hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
EMC reference book - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 15, 2011, 11:05:12 pm
content: Hi fellas,I am on the look for a good reference book on EMC: legislation (relatively recent) and a good balance of theory and best design practises, especially for off-pcb interconnects. This will put an end to scattered application notes and otherwise unrealiable sources. I tend to buy 'bibles' and 'handbooks', leaving specialist-level details to the library and cutting edge technology for online sources.I have come up with these two:http://www.amazon.co.uk/EMC-Product-Designers-Tim-Williams/dp/0750681705/ref=pd_cart_recs_1http://www.amazon.co.uk/Electromagnetic-Compatibility-Engineering-Henry-Ott/dp/0470189304/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300229748&sr=1-1-fkmr0Amazon lets you have a look inside both books. Both are excellent books, second one is double the price with more pages.So please share your views and any other books you might be aware of on this subject.CheeriosAlex.

author: mkissin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2011, 12:15:34 am
content: I don't have any experience with either of these books specifically, but Henry Ott is somewhat of a god in the signal integrity world. His low noise design book is great, and some googling reveals that his new book is an upgraded version.

author: Neilm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2011, 08:12:26 pm
content: I had to learn about EMC a few years ago when I was tasked with the job of updating all the product lines the company makes to make them comply with new EMC immunity standards. Trying to find information I foundwww.compliance-club.com/. About the most useful are the articals done by Keith Armstrong. He has done several series of articals on EMC at PCB, system and installation levels. These can be found on the back issues on the site. Registration is free.Keith Armstrong has also produced a bookhttp://www.amazon.co.uk/EMC-Printed-Circuit-Boards-Techniques/dp/0955511852/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1300305136&sr=1-2.It looks as if it has been recent updated (I have edition 1 at work) but it explains what you need to know in fairly easy to understand language. It is not physics heavy unlike some books on EMC that you can find, this book simply says what you need to know giving you enough detail that if you want to work out the underlying reasons you can and if you don't then you don't need to.I don't know either of the books you have found, although I have met Tim Williams and he was good at explaining concepts.YoursNeil

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 17, 2011, 01:33:53 am
content: Great, thanks for the input guys.It seems Keith's book is focused on practical tips while doing PCB design whereas Henry's book has a more comprehensive treatment including relevant standards. Henry it is.Alex.
Surround Mysterious $900m Piracy Report - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Sionyn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2011, 08:07:40 pm
content: this one is for oz and davehttp://torrentfreak.com/secrecy-and-darkness-surround-mysterious-900m-piracy-report-110314/

author: the_raptor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2011, 04:55:06 am
content: Who pirates Autralian content?Piracy of foreign content has almost zero impact on the Australian economy expecially as it is much cheaper these days to buy your CD's, DVD's, and games from overseas.The whole "piracy costs the economy billions!" argument has always been a broken window fallacy (ie that a kid who throws a brick through a window actually causes positive economic stimulus by keeping window replacers employed). But this kind of idiocy is what happens when you are retarded enough to believe an "IP economy" is possible. Record execs should just start learning Mandarin.

author: Sionyn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2011, 03:05:42 pm
content: i liked the fact that despite never seeing this report they just decided to make stuff up.

author: Sionyn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2011, 02:19:31 pm
content: http://torrentfreak.com/secret-australian-piracy-report-revealed-and-debunked-110316/

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2011, 09:24:07 pm
content: Yes, nonsense, along with the argument that piracy is stealing - total bollocks.
Packaging/Boxes for electronic components - ESD - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Rutger
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 04, 2011, 10:25:34 pm
content: Hi, I have a large order of eprom's I need to ship and am looking for a company here in the us that sells small boxes etc that are suitable to ship eproms in.The box I have infront of me is made by "Cortronic" and is model 05-TEP the company is in Germany, but I am looking for something similar here is the USA.The box has a special foam inside to hold and protect the eproms.Any suggestions are appreciated.Thanks,Rutger
Community Chat Day - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Lance
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2011, 05:05:21 am
content: Idea! What if we had a set time on Saturday or Sunday when we all jump on the IRC and have a nice chat. Just hang out and talk about electronics and stuff.What do you guys think?

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2011, 05:46:04 am
content: i'm all for an offical IRC channel, which could be used for this.It's not like it requires anything to setup, just need to pick a channel name and irc network.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 15, 2011, 06:09:52 am
content: Coincidence, I just set up an "official" EEVblog IRC channel!See the news post.Dave.

author: Lance
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2011, 06:14:16 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 15, 2011, 06:09:52 amExcellent!. Time to pick a date.
PNP Transistor - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: friend60115
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 17, 2011, 05:29:55 am
content: When should I use a PNP transistor?I like using NPN, its very easy to use, why there is a PNP?I tried to read about did not find something that explains it in simple words.Thanks in advance!

