hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
I'm confused how a certain topic made it into the Top Ten Topic by Views  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: xrunner
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2013, 12:21:17 am
content: I was looking at the stats for the forum, and I am puzzled by one item. Looking at the Top Ten Topics (by views) I see this -Top 10 Topics (by Views)#9 - UNI-T UT61E Multimeter teardown photos - 107445 viewshttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/uni-t-ut61e-multimeter-teardown-photos/Why is a topic about a Uni-T multimeter teardown in the Top Ten topics by views? How does that beat out scores of other topics to be in the Top Ten by Views?I'm so confused.

author: don.r
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2013, 12:25:18 am
content: I think the thread has been pointed at by various other sites around the inter-tubes. It is (or was) a hot item and people wanted to see if the Chinese can make a decent MM for under $100. I contributed maybe 30 or 40 of those views alone while I was researching my purchase of this meter.

author: PedroDaGr8
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2013, 03:19:24 am
content: Quote from: xrunner on December 27, 2013, 12:21:17 amThat thread actually brought me on this site. You need some historical perspective to understand why that thread is so popular. At the time when that thread came out, there were NO decent meters at that price point. Budget meters in that range were almost entirely manual ranging, TrueRMS only if you were lucky and no way you were getting 20000 counts. This doesn't even include the fact you were getting ceramic fuses, legitimate high accuracy and solid build quality. At the time this meter easily rivaled ones twice its price. Your options besides this were basically mastech or Vichy garbage. It was one of the first meters using the cyrustek chipset. Think about how even now it's hard to beat the ut61e for features and price, back then it was nigh impossible.Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2013, 05:16:58 am
content: A large amount of fanboys are hyping that meter.These days a few are getting a bit wiser and relearn the old sayingyou get what you pay for, while their meters quickly drift out of calibrationhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/ut61e-drift-and-recalibration/

author: don.r
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2013, 06:23:15 pm
content: 6 months and it still agrees with my Keithley 196 +- 5 counts on both voltage and resistance. For $60, it is what it is - not for high voltage but for low voltage electronics its still worth the money IMO.
Eagle cad Problem - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: snipersquad100
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2013, 02:04:34 pm
content: Hello and Happy Holiday guys.Im trying to make a prototyping/bread board using eagle.I need one 14 pin smd footprint, I think it's called SO14 or something, And say 100 holes.I've got a footprint using a component which has the right type footprint and using via's as the holes.Eagle will let me connect the via's using the wire tool on the board page but it wont let me connect a via to a pin on the so14 footprint as its notconnected on the schematic. I cant put via's on the schematic to connect to the pins on the so14.What can I do to solve this please.Or im using the free virtion of the eagle cad to.Thank you.

author: baljemmett
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 26, 2013, 03:59:46 pm
content: You can use the NAME command/tool to give the via the same name as the net you want to connect to it, and then route the air wire that appears. For this to work you need to have a net connected to the relevant pin on the SO14 in the schematic though - it doesn't have to connect to anything else, just draw a short stub - probably best to set the net name in the schematic editor so that it's easier to locate the correct one on the PCB...Alternatively you could replace the vias that you want to wire up with single through-hole pads from the 'wirepad' library; add them to the schematic and wire them up as normal. Effectively ends up doing the same thing, except it's documented in the schematic too.

author: snipersquad100
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2013, 04:03:43 pm
content: pads of course why didn't I think of that.I just rename the pins for now. thanks dude.
How do companies solder double sided PCB's with surface mount components? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Razor512
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2013, 03:06:28 pm
content: Sorry if this has been answered before, but I cant really find much info on it. Most of the videos I see showing the production process, will often show a single sided design with surface mount components, but on devices like smartphones, it is not uncommon to see a double sided PCB with many very tiny surface mount components on both sides.How do they actually go about getting all of the components soldered on both sides?

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2013, 03:15:44 pm
content: I believe it works like so: top side pasted, placed, reflowed and cooled. Then board is flipped, bottom side pasted, placed, reflowed and cooled.The components don't fall off from the second reflow process.

author: don.r
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2013, 03:17:55 pm
content: Surface tension of solder for the smaller parts epoxy for the larger.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2013, 08:56:44 pm
content: Often you will see red dots which are an adhesive applied to the board along with the solder paste, used to stick the parts down. P&P one side, cure the adhesive ( warm it to 80C or so to cure it) then flip the board and apply solder paste and P&P then reflow all at once.

author: daveshah
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 26, 2013, 09:56:28 am
content: I'm not sure about this, but I seem to remember reading somewhere that two solders with different melting points are used for assembling boards with components on both sides.

