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delabs Electronic Circuits Sections

The main circuit section, Electronics Circuits, these have circuits in PDF format with Source design files and PCB layouts for some. Here in Schematic Diagrams are the circuits with brief description. Technologies & Engineering – delabs news. The Circuit Sections are.

Analog Circuits -o- Digital Circuits -o- Power Electronics

Homo sapiens to Homo Ludens

A long, long time ago a bright ape figured out that by climbing down from the trees he could more easily master his life, and that of others……Homo sapiens wanted something else, and better. He started to play. Homo ludens was born!

Homo sapiens to Homo Ludens

  • Homo ludens radiactivus – amateur radio
  • Homo ludens radiohistoricus my antique radio collection
  • Homo ludens electronicus – electronic projects
  • Homo ludens aeromodellisticus – model airplanes

Transformers and coils: This is not a building project, but a short and concise lesson in how to design electromagnetic parts. It’s much simpler than what you may expect!

Thermal design: A short course in keeping electronic parts adequately cool.

A 40 meter SSB QRP transceiver

A 40 meter SSB QRP transceiver

“This transceiver was conceived as a power-efficient, small, lighweight unit to be carried in the backpack, along with antenna and battery, for use during trekking and mountaineering trips. It had to be reasonably rugged and reliable, and perform well. Furthermore, I wanted it to solve all the problems the old DSB transceivers had, such as frequency instability, distorted modulation, lack of sensitivity and selectivity, and others.”

Make a Custom eZ430 Chronos Watch

When i saw this i remember my High School friend Abhi (Abhinandan), he had built an advanced DIY Wrist Watch with LED Display and Radio, there might have been a temperature mode too. eZ430-Chronos watch

This Gizmo got many students wildly interested in Electronics. He also developed a Learning Kit ‘Chip Chap’ for 555. An Innovative Education Kit Developer Dynam was making it..

Here is one such Temperature, Wireless, USB Data Logger Watch Development Tool. But for an entirely New Generation. – Ananth

eZ430-Chronos wireless watch – TI

The eZ430-Chronos is a highly integrated, wearable wireless development system based for the CC430 in a sports watch. It may be used as a reference platform for watch systems, a personal display for personal area networks, or as a wireless sensor node for remote data collection.

IAR Systems has collaborated with TI to develop some unique application examples for the TI Chronos Watch using IAR visualSTATE and IAR Embedded Workbench. The example applications are using the low power wireless communication hardware built into the Chronos watch to communicate with a heart rate monitor.

Make a Custom eZ430 Chronos Watch

3-1/2 Digit ICL7107 DPM Digital Panel Meter

This is a Digital Panel Meter based on ICL7107. This was the workhorse Digital Readout chip before Low power uC designs were developed. Even now it is the easiest way an analog parameter can be displayed in an instrument.

This is the Display Circuit and PCB part of of section Temperature Control.

The above circuit is powered by +5 and -5 from a LM7805 and LM7905 pair. If +/- 12V or +/- 7.5V is used in opamp or digital parts, then use below circuit for the DPM section.

3-1/2 Display is just enough resolution for recording process data or troubleshooting equipment. With 4-1/2 you notice the problems of thermoelectric EMF of probes and connectors. That is one reason gold plating is used another being low contact resistance. In 4 1/2 the reading can change due to contact resistance too, if the input impedance of the analog signal conditioning is low or the protection diodes, RC filter caps are leaky.

When you measure an analog parameter from a sensor; you attenuate or amplify it, to scale to the A/D converter range. You also need to protect or isolate the analog front end from high energy mis-connections, which will happen during field use. The operator should not get injured from any high energy leakage while measuring.

Resolution is the finest detail you can enumerate in a parameter or object. You can say the crowd was 3000 or 4000 people. Here 1000 is the resolution, finer data does not matter here. You would also hear things like, there were 80 to 90 boys in that classroom. 10 is the resolution there.

Accuracy is how precise a statement or number is. If there was 85 boys in that class, the above statement is accurate. If there was 65 boys, the measuring method or process needs calibration or examination.

In this circuit, the plastic caps should be of very low leakage. Multilayer plastic caps are good for instrumentation.

The part numbers on circuit may not match the Silk Screen.

The PNGs of PCB is 600dpi 16 color. It is to be scaled appropriately.

ST07_1.pdf – DPM Schematic

Related Resources -

Arduino Interfacing with Visual Basic

I have tried VB2 and VB6. It is an easy environment for Hardware Engineers or Hobbyists to program. It means easy to code unlike C++. Programs made with the new VB may not be compact or fast; but as it runs on a Virtual DotNet Machine and is bug-safe and may not hang/boot too. The DotNet was MS answer to Java of Sun. Even Java is a simple language and it seems to be lighter too. DotNet of late has become a bigger download, more than 10 times the size it started with.

MS can try Visual Basic Webapp on the Cloud using HTML5. Even remotely hosted DotNet is better, with the VB Apps as Web Applications using DotNet WebService. Then nothing to download, neither the update or the security fixes. Just provide something like jQuery for DotNet. Web VB would be a better thing for developers.