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2011, 07:23:27 am
content: In very simple words, NPN is good when you want to pull something to ground. If you want to pull something to VCC with a NPN you need to rely on a resistor to do the pulling. The NPN pulls the output to GND when on and the resistor pulls the output to VCC when the NPN is off. (or somewhere in the middle when the transistor is half on etc.)If you use a PNP then its the opposite, you can pull things to VCC, but require a resistor to pull low when the PNP is off.Ideally you don't want the resistor at all, because it wastes energy, so using both a NPN and PNP together you can make a circuit which can pull the load to either VCC or GND.

author: tyblu
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2011, 04:17:35 pm
content: For even better power savings, use N- and P-type FETs...
Reseller hosting - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 15, 2011, 01:01:04 pm
content: i'm thinking of getting a reseller hosting account as i also manage a few domains for not for profit organizations. After my experience with justhost I want to move anyhow so now is the chance to give each organization their own control of their domain management should they want it.I've found an english hosting comopany that looks mok but also an american one that allows 10x the transfer rate and would be a bit cheaper. As me and everything is based in the UK is using a service with a datacentre in the US (Dallas) going to be an issue ?

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2011, 01:07:34 pm
content: I use clook.co.uk - no problems so far. Avoid Fasthosts

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 15, 2011, 05:22:16 pm
content: hm they only offer 30GB bandwidth a month. Then I'm not really sure how much bandwidth I need.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2011, 06:02:31 pm
content: if you build a shop, then i think the bandwidth is your concern. my 2cnts.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 15, 2011, 06:17:40 pm
content: not really, it depends on the size of the website and the amount of visitors

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2011, 06:21:51 pm
content: if you have limited bandwidth and all you have are visitors, then at some point they will unable to surf your web, you wont lose a cent, but if you have potential buyers that cannot surf, you wont get a cent.ps: and it also depend on what material you are providing... video? HD video? pictures? text only?

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 15, 2011, 06:24:17 pm
content: true, I'm looking more at the technical aspects for the moment ie: will it handle it
ST screw up - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: House91320
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2011, 11:11:00 pm
content: Yesterday st sent me 100 100amp duel diodes and i trying to figure out who to contact about retuning them any one got an idea?ps # sth20004tv1

author: johnboxall
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 29, 2011, 12:10:35 am
content: Surely there would be some paperwork with the shipment that has ST contact details on it.

author: House91320
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2011, 03:11:49 am
content: no only an invoce

author: johnboxall
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 29, 2011, 07:45:03 am
content: Your profile doesn't tell me anything about your location, so visit here:http://www.st.com/stonline/contactus/index.htmland look up your local ST contact.

author: Hypernova
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 29, 2011, 10:15:09 am
content: Wait, did you order something and they screw up or did they just post that to you out of the blue?

author: cybergibbons
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2011, 11:38:38 am
content: If you are in the UK and your didn't order these and they turned up, then you can just keep them. Unsolicited goods.

author: House91320
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2011, 09:16:51 am
content: dose that applie to the us

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 30, 2011, 09:30:10 am
content: Quote from: House91320 on January 30, 2011, 09:16:51 amTalk to a local lawyer.Even if you're not obligated by law to do something about it, that doesn't mean that you can't be nice. How would you like someone to react if you send your stuff to the wrong address? If this were unsolicited, I would definitely talk to ST and tell them I can send it back (or they can send someone to pick it up) at their expenses. I would refuse to pay the invoice, however, if I didn't order it.

author: House91320
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2011, 09:43:00 am
content: the problim i am hving is it was sent from digikey so who would i contact

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 30, 2011, 09:56:10 am
content: Quote from: House91320 on January 28, 2011, 11:11:00 pmSo ST didn't send them, but Digikey did?Quote from: House91320 on January 30, 2011, 09:43:00 amIf Digikey sent them, you should talk to Digikey. Is this really that hard? Are you trying to make a point about the US public education system?

author: House91320
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2011, 05:38:53 am
content: St's policy is if your oder is screwed, oder again.
dSPACE DS2004 High-Speed A/D Board - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: onemilimeter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2011, 10:02:09 pm
content: dSPACE DS2004 High-Speed A/D Boardhttp://www.dspaceinc.com/en/inc/home/products/hw/modular_hardware_introduction/i_o_boards/ds2004_high_speed_a_d_board.cfmThis board has 16 A/D input channels (differential).Analog input range for each channel is +/-5V or +/-10V.It has 16 independent A/D converters.The resolution of each A/D converter is 16-bit.The conversion time of each A/D channel is 800ns.Does anyone can guess what is the device in "white" color on the board (see attached image, click the image for enlarged view)? It looks to me that each A/D converter is accompanied by one "white" device.Is it reed relay? If YES, what is it for?