author: ciccio
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2013, 01:47:59 pm
content: One of my supplier uses this method for consumer electronics boards, with single sided PCBs:1) bottom side: apply glue, then place SMD components, cure glue,2) reverse board, place through hole components,3) wave solder the whole thing.Sometimes you see big arrows on the silk screen: this indicates the correct wave soldering direction, to avoid solder bridges on fine pitch components.If you have SMD components on component side, after step 1 above I believe (not sure) you can silk screen solder paste, place SMD components then through hole parts, reflow the board for soldering SMD parts on component the proced with step 2.
O2 internet filters - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: echen1024
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 06:47:54 pm
content: Well, O2 has parental controls and automatic internet filters for everyone else as well, and there is a site to see what it blocks. I found that sites such as Agilent, CNN, and the EEVBlog forum itself were all blocked under the parental controls for K-12 students. The only thing i found unblocked was the useless game Club penguin. If I were a parent, I would rather my kid be looking at oscilloscopes.

author: mariush
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 07:23:45 pm
content: There's a confusion here.The online check website says that the sites you entered are filtered under a profile "something something 12 years old".That's not the obligatory government imposed filtering system, it's a custom system parents can opt in separately and isn't on by default. In that system, all sites are automatically filtered and only manually whitelisted sites (by o2 employees or whoever designed the filtering system) are allowed. So it's normal that pretty much everything you enter there will show up as filtered.

author: echen1024
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 07:25:39 pm
content: Ahhh. That is for 12 under? Not sure why categories such as "business" are blocked. Educational sites sich as HyperPhysics are blocked as well.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 07:31:33 pm
content: Annoying aren't they. K12 is school up to grade 12, or around age 16 in most cases. Sites blocked because they might learn more than the school teaches........ CNN blocked because they might learn there is a world out there that is not all soft and cuddly. Wonder if Wikipedia is blocked, there is some "naughty' content there. Stuff like maths, chemistry, geography, history.
Quick Aerial Question: Are cheap ebay TV aerials any good - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Zepnat
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 10:42:58 pm
content: Hi all, aerials are out of my field, just need someones opinion if tv aerials on ebay might have inflated gain/quality specs or not. thinking of getting something like this,http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OUTDOOR-LOFT-48-ELEMENT-4G-READY-DIGITAL-FREEVIEW-TV-AERIAL-FULL-INSTALL-KIT-/300914106153?pt=UK_ConElec_TVAerials_RL&hash=item460fe0df29and maybe this to set it uphttp://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Freeview-Digital-Terrestrial-TV-Aerial-Alignment-Strength-Signal-Meter-DVB-T/161138035590?_trksid=p2045573.m2102&_trkparms=aid%3D555012%26algo%3DPW.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D33%26meid%3D3609949730648610323%26pid%3D100034%26prg%3D1031%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D170634515126%26

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 10:52:03 pm
content: The signal meter can be replaced by the information in the setup menu of most modern TVs.

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 10:57:27 pm
content: Quote from: tom66 on December 23, 2013, 10:52:03 pmVery useful if you're standing on your roof and are trying to find the correct direction for the best signal.

author: Zepnat
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 11:25:19 pm
content: Ah yes ofcourse a built in meter why didn't I think of that.. I've got plenty of free minutes on my mobile I'll just ask for a commentary while adjusting the aerial.. The last time we had a tv you simply adjusted the aerial for the clearest picture. Sigh...

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 11:58:32 pm
content: That little signal meter is practically useless for digital applications.As for the aerial, there's a great deal of guidance here:http://www.aerialsandtv.com/aerials.html

author: chibiace
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 12:53:43 am
content: i found the aerial type digital tv is pretty easy to tune just point the same way as your neighbours or in the general direction.satellite dishes are a pain in the ass i tuned a couple and they were all of nothing, needed to be spot on.

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 02:11:20 am
content: It's possible to DIY one for the fraction of the price of buying one. You don't even need much RF knowledge as the balun and preamp (if needed) are off the shelf.

