Pete Mills has written an article detailing the build of his Nixie tube clock: Fortunately, not all nixie tube clocks are implemented the same. In fact, look around at all the schematics for nixie clocks, and you will realize there are more permutations in methodology than there are models of nixie tubes. This is how […]
Author Archives: DP
Free PCB coupon via Facebook to 2 random commenters
Every Friday we give away some extra PCBs via Facebook. This post was announced on Facebook, and on Monday we’ll send coupon codes to two random commenters. The coupon code usually go to Facebook ‘Other’ Messages Folder . More PCBs via Twitter on Tuesday and the blog every Sunday. Don’t forget there’s free PCBs three […]
A GUI and CLI utility for EFM32’s UART bootloader
Mario writes: I’ve been doing mostly sensor-based systems and I think these microcontrollers are the perfect fit. ARM Cortex (they go from M0 to M4, and their series seem to keep growing), an architecture that was specially designed for low-power sensor-based embedded systems, allowing to measure “stuff” while the CPU is stopped, a nice set […]
Comparing Microcontroller + Wifi Breakout boards
Mike Barela writes, “A new post comparing WiFi / Microcontroller combo breakouts for Makers and the Internet of Things #ESP8266” More details at Mike’s 21stdigitalhome blog.
Soldering station to drive HAKKO 907 handles
Dilshan Jayakody published a new build: To keep it simple we choose LM358 dual operational amplifier IC to monitor the 907’s thermocouple and drive the TRIAC. The entire control circuit of this soldering station is powered by single rail 5V DC power supply. To drive both handle and station we use 12V-0-12V 8A step down […]
USB Host Library 3.0-Alpha
Oleg over at Circuits@Home writes: The alpha of the third revision of USB Host library has been posted on GitHub. The code has been extensively re-organized to make it modular and generic; as a result, it is now possible to run it on more Arduino compatibles and also use native USB Host hardware on some […]
Using a PS3 eye toy with OpenCV
Henry writes, “I was looking for a USB webcam that I could use for doing some openCV/digital control systems projects. The PS3 Eye seems like a great product for this!” Project details at Henry’s blog.
Tiva C launchpad FFT with real time plotting using pyQtGraph
Shane of Wattnotions writes: The biased signal generator signal is connected to AnalogIn 1 on the Tiva C which is pin PE_2. Signal Gen and Tiva C ground is common. The two 10k resistors from a voltage divider which will halve the 3v input to give a 1.5 v bias… See code at Wattnotions page. […]
#FreePCB via Twitter to 2 random RTs
Every Tuesday we give away two coupons for the free PCB drawer via Twitter. This post was announced on Twitter, and in 24 hours we’ll send coupon codes to two random retweeters. Don’t forget there’s free PCBs three times a every week: Hate Twitter and Facebook? Free PCB Sunday is the classic PCB giveaway. Catch […]
DIY digital soldering station
Mike over at PCBSmoke has written an article detailing the build of his digital temperature controlled soldering station: The unit uses a PID temperature controller, an SSR (Solid State Relay) and a transformer plus a metal enclosure case, a soldering stand and a few other parts. It is relatively inexpensive to build, plus it makes […]
DIY pocket laser engraver
Photon printer, a 3D printable laser engraver build using DVD drives by Isolt: This is an entry for the Light It Up contest on the grounds that a laser diode is a specialised form on light emitting diode. The Photon Printer started out as a quick weekend project then quickly escalated when I saw that there […]
Vintage metal detector
Gary over at TOG-Dublin Hackerspace published a new build, the vintage metal detector project: ETI Electronics, February 1978, IB Metal detector Mk2. This is the first in a series of ‘vintage’ electronics projects that we hope to build at TOG. We have the original magazine, so why not get building. There are some amazing projects […]
App note: Eliminate noise through proper supply bypass filtering
Power supply filtering, an application note from Maxim Integrated. Link here If sensitive analog systems are run from one supply without the sufficient bypassing to eliminate noise, undesired degradation in a system’s performance will result. This application note provides insight into suitable techniques to overcome this roadblock.
Free PCB Sunday: Pick your PCB
We go through a lot of prototype PCBs, and end up with lots of extras that we’ll never use. Every Sunday we give away a few PCBs from one of our past or future projects, or a related prototype. Our PCBs are made through Seeed Studio’s Fusion board service. This week two random commenters will […]
App note: Simple wireless bluetooth stereo audio system for outdoor use
Old app note from Maxim Integrated on DIY portable bluetooth audio system. Link (PDF!) here When people want portable music, they usually rely on battery-powered audio devices. With a bit of engineering blood (or curiosity) running in your veins, it is not difficult to build a wireless Bluetooth® stereo audio system that can be controlled […]
Free PCB coupon via Facebook to 2 random commenters
Every Friday we give away some extra PCBs via Facebook. This post was announced on Facebook, and on Monday we’ll send coupon codes to two random commenters. The coupon code usually go to Facebook ‘Other’ Messages Folder . More PCBs via Twitter on Tuesday and the blog every Sunday. Don’t forget there’s free PCBs three […]
XMega analog comparator
Shawon Shahryiar over at Embedded Lab has written an article on XMega analog comparator: Generally a comparator is a device that compares two quantities. Analog comparators compare voltage – an analog quantity. An analog comparator is essentially an op-amp with infinite gain. It has one output and two inputs. The output is switched to VDD […]
DIY 6EM7 Single-Ended Triode (SET) amplifier
A DIY 6EM7 Single-Ended Triode (SET) amplifier from diyAudioProjects: This unique looking hi-fi amplifier was put together by Matt in a vertical wooden chassis that has been styled after early vacuum tube equipment of the 1920s. The amplifier uses a single 6EM7 tube per channel. The 6EM7 tube has two dissimilar triodes in one envelope. […]
Pro mini shield
Albert blogged about his mini pro shield project: Just finished my little mini pro shield which makes it a little easier to use the mini pro with projects and it now also makes the mini pro easier to use with test and trial projects. The shield has a 3.3V and 5v power supply on board […]
openSAM: a 3D-printed open source camera stabilizer
OpenSAM by OHM – a 3D Printed Camera Stabilizer: Welcome to OpenSAM, our 3Dprinted self-built three Axis stabilizer. It is handheld and the entire mechanical construct is built using 3D printed parts. Brushless motors ensure the camera is stable and they can be controlled using a joystick. The design is developed by three engineering students […]