author: deephaven
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2011, 10:44:21 pm
content: Here is a link to the manualhttp://www.dspace.de/shared/data/pdf/flyer2005/dspace-flyer-2005_ds2004_e.pdfThey have "signal conditioning" circuitry according to the manual which is probably what the white devices are, maybe custom hybrids.

author: onemilimeter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2011, 03:52:20 am
content: Quote from: deephaven on March 12, 2011, 10:44:21 pmThanks. I think those white ICs may be "difference amplifier"... any white "difference amplifier" or "amplifier" IC in the market?
The Causes for the Earthquake in Sendai Earthquake and Tsunami, Japan - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Lawsen
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2011, 07:42:36 pm
content: The Sendai Earthquake epicenter of the earthquake late afternoon at around 2:46 P.M. at the Pacific Ocean by the undersea Trench of Japan about 80 miles (129 km) from Sendai, Japan was strong and surprised most because the plate boundary was not linear. The cause for this strong earthquake from my memories in earth science school is a deep subduction zone earthquake. There are large strain on the rocks along, where the Pacific Plate subducted underneath Okhotsk Plate where Japan is on at the accreationary wedge. There is strain in rocks at this region, because several plates boundaries are near Northern Japan islands. These plates are the Eurasia, Pacific, Okhotsk, and the debate able Amurian or China Plate. The Japan trench is an undersea geomorphology feature from the Pacific Plate subducting underneath Japan and Okhotsk Plate. Northern Japan is on the Okhotsk Plate.http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/20110311145338384-111446.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Okhotsk_Plate_map_en.pnghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amurian_PlateThe Pacific Northwest in the U.S.A. like Portland and Seattle areas are in hazard of this type of strong earthquake by the Juan de Fuca Plate subducted underneath the North America Plate. California's earthquakes are different, linear strike slip, right lateral fault with horizontal northwest trending motion about a cm per year. California has a part that does not belong to the North American Plate, that is Santa Cruz. Geologically, that part of California is not part of the state. Politically and economically Santa Cruz is part of California. Socially, it is not. Look at the banners that I seen years ago, "President Bush's Policies are Terrorist." There are sofas outside for people to sit and fall in love. Stockton is more conservative. We named an elementary school after, George W. Bush, Jr. The one who got shoes thrown at him.Tsunami has arrived in California around 7:45 A.M. Not much damage according to the news, a few boats smashed against the docks.http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/Subduction zone earthquakes are the strongests and the energy radiated out to the Western Pacific Ocean side with tsunamis.Lawsen

author: tyblu
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2011, 02:26:10 am
content: short form: Earthquake was caused by earthquake.

author: glossywhite
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2011, 10:43:39 am
content: I'm sure there are enough of 24hr news bulletins worldwide, to render this thread redundant.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2011, 02:01:39 pm
content: Quote from: glossywhite on March 12, 2011, 10:43:39 amits true about the 24hr buletins. but its not true about the redundancy, for me. esp something explaining science in more detail which i havent know. i learn a new vocab today... subduction. and science vocab, "deep subduction zone earthquake"
seismological horror  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Sionyn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2011, 06:50:34 pm
content: Best wishes to all in Japanhttp://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2011/03/earthquake-in-japan/100022/

author: FreeThinker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2011, 08:24:55 pm
content: Horrendous footage on tv tonight.Will be in our thoughts and prays.

author: Sionyn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2011, 09:42:36 pm
content: indeed what's more the daily mail are peddling their perfused science about the earth quake being related to a super moonthe horrible thing is people are taken in by this rubbish.http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1365225/Japan-earthquake-tsunami-Did-supermoon-cause-todays-natural-disaster.html