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 02:21:37 pm
content: Quote from: Monkeh on December 23, 2013, 11:58:32 pmI got one for satellites, tweaked it a little bit and it works a treat. I've installed a multi feed satellite dish (digital TV) for my sister and using that little meter was much better than shouting "better?". It saves a lot of time and hassle. 10 Euros spent well.
3D Printing Is Big Business - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SgtRock
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 20, 2013, 08:56:29 pm
content: Greetings EEVBees:--See below link for an interesting run down of the business side of 3D printing.http://seekingalpha.com/article/1907331-a-deep-look-at-the-3d-revolution-where-printing-money-is-a-reality?source=email_the_daily_dispatch&ifp=0"The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not 'Eureka!' but 'That's funny...'Isaac Asimov 1920 - 1992Best RegardsClear Ether

author: notsob
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2013, 09:28:38 pm
content: Here's one you probably haven't seen - probably will eventually put a big dent in the horse shoe industryhttp://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-18/an-3d-printed-horseshoe-breakthrough-for-the-csiro/5164952

author: ivaylo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 07:55:08 am
content: Wish consumer 3D printers become usable somehow in the next few years.

author: SgtRock
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 12:03:22 pm
content: Greetings EEVBees:--New 3D printer prints a layer at a time, with very good resolution. So far they are still printing pretty much useless trinkets, but the potential to do something useful like the titainium horse shoes, is looking better and better. See link below.http://technabob.com/blog/2013/12/22/solidator-3d-printer/"Say little about what you know and nothing at all about what you don't know."Sadi Carnot 1796-1832Best RegardsClear Ether

author: Galenbo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 01:16:17 pm
content: Quote from: ivaylo on December 23, 2013, 07:55:08 amIt' impossible to say something useful about "3D printers"First, most of all are 2,5D aka 2D5, because the foot has to be designed in function of what comes on top of it. Try printing a ball.Then, printing thermoplastics really won't bring you far. If you spend 1M euro you can print metal. Really? Only sintered metal. Only 1 type per machine.With exception of the DIY and artists community, you deal with people who don't know how to edit a black and white 2D image, and who would be completely lost if their 2D printer didn't come with the out-of-the-box scan and print button in the software.Big opportunities are possible for B2C companies, where now it's only for B2B.You click on an image or movie, choose dimension or choose the number/type of buttons, and 2 days later you have the item delivered.In the ready-for-twitter-good-news-messages you can see that the articles are often made by people who can't count.Why would a manufacturing process, limited by a movement of maximum of 200 mm/s and 1G points to print, be realistic?Do they even know about other machines, what they're capable off, or only judge them based on their color or Web 2.0 appearance?
EEVBlog bitcoin wallet - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: smashedProton
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2013, 02:03:20 am
content: Does the eevblog have a bitcoin wallet for donations? I hate paypal....

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2013, 02:16:57 am
content: ->http://www.eevblog.com/donations/

author: smashedProton
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2013, 07:39:14 am
content: I feel like an idiot now...Thanks!

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 21, 2013, 08:16:48 am
content: Oh, yeah, that's right, I have a bit coin account!

author: Phaedrus
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2013, 01:27:12 am
content: How many millions of bucks did you have in there, eh Dave? Should have cashed out when it was at $1000/btc! O0

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 22, 2013, 01:47:16 am
content: Quote from: Phaedrus on December 22, 2013, 01:27:12 amI don't even have half a bitcoin

author: JoannaK
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2013, 04:23:01 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on December 22, 2013, 01:47:16 amHmm.. I think I have some minimal amount somehere. Need to check the wallet ..
TV/satellite tuner principle/design - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Jane
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2013, 08:15:42 pm
content: Is there anywhere a project where I can learn how TV/satellite tuner works?Thank you

author: Rerouter
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2013, 08:20:08 pm
content: if your in Australia you just missed the mark by about a week, as our analog feed was just killed for TV,as for a project to learn, track down what modulation a few of the free analog channel satellites are using and play with receivers and transmitters before tracking down where in the sky one is to try and grab off the real thing,

author: Jane
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2013, 08:29:12 pm
content: NO, I am from Australia.Can you please explain a little more what you mean by:"and play with receivers and transmitters before tracking down where in the sky one is to try and grab off the real thing"?

author: Rerouter
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2013, 09:16:40 pm
content: To try and help you i had a quick try to work out the modulation used for satellite broadcast, but could not find anything quickly, still i would think its some type of frequency modulation,if this is the case then first you build something to transmit and receive in the audio spectrum using whatever carrier frequency you like to learn the basics, (there are 10's of thousands of guides on building FM transmitters and receivers), then once you get the basics down you can move up to trying to De-modulate a live satellite broadcast to your TV, or even just broadcast the feed of one video device to another in your house wirelessly,