Its possible, i have collected many WebApps here, Dact Apps – Web Applications for an Engineer or Hobbyist

Arduino is a QuickStart Embedded system, very useful in learning both the hardware and software elements of a system. “http://flakelabs.com/”>Michael of Flakelabs is started using the .Net Micro Framework. This is something like an OS for a
Small HandHeld Device.

4.1 release, the .NET Micro Framework enables developers to create powerful embedded systems that are more securely connected through a variety of wired and wireless protocols. The 4.1 release is also the first release under the Apache 2.0 license.

From what i understand, the developed app can be burned into the device fully, no additional layer of OS or Firmware needed, It is all built in. In short the compiled binary can be either a stand-alone firmware(OS) or be a layer running over a Mobile OS.

Now putting Ardunio and VB together, we get an Hardware/Software Environment that is easy on students and hobbyists too.

Fermata written by Andrew Craigie

Fermata written by Andrew Craigie

 Stevens Temperature Display

Firmata is a generic protocol for communicating with microcontrollers from software on a host computer. It is intended to work with any host computer software package. See more examples ….

Arduino – Simple temperature monitor also see Visual C++ and Arduino

“Then for those that liked Java, He gave the Processing … thenceforward, the Inspired People made many Large Sketches and the Globe Glowed like Warm White LED Lamp”

(Processing is an IDE. It can also be used in Android mode, for that you will need Android SDK Installed.)

See this Steven’s Temperature Display and this Serial Comm using Processing. This compiles Java exe and Jar Applets. It can create programs for Windows, Linux and Mac.

MakerSpace Hackerspace and TinkerSpace

I am using the word MakerSpace for the same Hackerspace for just one reason, many conservative regions in the world are spooked silly when you say the word hacker. I shall use this word Maker so that youngsters and students are not barred from MakerSpace from these regions. Finally i would like to say that we can call them plain TinkerSpace, where youngsters take apart, fix, build Hardware, Software, Webware, Robots and Machines.

From Hobby Hound – DIY Electronics

Sony used to get the abandoned ww2 radios in the islands to design, make and sell their first radio units. Honda used to fix bikes from europe and america to gain the skills and mutate to a global giant. Take apart, reverse engineer, fix and learn. Europe, America and Russia did it long ago. Then Japan, Korea, Taiwan and others. Then the asian countries in different phases.

Hackerspaces are community-operated physical places, where people can meet and work on their projects.This website is for ‘Anyone and Everyone’ who wants to share their hackerspace with international hacker’s'paces.

Every kid is a born hacker and he starts with his toys, his mom does not like that, but he does not stop. One day he is building something pretty big.

Dallas Makerspace Wiki – Membership based, non-profit, shared community workshop and laboratory.

Milwaukee Makerspace – Social club for people who like build, invent, tinker and/or collect new skills and expand their minds.

The Complete List is being built at MakerSpace – dapj Social

Audio Consulting Switzerland

Audio Consulting Switzerland

Specialists in very high quality audio, Designs Amplifiers, Preamplifier, Phono Preamplifier and R-evolution Turntable etc.

Adapting New Technologies into Classic Hi-Fi systems, without compromising on Decades of Audio tradition.

MITA The Mains Independant Tube Amplifier
SE battery tube amplifier

MITA The Mains Independant Tube Amplifier

Features

Stereo SE 15w / Channel, Three Silver Rock transformers per channel, Fully Lithium battery powered, All silver internal wiring, Veneer to customer’s request.

Badog 4 Axis Controller for CNC Cutters

The 4 axis Badog cnc controller kit is perfect for a 4 axis CNC cutter or a foamcutter. The motors just have to be bolted into position on your project and you have complete control.

Badog 4 Axis Controller for CNC Cutters

Badog 4 Axis Controller for CNC Cutters

4 axis kit comes with 4 205 oz/in stepper. Application power options, from 1.5 amps to a full 3 amps your imagination is the limit.

From – Badog Switzerland

Interface ICL7135 Voltmeter to Atmel 89C52 or PC

This circuit is an interface between 89C52 of Atmel with 7135 of Intersil. With This circuit you can read analog data of both polarities you can change the range scale with extra circuits, you can store data on a EEPROM or send them to PC thru RS232 or Comm port.

ICL7135 to Printer port Interface

The four Digit Drive outputs and four BCD outputs of the Multiplexed Display Driver of 7135, along with A-D status output which is also four, are routed to four input pins on printer port via three 74HCT373 Digital Switches. This is because we have less Input pins on Port and 4 are shared by making one 74HCT373 transparent and others High Impedance when PC takes a reading. So the three sets of four outputs of 7135 can be read sequentially.

74HCT139 U9A which is controlled by the PC program can select U3, U4 or U5 for sending data to 4 pins on printer port. Data sent on the eight output pins of printer port can be latched by U10B into U6. This eight outputs of U6 can drive relays or lamps.

