hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Interesting video on Cray (supercomputer) history - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2016, 07:18:08 am
content: I found this video pretty interesting. They talk a lot about the design and assembly behind some of the early Cray supercomputers. Especially the parts where they had teams of women with crochet hooks to build the wire bundles.They talked about the demise Cray 3 and the move from discrete logic to standard CPUs.For as long as I can remember, I've been a fan of Seymour Cray. I hold him in similar regard as I do Nicola Tesla. A genius doing things that nobody else had done. It reminds me of Icarus trying to fly closer and closer to the sun, Cray was constantly pushing the limits of what was physically possible in his designs. The Cray 3 was one of them. It was designed all around GaAs technology, something that nobody else was doing but all of this cutting edge technology came at a cost to the project. The company had to spin him off to his own facility at one point because it was taking so long to design the Cray 3 that they were almost ready to go into production of what was supposed to be the Cray 3's successor system.

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2016, 07:29:38 am
content: And I don't recall if it was in this video or the 30th anniversary video of the cray 1, but they talked about the power supplies for it were unregulated.Cray didn't want any surprises from power, so he always pulled down any unused logic pins with a 60 ohm resistor effectively setting up the system to have a constant current draw at all times. Because of that, he could get by with a transformer, bridge rectifier, a choke and some capacitors. The system ran on 3 phase 400Hz AC because it was easier to filter out the 2400Hz line noise that resulted from it than the line noise that would come from single phase 60Hz AC.

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2016, 10:50:48 pm
content: I'm actually surprised nobody commented on the video. Oh well.

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 26, 2016, 10:52:35 pm
content: It is on my "to watch" list - so I do appreciate you posting the link.
Supersharp Mars Photos Show UK's Long-Lost Beagle 2 Lander - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Homer J Simpson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2016, 01:50:41 pm
content: Interesting read-especially on the imaging.http://www.space.com/32691-europe-beagle-2-mars-lander-photos.html
200,000 charge cycle cell with gold nanowires - a lab curiousity only? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Delta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2016, 12:07:06 pm
content: ...or a future practical product?http://www.sciencealert.com/researchers-accidentally-made-batteries-that-last-400-times-longerI know there are some folk on here with good knowledge of electrochemistry etc, what are your thoughts?

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2016, 05:03:04 pm
content: Possible it might work in the lab, under ideal conditions. However getting that into a product you can expect in your next shiny device is another matter. Scaling things up is hard, ask Sony with the flaming laptop batteries and "real soon now as soon as we get a bigger one" Tokamak fusion power.
arduino clone thats size of aa battery - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: sony mavica
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2016, 02:19:15 am
content: not sure it was posted here but what are your thoughts on thishttp://makezine.com/2016/04/24/meet-arduino-clone-thats-size-aa-battery/

author: amspire
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2016, 04:04:48 am
content: It is very cute, but my preferred approach is to run these small micro circuits off a single AA or AAA battery. Something like this Lilypad-type board costs A$3.77 delivered, and with no load, it can provide the output voltage (2.7, 3.3, 5 or whatever version you choose) for over 2 years if you disconnect the LED. In other words, the NiMh battery self discharges before the converter current discharges the battery. The Lilypad can still start with a 0.8V battery.Running a atmega324 directly from two AA cells means you really should lower the frequency to 4MHz, unless you have your Batterisers. With the Lilypad converter, you can run at 20MHz if you want.I like the idea of sticking to AA or AAA cells instead of Lithium as I do not have to worry about replacing the Lithium cells every few years, and I always have the fall-back of Alkaline cells if your rechargeable cells are all flat. Lithium cells are great, but I only want to look after a limited number of them. The Lilypad is probably practical for up to 40mA load when running off a single NiMh battery.Here is the circuit:http://cdn.sparkfun.com/datasheets/E-Textiles/Lilypad/Lilypad_PowerSupply-v18.pdf

author: crispy_tofu
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2016, 04:07:41 am
content: Very cool, I wonder if there'll be sleeve-style Arduinos soon...Like a Batteriser, but actually useful.
Importing lithium coin cells into AU/NZ - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2016, 11:49:10 pm
content: Like many others our company is having issues with suppliers refusing to ship lithium coin cells into NZ at all, even by sea.Has anyone found the correct legal way to import coin cells to AUS/NZ?There must be a way since all the supermarket chains still stock individual coin cells for sale.Any help appreciated.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 26, 2016, 02:03:01 am
content: I ordered three 18650 batteries from China a month ago - and they arrived in the typical 2 weeks or so without any dramas. Also got 20 x CR2032 last year. Again, no problems.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2016, 03:29:24 am
content: Digikey no longer ship CR2032 to NZ/AUS.Other suppliers seem to be the same now.China doesn't care, they just mislabel the customs form but we need batteries from an official distributor

