT23 package probably has a die of about the same size. Sure it doesn't have a battery, but that's not a requirement of being a computer.

author: Sionyn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2011, 12:11:57 pm
content: ah its the dailmaili wonder how long it will take the dailmail to be convinced this computer will give cancerhttp://kill-or-cure.heroku.com/

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 25, 2011, 01:28:15 pm
content: If this is a computer then my digital watch is a server farm.

author: orbiter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2011, 02:36:47 pm
content: So it's not a computer?It does have a motherboard (of sorts,) a chip (Pheonix chip) which apparently is capable of running instruction sets, memory and a wireless link.

author: Excavatoree
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2011, 04:19:49 pm
content: Quote from: tom66 on February 25, 2011, 11:12:28 amThe guy who sold me a batch of PIC10F200s advertised them as "the world smallest computer."Surprisingly, they were good parts.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 25, 2011, 05:03:56 pm
content: It all has to do with how you define the word computer. I would say something that performs computations, and with this definition, there are much smaller computers than this. Marketing...I would say this is a small smart transducer.

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2011, 09:17:17 pm
content: Quote from: tom66 on February 25, 2011, 11:12:28 amI left a comment saying just that but afterwards it asked for me to register which I didn't bother to do.Yes it's marketing of course and similar technology has been used inside transponders fitted to animals for years.

author: Sionyn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2011, 09:30:09 pm
content: dailmail enough said

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2011, 12:43:26 am
content: Quote
Fresh Hameg analogue scope and YouScope demo - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 26, 2011, 12:27:38 am
content: Got my 'NOS' Hameg HM604 scope today and I decided to try this YouScope demo.It is basically a stereo audio file that creates patterns and animations on the screen of an oscilloscope operating in X-Y mode.I made averyquick video of YouScope running on this scope. This soundcard (ASUS Xonar Essence STX) is probably not suitable for this application, hence the fuzziness and artefacts.Anyway, enjoy the demo, there are 100s on youtube! By inverting the X channel you can get the text to move backwards. lolUpload your own YouScope video here! WoohooThe green glow lights up the lab...

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2011, 01:19:48 am
content: All the new sound cards perform sinc resampling, which is the reason for the fuzziness. Try using Baudline to play repetitive impulses and you'll find that just about every sound card will output sincs, with the exception of some old ones.My digital Instek will display the "video" quite well, though definitely not as good as a boob tube scope. Would be interesting to see how the new Agilents work for that.
main motor wiring - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 23, 2011, 12:51:18 pm
content: I've been shown a motor by someone at work as he can't figure out how to connect it up.I has four terminals: A1, A2, L1, L2. A2 and L" are connected together. He also has the wires from a capacitorand does not know where to put them.

author: Sionyn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2011, 01:04:36 pm
content: it been ages since ive buggered with motors 3 years ago at collagewhat is to be wired to dol, star delta ?

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2011, 01:14:50 pm
content: Does it also have a centrifugally operated switch?

author: tecman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2011, 02:45:32 pm
content: Unfortunately most motor wiring and lead designations are manufacturer specific. Try looking online on the manufacturers site and see if there is any information. Motors can be multi-voltage, reversible, two speed, etc. many combinations exist.Paul

author: PetrosA
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2011, 05:32:49 am
content: Quote from: Simon on February 23, 2011, 12:51:18 pmMore info is needed but it sounds like a cap start split-phase motor. If it is in fact a split-phase motor, one of the two windings is the start and the other is the run. If it's single phase, Line would probably go to A1 and one lead of the cap, the second lead of the cap would go to L2, and Neutral would go to A2+L1. Is there any nameplate info available like voltage, motor type, manufacturer etc?

