While cleaning up I thought about documenting my electronics workbench as it is right now. Instead of merely taking a picture of my electronics desk and the tools, I decided to make a short six minute video (In 1080P HD ).
Note though that I have apparently misplaced my frequency counter, since it was not at the desk (you should have seen the mess before I did cleanup). I'll need to make another video of it someday. Also all microcontroller tools (proto boards, programmers etc) are on another room, near this desktop PC... (need yet another video :palm: )
Also if you'll like to see a tear down video of Russian scope or some other stuff I have, please leave a comment at the Youtube.. Also extra motivators (likes, subscribers, donations & sponsorship deals) are appreciated. :D
PS: Here is the link to Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lt48SUyV8NI
PS2: This video is a test of my camera and PC capabilities. I think I will rather stick on making videos at 720P resolution. FullHd adds so much extra to edit and download that for my needs it's an overkill.
Sunday, 15 September 2013
Monday, 29 April 2013
Hiatus, or .. I'm sorry, but.
Firstly, I'd like to point out that: This blog was never indented to be anything about me in person, my life, health or other personal issues. I have wanted to document some old projects of mine, make some new hacks , repair various things and do/write similar tech geeky stuff.
But, with this prolonged inactivity I feel the need to open up the situation somewhat. And thus I'll write this short post of things gone and happening.
As of now, I don't have any official diagnose for this, but as far as I can describe it: I'd call this a something similar to CFS . Amongst the major problems related to this blog are, lower cognitive skills (esp foreign language), excessive sleeping and lack of energy to do anything above the bare essentials. And unfortunately, making this blog (and videos) are really something I have had no energy whatsoever.
This is not anything new, the basic symptoms have been around for years now, but the intensity of the exhaustion has been really bad at last winter. At the moment I can't offer any guarantees that my condition will get much better in near future. I do hope that there will be some new insight to the situation due med specialist I met last week, but only time will tell if there's any new clues to be found on those numerous vials of blood I have donated to the cause.
So, for those reading this. I'm truly sorry for letting you down.
Joanna
(update 12 september 2013)
I have decided to open Some Quick Notes (my long abandoned blog) for more personal stuff.. Latest is: Hiatus aka still alive
But, with this prolonged inactivity I feel the need to open up the situation somewhat. And thus I'll write this short post of things gone and happening.
As of now, I don't have any official diagnose for this, but as far as I can describe it: I'd call this a something similar to CFS . Amongst the major problems related to this blog are, lower cognitive skills (esp foreign language), excessive sleeping and lack of energy to do anything above the bare essentials. And unfortunately, making this blog (and videos) are really something I have had no energy whatsoever.
This is not anything new, the basic symptoms have been around for years now, but the intensity of the exhaustion has been really bad at last winter. At the moment I can't offer any guarantees that my condition will get much better in near future. I do hope that there will be some new insight to the situation due med specialist I met last week, but only time will tell if there's any new clues to be found on those numerous vials of blood I have donated to the cause.
So, for those reading this. I'm truly sorry for letting you down.
Joanna
(update 12 september 2013)
I have decided to open Some Quick Notes (my long abandoned blog) for more personal stuff.. Latest is: Hiatus aka still alive
Friday, 25 January 2013
Diytao #8, vlog: Fixing with Sugru
Hi,
After a long while I made a new video of fixing things. This time it's about using Sugru and paper clip to repair the broken zipper of the winter shoe.
Onward with video..
Video #8
As a side note, I tried to make a new intro video. But I have to admit I'm not sure if it's a good or not. Feedback is well appreciated. And, yes, no money was harmed on shooting. ;-)
After a long while I made a new video of fixing things. This time it's about using Sugru and paper clip to repair the broken zipper of the winter shoe.
Video #8
As a side note, I tried to make a new intro video. But I have to admit I'm not sure if it's a good or not. Feedback is well appreciated. And, yes, no money was harmed on shooting. ;-)
Friday, 11 January 2013
Xmas present from Digi-Key, #digi-wish
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| Pickit 3 package |
So, here are some pictures of the packet and the content. This bundle was delivered by DHL some days ago.