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2013, 03:31:10 am
content: DVB-S is single carrier quadrature phase-shift keying with multiple streamsDVB-T is orthogonal frequency-division multiplexingSo a little bit more involved that FM radioIt's awesome at being able to deal with multipath interference though, which is why i cant wait for DVB-T transmitters small and cheap enough to use for HD FPV on RC planes.Oculus rift + 4K camera + DVB-T transmitter = pure FPV porn
Got a new oscilloscope - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2013, 07:02:24 pm
content: Just how long did you keep him indoors? Didn't think there was that much bladder in such a small yappy dog.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 22, 2013, 02:47:30 am
content: Thank goodness it is a single channel, could you imagine if it was a 4 channel?
RS232 <-> UART, QUICK KNOCKUP - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: kolbep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2013, 07:30:08 pm
content: Ok, So here is the story,bricked a TP-Link MR-3020 Portable Wifi/3g/Ethernet Router. (Easy to do when you are switching from Openwrt back to stock firmware.Turns out, you can pop the cover off the router, and there are pins where you get access to the Processors UART, and can access a recovery console. Just needed to hook that up to my PC.Anyway, previously Whenever I needed to do RS232<-> UART Conversions (Old Nokia Phones, Chinese Made CCTV DVR's,etc) , I would dig in my parts bin, find a MAX232ACPE, find the 5 x 0.1uF Capacitors (had to actually dig for a gate motor controller to strip these off).I would then knock it up on breadboard, and have wires dangling all around, having to make sure none pulls out.This time I decided to take the extra hour, and knock the circuit up on Veroboard (I think). Including the DB9 Connector, and a USB tail to get the 5v from the PC.Worked a charm, and now I have the converter, complete with DB9, Chip, Caps, and Power all ready to go whenever I need it.So here are the Pics, and is as per the Schematic in the datasheet.Just thought I would share this (nothing better to do on a Friday night).Criticism's, Complaints, Compliments all welcome.P

author: kolbep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2013, 07:32:31 pm
content: Sorry to all the South Africans, with Slooooow Internet. The Pics are really huge (I wanted everybody to see my lousy soddering [damn Yanks] skills).I am sure the rest of the World will not have problems with viewing them.Oh, and the Jumper is on the UART side, between RX and TX pins,so that, if you are not getting any comms, you just pop the jumper on, and then you will get a nice loopback from your PC Serial Port, Through the Max232 Converter, and back [to check that your powersupply, chip, serial port, are all good].P

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2013, 08:08:58 pm
content: Next time you happen to be on ebay, look for a handfull ofeBay auction: #400524497015or similar products (http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=CP2102&rt=nc&LH_BIN=1). For what some shops ask for a MAX232 alone.(Yes, I know USB != RS232, but directly going to USB means you can skip the USB - RS232 cable, too).
uCurrent on Silicon Labs facebook page - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: juanfermed
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2013, 04:42:02 pm
content: I just wanted to share that the new uCurrent GOLD was featured in the official Silicon Labs facebook page. They recommend it there to measure current consumption of their EFM32 Gecko MCUs. Its quiet outstanding that they recognize the usefulness of such a device and recommend it on their official webpage.

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2013, 01:27:00 am
content: Hmm. That or they see their product featured somewhere and just reshare it automatically.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2013, 06:00:32 am
content: Well it is that Gecko stuff that got borged by Silicon Labs.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 20, 2013, 06:21:01 am
content: Not surprising because I used a Silicon Labs Gecko in the video.
site malfunction , why is it that when I click notify I unwanted threads ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: KD0CAC John
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2013, 11:47:58 pm
content: Since the beginning of using this site , I will click on notify on a thread , then for at least a few days to a couple weeks , I get notified of all kinds of threads I have never even seen
Why delete warnings about unscrupulous online electronic merchants? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Rayonger
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 19, 2013, 07:43:58 am
content: Twice I have posted warnings to assist people shopping online, this is valuable experience gained from getting ripped off myself. Twice they have been deleted. These are electronic related NOT fashion booble sites. They are posted in a forum that most concerns the people that purchase or try to purchase gear.. WTF?

author: GeoffS
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 19, 2013, 07:50:25 am
content: Your first post was a complaint about a vendor, that always raises the SPAM flag.Once you have a few posts under your belt, by all means try again.
YouTube channel? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: vlad777
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2013, 06:37:55 pm
content: Hello.Dave's obsession is test gear, but mine is fixing broken stuff.Can someone recommend a YouTube channel where someone hunts e-bay or craigslist for repairable broken devices,and makes videos about repairing them. Maybe how to get hold of custom asics from China ,service manuals and other stuff.Don't worry I will not stop watching EEVblogMany thanks.

author: dexters_lab
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 15, 2013, 08:03:01 pm
content: norcal715 does repairs but is mostly domestic av equipment

author: echen1024
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2013, 01:45:55 am
content: Quote from: vlad777 on December 15, 2013, 06:37:55 pmYou could start one yourself...

author: vlad777
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2013, 01:06:46 pm
content: Quote from: echen1024 on December 16, 2013, 01:45:55 amI thought that that sounds like a good idea, but currently I am not in a position to do it.