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 24, 2011, 06:32:28 am
content: I'll have a look at it today and get all the information I can off it

author: Jimmy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2011, 12:56:58 pm
content: Quote+1I have wired up single phase pumps like this.However it could be eitherPermanent-split capacitor motor or a Capacitor-start induction motorLive to A1 A2 to Cap Cap to Neutral "or Starting switch then to Neutral"Live to L1 L2 to NeutralThe capacitor changes the phase angle relationship between current and voltage this causes the motor to only spin in the correct direction.Is that all the terminals on the motor or are they just the ones you dont know how to connect

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2011, 10:56:00 pm
content: How large is the motor?If it's under 1kW or so and doesn't require a high starting torque, it's possible it's a permanent capacitor run motor in which case the capacitor is always connected in series with one of the windings.
Terrible Effquake in Christchurch ! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 23, 2011, 02:05:46 am
content: Hoping WillieFleete and others forum members in NZ have survived OK.To my relief my friends and relatives across the ditch are all believed to be OK. my thoughts go out to any affected or any who have loved ones affected.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2011, 04:50:08 am
content: Yes NZ was also an major subject, in the Greek TV today ..

author: the_raptor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2011, 11:11:26 am
content: Man this region has been getting hammered so far this year. I am thankful that Australia is pretty much geologically inert.Hopefully this time the NZ government will require proper earthquake standards for new and old buildings. And maybe people will understand that just because a structure performed to code once doesn't mean it can safely do so again.
Hameg 605 or Philips PM3055 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 22, 2011, 02:22:51 pm
content: I used to have a Hameg 408 and I regret giving it away. All I am left now with is a DSO.I am between getting a Hameg 605 or a Philips PM3055.Unfortunately manuals are hard to come by. I know the PM3055 is a dual time base one, apart from that they are both at 60MHz.Any thoughts?

author: zaoka
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2011, 03:17:15 pm
content: As long as you do not use Component Tester built on Hameg scope it should make no difference.
Bench mat - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: DrGeoff
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2011, 04:02:05 am
content: Got a couple of new benches in the workshop and need to put a work surface on them.What's the blue gear that Dave has on his bench? Anti-static? Rolls or fixed sizes?-Geoff

author: osmosis321
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2011, 07:04:46 am
content: I strongly suggest proper grounded anti-static work mats, regardless of what Dave's usingAt least then when something's not working right, there won't be that nagging in the back of your head, "what if the chip is fried"
First soldering iron stand - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 19, 2011, 11:28:27 am
content: I have been cleaning up some pictures on the computer and found a picture of my first soldering iron stand when I was 7 or so! Originally it was a box for one of those ancient tetris-type handheld game consoles:I cut away its front and filled it with gypsum. A slot hold the soldering iron in place, one of those 100+Watt ones that took half an hours to heat up and could melt solder (and components) from a distance...I have come a long way since then ;-)

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2011, 12:06:07 pm
content: I think, I am not 100% sure any more after all those years, my first stand was a piece of wood with two nails driven into, forming an X. And some copper wire wind around the smallest part of the X. And a >= 100 W iron with a tip the size of my thumb.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 19, 2011, 06:47:58 pm
content: hehe I used to havw the best as my first iron stand, it was part of a petrol rotorvator (small ploughing mahine), something to so with the ploughing shaft, it was hollow hex steel with a square face plate on one end giving it a nice angle, it was nice and heavy so could not get knocked off the bench or knocked over and being so large and of iron did not heat up fast so I was never burnt on it. I had a nice coat of rust on it but was not shedding bits if you get ehat i mean. I forget what happened to it, I certainly could not bring it back to england

author: ecowarrior
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2011, 11:10:07 pm
content: I'm totally dribbling over that ERSA....
if dave had one of these in the lab what noise would it make ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mitpatterson
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2011, 05:16:11 pm
content: It would probaly say "dick head" a lot, and "tight asses"that and the beating of multimeters, lol

author: ecowarrior
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2011, 10:34:57 am
content: "you gotta be shittin' me"

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2011, 12:49:45 pm
content: Lot of birds mimic, crow, ravens magpies do too.I think think most impressive talking bird was Alex the parrot who could understand a lot and have a conversation as well as mimic. Some birds are the brightest animals on the planet, second to humans - their bird brain reputation doesn't stand up to science.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_the_parrot

author: Sionyn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2011, 02:22:41 pm
content: he even dose pigs

author: TheWelly888
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2011, 02:53:10 pm
content: I can't have been the only one who expected Chook to reproduce the builder's wolf-whistles!

author: Excavatoree
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2011, 05:30:26 pm
content: "Don't turn it on; Take it apaaaaaaat!!!"