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 26, 2016, 03:43:58 am
content: My understanding is Lithium cells can be shipped to/from Australia by sea. I've had no problems in the past with this. I've ordered special Lithium batteries from Element14 as their only stock was in their UK warehouse.

author: ade
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 26, 2016, 04:01:21 am
content: I've had a ton of issues recently getting Lithium batteries shipped from DigiKey, E14, Mouser, etc., here in Canada. A lot of their local stock is now zero. And they won't ship from their US warehouses.I finally found a distributor in California via eBay willing to ship via ground. Then even that shipment got flagged...afterthey've made the delivery.I think the new ICAO rules are causing overreaction and a lot of supply chain issues during this transition period.Then again, I ordered LiPo batteries from HobbyKing a couple of weeks ago and it arrived via their Hong Kong warehouse in 3 days by air. The package was marked "by Air Cargo only".Anyway, you may want to call various distributors and talk to them in person, they may be able to arrange a special shipment.

author: sleemanj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2016, 09:40:28 am
content: Quote from: Psi on April 26, 2016, 03:29:24 amRS shows in stock for various 2032 lithiums, supposedly next day delivery so probably in Auckland rather than Sydney.http://nz.rs-online.com/web/c/batteries/non-rechargeable-batteries/coin-button-batteries/#esid=4294960100&applied-dimensions=4294828258,4294868629

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2016, 11:55:44 am
content: I believe we have tried RS a few months back and were told the same thing.However from memory at that time they didn't have any local stock of what we wanted and now they seem to have 8 in stock locally. So im not sure whats going on there. Will check that out thanks
Multi channel video recording - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: kaz911
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2016, 07:08:57 pm
content: Hi,i'm thinking of adding a few video's to my website. But I have no recent experience in this fieldBut I have a few good Axis Camera's and a couple of good HDMI source camera's, a Logitech 920 webscam for "headshot" and might need a Game recorder for recording some HDMI sources as well. Axis cameras can become "Windows Cameras" with an Axis plugin - so they work like a local web-cam via Ethernet.I would like to be able to record 2-5 streams at the same time - so I'm certain they are in sync - and then process them. Storage and storage speed is not an issue. Then I need to "process" and mix them before making them ready for Youtube or what ever.I have looked at OpenBroadcaster - but that is made for live streaming - and only records one stream (the one in focus)I have looked at LiveStream - but can't quite figure out what to make of non-live workflow.So what can you recommend?

author: Towger
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2016, 07:59:36 pm
content: VMIX will do this, but it may not be in the basic/free version.

author: kaz911
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2016, 08:27:02 pm
content: I don't mind spending money on the software - I don't earn anything from the site but I have some fun doing it. And it is not "Lab" related
FLIR, Meter, etc. hands-free holder/clamp type thing - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Skimask
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2016, 12:16:03 am
content: What do you guys use to hold something like a FLIR E4 or a multimeter basically in mid-air, leaving your hands free to do other stuff?

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2016, 08:01:56 pm
content: I took an old tripod mountingand adapted it to fit into the battery base, so you can use a standard photographic tripod to do this.

author: Skimask
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2016, 09:40:33 pm
content: I guess I was meaning more generally speaking...hold a camera, clamp onto a meter, clamp onto that FLIR E4, grab the COLD end of a soldering iron, hold my beer, whatever comes up.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2016, 08:06:04 am
content: For that Gorilla grip, available on Amazon. A few available, and they are usable both to hold stuff and as a tripod mount for low level or for mounting a camera temporarily on a pole, tree or railing.

author: Skimask
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2016, 05:12:18 pm
content: Got a link?All I'm coming up with is non-slip rugs and plywood carriers.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2016, 05:36:36 pm
content: Here you go,,,,http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_1_1_hso_sc_smartcategory_2?rh=n%3A499310%2Ck%3Agorilla+grip&keywords=gorilla+grip&ie=UTF8&qid=1461519303&sr=8-1-acshttp://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=gorilla+grip&rmvSB=true&_sop=12&_fspt=1&_mPrRngCbx=1&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=gorilla+grip+tripod&_sacat=0

author: Skimask
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2016, 06:03:43 pm
content: That's exactly what I typed in... "Gorilla Grip"What the hell... Rugs and plywood carriers my ass...That might work. Would still have to come up with a method to attach the FLIR E4 to it.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2016, 06:50:52 pm
content: Try some velcro plant tape. easy to put on and take off, and non marking.