See also – Milli Volt Source for Printer Port.

Serial Interface a 80C31 to ICL7135

uC Input and Output I/O is Keyboard and LCD when you build a Calculator or a Text/Morse Communicator. When you control a motor it is Drive/Speed and Direction for Motor and Tacho or Opto Counters for Feedback. In both cases you have Input and Output which is Logic or Analog which has to reach the CPU.

Getting the analog into the uC is done here with ICL7135, with a simple two wire serial interface. Here a Pair of CD4538 MMV is used to shape the pulse just right for uC data transfer,…

AT89C52 Parallel Interface to ICL7135

This circuit is an interface between 89C52 of Atmel with 7135 of Intersil. With This circuit you can read analog data of both polarities you can change the range scale with extra circuits, you can store data on a EEPROM or send them to PC thru RS232 or Comm port.

Treasure Hunting Technologies

Here are some Metal Detector Projects that are quite interesting for the purpose of education and experiments in the Art of electronics. This site may be as old as Y2K, but the url/domain may have changed.

Metal Detector Projects

If you are interested in the theory behind the mag I can highly recommend the book The Magnetics Measurement Handbook by J.M. Janicke. Besides a good coverage of magnetics theory, it contains much of what you need to build a useful fluxgate Magnetometer, plus other devices.

Traditional Geophysical instruments include ground-penetrating radar, earth resistivity meter, infrared, and sonar, to name a few. Currently, earth resistivity projects are the most practical for the do-it-yourselfer, although some people have been tinkering with side scan sonar.

Geotech Metal Detector Collection


Detection of Gold

Just the Jeohunter really works and directly detects Gold – see below screen. And even gold-worth 9-15cm diameter cannon-balls get detected as “Gold” (golden ring & cannonball analyses has identical values), but thats because of the huge metal mass and special shape – alot MDs have “problems” in such situation and perhaps only a magnetometer really works here. btw. there is no difference if you search with Ground Balance minus 200, zero or plus 200, the gold detection always remains the same.

There are historical records of DIY Enthusiasts having created what is known as the “Donkey Kong Gold Hunter”. This Gold Detector uses a Nintendo Unit after many Mods.

The full post at EE Flashes Some Ideas and How-To about Electronics. More towards DIY and Learning Electronics.

Beginning Arduino – Mike Earthshine Electronics

Located in London, Earthshine Electronics is a source of parts and kits relate to Arduino. Other electronics or microcontroller needs also.

Beginning Arduino - Mike Earthshine Electronics

Earthshine Electronics

See on right is the DFRduino Duemilanove – 100% Arduino compatible clone. Compatible with Standard Arduino Software and Shields.

Beginning Arduino – Michael McRoberts

Digital Barograph made with SCP1000 & GLCD

Arduino Mega Project – Measurement and Data Logging. Digital Pressure Sensor and 128×64 Graphic LCD. Plots graph of current pressure, temperature variation with time.

This certainly is a good project for college students. You can also enhance it for multiple channels, mini thermal printer interface.

Stand alone remote data loggers must be able to take a Standard Thumb Drive for storing and easy retrieval of data. In urban areas a wireless internet transfer is better. In a desert or jungle a satellite data transfer or small flash storage, that can be manually collected and logged into network.

The Complete Beginners Guide to the Arduino

Surgical Tools useful for Manufacturing

Long ago, i was making and supplying some hybrid electronics to some firms. The soldering and handling required some tools and custom jigs which were designed. As the product was mass produced, some tools for managing and working on Tiny PCB’s and parts were not available in the market.

So a affordable solution was created, the jigs were supplemented by surgical tools. These are the Clips and Tweezers that a doctor uses when he conducts an operation.

Let use see one here an Hemostat Clamp and other tools at P J Tool and Supply

Hemostat Clamp

Call it Forceps, Tweezers or Pliers. These tools, both the bent/arched/curved one and straight are useful.

There could be many more, visit a dentist too. check up your molars and when he is away, browse around and figure what’s useful for electronics. Do not touch any tool or try them, remember he is a Dentist.

When you go to a Surgical Supplies Store, do not disclose the purpose of the visit. Pretend to be a Student of Zoology.

Buy some Filter Paper, capillary tubes and a spirit lamp as well. These can find a lot of use in the ultimate quest for the God Particle. Beat the Swiss to it.

Measureall Workbench Test Instrument

This was a Student Project of mine, it is a very basic instruments that could do most of the tasks on a test bench.

The cabinet used, was available as a part of a Hi-Fi DIY System, The Range and Mode switches were Modular Stackable Interlocked MultiPole Switches. The rest of the Interface were wirewound pots, jacks, sockets and plugs. The front panel was Engraved Acrylic, the panel was the toughest issue we tackled.

I wanted it to look well engineered, at least on the outside. It was a total analog instrument except for the digital indication of ICL7107. Thanks to ‘Intersil Hot Ideas’ Applications Book.

The above belong to an instrument Measureall shown below.

MeasureAll Benchtop Instrument