author: Lance
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2011, 10:16:38 pm
content: I guess it would also say "unbelievable" a fair bit.
It's a boy! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Strube09
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2011, 02:16:03 pm
content: I know it isn't electronics realted but i just wanted to share and get some ideas.I currently have a 13 month old boy with another baby on the way. We just had an ultrasound and found out that it is another boy.... Now comes the argument with the wife about boy names.... Any ideas? The wife doesn't seem to like Nikola.Strube

author: Excavatoree
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2011, 04:18:13 pm
content: Congratulations!!I can't be much help with names, but I like "Nikola."

author: FreeThinker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2011, 05:29:31 pm
content: How about 'Dave'

author: williefleete
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2011, 05:46:52 pm
content: name him after a descendent if you havent named your other one similar.or give him your name and tack Jr. on the endhenry or william maybe.

author: flapjackboy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2011, 11:19:32 pm
content: Robert'); DROP TABLE Students;--

author: williefleete
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2011, 11:21:26 pm
content: Quote from: flapjackboy on February 15, 2011, 11:19:32 pmi love that one

author: Strube09
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2011, 12:50:00 pm
content: Quote from: flapjackboy on February 15, 2011, 11:19:32 pmHa!Naming a kid is so hard. They have to live with it and it is on your shoulders to pick something... so that name is something I will like and he may hate down the road. I wanted something creative from the electronics world but all the founders of the electrical world have such odd names. I guess I need to stick to the main stream stuff. After all it isn't like I am naming a cat Darlington

author: DJPhil
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2011, 01:32:56 pm
content: Quote from: Strube09 on February 16, 2011, 12:50:00 pmAw, it's not so bad. You've got folks like Maxwell with good last/first names, and in a pinch you can work the other way too. "Dad, why did you name meRobert?"

author: Sionyn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2011, 11:08:52 pm
content: speaking of names hears a interesting thingthe name jones is welsh but there is no j used in the welsh languagethe correct way to spell jones is Iones

author: FreeThinker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2011, 11:34:51 pm
content: Quote from: Sionyn on February 16, 2011, 11:08:52 pmThe Welsh STILL have a language?

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2011, 03:42:20 pm
content: Quote from: Strube09 on February 15, 2011, 02:16:03 pmname the boy Tesla.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 20, 2011, 03:45:20 pm
content: Surely he should be named Alex.If not, have a look here:http://www.babynames.com/Names/search.php
4 multimeters! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Eliminateur
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2011, 12:56:49 pm
content: Dave is right, this is why you need 4 multimeters!(UC3906 lead-acid batt charger i'm building)post your 4-multimeter(or more) story/picture!

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2011, 07:13:51 pm
content: I hope there's a fuse in series with that battery.Yes, even cheap meters are good for this type of thing.

author: Eliminateur
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2011, 07:22:23 pm
content: no fuse, prototype don't need it as i have everything under control and would add more power loses and dangling annoyances, besides it's a "spent" battery.final build will have a fuse.he, they might be cheap but it's all i have, and that Fluke 8020A ain't no cheapie!(in it's time).the Eico one is my first/only DMM my parents bought me, accompanied me throughout all of highschool and even suffered some accidentsand it's pretty inaccurate.The uni-t is my brother's, but he barely used it and i like it, has nice functions/ranges and is quite accurate(compared to the Fluke one as ref)

author: Excavatoree
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2011, 09:42:49 pm
content: My first meter that my dad gave me (I was about 7 or so) was an Eico - but it was an a copy of the first Simpson 260 - analog! (Man I'm old) Of course, The Fluke 8020 was out then, but my dad couldn't afford to buy one for himself, much less his kid.
32-bit ALU in minecraft - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Ferroto
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2011, 02:20:27 am
content: Minecraft is a sandbox game where you mine and harvest resources make structures etc. One of the items in game is red-stone which you can use to control certain objects in game such as minecarts, torches, doors etc. It didn't take long for people to discover a trick that allows you to create basic logic gates AND, NOT, OR. Then someone decided to build an ALU.ALU:Logic Gates:

author: tyblu
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2011, 03:21:35 am
content: this game is worse than bad television. Seems like a massive brain drain. So much time spend ... rearranging blocks? Cripes..