author: Skimask
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2016, 06:57:16 pm
content: Oh ya, no kidding.I've got a bunch of the double-sided velcro strips, like the kind you'd use to wrangle up a bunch of CAT5 cables on a rack.That'll work...Sometimes ya just gotta be smacked upside the head with the obvious answers...
youtubers i should check out - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: sony mavica
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2016, 07:23:25 am
content: here are some of the channels i likehttps://www.youtube.com/user/databits/https://www.youtube.com/user/matmroyhttps://www.youtube.com/user/Techmoani love there videosjust looking for others channels like theses ones

author: sony mavica
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2016, 07:55:22 am
content: thx

author: crispy_tofu
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2016, 07:57:47 am
content: Here's a few more:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/favorite-youtube-channels/

author: PTR_1275
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2016, 09:30:47 am
content: Not EE related, but amazingClickspringhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCworsKCR-Sx6R6-BnIjS2MA
New Battery Technology. 200k cycles - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: waspinator
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2016, 02:50:12 pm
content: Quotehttp://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsenergylett.6b00029

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2016, 03:40:43 am
content: Interesting paper. But very far still from a manufacturable battery technology.Filed it under batteries: will we ever hear of this again.Also, another 1.2V cell type, dammit.

author: ECEdesign
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2016, 04:59:44 am
content: They need to get rid of the Gold before this can be industrially realizable. Rare earth metals are not good items for industrial quantity goods. Also Li-ion is about the best technology we have but it is still lacking in many areas that are pretty fundamental to the chemistry. Some new chemistries are being researched like Aluminium ion, solid state electrolyte, metal air and lithium sulfur. These all need more work before the can go to market but most of these use very abundant elements which is quite important for cost. Aluminium ion demonstrated by Nature paper from Stanford maintains capacity over 7,500 cycles with 98% coulombic efficiency.Also ACS Energy is a new journal, neat to see an article from them.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 23, 2016, 02:16:35 pm
content: Quote from: ECEdesign on April 23, 2016, 04:59:44 amNow they have a mechanism, I expect they will explore it thoroughly looking for alternative materials, cost-effectiveness and manufacturing processes. If it doesn't have any nasty surprises, I daresay it will find its way to market. When is the question.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2016, 02:55:57 pm
content: Quote from: TerraHertz on April 23, 2016, 03:40:43 amThe phrase is "voltage window" - I assume it's not the fully charged voltage but the range they're referring to - the usual 3 to 4.2V
Optical fiber connectors - PC, UPC, APC? Help! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: bitwelder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2016, 02:15:37 pm
content: I recently got to know that when working with optical fiber cables one not only has to take into account whether they are single or multi-mode, the size of the fiber and the type of the connector, but nowadays also the finish of the fiber end.So now we have the so-called PC, UPC, APC types.Onto the practical problem: if I see a panel with an optical fiber termination, how do I understand what type of cable should I use? There seems to be a color standard in use so that beige connectors are for multi-mode, blue ones for single-mode and green ones for the SM/APC types.But so if I see a panel with unknown LC blue connector, how do I decide what kind of finish should my mating cable have? The connector on the patch panel doesn't seem to have any kind of marking, so it doesn't offer any hint.
Lifelong batteries  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: StuUK
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2016, 06:13:15 am
content: http://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/uci-scientists-accidentally-find-key-to-lifelong-batteries/

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2016, 07:22:50 am
content: Cool. That'll be one product that's absolutely never, ever going to be incorporated into an iPhone, then.
Hi everybody ... new here. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Borgonomics
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 23, 2016, 01:48:14 pm
content: Hi everybody ....new here .. have been a big fan of the EEVBLOG since more or less the start (started @ #10). Looking forward to hanging around with you guys when it comes EE and maybe more ... :-)I am flabbergasted at the development of the blog.Respekt to you Dave.JC
Source for very slim right angle usb cables - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2016, 11:48:43 pm
content: Where I work, we have some ruggedized tablets but the common failure point is things plugged into the usb ports getting bumped and internally breaking the USB port.I have a need for some really slim right angle usb cables. I've found plenty of right angle ones but not really slim. They all stick out too far.What I want to do is put a right angle usb cable on the side with an extension so that they can have something plugged into the cable that's stuck to the back of the laptop rather than the side.What I'm looking for is something with a profile similar to this:With the cable coming out of the side so it can be wrapped behind the tablet. Even more preferable if the cable itself was flat but I can make due if I can find something really good.Anyone found anything like that?

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2016, 11:53:26 pm
content: This would be perfect if it were USB A male on one side and USB A female on the other.
Find where cable TV slitter is located on the photo. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 20, 2016, 09:11:28 pm
content: Today I took a picture at the place where I'm staying during my trip. That's why I would avoid to touch the TV connected to the cable.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 20, 2016, 09:12:58 pm
content: BTW, room itself is fine, none of this crap.

author: dave_k
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2016, 06:26:55 am
content: thar she be...