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2011, 11:46:43 pm
content: I have been watching this nonstop since it occurred, I have many friends in the Pacific. Thoughts and best wishes go out to the Japanese.By comparison though, the Japanese people and government seem to have responded much better than the Indonesian tsunami, which was also heavily videoed; almost none of the videos or photos show people in the water; there were several videos of cars and trucks directly in the path of the tsunami, with unknown results. While many homes were smashed by the water, most concrete structures have survived, and none, I think, collapsed despite the largest earthquake happening to Japan in its recorded history.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 12, 2011, 12:01:04 am
content: Libya is also a mess. At least North and South Korea reached an agreement behind doors.http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2011/03/libyas-escalating-conflict/100021/

author: the_raptor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2011, 06:20:13 am
content: Quote from: Alex on March 12, 2011, 12:01:04 amAfter an incredibly brutal war which required UN intervention (the Korean war was probably the first and last time the UN did what it was set-up to do).
Adding elements from owm library with different footprint in Altium - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: flodins
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2011, 03:44:59 pm
content: HiI have a problem with adding items from my own library for which I defined many footprints. Regardless of who will choose the diagram always lands with a default value, unless I select the Place but it is too much clicking. If you add the built-in library, this problem does not occur I can grab a footprint that interests me and this will be set on the diagram.Do you know any solution? Something had to switch in my library?I think that the movie clearly shows allhttp://flodins.info/footp.mp4
dSPACE DS2003 A/D Board - Reed Relay - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: onemilimeter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2011, 09:49:01 pm
content: dSPACE DS2003 A/D Boardhttp://www.dspaceinc.com/en/inc/home/products/hw/modular_hardware_introduction/i_o_boards/a_d_boards.cfmThere're two onboard A/D converters (BB PCM78).If you look at the attached image below (click the image for enlarged view), there are two reed relays (Hamlin HE721C0510). Does anyone have idea what is the function of the reed relay in this A/D board?Thanks

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2011, 04:55:14 am
content: Probably to change the input gain or channel mapping. It's common to use tiny relays to select input attenuators in oscilloscopes.
Farnell vs. Newark stock - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: shadewind
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2011, 02:50:27 pm
content: I usually order stuff from Farnell since the have the cheapest shipping to Sweden where I live and a very large stock. But when I looked at Newark, the american version of Premier Farnell, there's like twice as many models of components for every category. Why is this?!

author: Zad
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2011, 05:06:42 pm
content: I don't have a problem with that, it is understandable. What I do have a REAL problem with is the pricing. US stock is often as little as 1/3 the UK price. This means that even with the import surcharge it can often be cheaper to order stuff from Newark in the US and have it flown over to the UK warehouse and sent from there.They seem to be betting wise to this though, and instead of listing both parts on the Farnell UK site, they are starting to list US items at UK prices. For example, the with Farnell UK the AD9910 DDS chip is £74:95 (that is $120) plus £15:95 import ($25:60) and is sent from the US, for a total of $145:60. But if you look at the Newark site, it is only $54:24. If you bought one of each, they would have come from exactly the same parts bin in exactly the same warehouse.It isn't just high value items either. I just bought a lot of passives and diodes etc, they were often 1/3 the price on the US site.

author: shadewind
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2011, 05:36:47 pm
content: Why is it understandable that the US site has more models in stock?

author: Zad
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2011, 07:25:09 pm
content: Because they have the original contracts that they had under Newark plus the new product lines that Farnell brought.

author: Joy at MCS
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2011, 07:34:54 pm
content: I would guess it's because they have a larger customer base to market too.

author: PsI-On
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2011, 11:12:37 pm
content: Zad, I totally agree with you on this one! They're too damn expensive in the UK and Ireland.-P

author: Chasm
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2011, 11:54:04 pm
content: Quote from: PsI-On on March 10, 2011, 11:12:37 pmOrdering US warehouse parts from Farnell is also expensive in Germany, a 20 Euro charge per order.What about digikey?Did they finally buy a clue about their international shipping methods and especially import taxes?The last I have heard is that they still f'k up orders.Either by not shipping DDP or, when you are actually buying in Euro and thus pay a premium for them to do the tax and tariff work, shipping parts of the order in US$, untaxed.

author: shadewind
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2011, 01:22:02 pm
content: If I'm going to pay 200 SEK (which is the fee here in Sweden) when ordering parts only in stock in Newark from Farnell, I might as well go with Mouser instead since they have more parts anyway.
Safety boots + work with style ....  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2011, 07:46:06 pm
content: Today I got a new pair of basic safety boots , and later on I did some research about the maker,that looks to have as base the country of France.And in their web site I found an interesting funny video , and so here it is ..Interesting enough , they look to have AS/NZS 2210.3:2000 that is an Australian and NZ approval about safety standardshttp://www.lemaitre-securite.com/ang/index.htmhttp://www.saiglobal.com/PDFTemp/Previews/OSH/as/as2000/2200/22103.pdf

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 08, 2011, 08:32:49 pm
content: I am sure she will be included in their risk assessmentSeverity 5Likelihood 0Risk factor 0

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2011, 09:25:54 am
content: Quote from: Mechatrommer on March 09, 2011, 12:10:52 amThe married individuals are excluded from posting in this thread,their opinion could be effected , by their wife, if she watches their screen too.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 09, 2011, 12:35:14 pm
content: Quote from: Alex on March 08, 2011, 08:32:49 pmyes she is because she has to get in and out of a car. I heard of a company i had an interview with that does risk assesments on getting in and out of cars !