author: allanw
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2011, 04:00:32 am
content: Quote from: tyblu on February 17, 2011, 03:21:35 amIt's like legos.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2011, 04:51:38 am
content: na, lego has a far better range of block sizes than minecraft.

author: Lance
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2011, 05:42:06 am
content: Don't knock it based on appearances. It seems plain at first, but it's really quite fun once you play around with it for a bit.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2011, 08:28:06 am
content: Quote from: Lance on February 17, 2011, 05:42:06 amyeah, im staying away from it for that reason, i think i'd get addicted quite easy.

author: Lance
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2011, 04:46:53 pm
content: Quote from: Psi on February 17, 2011, 08:28:06 amI haven't touched it in over a month. There is the first bit of addiction, but then your self control kicks in.

author: tyblu
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2011, 02:25:00 am
content: Quote from: Time on February 17, 2011, 05:36:49 pmLMAO

author: Zad
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2011, 02:29:55 am
content: If you love Minecraft but don't want to get addicted, watch the Yogscast series. It is just a couple of lads playing around at first, but then you realise people (their mates) have been building stuff on their server. The story that unfolds is better than any soap opera!

author: sonicj
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2011, 02:53:23 am
content: Quote from: Time on February 17, 2011, 05:36:49 pmyou beat me too it, lol! i saw this last night and almost fell out of my chair!-sj

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2011, 08:35:09 pm
content: Quote from: tyblu on February 17, 2011, 03:21:35 amIt reminds me of the first version of quake.Sorry, I watched the first couple of minutes of the video and my eyes glazed over.

author: Waifian
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2011, 09:05:04 pm
content: These are awesome. I had to post them on my facebook.
How a CRO CRT works (Video). - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: the_raptor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2011, 05:54:28 pm
content: I found this fascinating video showing how the display of classic analog scopes work over on Lady Ada's blog and decided to nick it.It amazes me to think of the amount of engineering skill that went into creating something which is considered so primitive these days.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 16, 2011, 05:58:40 pm
content: the link is missing/invalid, can you point us to it again ?

author: the_raptor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2011, 06:06:10 pm
content: Sorry, I used the forums /youtube tags which worked fine in preview but apparently when it gets posted the forum software munges it and makes it not work. Using /url tags worked fine.

author: DJPhil
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2011, 01:01:31 am
content: Interesting video!Slightly off topic, I use a greasemonkey script calledEmbedifierthat makes life easy for embedded stuff. Might be worth a look for those who get exhausted with page hopping to see things.
EE summer internships in the UK - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: alexh
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2011, 10:03:23 pm
content: Hi, I'm a 3rd year electronic engineering undergraduate student and I'm looking for an electronics internship in the UK. Before anyone asks: no, I definitely don't want to do anything software related, I got plenty of experience doing that.For the moment I was thinking of applying at Agilent, ARM, Intel and CSR... but I'm fairly certain that there must be many other opportunities out there in smaller companies. Does anyone know of such opportunities?Regards,Alex

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 25, 2011, 10:36:32 pm
content: Your university should have a service to find such opportunities, usually called Careers Office, Industrial Liaison Officer or something along those lines.Intel at Swindon does excellent 13-month placements with great career prospects. I am certain they don't do summer placements though.The Power Academy scheme run by the IEThttp://www.theiet.org/about/scholarships-awards/power-academy/is a great opportunity to receive funding for your studies (even in year 3) and also a summer placement with companies involved in the power sector like Siemens, ABB, National Grid...EDIT: For a summer placement try to aim for a smaller, or much smaller company. In your typical multi-national you have to undertake a monthg or two of 'induction training'.

author: Zad
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2011, 11:03:55 pm
content: Its a sad day that they are now called Internships not Placements, damn Americanisms get everywhereI wouldn't bother applying to ARM if you don't like software. ARM are totally fab-less themselves and much of what they do is essentially software, although they do have people who work with external manufacturers and fabs.

author: alexh
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2011, 11:11:02 pm
content: Well, sadly the Careers Service at my uni focuses on investment banking and similar crap for engineering students, so that isn't much of an option.I was just wondering whether someone knew a few of the smaller UK EE companies that might care about summer internships (or placements). ARM do a lot of electronic design and validation which is pretty interesting, but I know that odds of a good summer internship are way better with smaller companies.Thanks,Alex