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 21, 2016, 11:09:01 am
content: Yep, in the fuse box between the crappy fuses. When you unscrew that fuse, there will be exposed mains voltage, similar to E27 socket but worse.
Best Cheap Electronic Items You Have Bought - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: sony mavica
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2016, 03:37:26 am
content: just wanted to know when it comes to cheap electronic items what has been the best you have boughtfor me it would be a 5mp aiptek camera i bought of ebay about 2years ago seller wanted 32.09usd free shipping for it but i made a best offer of 25.44usd and they accepted it i only wanted to get this camera to play around with seeing the price was so cheap i thought it would be junkfor what i use photos for 5mp is more then enough for me and this camera take great photos when you manual focus it and i love the effect it does when you change it macro and the background of the photo is out of focus but the the thing your taking a photo is in focusit also rec video in 640x480 30fps it will do 720x480 but its stretched so i have to change the aspect to 4:3 but even then its just going to display the video at 640x480 and it uses the format M4S2 .asf much better then mjpeg and the video recording look really good on a nice sunny day even it low light it dose a decent job much better then my iphone 4s camera and sound is really clear for the price i paid it was well worth it even give me like uptp just over 3hrs of video recording before i need to charge it againfor another 60usd to 75usd i know i could have got a much better camera but i only got this to play with

author: Synthetase
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2016, 11:19:11 am
content: I added . and , keys to my keyboard. Well worth it.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2016, 05:05:06 pm
content: I also bought a nice little camera. Sony Cyber shot 5.1Mp. Only reason I bought it was because it mentioned it came with extra Sony Memory Sticks, 128M ones, which were perfect for game storage on the nephews PSP. It also has a 1G MS and adaptor in it, and even came with a new set of lithium primary Energiser cells. Not a bad little camera for the ultra cheap price I paid on Gumtree for it either, was cheaper than the cheapest knock off MS card i could buy, and it came with genuine Sony cards as well.Now i have a few cards, one 8m one ( yes 8 megabytes), a 32Mb one, and the 1G one in the camera. 8M is in the one camera with a Sony infolithium battery, as this holds 2 images, which coincidentally is the number of images the camera can take with a fully charged battery before it goes LowBattery then off. Kind of like using actual film.....
Mains Powered Shower Head - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2016, 12:29:12 am
content: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/suicide-shower-hear-teardown/Also see:IEE wiring regs, 16th ed: 7.11.2 - Electrode boilers and water heaters

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2016, 06:40:27 pm
content: Quote from: Ian.M on April 20, 2016, 12:29:12 amYes, it's been discussed before.QuoteIt's very different to an electrode boiler (the shower has an uninsulated heating element) and wouldn't be allowed in the UK, due to the IEE regulations.
Who needs USB type C anyway? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: android
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2016, 01:59:56 pm
content: I've just had a play with some of these reversible USB cables (not type C) and I have to say they work a treat...considering that, on the face of it, they amount to putting a square peg into a round hole, I was quite surprised:http://www.blitzwolf.com/BlitzWolf-2.1A-Reversible-Braided-Micro-USB-Cable-Double-Sided-USB-A-Male-to-Double-Sided-Micro-1m-p-46.htmlA bit of mechanical engineering magic!(hmmm...sounds like an ad, but I have no affiliation with the vendor, I assure you)

author: botcrusher
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2016, 02:03:01 pm
content: I've thought about this before, not sure why they even bothered to make type C.

author: XOIIO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2016, 02:41:11 pm
content: Quote from: botcrusher on April 20, 2016, 02:03:01 pmHigher current capacity?

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2016, 04:37:23 pm
content: Quote from: XOIIO on April 20, 2016, 02:41:11 pmAlso USB3 features and throughput in a smaller form factor, suitable for tablets and phones. Having the same connector on both ends also makes it easier for one connector to serve different roles--a single connector on a notebook can be used to charge the notebook from the wall, or to charge a phone from the notebook, or to connect peripherals all with the same USB C-C cable.I got a Nexus 5X recently and personally I like the USB C connector a lot, and one bonus benefit for phones is that it's WAY easier to clean impacted pocket lint out of a C connector than a micro B. The plastic tongue inside the micro B socket is so close to the inside of the metal shell that you can't really get any sort of implement in there when it gets fouled with dust and lint. C has enough room to get a needle or somesuch in there when needed.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 20, 2016, 04:49:23 pm
content: I have a phone with USB type C connector, and it's very nice. Plug just slides in very easily. On the other hand, micro usb 3.0 is a piece of shit, looks like a dog with a fifth leg, also:v
RS quote request for higher price break; am I wasting my time? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: rich
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2016, 06:33:39 pm
content: So, RS list an enclosure for approx £1.75, but it only has column pricing of 1-4 and 5+. I need roughly 100 so would have liked more price breaks on the web.I may have grown accustomed to most components having many price breaks that I now expect it for all items. Is this misguided - are there larger economic factors which means 5+ is going to be as good as it gets on sub £2 enclosure until we're talking 500+ 1000+ etc.?I requested a quote via the web tool, but it's still pending over a week later. I can't say I blame them, it's a tiny, sub-£200, order to them. Interested what people's thought are and also curious in the economics that play-out on the distributer side.

author: Richard Crowley
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2016, 07:01:11 pm
content: RS aren't the only game in town.Wasn't there a song about "Shop Around"?If you are talking a sufficient quantity, you could go direct to the manufacturer.