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 09, 2011, 12:39:59 pm
content: A special for our friends from the UK.https://www.youtube.com/user/Photonicinduction#p/u/15/-f6ENjdKK4w

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 09, 2011, 12:45:04 pm
content: I'm not even going to watch that asshole regardless of his point. He's a flipping serious health and safety hazard himself

author: orbiter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2011, 05:04:23 pm
content: Saftey boots yet no seat belt

author: RayJones
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2011, 07:18:05 pm
content: I've watched it a few times to see if she does any real work - ie long finger nails.But every I just keep on getting distracted

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2011, 01:04:34 am
content: Quote from: RayJones on March 09, 2011, 07:18:05 pmThis is not true , she has just one long in the left hand.That make her 9 times innocent and just one guilty .And also I agree with the English fella (video above), about how ridicules the safety rules can be, if you go by the book.
Can't open Nintendo consoles or carts? Oh yes you can! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: glossywhite
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2011, 11:01:25 pm
content: Nintendo have been using this "inverse torx" security bit since the 1980s, and although you can buy the special 'drivers from eBay etc, you can also make your own, using an old "Bic" Biro, a candle/cigarette lighter and a pair of pliers:http://www.flickr.com/photos/22008695@N03/5514638059/#in/set-72157626112546735/1/ Using pliers, grip tight onto the refill of the Biro, and remove it by pulling (all you want remaining is the orange or clear shell of the Biro, NOT the coloured refill. You can leave the end cap in as you won't use that end).2/ Light a candle, and rotate about 1-1.5cm in length of the writing end of the Biro, over the candle flame, until the plastic goes soft and floppy (NOT bubbling or burning!).3/ Using the flat, smooth area, usually found nearer the hinge of a pair of long nose pliers (just after the serrated grips), rotate and squeeze the soft plastic repeatedly (and fast), to form a compressed plastic rod (the Biro is hollow, and is no good in that form).4/ Once you have a nice round SOLID plastic shaft, allow it to cool a min.5/ Heat the tip (3-5mm ish) of the rod you just made until it goes rounded and very shiny and melted... and then PRESS IT HARD into the recessed hole containing the security screw you wish to remove, and hold it there for about a min.Et voila! Remove the formation, and you will see this:Now, set to work and get that console/game pak/gameboy apart!
Rant: US time change - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Excavatoree
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2011, 04:40:49 pm
content: I'm not going to rant about whether or not the time change is good, I'm going to rant about the timing.The US did have it's change after Europe. In a legislative smoke screen to cover up the fact that they had done nothing of any substance, our fine legislature moved the time change, but now it's BEFORE Europe. Why not make the change when Europe does? This would help employees of global companies, like my own, who have scheduled conference calls that get all out of whack twice a year.

author: the_raptor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2011, 05:04:28 pm
content: Because America must lead Europe in EVERYTHING!(Honestly it wouldn't surprise me if that was the real reason).

author: Sionyn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2011, 05:21:11 pm
content: ah that was one bush's ideas what a bloody id10t he is

author: Joy at MCS
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2011, 07:36:47 pm
content: Uk has been talking about making the time change 2 hours instead of 1 hour.Has the US been thinking about that too?

author: Time
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2011, 08:32:44 pm
content: 2 hours? wth
WARNING The Picture Tube Is critical to saftey against xray emission replaceyoke - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Sionyn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2011, 12:41:42 am
content: i know you guys are going to like thishttp://www.paulgeering.com/projectors/projectors.html

author: PeterG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2011, 03:26:46 am
content: That page does not seem to work. Any chance of a YouTube link?Regards

author: Sionyn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2011, 02:43:15 pm
content: not as good as the othershttp://www.flickr.com/photos/48723778@N02/sets/72157623761956838/with/4486842647/they were high res shots of sony video projectrors from some video wall thinghttp://hackaday.com/2011/03/07/hacker-classifieds-featured-find-free-sony-video-wall-projectors/

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 08, 2011, 03:34:44 pm
content: Very nice.The picture named 'Board LA' on flickr, what are the 3 components that look like fuses on the right?They seem to be connected in series.