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2013, 01:12:55 pm
content: There's quite a few videos on restoring vacuum tube equipment like antique radios and amplifiers.

author: Markybhoy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2013, 06:49:12 pm
content: If you are into video games this guy is usually repairing faulty stuff from ebay.http://youtu.be/VY3lVmh1ng0

author: dexters_lab
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 16, 2013, 10:27:59 pm
content: Quote from: Markybhoy on December 16, 2013, 06:49:12 pmThanks, another added to my subscriptions!
CNC Routed Spruce Plywood Housing - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SgtRock
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 16, 2013, 12:15:07 pm
content: Greetings EEVBees:CNC Routed Spruce Plywood Housing (see pictures below)--Have a close look at the first picture below, Yes, I know, no overhangs, and sundry unresolved gestalts. This 4' section, uses 30 sheets of 3/4" 8 Ply Spruce Plywood, at a today cost of $918!! Yep, Open Source DIY 3D Printed Housing that is easily modeled at any scale you choose using a laser cutter or small CNC router.-- I used to work for a company that built wood prefab tilt-up housing for the Federal Government among others. In off hours, some of us, designed a plan where a person with a radial arm saw could cut the wood for an entire house, working on the new slab. Most of the construction could be done by a single person, with of course, some help with errection. Essentially the plan was to build the house around yourself.--Now these folks have replaced the saw with a CNC router, and eliminated nails and fasteners, except for a few bolts in some the roof joists. These structures can be put atop slabs, piers, post, pylons and whathaveyou. One of these would be perfect for your new electronics space, or your mate's new garden shed, if you are not careful.http://blog.wikihouse.cc/Plans -http://www.wikihouse.cc/library/designs/63001Plans - List With Pictureshttp://www.architecture00.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/WikiHouse_VersionMap.jpgShort Clip of assembly -“Progress isn't made by early risers. It's made by lazy men trying to find easier ways to do something.”Robert Anson Heinlein 1907 - 1988Best RegardsClear Ether

author: Mark Hennessy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2013, 01:13:28 pm
content: Fascinating stuff!Looks like birch ply to me. Spruce ply is much worse quality - thick veneers and full of knots and other problems. It's meant for constructional grade work. At least, what we can easily buy in the UK...http://www.diy.com/nav/build/timber/sheet-materials/plywood/Temperate-Softwood-Ply-Structural-L-2440-x-W-1220-x-T-18mm-9276280It's 50% more expensive than a sheet of 18mm MDF. I've use it for workbench construction in my cellar workshop, where it holds up better than MDF (which swells because of humidity).Birch ply is harder to find in the UK, and is a lot more expensive.
Sharing other people's content - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2013, 02:44:34 pm
content: Saw a suggested Facebook page so I clicked on it and they had reposted Mike's Dolby CP500 teardown on Facebook and on their site but didn't see any attribution.http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=706496666040820&set=pb.177778408912651.-2207520000.1387204742.&type=3&theaterhttp://electronicsforu.com/newelectronics/video/detailvideo.asp?id=2411

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2013, 03:17:52 pm
content: I guess I don't see what the problem is. They did not grab the video and rename the file and try to post it as theirs. Anyone can put a link to another youtube video on their site. Just gets the video more visits.

author: Mike S
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2013, 04:08:29 pm
content: I saw that one of Dave's videos on his camera mount was rehosted on another channel. They must have renamed it, because I can't find it now when searching the blog #. I remember the channel had the word "camera" in it.
YouTube's Content ID system. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: firewalker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2013, 06:45:50 pm
content: It will be "fun" if they start matching brand names and logos too.Let's say Agilent decides to claim monetization from someone using an Agilent DSO...:-Alexander.

author: dexters_lab
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 15, 2013, 08:54:10 pm
content: it is strange, tbh i dont think even google know where they are going with this

author: Six_Shooter
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2013, 11:54:03 pm
content: Background?
T.v Problem - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: snipersquad100
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2013, 01:46:53 pm
content: I got this Samsung ps42b430p2wxxu, Symptoms are it's clicking on and off repeatedly. I took off the cable "pic1 pen pointing too" And the tv started up. So I think im right in assuming it the y sus board at fault. The set was turned off strait away once it went bad so im gonna assume the x board is ok. looking at the y board there is no obvious fault but I did some component tests and this diode here is reading 0.0012 both ways on a diode test. surely its a faulty diode???