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 26, 2011, 01:27:36 am
content: You can also ping the undergrad mailing list looking for others that had summer placements they enjoyed.
Need help identifying a part - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dmlandrum
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2011, 05:37:17 am
content: My Jameco grab bag has this weird part in it that I missed before. Anyone know what it is? It looks like there are two flat-faced electrodes with a gap between them.Sorry the picture is crap, but my camera doesn't have a macro mode, so it's the best I could do.

author: mkissin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2011, 08:06:28 am
content: It looks like it might be a spark gap, but I've never seen one with a glass (?) enclosure before.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2011, 08:23:42 am
content: yeah, i'm going to go with sparkgap as well.Maybe it's a type that requires the user be able to see if it's conducting?The only other thing i can think of is some sort of neon.

author: JohnS_AZ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2011, 04:14:33 pm
content: I think the proper term is "gas tube surge arrester" but yeah, it's a spark gap.

author: Time
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2011, 05:11:43 pm
content: Its common to have spark gaps housed in transparent materials when there are multiple gaps that need to be fired as close to the same time as possible. By having the gaps all lined up and "viewing" each other the radiation from the initial gap will promote the breakdown in the next switch over causing the jitter between the switches to be reduced.I doubt thats what this was use for though. Just looks like a plain ol' surge arrestor.

author: Polossatik
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2011, 05:11:59 pm
content: Does it Blend?

author: Sionyn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2011, 06:47:13 pm
content: spark gapseen huge ones (well bigger than that)used in power switching

author: lowimpedance
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2011, 10:45:40 pm
content: It is indeed a gas surge arrestor, and if you look on one of the end caps you will see a voltage rating at which the arrestor should start to 'spark over' during a transient.cheersJohn

author: dmlandrum
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2011, 12:57:20 am
content: Great, thank you, everyone! Now I need to figure out some creative way to use it.Can I use it as a hysteresis device, like a neon tube?EDIT: Err, neon bulb, rather?

author: DJPhil
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2011, 12:58:40 am
content: That'd be really useful for a ham antenna lightning arrestor.Quote from: Polossatik on February 17, 2011, 05:11:59 pmIndeed!
Learning C :) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Jon Chandler
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2011, 09:39:27 pm
content: There are so many variants on the C language, it's confusing to learn. Fortunately, the local Goodwill (thrift store) has a good assortment ofxxx...for Dummiesbooks.

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2011, 09:49:41 pm
content: Howstuffworks.com has a great C tutorial, maybe I'll finish reading it one day - I lost interest in the subject awhile ago.http://www.howstuffworks.com/c.htm

author: armandas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2011, 09:55:29 pm
content: May I suggest that ANSI C is *way* better than Hepatitis C.

author: Time
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2011, 10:01:53 pm
content: hahaha

author: Jon Chandler
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2011, 10:18:04 pm
content: Does nobody actually LOOK at the picture???

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2011, 10:18:48 pm
content: No obviously not, lol.
Crown MT-600 Audio Amplifier - What does this mean? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: onemilimeter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2011, 03:15:59 am
content: Hi...I'm quite confused with several "power" terms used in audio amplifier specification: RMS powerMaximum power Average maximum powerPls refer to the specs below.As stated, the "1 kHz Power" is referred to "maximum average power" in watts at 1 kHz with 0.1% THD.Does it mean the output "average power" is not constant? In other words, there are "peaks" and "dips" on the average power?

author: JohnS_AZ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2011, 04:18:24 am
content: All I can think of is that the spec is the average they measured from testing a sample group (>1) of their amplifiers.(BTW ... IMHO, Crown makes great amps)