author: Sionyn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2011, 04:58:27 pm
content: Alex your right like fusesbut its like no fuse ive ever seenand what that scale thing is far

author: cybergibbons
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2011, 05:58:33 pm
content: They are hour counters, believe it or not. A voltage applied across them moves a tiny bubble along a column of mercury.The seem to be called electro-chemical elapsed time indicators.http://www.alternativefuelsequipment.com/curtis/pdf/Coulometers.pdf
Jeri Ellsworth - what has she done now? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Excavatoree
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2011, 01:24:52 am
content: Jeri Ellsworth did a video about a wasteful 4000 dollar (US) system to warn people about a bus. She pontificates about the utility of such a system, and then does a quick and dirty prototype for far less money.Someone using the YouTube account PeterBartek, perhaps, possibly the person listed here:http://protran1.com/ContactUs097.htmSaid that Jeri had set the progress of women back 100 years.Now, how does a company employ someone so stupid as their "Director of Technology?"Looks like he doesn't like someone educating taxpayers that he's selling the electronic equivalent of "snake oil" for an inflated price.I've been a bus electrical system designer, and I've seen a lot of BS companies try to sell their BS products to customers who insist it be on their bus. My guess is free dinners on the taxpayers (eventual) dime sell a lot of useless crap.

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2011, 05:23:44 am
content: QuoteHave you done any work on hybrid buses? I can tell you that the Texas A&M buses are definitely not good examples of hybrid technology. During acceleration and regeneration, the harmonics of the motor drive inverter output as well as a 12kHz or so PWM tone are clearly audible anywhere inside the bus. (Which is actually quite interesting to a power electronics engineer but I'm sure most passengers do not like it.) And a lot of the time, the regen comes on so abruptly that standing passengers not expecting it occasionally lose their balance.

author: the_raptor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2011, 06:15:49 am
content: Quote from: NiHaoMike on March 15, 2011, 05:23:44 amHow is that different from normal busses braking? Maybe you are just used to better drivers, but around here you better be holding onto something if you are standing.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 15, 2011, 07:09:33 am
content: yea reminds me of the local council moving the swimming pool and then hiring a firm for over £100'000 to advise them on what top do witrh the ground

author: Sionyn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2011, 11:32:07 am
content: ive learnt never to argue with a womanso this is a good idea

author: Excavatoree
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2011, 12:25:47 pm
content: Article:http://blog.oregonlive.com/commuting/2011/03/trimets_talking_buses_youtube.htmlhttp://blog.makezine.com/archive/2011/03/jeri-ellsworth-vs-talking-buses-trimet.htmlNo, I never got into matters line hybrid electric drive. I'm not sure there was commercially available hybrid drive technology 16 years ago.We did build an electric bus, but it was not done in-house, that was far beyond our capabilities. Heck, electronic engines (which were required to meet whatever EPA tier was going into place in 1998) were almost beyond our capabilities - and they were vendor parts!EDIT: added article
Okay, so how do *you* store your SMD component reels? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: slburris
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2011, 03:33:35 pm
content: I keep trying different things to store my reels of SMD componentsand keep failing to find a nice way to do it. I store reels in boxes,I store them in baskets, I pile them on shelves.What I'm really looking for is a "wine cabinet for reels", if that makessense. Something where I can store reels upright and have some wayto label sections, ie resistors, capaciltors, transistors, etc.Worse, not only do I have standard size reels, I have a few of the reallybig reels (electrolytic caps, heat shrink, etc) which I need to store aswell.Anyone have a good suggestion? Maybe some everyday piece of furniturethat can be repurposed? Something like this ribbon holder, except it's toosmall:Scott

author: Zad
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2011, 03:58:31 pm
content: I take the view that as I'm not going to be machine PnP'ing then it isn't vital that passives be reeled. I don't have room for hundreds of reels either, so I strip them off and keep them in ziplock plastic bags with the component spec written on the side.
Sony hacking  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Sionyn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2011, 01:31:14 pm
content: here more info on for you dave sony made some very bad crypto mistakes by choosing a non random seedstupidly idiotic. This hack arose with sony removing the option for a Linux os.http://ftp.halifax.rwth-aachen.de/ccc/27C3/mp4-h264-HQ/27c3-4087-en-console_hacking_2010.mp4anyway that the video about the hackvery detailed about the cutting edge or lack of information securitywhat's more it seems its not the japan outfit of sony behind this but American, which is no surprise with such extremis laws like dmca.i thought after apple lost using the dmca to try shut up iphone hacks this whole abuse of the dmca was overseems not.