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2013, 02:05:15 pm
content: As it has R5058? in parallel with it and the resistor looks like it is a power resistor of around 1R it will be correct. Try using a resistance reading and you will see the resistor is a low value one. Bets are one of the drivers under the heatsink is shorted and stopping the power supply, so you need a new board there. Measure resistance of the supply rails on the board and trace the short circuit.

author: snipersquad100
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2013, 02:12:23 pm
content: are youlooking at the zenner diode with the blue arrow pointing at it?

author: snipersquad100
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2013, 02:19:45 pm
content: If your on about r5059 then it green blue silver gold 0.56ohms and measuring 0.68 ohms. I cant find another board for love or money.
Onkyo TX-1500 fix - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ilanko
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2013, 03:29:06 am
content: Hi guys, I just got beautiful Onkyo receiver from the late 70's. I manage to change the dead dial lamp and make it shine red again.The R channel is working fine, L is hamming constantly regardless the volume level. The Power AMP is made of two STK075, the voltagereading is not the same on both sides. Any one can help ?
Cool 3D animated molecules - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2013, 12:02:48 pm
content: For the chemistry afficionados (PedroDaGr8 and others): a series of 3D animated molecules at:http://www.quimica3d.com/If I only had this when I was studying chemistry in school and college...

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2013, 12:08:20 pm
content: neat for materials science/engineering as well, though if it were interactive it'd be even neater.

author: deth502
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2013, 12:17:12 pm
content: you never had those little building blocks that you had to put together to make 3d models?? i hated that.

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2013, 12:40:35 am
content: Then suddenly, things get all fuzzy.Molecular Visualizations of DNA

author: Kryoclasm
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2013, 02:09:54 am
content: Quote from: TerraHertz on December 12, 2013, 12:40:35 amI cant imagine anything looking more alien than that DNA copying system. Amazing.
Fixing a micro SD card - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2013, 07:03:20 pm
content: Or maybe not

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 11, 2013, 08:18:55 pm
content: R.I.P.

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2013, 12:29:39 am
content: What are you using to get the mask off?I don't see any abrasion marks, so a solvent? But what?

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2013, 10:03:00 am
content: Quote from: TerraHertz on December 12, 2013, 12:29:39 amA sharp knife, an abrasive kitchen sponge and a little bit of patience.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2013, 12:54:15 pm
content: Interesting track layout. Was there a 24-ball BGA in it? I thought they were just bare die inside.See this for the insides of a bunch more microSDs:http://bunniestudios.com/blog/images/microsd_lineup.jpg

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2013, 01:45:30 pm
content: I have no idea what is on the other side, the side I scratched off looked like it could be removed (slightly shining), the other side is just the plastic where the whole thing is made of. Since I don't (want to) have the agressive acid needed to solve the rest it will be a mystery for now.It was broken anyway, so it was just my curiosity.

author: marshallh
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 12, 2013, 09:02:53 pm
content: The exposed ball pattern is used at the factory to do initial setup (i.e. the microcontroller inside scans the entire NAND and maps out bad blocks etc)Micro SD cards (and more recently regular sized SD cards as well) are built using monolithic construction - kind of like potting the die and bondout pcb. They apply black epoxy over the test pads before shipping.
blue tooth - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: M0BSW
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2013, 08:34:26 pm
content: OK hope your ready for this, right I have a Bluetooth sound bar on TV with cinema sound, right what I want to do is play the music from my computers music files to the sound bar, the computer is not Bluetooth, so I think I need a type of Bluetooth transmitter, is this making sense. Ahhhhhhhhhhh modern technology . modern techRFany advice please.

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2013, 09:07:27 pm
content: Bluetooth usb stick, anywhere from £ 5.-

author: TheBay
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 09, 2013, 10:43:49 pm
content: I was flying from HP Germany the one day a few years back, some drunk guy was sat next to me on the plane though oh no here we go! got chatting to him as I always used to try network with people in business, turned out he was one of the people involved in bluetooth, turned out to be an interesting flight!Anyway I digress...

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2013, 03:41:26 pm
content: My advice, go play with your dongle.Bluetooth that is.

author: smashedProton
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2013, 03:55:03 am
content: or you know, you could get a cable. This one should be good enough:http://www.amazon.com/Wireworld-Platinum-Eclipse-Audiophile-Interconnects/dp/B00C7YEEZO

author: TheBorg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2013, 05:45:28 am
content: Gah!*quickly closes Amazon due to bad habit of wanting to purchase everything I see on the site*Quote from: smashedProton on December 11, 2013, 03:55:03 am

author: M0BSW
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2013, 06:43:11 pm
content: Quote from: TheBorg on December 11, 2013, 05:45:28 am@$4,300, I don't think so it would cost more than the connecting devices a dongle is around $10.
Retesting my entire design after including a FCC-approved Bluetooth Module - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: StuartKerr
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 10, 2013, 05:18:30 am
content: I am starting a company designing portable audio devices. I am using a Bluetooth module from a manufacturer that has the module FCC-approved already (of course).This is the only radio-frequency device used in the entire design; no external antennas (using the module's integrated antenna) and no other wireless / RF components.Do I need to have my entire design retested, even though my design's only RF component has already been FCC approved?