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2016, 07:34:16 pm
content: digikey and newark have more finely distributed price breaks so it totally depends on the distributer.

author: DenzilPenberthy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2016, 10:58:42 am
content: Phone them then you can speak to someone right away instead of waiting for them to get back to you at their leisure.Or if you want a decent quantity, approach the manufacturer directly. (Unless the things you want are RS own brand)

author: krivx
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2016, 12:56:46 pm
content: Quote from: DenzilPenberthy on April 20, 2016, 10:58:42 amI have emailed them several times, usually get a response that day. They will often do 5-10% discounts.

author: bookaboo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2016, 01:08:22 pm
content: Yes RS have changed their tune in the last couple of years, previously they would virtually never give discounts, or at least not at our volumes.These days if you are spending £300+ it's well worth asking them. They will also do discounts for called stock, so you order a years worth at a decent price and just have it deliverd and invoiced as you need it.

author: rich
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2016, 05:06:28 pm
content: Only after 100 qty for now so realistically its going to be via a distributer.There are a couple of other distributer carrying it, so will have a good phone around session in the morning. It was just easier to hit the 'request quote' link on RS website last week and get on with other tasks.Good to learn of the called stock approach too, that could work out really well as I don't have the space or the cashflow for larger volumes yet.
So how much of your job is chasing people? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Tinkerer
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2016, 08:15:16 pm
content: Here I am working in an engineering department and sometimes it really seems like half my job is chasing people down so they can do their job which I need them to do so I can complete mine. Got a doc or dwg that needs reviewing? Well yea sure, people get automatic notices, but you still need to pin them down anyway.Sent an email to someone? Not really good enough you need to call them.Call someone? Nope, gotta go over to their desk.Go up to a persons desk? No, definitely gotta go hunt them down as they arnt actually there.So, am I not the only one that feels like this? And yes, sometimes people are surprised at the speed I get back to them on something.

author: Wirehead
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2016, 08:21:02 pm
content: The larger the company, the worse this is.. Seriously.. I'm a systems engineer (AIX / Linux) and oh boy.. the ridiculous crap I have to deal with..Some won't even budge without an escalation from their superior..

author: XOIIO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2016, 08:50:20 pm
content: As a bounty hunter, I would say quite a large portion is chasing people. It's really tiring, but I dropped out of high school, and the federation doesn't have any honest work for people without a diploma.

author: starphot
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2016, 09:04:59 pm
content: None. I worked on a commission basis. We had a few toxic types, but someone not doing their job, I got their assigned units to repair. More $$.Joe

author: sarepairman2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2016, 05:36:25 am
content: you only need to chase people if you need to spend money. if you can beat it out of a garbage can you dont need to chase anyone.
Trading on Dave Jones' good name? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: lawrencebillson
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 19, 2016, 12:24:42 am
content: An electronics component shop called Dav Jones. Can this be a coincidence?Spotted on a work trip to Sim Lim Tower in Singapore.

author: Carl_Smith
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2016, 12:40:36 am
content: They have a web site athttp://davjones.com/index.htm

author: sleemanj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2016, 12:50:58 am
content: Quote from: lawrencebillson on April 19, 2016, 12:24:42 amYes.https://web.archive.org/web/20011122120414/http://www.davjones.com/Website at it appeared in 2001 (15 years ago), domain registered 1998.

author: RGB255_0_0
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2016, 07:25:48 am
content: Let's not forget the surname Jones is very common in Wales and therefore any British territories of old. David is hardly uncommon either.

author: strangersound
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2016, 08:00:11 am
content: Nice catch.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 19, 2016, 09:48:11 am
content: Quote from: wilfred on April 19, 2016, 09:04:51 amBest part is it's for sale:http://www.afr.com/real-estate/commercial/sales/david-jones-400m-market-street-department-store-for-sale-20160223-gn1hniThe new EEVblog lab after I speak to my accountant:

author: rrinker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2016, 07:40:32 pm
content: What's maybe a little interesting is that the history section on the David Jones web site has an under construction picture of that building.And if that ends up being the new EEVBlog lab I'll eat a pair of Dave's thongs<green sick looking smiley we don't have>

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2016, 11:04:13 pm
content: Apparently my name too. The place next to it has my initials.

