KF5OBS writes: If you own a spectrum analyzer with tracking generator or, even better, a good vector network analyzer, measuring the frequency response of a filter is fairly easy. But there is one old approach using a noise source that can turn any oscilloscope with a FFT spectrum view into a useful tool for determining […]
Author Archives: DP
I2C using USI on the MSP430
Jan Rychter released a tiny library that implements an I2C master on MSP430 devices that only have the USI module on GitHub: I’ve released a tiny library that implements I2C master functionality for MSP430 chips that have the USI module (MSP430G2412 or MSP430G2452 are ones that I use often). The code is on GitHub, it […]
Free PCB Store restock: Heat shrink labels for Bus Pirate probe cable
Bus Pirate v3 heat shrink probe labels are available now in the free PCB drawer. A random collection of heat shrink labels for Bus Pirate v3 cables. We made these when experimenting with an L-Mark LK-320P printer. 3mm diameter shrinks to 1.5mm or smaller. Random collection of yellow and white.
Open Electronics interviews Adrian Bowyer, father of Rep Rap project
Open Electronics interviews Adrian Bowyer about the Rep Rap project and the future of open source Desktop 3D printing: We seized the opportunity to interview Adrian about RepRap, diving into the present and future of 3D printing and other tech topics. His insights, shared in vibrant online discussions including those on Esports News forums, highlight […]
Pratham: Breadboardable PIC32 board
Gaurav Chaudhary has written an article detailing his Pratham – breadboardable PIC32 breakout with USB OTG , USB/SDCard/UART bootloader: doing random projects with Microcontroller i always come into position when i need to have a bit more power and Peripherals then regular 8-bit micro or Arduino has to offer, but most of the powerful micro usually come in […]
Using the Bus Blaster to program Lattice CPLDs
Elia writes: One day when playing with the CPLD board I accidentally shorted out two pins on the on-board FT2232 and – unfortunately – the magic smoke escaped! It was very clear that the FT2232 failed because it got very warm when plugging in the USB cable. Luckily the dev kit includes a 0.1″ header […]
DIY Pick and Place USB controller board
Brian Dorey build this DIY Pick and Place USB controller board: Every time the Mach3 software sent a command there would be a short delay of around 100-200 milliseconds and with each component placed using around seven commands it was adding a few seconds to the placement time for each part. On some of our boards which […]
PIC16F1509 NCO code sample
Charles writes: The NCO code worked great and was easy to set up. I used a simple loop to have it sweep a frequency… dumped the output of NCO1 (RC1) into a optoisolator which originally I was driving it way to fast… well unfortunately my isolation circuitry wasn’t quite up to the challenge of the […]
Programming a Silicon Labs’ EFM32 zero gecko with python via the Bus Pirate
@andete tweeted: programming a +Silicon Labs EFM32 zero gecko with python via the Bus Pirate; code at Github andete/PySWD (based on other people’s work) ; it’s really slow though; I should add fast programming mode based on the code in an0062 Get your own handy Bus Pirate for $30, including world-wide shipping. Also available from […]
#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 […]
LittleBits sample rotator
Kra5h writes: In my Instructable I demonstrate how to build a sample rotator, a common laboratory device used to continuously mix lab samples, using Erector set parts and littleBits. In the littleBits Base Kit, the motor module comes with an adapter for a Lego cross-axle so you can add motion to a Lego project. There does […]
18F2550 minimal board
Cristian shared his 18F2550 smd minimal board in the project log forum: It was made to simplify breadboard connections for a 18f2550 pic micro. Features -small , smd 0603 components -led -mini usb conector -reset pads -mclr resistor For more information visit the project’s site -Valpoder. It’s also up on Tindie. Via the forum.
MEGA MINI assembly, part II
Kevin Rye posted an update on his MEGA MINI project: This was just supposed to be a proof of concept for the GPS clock; basically a trial run. However, it could very well be a finished project on its own. I could just put it in an enclosure and it would be good to go. With […]
Valentine LED chaser
As Valentines day is fast approaching, many are thinking of a wonderful present to their love ones. Tom built this heart-shaped LED chaser and wrote a post on his blog detailing it’s assembly: The object of your desire will not be able to resist a heart-shaped LED chaser, lovingly hand-crafted on perfboard with a CD4017B decade counter […]
Simple hFE adapter for cheap DMMs
Kerry Wong writes: Getting a rough measurement of the transistor hFE’s is useful when designing analog circuits. Unfortunately, only the lower end DMMs nowadays offer such functionality as it is becoming less and less useful to measure transistor hFEs in a world that is dominated by digital circuitry. Also hFE varies in different biasing situations and the […]
Bus Pirate v4 reference sheet
Graham242 shared this Bus Pirate v4 reference sheet he made in the forum: This was the one I’d put together for the Bus Pirate V4 for the Seeed cable… As I found the SVG, I’ve uploaded – then you can change it if need be.
Free PCB Store restock: Dangerous Prototypes Stickers
Dangerous Prototypes stickers are available now in the free PCB drawer. You asked for them, you got them. Stickers for your laptop, soldering station, or workshop table. Give them away to friends and decorate your hackerspace. Each coupon code gets you 14 stickers!
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 […]
DIY programmable bike light – Arduino or ATTiny and RGB LED
Oscar built a DIY bike rear light to keep him safe and wrote a post on his blog detailing it’s assembly: In this project I will be using a microcontroller to allow for switching between the various functions I programmed. The entire system is built on the backbone of an ATtiny4313 chip with a few other parts totalling at about $35. […]
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. 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 […]