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2013, 07:29:12 am
content: It would be helpful to know where you're located and which markets you're looking to sell into.When you say it's the only RF device, do you really mean it's the only device using radio frequencies *at all*, or just that it's the only device which is an *intentional* radio transmitter?Presumably your Bluetooth module is connected to a microcontroller, a memory device, a display, and one or more switched mode power supplies - right? These are all RF devices, and so yes, you do need to have your product tested to ensure its unintentional transmissions are below the permitted level. The combination of a source of RF energy plus an antenna (your product's headphone cable is a good one) equals a radio transmitter.Check very carefully what approvals your Bluetooth module has. I expect it will be certified to conform to various standards and licensing conditions which specifically apply to use of the the 2.4 GHz band, and the fact that it's been pre-tested and certified will mean you don't have to repeat that particular set of tests.You still need to carry out EMC compliance testing on your product as a whole, though.
"bubble plastic rod": LED light guide reflector made by polymer bubbles cylinder - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Zucca
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 08, 2013, 08:59:50 pm
content: Hi Guys,Sorry for the complicated title, but by disassemblinga IB-540U-B-BL (USB to CD-ROM external case) I found this magic light pipe (about 6mm diameter and 120mm lenght) inside (see picture below). Nothing complicated, basically the light incoming into the pipe is then scattered outside in every directions by the bubbles.Sometime those things can solve a lot of design problems, but first you need to know they existand second you need a place where to buy them.Anyone can advise? I couldn´t find anyone in the www who sells those toys. Should I learn chinese and call someone in asia?If someone also knows the offical correct name...Thanks in advance,

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2013, 06:51:39 am
content: It almost seems to me like a clever use of recycling otherwise defective plastic rods...

author: PedroDaGr8
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2013, 07:08:01 am
content: These used to be very common in super cheap computer cases at the turn of the millennium. I've seen them used also in led wands, toys etc.Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk

author: senso
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2013, 10:15:58 am
content: As stupid as it can be, just search for bubble plastic rod, tons of them on alibaba(the first hit on google, also on ebay):http://www.alibaba.com/showroom/plastic-bubble-rod.html

author: Zucca
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 09, 2013, 02:16:44 pm
content: Thanks senso! "bubble plastic rod": those three words solved all my problems. Title updated.

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2013, 11:37:45 pm
content: Quote from: PedroDaGr8 on December 09, 2013, 07:08:01 amYep, I distinctly remember those as well.
Make customs LCD at home - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: DavidDLC
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2013, 06:22:09 pm
content: Interesting video:I like to see that more stuff can be done at home for hobbiest

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2013, 12:27:31 am
content: Davic DLC makes LDC but turns out to by dyslectic and meant LCD all along ...

author: DavidDLC
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2013, 02:04:58 am
content: Fixed !

author: Six_Shooter
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2013, 02:18:33 am
content: Interesting.

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2013, 02:20:57 am
content: Now I want to do this!

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2013, 02:40:43 am
content: Neat, one of the ideas I have been wanting to try is making auto-dimming window panes using this, they already exist but are quite pricey. Since there is just one electrode the production process is simplified considerably. Wonder how much LC you need to cover a decent sized window pane?

author: cloudscapes
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2013, 04:11:15 pm
content: half-life 3 confirmed???(gamer joke)

author: orion242
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 08, 2013, 04:39:15 pm
content: I envy the amount of time and budget David has for his hobby...If someone told me they were going to create custom LCDs in their garage, I likely would have laugh it off...at least until I started watching David's videos.Impressive, keep it up.

author: DavidDLC
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2013, 11:07:31 pm
content: Quote from: orion242 on December 08, 2013, 04:39:15 pmIt's not my video, I just watched it and put it here to share

author: orion242
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 08, 2013, 11:41:13 pm
content: Ben's video...my bad.
Want to buy something... - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 08, 2013, 11:10:08 am
content: But I don't need anything.Sigh.First world problems.Maybe a UV exposure box.

author: niekproductions
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2013, 12:17:44 pm
content: A man can never have enough pliers and tweezers.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 08, 2013, 01:00:35 pm
content: Used test gear on ebay.I bet you don't have a nanovolt generator.Of course, need and want are two entirely different things.Buy stuff that holds it's value, that way you get the thrill of getting stuff, without actually pissing your money away.Or simply buy, play with for a while, and then resell all the time. You might even make some money.

author: dr.diesel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2013, 01:06:37 pm
content: Quote from: apelly on December 08, 2013, 11:10:08 amFill out the equipment section of your profile, we don't know what you already have.Then buy busted stuff on eBay, lots of fun fixing.

