Nickjohnson posted an update to his network analyzer we covered previously: More tweaks and improvements! I’ve moved to a dedicated LED dimming controller for the backlight instead of resistors, and made a few other layout tweaks. It’s now out for … Read more
In this video Dtmf demonstrates his ESR LCM3 meter-transistor tester. Via the forum.
Nickjohnson wrote previously about his Loki PSoC based development board. Now he’s experimenting with the idea of building an ESR meter: I’ve been experimenting with different measurement options using the Loki as a test platform. I’m just about ready to … Read more
Famed hardware hacker Joe Grand has released his latest open source project, the JTAGulator. This tool assists hardware hackers in identifying on-chip debugging (OCD) and/or programming connections from test points, vias, or component pads on a target piece of hardware. … Read more
RTL-SDR enthusiasts who use Windows are familiar with the need for a virtual audio device to connect the SDR output to decoder programs such as dsd. The hangup is that you need to purchase Virtual Audio Cable software to the … Read more
Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) released a new version of its popular ADIsimRF design tool: The free design tool is the software accompaniment to ADI’s complete portfolio of RF-to-digital functional blocks, allowing engineers to model RF signal chains using devices from … Read more
TitanMKD posted an update to his STM32F4 based debug board we covered previously: This board is intended to be used as a portable multi-purpose debug/hack tool with very fast peripherals and MCU and use standard Dangerous Prototypes Sick Of Beige DP6037 … Read more
If you missed it before, TI is offering the Chronos Watch as their current week’s deal at $38 (plus shipping.) The eZ430 deal includes the wireless enabled watch, CC1111 USB RF access point, and a CD containing software and documentation. … Read more
Dilshan Jayakody presents an electronically controlled Nichrome-wire cutter: In this project we construct electronically Controlled Nichrome-Wire Cutter. The main feature of this cutter is its (non mechanical) variable temperature controller. The temperature of the Nichrome-Wire is controlled using TL494 PWM … Read more
Oakkar7 shares his experience repairing his hot-air station: I quickly checked the problem. There is no air flow at the nozzle. But I still heard the air compressor sound. Today, I tear down and find out the problem. My rework … Read more
A group from the University of Oulu (Finland) has developed and released a set of open source tools for auditing RFID signals. They describe, We have provided in this toolkit a systematic analysis for the RF protocol of RFID systems. … Read more
TinyG compatible controller for CNC. Build on ATXMEGA256A3. 2x Step-down DC-DC for 3.3V and 5V. Plugin adapters based on DRV8818 or DRV8825 from TI and miniUSB or bluetooth link to host computer. Via akb77.
This week we take a look at the 946A+ solder reflow hot plate from our last Shenzhen equipment haul. There’s a ton of no-name 946A+ out there, ours happens to be D-GOLD. They’re all pretty similar, and run about $50 … Read more
Today we take a look at an inexpensive pick ‘n’ place machine found on the Chinese auction site Taobao for 22800RMB (about $3,600). A pick and place is a machine that puts electronic components onto a circuit board that has … Read more
Managed to get the language to English by setting the language configuration to ’0′, then loading a pick and place instruction file. After loading a file everything is magically English. Settings won’t save without a special warranty voiding password from … Read more
After you’ve dispensed solder paste it’s time to reflow all that solder. This is where the reflow oven comes in. It seems like reflow hot plates are a more popular choice in most small shops because they’re smaller, cheaper, and … Read more
UEFI secure booting has been on the minds of many hackers and open sources advocates. Some believe that it will lock out certain operating systems in favor of vendor’s proprietary systems. (There have even been recent reports of bricking Samsung … Read more
Geir shared his idea on how to convert the AOYUE 968 fume extraction tube into a DIY vacuum part pickup tool. All you need is a cheap manual pickup tool, a small valve, and lots of tape (the universal tool). … Read more
Last goodie for today is a dual headed vacuum pickup pen. A pump creates a vacuum to the pin. Set it down on a part and cover the small hole in the side of the pen to suck up the … Read more
A PCB preheater warms boards before removing parts for repair. This makes it easier and less traumatic to remove big parts like smd voltage regulators, TQFP and BGA chips. The hot plate can serve dual use as a preheater, but … Read more
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