author: IanJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 16, 2011, 04:52:19 pm
content: Hi,In the audio amplifier world there are three ways of describing output power:-Peak power = The maximum amount of instantaneous power present at the highest level.RMS power / Average Power = A value developed to compare the power of an audio signal to an equivalent DC level.Music power / Program power = Used in speaker ratings mostly, because speakers are never used to produce pure tones then these values best decribe the power..........takes me back, for fun I was a sound engineer for a 16-piece Soul Band for 9 years =http://www.souledasylum.co.ukWe used this little lot:-1 * Crown Macro-Tech 5000VZ power amp (FOH Mid-Hi's)1 * Crown Macro-Tech 3600VZ power amp (FOH Mid-Hi's)1 * Crown Macro-Tech 5000VZ power amp (FOH - Subs)1 * Nexo NX241-TD digital crossover/controller1 * Samson crossover (subs)4 * Nexo Alphae-F speakers (FOH)2 * Turbosound Subs2 * Peavey CS1000 power amp (Voc Mons.)1 * Peavey CS1000 power amp (Brass Mons.)4 * Peavey DTH wedge monitors (vocal)2 * Concert Sound Wedge monitors (brass section)1 * 32-channel Allen & Heath GL3300 mixing desk2 * dbx iEQ-31 31-band Graphic Eq, c/w auto-feedback suppression (FOH L&R, Voc mons, Brass mons).2 * Peavey Q-431FX 31-band Graphic Eq (manual feedback detection)1 * Peavey Kosmos (Rattle your planet!) low-frequency energy and stereo image enhancement system4 * Behringer Composer PRO-XL MDX2600 Expander/Gate/Compressor/Peak Limiter1 * TC Electronics M-ONE XL Reverb/EffectsIan.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 16, 2011, 06:43:57 pm
content: I think your best spec for cross reference is RMS as this refers to the actual amount of electrical power pumped out

author: sonicj
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2011, 08:49:09 pm
content: the 20Hz - 20kHz numbers are more realistic.

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2011, 09:41:57 pm
content: Quote from: IanJ on February 16, 2011, 04:52:19 pmNo there's a fourth one which is unfortunately more common: audiophool power which is at best the power which is at best the output for 1kHz clipped to a squarewave lasting for only a few cycles to the at worst the output when special audio cable is used.
Digital "conductance testing" battery analyzers, Availability/ cost - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: whitte
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2011, 11:12:08 pm
content: With the introduction a decade ago of the" new digital conductance battery analyzers" to be used in Industry versus the old carbon pile technolgy.....hopefully the cost of these is coming down. The last time I checked on a ''PulseTech" brand model 490PT it was well over $2,000.00.Anyone well versed on these vital load test, charging circuit, starter circuit tester type Commercial and Marine battery testers.....as far as cheaper side pricing
thank you MCS - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: bill.rowland
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2011, 04:34:17 pm
content: A big thankyou to Joy and the team at MCS for a first class deal on my rigol ds1102 scope. mcs is a real plesure to deal with they even checked the scope before dispach to check the working condition firmware etcvery pleased thank you MCSbill
the tale of lottery tickets and the side channel leakage  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Sionyn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2011, 06:16:21 pm
content: http://www.wired.com/magazine/2011/01/ff_lottery/all/1

author: FreeThinker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2011, 09:30:49 am
content: My brother is a printer at a large print house that prints bingo tickets for a national 'Newspaper' who give away bingo cards as a sales pitch.The security is very heavy and quality control is vital. However ALL the winning tickets are printed separately and passed to the newspaper who cherry pick the location of the winners to maximize it's marketing impact.So your soar away sun bingo ticket is far from random and demographics is the main criteria for your chance to win.

author: tyblu
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2011, 10:04:02 am
content: I wonder if that guy got laid for this.
Why do we need two toroidal cores? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: onemilimeter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2011, 11:16:39 pm
content: I read somewhere that two or more cores are stacked together to design an inductor or transformer. What is the reason to stack two or more cores?

author: Time
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2011, 12:12:22 am
content: Thats not common. Might have just been application specific. Ideally you would want one solid core with no breaks or air gaps for the best Q.

author: tecman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2011, 03:37:57 am
content: Stacking cores and winding through both increases inductance and power. Disadvantage is greater losses from leakage inductance, which is the benefit of toroids.This is usually done as a quick fix.paul

author: onemilimeter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2011, 09:10:18 am
content: Quote from: tecman on February 18, 2011, 03:37:57 amOne of the parameters given in a toroidal datasheet is AL. When two toroidal cores are stacked together, do you think the effective AL of stacked cores is equivalent to double of the individual core's AL? Thanks.
I WANT ONE NOW!!!! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: FreeThinker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2011, 09:21:12 pm
content: All I need now is a mobile loo and I need never move again

author: glossywhite
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2011, 09:41:43 pm
content: It doesn't even look nice. Oh, and a mobile loo would suggest you wish to travel, which involves moving.

