Bus Blaster v4 JTAG debugger is back in stock at Seeed Studio.The cool thing about the Bus Blaster is that it uses a programmable logic chip as a buffer. It can imitate different types of programming hardware with a simple USB update. You can get a Bus Blaster v4 for $45.
Author Archives: DP
Modify an off-the-shelf CP2102 module as an Arduino programmer
Kerry D. Wong wrote an article on how to modify a CP2102 module as an Arduino programmer: To make it work with the Arduino bootloader, one easy approach is to disconnect the RST header pin from CP2102 pin 9 and connect it to the DTR pin (pin 28) instead. While in the Arduino schematics, the […]
Taco Crawl 2014 Thursday before Maker Faire
Every year before Maker Faire we spend a day in San Francisco to visit the Noisebridge hackerspace, Instructables, and other open hardware/DIY/hacker friendly people. Noisebridge is located in a neighborhood called the Mission District, and it has dozens of delicious Mexican taco shops called taquerias. We try to eat a carne asada taco at every […]
Designing a high voltage power supply for Nixie tube projects
A PCB layout for the switch-mode HV PSU by Jan Rychter: I’ve posted a page describing the design of a HV PSU (High-Voltage Power Supply) that generates up to 220V from a 12V input. In addition to that, it also provides 2*Vout (so, up to 440V, for dekatrons), and two outputs for powering digital logic: 5V […]
Push button toggle switch, old style
Bertho of Vagrearg writes: I recently answered a question about how a specific circuit worked and I was so intrigued that I just needed to write down my findings and share it. The circuit uses a single (cheap) push-button to make the output toggle with debouncing and no-delay switching. The circuit used originally two NOR-gates and […]
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: PCB Design Guidelines for QFN and DQFN Packages
Efficiently design your PCB involving QFN or DQFN packages with this App note from Microchip. Successful implementation of QFN and DQFN packages requires special consideration for printed circuit board (PCB) layout and solderpaste stencil production. This application note describes the important items to consider. QFN packages are physically robust, thermally efficient, and occupy much less […]
App note: USB Battery Charging with the Microchip/SMSC USB2534 Hub Controller
USB2534 Hub Controller Chip provides various battery charging protocols built-in. App note here. The Universal Serial Bus (USB) is the most used computer interface in the world. It started as an expansion bus for personal computers, but has proliferated quickly due to its flexibility, performance, and hot plug capability. It is used by most portable […]
App note – Distribution automation and the smart grid: Coming of age with a new set of challenges
Another good app note from Maxim – Distribution automation and the smart grid: Coming of age with a new set of challenges The combination of aging electricity grid infrastructure and renewable portfolio standards present new challenges in the distribution automation space worldwide. In this application note, we review three key areas: asset protection, security, and asset management. […]
App note: Ensuring the complete life-cycle security of smart meters
Solutions to security threats faced by smart meters through their entire life cycle from Maxim, app note here: This application note explores the various potential points of attack in the life cycle of smart meters: during manufacturing, installation, operation, and post-installation. The application note then discusses real solutions to these security vulnerabilities, such as the use […]
NOT-A-CAMERA, the 2D camera that shoots JPGs and HD video
Olivia Barr writes about her latest project, the NOT-A-CAMERA: Introducing my latest creation, the NOT-A-CAMERA! It’s a REAL camera designed to look like a fake 2D camera etched into wood that shoots HD video and 3.5mb jpgs. Yep, it’s a functional camera, a spy camera laser cut in solid walnut and only half an inch thick. There is […]
Arduino pro mini undershield
Bajdi blogged about his Arduino pro mini undershield: I’ve designed another PCB :) This time it’s a simple undershield for the Arduino pro mini. I received the PCB’s from Electrodragon (12$ for 10PCB’s) last week. The PCB has a schottky diode and a 5V linear regulator, I’m using an LM2940 5V regulator. For the rest there […]
Bus Pirate v3.8 free PCB build
Olivier Chatelain posted picture of his free Bus Pirate v3.8 PCB build. The Bus Pirate is an open source hacker multi-tool that talks to electronic stuff. If you build a free PCB we’ll send you another one! Blog about it, post a picture on Flicker, whatever – we’ll send you a coupon code for the free PCB […]
Free PCB coupon via Facebook to 2 random commenters
Every Friday we giveaway some extra PCBs via Facebook. This post was announced on Facebook, and on Monday we’ll send coupon codes to two random commenters. More PCBs via Twitter on Tuesday and the blog every Sunday. Don’t forget there’s free PCBs three times every week: Free PCB Sunday. The classic. Every week, get free […]
Week in (p)review May 02, 2014
Here’s a summary of major developments over the last week. Free PCB Friday is coming up soon. NEW PROJECT: BGA Reballing Practice Kit, removal, reballing, soldering exercise Hacker Camp Shenzhen Day 2 Video: Export, Import, Shipping, Sourcing Agents Bus Pirate v3.8 free PCB build Check out Elpis’ sensor stick in the project log forum Coming […]
Bay Area Maker Faire May 17th & 18th, taco crawl
We’ll be at the Bay Area Maker Faire on the 17th, and 18th of May this year. This is the big one and it’s a ton of fun. If you’re there please drop by and say hi. On the blog we’ll have our usual Maker Faire coverage. If you’re in San Francisco early please join […]
Why we need a CNC pick-n-place
Chris Holden of Nerd Club has been working on a CNC pick-n-place machine and wrote a post on his blog detailing it’s assembly: Hand-soldering SMT components is slow going. And almost an hour per board section is pretty woeful. So it’s time to start seriously thinking about this CNC pick-n-place machine. Steve is going to go beserk. I […]
Arduino command-line tool “MiniPirate”
Olivier writes: This command-line enables “Quick” Arduino prototyping without compilation. Reading analog values, dis-/enabling ports and even I2C register manipulations are done in seconds instead of minutes. I will shows you how to set the time of a “DS1207” I2C realtime clock as well as executing some basic operations. The impatients of you just download the […]
Bus Pirate v3.8 free PCB build
Chris McKernan tweeted picture of his free Bus Pirate v3.8 PCB build. The Bus Pirate is an open source hacker multi-tool that talks to electronic stuff. If you build a free PCB we’ll send you another one! Blog about it, post a picture on Flicker, whatever – we’ll send you a coupon code for the free […]
GTP-USB-Lite programmer re-flashed as USBPICProg
Oakkar7 writes: At the last weekend, I try to flash my GTP-USB-Lite programmer with new firmware and to use new software. The procedure is very simple. – GTP-USB-Lite and USBPICProg are very identical hardwares, USB interface, PIC18F2550, the same charge pump, same programming header’s pin. – The difference are; * GTB-USB lite used 8MHz crystal […]