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| Naked Pickit 3 and devboard |
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| Comparison shot Pickit2 vs Pickit3 |
As seen from the pictures I also took the Pickit 3 apart immediately and compared it to my old Pickit 2, looks like they have done quite a bit changes between product version.
The Pickit 2 uses an Pic18F2550 micro controller, that is on higher end amongst 8 bit Pic chips.
While the Pickit 3 has 24FJ256GB106, which is 16 bit micro controller with USB OTG port in it. There are also a lot of unused pins and peripherals at the Pickkit 3 controller, so I have to wonder didn't they find any simpler/smaller chip for this version of programmer.
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| Pic18 demo board |
Edit.. The viedeo quality was so bad (flickering etc.) that I decided not to make it public. I have no idea what happened... But the material was more/less ruined.
Sunday, 6 January 2013
Review: Cheap and broken.. Multimeter test leads
Often, it's been said that cheap products can't be good. Well, sometimes they do work and fulfil the need, sometimes the product simply don't cut it. A world of wisdom amongst electronic hobbyists is that one should never connect/use anything that's been purchased from various 'chinaimports' without at least opening and examining it first.
And here's a good basic example of total lack of manufacturer QC, even though the multimeter leads should be a simple item. It' still too difficult to make them right at the first take. Behold, the 2.5$ multimeter test leads:
For the picture I have opened both ends of the red wire. As far as parts go, these test leads are well within the expected quality for 2.5$ price. Nothing fancy, alligator clips feel ok and the banana plugs are half decent.
Unfortunately the wire connections leave a lot to comment. The alligator clip side is almost ok, I'd would like to see some solder added, since the bare metals tend to oxidise and lose contact soon. Banana plugs are worse, though. The red cable had essentially no contact at all, the screw did not touch the copper wire at all, essentially it was just gripping the insulator.
Secondary problem is the open end of the screw, as seen on black banana jack. This leads high risk of getting electrocuted due direct contact to metallic parts.Note though, that I would not ever recommend to use this kind cheap and thin wires to any high voltage measurements, but just in case someone accidentally does it..
To fix these, I'll need to re-make all connections and insulate the banana plugs so the screws can't be touched accidently. All in all, this re.work is not a biggie for someone knowing electronics, but in the end there may well be a lot people who don't have the necessary talent and skill to repair these shoddy products.
PS: Just in case you'll got irresistible urge to get one of these, here's the link to these test leads . I did try to leave critical feedback concerning the QC and safety of the product, but it was not accepted. Ah well, can't please em all the time, my positive remarks of other goodies have been accepted though, so it can't be my English...
And here's a good basic example of total lack of manufacturer QC, even though the multimeter leads should be a simple item. It' still too difficult to make them right at the first take. Behold, the 2.5$ multimeter test leads:
 |
| Always open and check before using, their QC just ain't. |
For the picture I have opened both ends of the red wire. As far as parts go, these test leads are well within the expected quality for 2.5$ price. Nothing fancy, alligator clips feel ok and the banana plugs are half decent.
Unfortunately the wire connections leave a lot to comment. The alligator clip side is almost ok, I'd would like to see some solder added, since the bare metals tend to oxidise and lose contact soon. Banana plugs are worse, though. The red cable had essentially no contact at all, the screw did not touch the copper wire at all, essentially it was just gripping the insulator.
Secondary problem is the open end of the screw, as seen on black banana jack. This leads high risk of getting electrocuted due direct contact to metallic parts.Note though, that I would not ever recommend to use this kind cheap and thin wires to any high voltage measurements, but just in case someone accidentally does it..
To fix these, I'll need to re-make all connections and insulate the banana plugs so the screws can't be touched accidently. All in all, this re.work is not a biggie for someone knowing electronics, but in the end there may well be a lot people who don't have the necessary talent and skill to repair these shoddy products.
PS: Just in case you'll got irresistible urge to get one of these, here's the link to these test leads . I did try to leave critical feedback concerning the QC and safety of the product, but it was not accepted. Ah well, can't please em all the time, my positive remarks of other goodies have been accepted though, so it can't be my English...
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