author: rrinker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2016, 02:13:20 am
content: Well I was using it in the Aussie sense of the word, because I don't even want to KNOW if Dave wears what we call thongs.

author: Moshly
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2016, 04:58:19 am
content: You also have Dave's American twin showing you how to move a car around in your living room ->
Car automatic transmission - TCM control waveform/patterns  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Miyuki
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2016, 01:22:09 pm
content: Hi,I want to ask if is here someone who understand automatic transmissions ant their controlI have here old F4A32/A4BF1 (Mitsubishi/Hyundai) in one car, it is old simple 4 speed with 4 solenoid (A,B, pressure and damper)I want to do some experiments and try own control unit for itSelecting speed is simple 2 solenoid binary codeBut what about pressure modulation and damper engagement, their PWM modulationIs here any information about it ?

author: discomike
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2016, 04:36:34 pm
content: Ahoj! I can recommend that you checkout the DSM-ECU group on yahoo. It's mainly for the US DSM cars but all 90-ies Mitsu cars have a lot in common. Check the files area where they have some logs and scope-plots of various transmission signals, as well as disassembled and commented code for the F4A33 TCU.
Batterizer redux? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: DickGrier
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 18, 2016, 04:23:13 pm
content: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1861872465/battery-eaters?ref=category_newest

author: Augustus
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2016, 04:37:03 pm
content: No, just a funny shaped variant of a joule thief with blinking leds. Actually, I quite like the idea, would be a nice gadget on my bench

author: XOIIO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2016, 04:46:08 pm
content: Not even close.Well, I guess a batteriser basically is just a joule thief, so kind of.Don't know why he has a kickstarter, or why it's set to that ludicrous amount of money though. Seems more suited to etsy.

author: bktemp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2016, 04:57:03 pm
content: Quote from: Augustus on April 18, 2016, 04:37:03 pmIt does not look like the classical joule thief, more like a capacitive chargepump.I have built a similar circuit many years ago when the LM3909 got discontinued:It uses a 74HC14 gate for a low power oscillator and all the remaining gates are connected in parallel driving a capacitor that gets charged to the battery voltage and then added to the battery voltage, doubling the voltage and therefore providing enough voltage to drive LEDs using only 1-1.5V supply voltage. 74HC series are typically specified only for 2-5.5V, but most run fine even below 1V. Modern low voltage CMOS should work at even lower voltages.This circuits runs for years using an almost empty battery.
Vivid Sydney ROBOWARS event, Sun 5th June - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2016, 11:48:03 am
content: During this year's annual Vivid event in Sydney, there'll be a Robowars day. This may be of interest to Sydney eevblog readers?3:00pm, Sun 5th June, 2016Overseas Passenger Terminal, NSWThis year the event features four MASSIVE destruction packed sessions of robo fighting:SESSION 1: 3:00PM - 4:15PMSESSION 2: 4:30PM - 5:45PMSESSION 3: 7:00PM - 8:15PMSESSION 4: 8:30PM - 9:45PMhttp://www.vividsydney.com/There's both free entry and ticketed seating:http://www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/robowars-sydney-2016/85864?skin=vivid16I've never seen a robowars event in person before, so rather looking forward to this.Man, I wish I had time and money to try building something to enter the competition. Would be so much fun. Even without explosives.My best idea was something like a big wrecking ball, able to roll around by shifting internal weight, but also with an internal pneumatic powered pogo-stick ram, that allowed it to launch into the air. High into the air. With software trajectory aiming by adjusting tilt before firing. Call it the Drop Bear.Not terribly practical, since an agile opponent could always dodge. But still pretty funny. And it might get lucky. Also completely immune to death by flip-over.Second choice would be something agile, with a copper shell well up off the floor on insulating wheeled legs, and an internal high power Tesla coil that rained big HF arcs on everything near it. Give the opponent's electrical shielding a really hardfu...testing. Call it Nikola's Revenge.
Fan life vs temperature - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Circlotron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2016, 07:08:54 am
content: Some time ago we had to do accelerated life tests on some brushless DC cooling fans for use in a 3kW SMPS. Rigged up a hotbox with two large globes as heat sources, and a thermostat to regulate the temperature to 75 deg C. Some of the fans quit after only several thousand hours, even so-called long life ones with ceramic sleeve bearings. We had a couple of Sunon 90mm ball bearing ones in the mix as well. At the same time I thought I'd try a low temperature life test as well. Put one of those same Sunon fans in the fridge at home, also for the purpose of increasing the efficiency of the evaporator and making the temp more even throughout the fridge. As an aside, with a fan also on the condenser at the back, the compressor duty cycle dropped from 60% to 31%, averaged over 2 years. Anyway, I put the fan in the fridge at 4 deg C ambient on 2nd November 2002 and it is still going today, running 24/7. That's 118,000 hours and it's showing no signs of giving up. 2020? We'll see :-)