author: the_raptor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2011, 03:36:57 pm
content: The media (American) side of Sony is killing the hardware (Japanese) side.Sony are going full throttle after the PS3 hackers in a way not even Apple has tried. I am betting it will end up with them needing to buy new legislation though.

author: Sionyn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2011, 06:05:04 pm
content: if that 10Gbit link isnt working for you
Why does it always happen to me? (Rant) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: david77
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2011, 03:44:35 pm
content: Now I'm in the finishing stages of my latest project, software only needs some finishing touches and hardware wise all I'm missing is four buttons for the keypad and two connectors. I ordered those parts last thursday and expected delivery on monday at the latest, usually the supplier is VERY reliable.(German company:www.buerklin.de, 95% next day delivery and practically never out of stock)Come monday the UPS guy has nothing for me, tuesday the same and also nothing on wednesday.That is highly irregular, so I ring them up.Turns out they moved offices/warehouses and their complete IT system transfer went pear shaped - nothing moves. They might start commissioning deliveries next tuesday or wednesday! No one knows how long it takes to work off the back log of orders - might be 1-2 weeks.Aaargh! And no one else stocks the damned buttons I need. Same with the connectors, the only other distributor only sells them in MOQ of 25 pieces. F@!#~ng hell.I wanted to finish my new baby this weekend. *runs away crying*Sorry for that, needed to get it off my chest.

author: VIPR
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2011, 03:53:44 pm
content: If you find that guy named Murphy please shoot him for all of us! His law has ruined many a projects around the world. Welcome to the club.Now, if only there were a way to break this law without getting caught.

author: masterburner
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2011, 06:31:53 pm
content: You're not the only one. This happened to me one too many times... That's why I always pick components that are popular/easy to come by. It really annoys me when I need some kind of IC that no supplier has (*cough*maxim*cough*...), though. Sometimes, I wish there was some kind of law that a supplier must offer a specific set of components.

author: david77
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2011, 06:52:52 pm
content: Yeah, I know. It's not my first time eitherBut sometimes you need/want something a bit out of the ordinary, like proper high quality keyboard buttons or a circular 12-way connector just because it's easier to drill a 20mm round hole than to file out a D-Sub shape in 2mm sheet steel.So you go the more expensive way, ignoring the far eastern alternatives for the good quality local manufacturers and dealers and BAM! they manage to grind their whole operation to a halt, because without modern technology they can't find a single thing in their brand spanking new warehouse.I'd love to hear the persons responsible explain that to their bosses.Well, at least that gives me time to polish up the software but I can't really test it until I get the missing parts, bugger.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2011, 06:08:25 am
content: it happened to thousands of people, and moving places is not an exciting experience too, even of them/us/me.
Routing with polygons? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: armandas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2011, 06:21:41 pm
content: It seems that a lot of cheaply made boards have a similar routing style. From my humble PCB design experience, the only way I see it could be done is using polygons. Wouldn't that take too much time though? Share your thoughts.

author: Scrts
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2011, 09:55:27 am
content: I suppose none of them are routed using polygons only. It depends on the software. Lets say the second PCB picture could be routed with Altium designer. All the tracks are simply routed, but they added "teardrops" (Tools -> Teardrops... in PCB design window) in the end.

author: armandas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2011, 10:50:06 pm
content: Yeah, the second example is more "normal" looking. It's the third board that made me post this question.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2011, 12:46:50 am
content: A reason for doing it like this is that it uses less etchant as less copper is removed. Also improves reliability of cheap processing as the wider tracks are less likely to break or be open due to defects in manufacture.Probably a feature of whatever software they use.
Captain Zilog is back! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: FreeThinker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2011, 11:07:37 am
content: http://www.zilog.com/captainzilog/play.html#/CaptainZilog/0Welcome back capt'inEdit added original articlehttp://www.elektor.com/news/captain-zilog-is-back-now-in-embedded-comic.1730612.lynkx?utm_source=UK&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsHmm! Appears that the link is getting screwed somehow... just use the link at the bottom of the the page above to the comic.....weird!

