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  1. (*steve*)

    Geeky rulers

    If anyone is interested, there's less than 2 days remaining to order some very geeky rulers. Here.
  2. (*steve*)

    How to address a moderator

    Please see this thread for the appropriate method: https://www.electronicspoint.com/newbie-rf-circuit-help-t261454.html And also here.
  3. (*steve*)

    ATMega8 loses program, 328 doesn't

    I have a program that requires almost all the 8K that an ATMega8 has. In order to do this, I program it with a USBasp programmer, not with a bootloader. If I program it with a long (almost 8K) program it works at first, then after a couple of power cycles it doesn't. If I program it with a...
  4. (*steve*)

    Anyone used an LM2931-5.0?

    I've tried a couple of times. It looks simple. They're a 3 terminal regulator. (What could be easier) But I find that they draw excessive current -- and with an input current limited to 10mA or so, the voltage is dragged down to under 2V. It's almost like I've connected them around the...
  5. (*steve*)

    Want some valves (tubes)?

    I'm not associated with this company other than being a satisfied customer. Probably of most interest to Australians, these guys clear out a lot of interesting components for low prices. Currently their "specials" include some very cheap valves (tubes). http://www.rockby.com.au I always...
  6. (*steve*)

    Why do LEDs get less efficient at higher currents?

    Now we know! (originally from /.)
  7. (*steve*)

    Triacs, optocouplers, snubbers and small motors.

    I decided to make a small board to slow the motor in my laminator (See here). In my case, 0.25 seconds ON / 3 seconds OFF. A 555 drives a triac output optocoupler which turns on a triac, which turns on the motor. The triac is snubbed using a 22 ohm resistor and a 0.1uF capacitor (in series)...
  8. (*steve*)

    Fake components - have you been caught?

    I have :( Once I was sold a reel of components that, when they arrived, were marked as dummy components! (the person gave me a full refund). Another time I purchased some surface mount links that turned out to be TopLine components -- for those of you that are unaware, these are test...
  9. (*steve*)

    My first 24 hours with Kicad.

    I decided to seriously try to learn to use this tool. I entered a schematic (and I had to create a couple of libraries for components that it didn't have... A bit fiddly, but not too hard) Then I tried to create a board. The first time I just picked modules (pad layouts) that had the right...
  10. (*steve*)

    Does chocolate work as thermal paste?

    I'm sure this is a question that has been begging for an answer. More seriously, how much does it really matter what thermal compound you use? Some interesting results are here. Unfortunately they fail to quote any information that can be used for determining how various pastes operate in an...
  11. (*steve*)

    I wouldn't be that stupid! (would I?)

    I discovered one of my meters has a 400mA fast blow fuse in it. I also discovered that the meter needs to be completely disassembled to get to it. And I discovered I didn't have a fuse to fit. But I did have a 375mA surface mount fuse :)
  12. (*steve*)

    Tales of shipping...

    I needed a chip (a bus tranceiver as it happens) and I looked around. RS had them for 53c, but I had to order 5. So I do so, late on 8th Feb. But, as a bonus if I order on-line it gets delivered free. So I expect it to come from the local warehouse, or maybe shipped from across Australia...
  13. (*steve*)

    Last night...

    Guess who I saw...?
  14. (*steve*)

    Got a question about driving LEDs?

    (*steve*) submitted a new resource: Got a question about driving LEDs? - A list of common answers and links to useful documentation on driving LEDs. Read more about this resource...
  15. (*steve*)

    Building a device from a schematic (Yet another work in progress)

    A problem we see a lot is that people have a schematic (otherwise knows as a circuit diagram) that they want to build. But they find there are numerous stumbling blocks. This thread aims to help you find your way past those stumbling blocks and on to building your project. A Quick Note This...
  16. (*steve*)

    Wanted: 1mm spacing ribbon cable

    I have an IDC connector that mates with pins on a 2mm pitch. I need about 20cm of cable for it (just 8 conductors). Does anyone have a spare bit of this cable? I can buy 5 metres of 50 core cable, but that seems a mite excessive. The important detail is that the conductor spacing is 1 mm...
  17. (*steve*)

    TSQFP->DIL (kinda)

    In a rather more extreme version of the SOIC>DIP thread, tonight I soldered a 64 pin quad flat pack device with 0.5mm spacing onto a breakout board. I have confirmed I have no pins shorted together. It's not the first 0.5mm pitch device I've and soldered, and it's not the first quad flat pack...
  18. (*steve*)

    Electrocution. What kills?

    The fact that it's AC doesn't make it dangerous.
  19. (*steve*)

    Frankenstein's Components.

    Based on a suggestion, I am starting this sticky thread. What I want it to contain are posts that reveal an unusual source for components, or an unusual use for components, or things of that vein. I expect the first will have something to do with optical mice... I really don't want this...
  20. (*steve*)

    Eclipse lens

    Arrived yesterday! Here is the first photo I took: It's a streetlight at the end of the street. Looked almost the size of the moon. Handheld (sorry for blur) And kust a few moments ago... High in the sky (sets at 11:30). Again, hand held and probably poorly focussed. This is a full...
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