Recent content by baldguyfromblackpool

  1. baldguyfromblackpool

    Suggest device for logging AC current?

    Whilst away from the thread I ordered something called a PZEM-004T that sends data out to a com port, planning to read it on a laptop with python.. not sure how fine-grained that will be either. ChatGPT thinks you can poll it about 5–10 times per second (100–200 ms intervals) without issue. I'll...
  2. baldguyfromblackpool

    Suggest device for logging AC current?

    I have a Zappi EV charger which is working fine when I plug my BYD car into it, but when Mrs Baldguy plugs her MG into it, all sorts of crazy happen. I've been through many menus and manual chapters trying to figure out what's wrong but nothing has worked so far. What I -have- noticed though is...
  3. baldguyfromblackpool

    Architecture of mass produced cheap welding set

    I'm no longer trying to fix this Parkside PISG80A1 inverter stick welder because the cost of a brand new replacement coupled with the speed of Amazon next day delivery makes repair pointless. I still have a brain itch about what happened when it broke. I was up a ladder welding a tractor door...
  4. baldguyfromblackpool

    Short range cat detector

    What cheap motion detector did you use? I do like the flexibility of the HCSR04 idea but could the complexity of the microcontroller could be avoided by something more off the shelf? I'm split now between getting something rigged up and working relatively quickly, and taking time over the...
  5. baldguyfromblackpool

    PCB Manufacturing — Complete Beginner’s Guide

    I've only ever done really simple, one sided, self designed boards for very basic hobby projects but I manage with an image editor (I use GIMP), a laser printer, and heat transfer paper. You draw your design, print it out, then iron it onto the blank board before soaking it in etchant solution...
  6. baldguyfromblackpool

    Short range cat detector

    I'd briefly seen OpenCV in passing on my Googles, really interesting, but probably overkill for this project. Still fascinating though. That's something I'd love to play with for fun if I ever get the workshop straight and get enough time. Not too bothered if detection is indiscriminate. To...
  7. baldguyfromblackpool

    Short range cat detector

    It's the that I'm not sure about how to do I do love 555's though
  8. baldguyfromblackpool

    Short range cat detector

    Great idea, will try that as a training aid
  9. baldguyfromblackpool

    Short range cat detector

    I have a problem with cats jumping up on the kitchen worktops in the night, and leaving a mess. I thought about making up some small devices with a limited range which could detect the proximity of a cat within no more than about 3 feet, and then trigger an alarm to scare off the cat. What...
  10. baldguyfromblackpool

    Help with pin connector identification

    Not sure if helpful or not https://dam.bakerhughes.com/m/23d2a1de24360b13/original/3300-XL-8mm-Proximity-Transducer-System-Datasheet-141194-pdf.pdf The datasheet mentions 'Springlok' terminal blocks These particular ones came up on a search for "Springlok test plug"...
  11. baldguyfromblackpool

    Connector identification

    I just followed on from the previous post & it seemed to work out! Don't forget to check the pitch etc, and the soldering configuration before ordering. Some differences you might be able to work around if you're good with a dremel etc Another possible option might be, replace not only the...
  12. baldguyfromblackpool

    Distinguish FET from BJT from ? with DMM

    Thanks - there were 5 in particular I had a close look at the datasheet, in that list. Couldn't find a 100% perfect match but I'm pretty sure now, what I've got is something very similar. I thought they were going to stop at toasters and lightbulbs, but now even discrete transistors have...
  13. baldguyfromblackpool

    Distinguish FET from BJT from ? with DMM

    My cheap plastic calipers measure 2.8mm, so I think SOT-23 By removing one 10k resistor from the board I figured I then had the part isolated and fully out-of-circuit, albeit with a couple of components still 'hanging off' each leg - a relay coil with parallel diode on the source followed by a...
  14. baldguyfromblackpool

    Distinguish FET from BJT from ? with DMM

    A follow on from my earlier thread about copying a relay controller. I have one final 3-legged SMT component left that I don't fully understand. It's in a circuit position that makes it reasonably clear which should be the gate, source and drain (or base, emitter and collector) Measured...
  15. baldguyfromblackpool

    3296W series multiturn trimpot

    Thanks Olivia. Years and years ago as a boy in an electronics shop on Dale st. in Liverpool, the guy behind the counter told me that all trimpots are linear, but that was in the late 70's! Hopefully with a bit more knowledge about the circuit the trimmer is no longer needed but, good to know...
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