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 05, 2011, 11:57:04 am
content: first website is taking forever to lead - FAIL

author: FreeThinker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2011, 12:36:55 pm
content: Quote from: Simon on March 05, 2011, 11:57:04 amYep link is being corrupted (contains a space so that is the likely cause) use the link in the second url to the comicEditworking linkhttp://www.zilog.com/captainzilog/play.htmlfinal tag must be added when the page is rendered ( sheesh! somedays you just can't post a link!)

author: RayJones
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2011, 11:45:59 pm
content: USELESS INFORMATION DEPT.You should replace spaces with %20 when posting a URL% is HTML speak for ASCII code values in hex, ie %20 => 20hex => ASCII 'space'Similarly other characters may cause issues eg & < > etc.

author: tyblu
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2011, 12:20:37 am
content: Quote from: RayJones on March 05, 2011, 11:45:59 pmI usually use a link-shortener service when I see suspicious characters. There is a Chrome extension to use the goo.gl service in a few different, useful ways.http://goo.gl/5D2EP

author: Polossatik
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2011, 01:38:54 pm
content: anyone noticed the "Warning do not use in life support" on the last page?
Current carrying capacity of a wire - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2011, 10:53:28 pm
content: I was looking at the datasheet for an IRF3205, a 110A MOSFET in a TO-220 package. How can the pins actually handle 110A continuously? They look way too thin for even half that current.

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2011, 10:56:21 pm
content: They can't, read the data sheet more carefully.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 04, 2011, 10:59:27 pm
content: Wires fail when currying current due to their finite resistance which causes thermal loses causing the wire to heatup and blow like a fuse.In this case the wires are very short, therefore the heat losses are not great and can be dissipated by the traces on the PCB.It is possible to calculate the heat lost in that small piece of wire from the dimensions in the datasheet.This is a quantitative problem, the wires can carry that current but they will heat up, cause damage or melt.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2011, 11:41:51 am
content: put it in ice.

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2011, 02:13:48 pm
content: In short the maximum current for the TO-220 package is around 75A. You can get away with more but only if you're very careful.
Anyone know more about China tracking? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2011, 09:23:35 am
content: It seems my Rigol Dg1022 was traveling fine, but now it started to travel backwardsI never had such situation, and i recieved many packages from China, what is happening here ? The seller called the post and gave me explanation "The item is returned for not passing security checks", what ?Tracking number is: CP217711433CN

author: Jimmy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2011, 10:42:52 am
content: Sender probably didn't send it with the correct paperwork filled out for customs did you supply them with a phone number that was incorrect for there park of the world.Eg My ph no is +617******* yours would be +385

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2011, 12:27:53 pm
content: Quote from: Jimmy on March 03, 2011, 10:42:52 amI provided all the correct information but unfortunately i do not have many sucess working out the matter with the seller.

author: kaptain_zero
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2011, 11:40:33 pm
content: I am going to step out on a limb here and suspect that you are located in the US. With the many new homeland security regulations in effect, an electronic device without the proper paperwork could likely be turned back. When I say paperwork, I mean that it needs to be documented what the device actually is, to prove that it's not something that just *looks* like an oscilloscope. As for what is actually required in the way of documentation for importing electronic equipment, I'm afraid your best bet is perhaps USPS and or the homeland security people.I actually seem to recall Dave ranting about some new surcharge for shipping to the USA due to such security issues......RegardsChristian

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2011, 05:45:58 am
content: Nah im in Croatia, here you can import anything. But the package newer even came close to here...

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2011, 07:53:56 am
content: From your tracking , the item is back to the seller.Its best to contact him ..And wait for their explanation.He could had marked this item as gift ? Or another common mistake.
FAEs - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Strube09
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2011, 08:47:38 pm
content: HA!Was talking to my wife about the stigma of FAEs are people usually people who were not very good engineers so they work more as a sales support staff.... She nick named them "Failed At Engineering"... Thought it was funny and thought I would share.... Sorry to any FAEs reading this.... It not to say that all FAEs are bad at engineering.Strube

author: DJPhil
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2011, 01:17:59 am
content: I think my favorite technical aptitude slur is 'blinking twelve'.It comes from those folks who's VCRs were always blinking 12:00 because the owner couldn't sort out how to set the clock.

author: FreeThinker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2011, 06:47:07 pm
content: My favorite is the term applied to a thick or Bolshoi customer, a 'custard'. I'll leave you to work that one out. What's a FAE?

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 02, 2011, 07:20:36 pm
content: Failed At Engineering

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 02, 2011, 07:29:21 pm
content: Quote from: DJPhil on March 02, 2011, 01:17:59 amThere is a lower rank, those who cant switch the device off because the blinking bothered them at night (VFD era).

author: Strube09
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2011, 07:36:52 pm
content: Field Applications Engineer

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 02, 2011, 07:44:06 pm
content: I think field application is the best thing for many so calledengineers

author: Time
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2011, 08:02:50 pm
content: Industrial Engineer is an IE or "Imaginary Engineer"

author: chscholz
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2011, 09:41:09 pm
content: FAE = Failed at EngineeringThat's funny, love it!My experience after 3 years as FAE:you can be (1) right (2) help customers solve their problems.(1) and (2) hardly ever happens together.Chris