Hold surface mount parts in place while you solder with this ingenious improvised component clamp. Via Hack a Day.
Category Archives: tools
Multimeter buying tips
Here’s a tip on buying a multimeter: I would do a quick function check. Make sure the volt readings go to zero when you short the leads. If there is an AC outlet handy check to see if that reading makes sense. If you have a small battery in your pocket check that too. Make […]
GRACE: TI’s MSP430 graphical peripheral config tool
video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsvideo player TI has released GRACE , a graphical configuration tool for MSP430 and Launchpad developers for setting up integrated peripherals such as ADCs, OpAmps, Timers, Clocks, and other modules. This tool is a free and open source, eclipse-based plug-in for Code Composer Studio. Code Composer Studio v4.2.0.11017 is required for the […]
Function generator using Atmega16P
Scienceprog shows how to construct a function generator using the Atmega16P. Code and schematic are included, and the project uses a repurposed PC power supply to provide 5 and 12 volt sources.
MSP430 based RF spectrum analyzer
Here’s a well documented RF spectrum analyzer project by
Arduino realtime audio spectrum analyzer
Paul Bishop has posted source code and the schematic for an audio spectrum analyzer based on the Atmega328/Arduino. The design takes input from a simple electret microphone, amplifies it through a transistor fed into the Arduino’s ADC input pin. The Arduino outputs video of a 64 band audio spectrum analyzer through two external resistors which […]
MPLAB X beta 4
MPLAB X beta 4 is available for download. MPLAB X is the next version of the Microchip development software for PIC microcontrollers, and the first with Linux and Mac support. Check out our MPLAB X wiki for tips, and add some notes of your own. Thanks Eric! Via the forum.
Simple SIOC programming clip
This is a simple SOIC chip programming clip (machine translation) made from a PCI socket. It looks like it works with loose chips, as well as chips already in circuit. Some nifty toolcrafting! Thanks Sjaak! Via Hack a Day.
More MPLAB X
There’s a lot of excitement about Microchip’s new cross-platform PIC development tool called MPLAB X. The Bus Pirate firmware (v3 branch) is ported to MPLAB X and compiling, check out the new Bus Pirate/MPLAB X developer documentation. There is also a wiki page devoted to everything MPLAB X. Arhi started with a bug report, and […]
FreeRouting, an online autorouter tool
FreeRouting.net is an online autorouter tool for Eagle circuit boards. Plug in your files and get a routed board back. How successful was it with your design? Via the forum.
TinyG G-code motor controller
TinyG is a multi-axis motor controller for DIY CNC machines. Most CNC controllers receive instructions from a PC, but the TinyG executes G-code directly. By running the Gcode interpreter directly on the chip it avoids the expense and problems of trying to precisely control step timing with a general purpose computer that has other things […]
IC Squisher (ICSQ)
Annoyed when your DIP chips get all bendy? You need the IC Squisher. One commenter points out that some materials could cause a static electricity hazard. Still a very cool design for hobby use. Via Adafruit.
Open source RFID development tools
Romuald writes about our earlier RFID post: I just read the latest post about RFID development. I just let you know that it already exists Free/Libre projects in this area. Proxmark which is a famous tool to sniff, learn, tweak, spoof many kind of RFID. WIP mikeycard which will be a tool useful to clone […]
RFID development tools
Some interesting RFID development tools for reading, writing, and spoofing RFID cards. Unfortunately it sounds like there’s no source, which is the most challenging part of a project like this. Via Hack a Day.
DesignSpark freeware PCB design
We’ve been meaning to check out DesignSpark. Free from practical constraints on board size, pin counts, layers and output types… Multi-page schematic designs are supported…. supports the importing of Eagle design files and libraries… It’s not open source, but it could potentially be a favorable closed-ware alternative to Eagle. Eagles’s board size limits don’t usually […]
PIC based digital LC meter
Sometimes we need to measure inductance and capacitance, but why buy a tool when you can build it? Phil Rice designed this LC meter with a PIC16F628, 16×1 LCD display, and some passive components. You might be able to build this with components you already have.
PCB etching tutorial
Instructables user ArduinoFun shows how to etch PCBs at home using a positive photo-resist. This method involves printing the PCB design on an inkjet transparency, exposing it under a UV light, developing in a basic solution, then etching in an acid. Do you etch your own PCBs? What methods have you tried? This is exactly […]
What's your favorite HEX editor?
A HEX editor lets you view and edit raw values in any computer file. We like HxD for Windows, it’s free but not open source. It has extensive search features for locating a specific string or value sequence in a huge binary blob. It also opens raw drives, including boot sectors and directory tables, which […]