author: Richard Head
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2016, 01:36:46 pm
content: Lifetime vs ambient temp is available in the EBM/Papst catalog. For Sunon I have never found adequate lifetime data so avoid them. Small fans = short life. Big fans = long life.I've done environmental tests to -55 deg C and the fans stop at about -18 Deg C. The bearings starts to seize up. Raise the temp and all is ok again.
Elitebook 8740w or Dell Inspiron 15 7559? ($700 USD Firm Budget) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Asavage9794
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2016, 10:00:19 pm
content: Wanting to get a good reliable laptop that can handle most games on med-high settings Here are the 2 choices i have.Specs Elitebook 8740w:CPU: Intel Core I7 920XMGPU: Gtx 680m 2Gb [Modded driver files]Ram: 8-16Gb DDR3 1333HDD: 1TbI know that this is a older laptop, but i figured it would be fun to tear it down and customize it.Specs 7559:CPU: Intel Core i5-6300HQRam: 8-16Gb DDR3 1600GPU: Gtx 960m 4GbThis is a newer laptop but it has a few drawbacks like non up-gradable hardware, and it only has a 15 inch display.

author: RGB255_0_0
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2016, 10:22:45 pm
content: Not much customising in these. Anyway, the Dell without a doubt even though the GPU may be slightly better. No high settings on either in most AAA games though.

author: Asavage9794
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2016, 10:44:14 pm
content: Alright thank you for the feedback. I was sort of afraid to go with the Elitebook 8740w anyways cause of the age of the laptop, and it also has a limited upgrade path. I believe the Dell 7559's CPU isn't up gradable I think its soldered to the board. but you can have upto 16Gb of ram in it. The core i5 is prob enough for me anyways, its not like a i do any video editing, And for the GPU i prob wont be playing too many AAA titles, Some of the games I play is Gta 5, Fallout 4, Minecraft, Garrys Mod, and contagion.

author: RGB255_0_0
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2016, 10:54:17 pm
content: GTAV may be playable on low-med but fairlylow draw distance. But in any case the extra video memory and CPU grunt will give the Dell the edge.And then there's the fact the HP will be using SATA 2 and PCIe 2.0

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2016, 05:51:47 am
content: 6300HQ processor is about 50% faster. (5706 Passmark vs 3832)I wouldn't buy the 920XM. Around $150 to $200 US you can get a second generation i7 laptop that's just as fast processor-wise.My Haswell i7 Toshiba that I purchased over a year ago for less than $600 has a processor rating on Passmark of almost 8000.Video cards are a different story. If you don't care if the laptop itself is slower, that may be your only option.

author: peter.mitchell
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2016, 06:45:09 am
content: Quote from: Stonent on April 09, 2016, 05:51:47 amsure, but do either of them have 1080p screens?

author: Asavage9794
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2016, 06:00:01 am
content: I was actually thinking of getting the Hp Elitebook 8760w.The specs:i7-2630QM8Gb ram160Gb ssd750gb hddEther a Gtx 770m 3Gb or Quadro k4000M 4GbThen theirs still the 7559.
Tektronix  555 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mmagin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2016, 11:24:48 pm
content: I was lucky enough to grow up around a Tektronix 556. The later 500-series scopes are some wonderful stuff and quite solidly built compared to some of the fiddly switches on later stuff.

author: Radio Tech
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2016, 01:50:49 am
content: That is one nice scope. I love Paul's video. He does a great job on them. I really do not understand why he does not have more subscribers. He is also a very nice person.
Shameless Plug for a Camera Teardown Channel - FixYourCameraORG - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: max666
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2016, 10:43:51 pm
content: I'm not affiliated with this guy in any way, but I think his videos are awesome, he deserves a recommendation.https://www.youtube.com/user/fixyourcameracom
Help finding cheap custom-print boxes/polybags for shipping - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Martin F
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2016, 11:42:30 am
content: Hi all,We are a small tech startup located in Denmark.We are currently looking to find a supplier of custom printed boxes or polybags (e.g. a white/black box with our logo printed on the lid).- Our batch sizes would ideally be in the area of 50-100- Our product is small and ideally, we would be able to customize box sizes, but alternatively small boxes would do (ala W: 7 cm; H: 14 cm; D: 4 cm).Do you have any suggestions for cheap, fair quality solutions that ship internationally?Thank you,Martin

