There’s a new quick start guide for the MAX 3000A and 7000A CPLDs on the wiki. It’s a work in progress, we could use help and tips from anyone who has worked with these devices.
Category Archives: how-to
Another PIC18F USB device on a breadboard
Here’s another simple PIC USB breadboard example from the comments on our earlier post: Here’s another intro guide to 18F usb on a breadboard In this article I will show how to breadboard a simple USB generic HID device, creating the PIC18F firmware and finally creating the Windows interface for the device which will allow […]
Arduino sinewave generator
labIII, the Laboratory for Experimental Computer Science at the Academy of Media Arts Cologne, posted this tutorial on how to generate sine waves with an Arduino using the Direct Digital Synthesis method. They explain: Here we describe how to generate sine waves with an Arduino board in a very accurate way. Almost no additional hardware […]
USB PIC on a breadboard
What is the simplest way to try a USB project? PyroElectro has a simple breadboard-based example of USB with a PIC microcontroller. It uses an interrupt driven HID USB device as an example, based on the Microchip USB stack. Video below. Via the contact form.
Arduino controlled light bulb PCR machine
Here’s an example of the Arduino being put into practical service. Russell Durrett is a Research Specialist in Bioinformatics and Genetic Engineering and is a cofounder of GenSpace NYC, the world’s first community biology lab. He was looking for a way to develop an inexpensive PCR machine, a costly thermal cycler used in DNA lab […]
The Maximite computer
The Maximite computer The Maximite is a small and versatile computer running a full featured BASIC interpreter with 128K of working memory. It will work with a standard VGA monitor and PC compatible keyboard and because the Maximite has its own built in SD memory card and BASIC language you need nothing more to start […]
Waterwall device spooks cats
We found this Waterwall project on the Sump.org site, and while its an oldie it’s just too funny to pass up. This project is the logical result from combining my wish to keep them out of my room with their natural fear of water. So far they had proven very hard to teach about my […]
Reversible motor control for Arduino and other MCUs
Nothinglabs has posted their circuit for a simple reversible motor control for use with the Arduino and other MCUs. The circuit uses two TIP120 Darlington Transistors, two 220 ohm resistors and a 12 volt DPDT relay, parts easily obtainable at any Radio Shack. This design supports PWM for variable speed control, handles loads up to […]
Datasheet tips for newbies (and everyone else)
Circuitguy has published this guide entitled Datasheets (Don’t) Lie on his website. Its intended to show newbies how easy it is to mistake a component’s capabilities when you fail to consider all relevant information on the datasheet. Something those new, and not so new to the hobby, have to keep in mind.
CPLD development board package v1.1
Package v1.1 for the CPLD development boards is now available for download. It includes: Schematic tutorials Verilog tutorials VHDL tutorials Bus Pirate XSVF programmer firmware and application PCBs Programming instructions for the Bus Pirate and Bus Blaster have been freshened. An updated ISE (X)SVF export tutorial will help you get started with your own projects. […]
International Traffic in Arms Regulations for hackers
NBitWonder writes: I was exploring building a project the other day, when I came up with some questions about the legal basis for doing so. With that in mind I did some research, and wrote up a legal tutorial for US makers on International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). The tutorial is supposed to give […]
Tutorials for KiCad
KiCad is an open source PCB layout program. It’s not as well loved as Eagle, but there’s no restrictions on board size. Curiousinventor’s KiCad tutorial covers many of the common issues new users will encounter. Thanks Kelvin! Via the tips line.
Advanced Arduino hacking
Maik Schmidt likes the Arduino, but like many of us he realizes the platform’s potential for advanced techniques beyond the IDE. In this article from the Pragmatic Bookshelf, he highlights the steps a beginner can take to learn how to develop software for the Arduino in a deeper way. Starting with how the IDE turns […]
qrpTracker: Arduino satellite tracker
VE9QRP has developed qrpTracker, a satellite tracking program that works on the Arduino platform. Based on the Plan-13 algorithm of James Miller, it can provide real-time satellite location and azimuth / elevation data and doppler shift tuning for up to fifteen satellites using a single ATMega328. With a small additional EEPROM, dozens of satellites can […]
MAKE Oscilloscope tutorial
Here’s a short video tutorial posted recently by MAKE explaining the functions and uses of the the oscilloscope.
Tutorial: Arduino and IR control
Tronixstuff has posted a tutorial explaining how to implement IR remote control in an Arduino project. His demo uses the Vishay TSOP4138 IR receiver and his own downloadable IRremote library for Arduino. This segment is the latest in a series of Arduino tutorials posted by Tronixstuff.
Cadsoft Eagle tips and tricks
MichaelZ started a list of Cadsoft Eagle tips and tricks. Learn something new, or share your tricks, in the forum. We’ll keep the wiki updated with your contributions. Thanks McZ!
Solder-masking using Kapton tape
Rohit writes: Ultrakeet.com has got some pretty cool tutorials on solder masking using kapton tape, SMD removal, building a capacitive discharge spot welder, and a bunch of other things on their ‘articles‘ page Thanks Rohit! Via the contact form.
Arduino Tic-Tac-Toe game
Tronixstuff has posted this classic Tic-Tac-Toe game using the Arduino and the Sparkfun LCD shield. User input is via a homebrew button board. Two variations of the Arduino sketch are provided, along with a simple schematic for the button connections.
Interfacing Arduino and Python: Guide to Semi-advanced Serial Programming
Chandler has posted this tutorial on Interfacing Arduino and Python as it relates to serial programming. For this tutorial, you will need (or at least it is helpful) to have a knowledge of the Python programming language. You will also need an Arduino, and other components depending on how many of the four projects you […]