author: FreeThinker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2011, 09:48:08 pm
content: Quote from: glossyshinywhite on February 11, 2011, 09:41:43 pmNope! It would come to me! Lol

author: tyblu
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2011, 06:07:11 am
content: That's pretty cool! One of those projects that everyone dreams about, but no one implements... until now! (and then, and then again.. I've seen a few hehe)

author: qno
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2011, 10:30:58 am
content: Reminds me of a beer commercialThe man wants a walk-in fridge.The builder hears a walking fridge.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 12, 2011, 07:26:33 pm
content: Walking loo? You mean diapers?
Fluke 112 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: PStevenson
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2011, 04:23:57 pm
content: well I got a Fluke 112 (obviously!) having owned only cheapies in the past and I thought I would let you guys know some of the details, well basically the details I wanted to know before I bought it.over all it is a nice meter I actually managed to get it second hand from eBay for £50 + 3.50 postage I did get worried it could be a scam after I bought it but anyway it arrived so all was good.the continuity tester is latching and extremely fast, though not as fast on the diode setting and the beep is quite a nice solid one. it has a 11A HRC fuse in it which I managed to blow because I had a migraine and just shouldn't of been doing what I was doing - so yeah I was stupid but the good thing is the fuse blew but the meter is fine and I'm not dead so all around win.the ranging is pretty fast on it - about half a second though it is pretty hard to time. the backlight is green and mostly even however you can see where the LEDs are under the screen on the left hand side.the rubber thing is removable, it does run on a 9volt which isn't the best idea but still it boasts 300 hours life - less with the backlight on.and I did the "dave" rattle and twist the chassis test and it does feel very solid.so yeah for a decent - I think its mid range? - meter look on eBay for the fluke 112made in the USA if that matters to you.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 10, 2011, 08:24:23 pm
content: I agree with your comments, it's the meter I grab if need to take one with me (eg. fixing stuff at friends house), it's relatively small. My main issues are the lack of low current ranges (only 6A and 10A if I remember correctly), the lack of documentation of the power-up settings on the back (I printed that table from the manual and stuck it on the stand), and the display and back light are not great IMO (the high contrast one with white back light used in the 87V and 187/189 is much nicer). No issues with build quality, just less features than the higher models.

author: PStevenson
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2011, 08:53:26 pm
content: of course, I have used an 87v it is really out of my price range at the moment but I am saving up for it. good idea with the print out of the table, I shall do that I don't want to have to take the manual everywhere !
homeopathy foolery - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Sionyn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2011, 11:44:29 pm
content: after daves tweet about those guys overdosing on junk homoeopathy to prove it had no effect check ben stuff out

author: Balaur
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 10, 2011, 08:55:33 am
content: I just drink tap instead of the ultra pure glacier more-expensive-than-printer-ink bottled water.I have figured that it should contain infinitesimal traces of all beneficial substances ever, so its potency is supreme.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2011, 10:55:28 am
content: More from Ben Goldacre :
Looking for manuals and schematics for a 'scope & bench PSU - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: glossywhite
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2011, 03:18:38 pm
content: Hi. I am looking for manuals and schematics for the following items: Found a manual (almost unreadable!) for the 'scope (attached)1/ Trio (Kenwood) CS-1566A 20Mhz, dual trace 'scope2/ Farnell "TOPS 2" bench PSU. Specs: 4-6VDC @ 5A, -15v-0-15v @ 1AIf anyone could point me in the right direction, I would be forever grateful.Thank you

author: sonicj
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2011, 08:40:46 am
content: Heres a link to a CS1560A manual courtesy ofhttp://bama.edebris.com/manuals/.[urlhttp://bama.edebris.com/download/kenwood/cs1560a/Trio%20CS-1560A%20Oscilloscope%20Service%20Manual.pdf]Link <== Right Click, Save Asmight be similar

author: glossywhite
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2011, 05:34:50 pm
content: Quote from: sonicj on February 08, 2011, 08:40:46 amThank you. Could you fix the URL for others reading this, please?