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2016, 12:13:33 pm
content: Quote from: Martin F on April 16, 2016, 11:42:30 amFor those quantities buy plain white boxes and laser print labels that are glued to the boxes.
Raspberry Pi, Python and NI-VISA - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: KSP
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2016, 12:27:19 pm
content: I'm looking to create a small GPIB controller using my RPi. My problem is the pyVISA library requires the NI-VISA backend, which apparently is not compatible with the ARM processor. Is this still the case, or have I been reading outdated info? FYI I have not actually tried it yet as my Pi hasn't arrived.I found a 'pure python' backend called pyVISA-py which replaces the NI one, but so far this does not have GPIB support, only serial, USB and LAN.I did ask this on the NI community but got pretty much a fat load of F-all

author: awallin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2016, 04:23:38 am
content: This could be useful for a lot of legacy devices! keep us posted!Can you drive GPIB IO lines directly from the PI IO pins? Or what level-translator/buffer is required?What is the availability and price of GPIB connectors?

author: lwatts666
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 15, 2016, 04:47:21 am
content: Have a look at:https://www.element14.com/community/people/tin_xdevs/blog/2015/08/15/step-by-step-guide-how-to-use-gpib-with-raspberry-pi-linuxLooks like what you need.

author: KSP
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2016, 09:33:15 am
content: Thanks for this, it looks pretty useful. One of the comments on that thread states that pyVISA and pyVISA-py are all that are required to use the GPIB-USB-HS adaptor. But a previous article said this method didn't yet support GPIB. Is this method therefore recognising the adaptor as a USB device? Which would make sense I guess

author: TiN
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2016, 03:53:58 pm
content: Nice to see my article linkedI had it bit simplified the setup flow onmy site.I remember I tried VISA on Pi before (old one Wheezy) and it was working, but it was clumbersome so I use linux-gpib + python instead.
ULN OP AMP SMD under $3 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mafio
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2016, 09:57:19 pm
content: I want the perfect op. Any suggestions.What does this mean?Well the Impossible: high gain, flat gain, wideband, low cost, low power, etc(Not sure if there is a way to create a net chart in a forum or just chatter to the wall.)Practically I am looking for the following in the order of importance. (if there is something blaringly wrong with the follow characteristics shout it out when you know the answer)Ultra Low Noise best possiblegain: 20db and flat against a widebandband: 4 GHz would be happy with 2 Ghzpower: Under a watt simple ICCost: Under $3 for a purchase of 1000Trusted Name brandSimple suggestions no need to blow this topic up.

author: mmagin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2016, 11:39:19 pm
content: Are you sure you want an op-amp, or do you want a MMIC? Further, does it have to go down to DC?20 dB from an opamp up to 2 ghz implies a gain-bandwidth product of 200 GHz.You can get various fixed-gain amplifiers with a high input impedance, e.g.http://www.ti.com/product/ths4302, or you can get 50 ohm input MMIC (also fixed-gain) like the well-known Minicircuits parts or similar things from Analog (Hittite), RFMD, NXP, etc.

author: Delta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2016, 11:47:41 pm
content: LM358

author: mafio
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2016, 04:20:30 pm
content: Quote from: mmagin on April 13, 2016, 11:39:19 pmI forgot about MMIC due to their lower frequency negligence. Just wish it was cheaper. Thanks.Still don't mind other suggestions.
Chocolate, Microwave Oven, and the Speed of Light - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2016, 10:17:17 pm
content: Ok, how are our scientific measurement-oriented EEVers feeling about this?https://youtu.be/2SXfoCHuZ3whttps://www.arrow.com/en/research-and-events/videos/measuring-the-speed-of-light-microwave-chocolate

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 12, 2016, 11:50:18 pm
content: Quote from: Electro Fan on April 12, 2016, 10:17:17 pm- The antinode detection method is not particularly accurate- The measurement of the distance between them is not accurate- The frequency of 2.450000000JigaHertz is likely nominal, not exact- No consideration for the reflected signals has been appliedOtherwise, it's a cool demo.

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2016, 03:43:48 am
content: Quote from: Electro Fan on April 12, 2016, 10:17:17 pmI feel it was a very well conducted experiment, as he used a clean plate and ensured the chocolate remained fit for consumption.

author: German_EE
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2016, 03:51:28 pm
content: A practical application of science, and you get chocolate at the end.

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2016, 12:53:42 am
content: He got the speed right to better than 1% in spite of the errors. He identified the errors in the video (they match those of earlier commenters). And he did something that just about any STEM student could do with little or no cost. Even if you have to buy the microwave and chocolate here in the states you will have spent less than $100. A fun way to get the answer. Seems a total winner to me.

author: ade
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 14, 2016, 01:35:06 am
content: QuoteI feel sorry for all the elementery-school science fair judges who will now see variants of this experiment endlessly repeated for the rest of their lives....

author: JoeN
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2016, 03:52:14 am
content: Next step is remove the magnetron from the oven housing so you can emit the radiation directionally and remove and issues with reflected waves.

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2016, 02:53:16 pm
content: Quote from: ade on April 14, 2016, 01:35:06 amI hear you, but at least it adds one to the list of standard tropes they see over and over again.