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2013, 01:46:29 pm
content: You're obviously not casting your ebay search terms wide enough.

author: all_repair
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2013, 03:02:42 pm
content: Of course rechargeable batteries, torch light, and ....but FIRST do the most productive thing: clear the walkway and work bench.

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2013, 03:08:30 pm
content: Why not spend the money on a project you can design and build with the equipment you already have?

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2013, 03:12:01 pm
content: How about a nice used scope from the TEK surplus store? That way you can do bodybuilding and heat the shop at the same time.
Hat Radio - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Phaedrus
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2013, 04:01:24 am
content: Before the iPod, before the Walkman, before even transistor radio... There was this.1931 hat radio. I wish I could borrow Dave's DeLorean, go back in time, and simultaneously slap and shake the hand of the engineer that made this contraption.

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2013, 06:02:26 am
content: Looks like something out of a Monty Python cartoon.

author: vk3yedotcom
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2013, 10:03:15 am
content: I much prefer the 1949 effort:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_HatThe 1931 version (illustrated athttp://www.britishpathe.com/video/radio-hat-aka-radlo-hat/query/hats) would not have been usable due to the small size of the antenna, absence of headphones and it (likely) being a crystal set without amplification. The noisy street wouldn't help either.
I always give negative feedback [Wallpaper] [V2] [2868×1200] - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: sammyhwang
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2013, 01:33:18 am
content: I always give negative feedback Wallpaper.Resolution is 2868?×?1200, should be more than enough for most people.- Ion DesignsV2 -- Spelling- Blue gradients

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2013, 01:55:22 am
content: Looks nice but that unnecessary curve in the feedback loop is throwing me off. I would go for a blueprint style look too because a full white desktop background is too bright to be nice to look at continuously.

author: Balaur
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 30, 2013, 02:03:12 am
content: Version 1.1PS: What's a negavtive feedback?

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 30, 2013, 05:01:44 am
content: Glad it's not just me with the spelling thing

author: MacAttak
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 30, 2013, 05:58:09 am
content: I kept thinking "wow this font really irritates the crap out of me", and now I realize it's not the font that was driving me mad. It's the spelling

author: sammyhwang
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2013, 10:05:25 am
content: V2 -- Spelling- Blue gradients

author: Kryoclasm
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2013, 06:21:22 am
content: How about something like this...1680x1050

author: sammyhwang
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 07, 2013, 05:05:47 pm
content: Quote from: Kryoclasm on December 01, 2013, 06:21:22 amNice, maybe have the schematic and words in like a CRT oscilloscope texture? Also have the background waves in the same resolutionSent from my iPhone usingTapatalk
agilent 6632b dc power supply problem - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jshine
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 07, 2013, 01:06:06 pm
content: I have one 6632b power supply,power ON test Ok,set V and set I oK,output okGPIB control ok,but display I and V always zero!GPIB read I and V also zero!Service manual indicated that replace the A2 board,but i didnt have A2 board,can anyone help me to repair it!

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 07, 2013, 01:54:22 pm
content: I had a problem with the displayed current measurements on one of my 6632B's. It turned out to be U311, which is an op-amp used for the low range current monitor.If your voltage is reading zero as well, then it's probably not the same fault, but it might give you some clues. Have you checked the +15V rail which powers both voltage and current monitor amps? Page 78 of the service manual looks to be a good place to start looking.If all else fails, they're surprisingly inexpensive and readily available on Ebay. You could always pick up a second unit, use it to tide you over while you fix the one you already have, then sell one later.

author: jshine
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 07, 2013, 03:53:42 pm
content: All bias and Rail Voltages normalJ307 only one pin abnormal, pin 2-OV_SCR(+5V in manual,but my meassured 0.65V)this Pin is A2 voltage out to A1,manual didnt have schematic of A2,so I dont know how to check A1 or A2 error cause the Pin2 abnormal

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 07, 2013, 04:36:27 pm
content: Quote from: AndyC_772 on December 07, 2013, 01:54:22 pmThey're even cheaper if people message me here as I don't have to pay 10% to ebay.