circuitsan-youtube

This project is a remake of an old discolights pod. Original 24V 5W bulbs are changed to 230V 40W with E14 thread. Original driver board has non-typical signal input. This driver is based on the FT245RL chip, a USB-LPT converter – so you can use it with PC applications such as discolitez. Low voltage part is supplied directly from the USB so there is no need to to use any transformer…

 

Device uses a MOC3041 optotriac and a BT136 triac in a standard application to drive bulbs. Note if you want to use stronger bulbs, like 100W or more, you need to use some little radiators to cool down the triacs. There are 4 channels, 3 are used for bulbs and 4th is used as an extra 230V output – in this case for a mini strobe. You can find 4 goldpins on board, these are a 4 extra output channels – so you can expand device to another optotriacs and triacs to use 4 more 230V devices. To your own safety, use a proper fuse, and remember that device works on a 230V potential. You can use it with 110V devices instead of 230V, no problem. [Link]

What i am making here is a USB lock with smartcard key. The idea is that a phonecard reader made with a PIC micro will be able to store a number of different phonecards into memory. Whenever one of these cards is inserted into the slot, it will activate a 4-ports USB On/Off switch. If the card is removed, the USB ports will be de-activated. [Link]

I like the handy DCF77 signal. In this project no clock should use it, instead the computers in my home network should be served by a precise time reference. Due to the fact most other interfaces are no longer available on modern computers, it uses the USB to forward the prepared DCF77 signal to the host. [Link]

Chips FT245RL testing, checking for the program. It can set the output and input signals to the findings and submit. It is thus possible to enable or disable the 8 channels, for a 8-channel input. It all started a long time ago. Once, when I learned that the computer can be sent off signals that you can manage yourself, immediately began to take interest in the way they can do. It was somewhere in ~ 2002. After browsing the internet and found some examples of how the device can be connected to an LPT Port,.

Since that time almost all computers have an LPT port, it's all gone well. In the LPT port connected LEDs managed a program written by someone that has been written as to support in the MS-DOS. It certainly was not a pleasant appearance, ease of operation ... Was only possible to manage such a procedure, a combination of ... as was intended by its creator. Therefore, once thought myself why can not I create and manage the program as he wants. So began an interest in computer programming and bonding with their devices. [Link]

The AVR Stick is a simple data logging device that instantiates itself as an HID keyboard and reports the voltages, along with a ‘timestamp,’ from two pins on an ATtiny85. The device uses open source firmware availabe from Objective Development (http://www.obdev.at/vusb/) called V-USB to implement the USB 1.1 standard. The code that runs the application was based on the EasyLogger example application from Objective development. [Link]

After some modifications on my UV exposure box (scanner) for better UV expose, i decided that a better pcb must me designed for switch timer. The old one had over drilled holes and it was designed and built on my very fist steps. Also the high voltage side from the low voltage wasn’t separated as it needed to be safe.

Simpleclock is an easy to assemble attractive 4-digit 7-segment LED display clock with temperature and alarm function. It is available in three display colors: Red, Blue and White. It comes as a kit of through-the-hole parts and can be soldered by any person with basic soldering experience. An attractive acrylic stand is included. [Link]

Although electricity is a ubiquitous and there are times when it is not possible at all to connect your equipment to an electrical outlet. The purpose of the KIWI-Powered U-passes is to provide energy to any type of mobile device.

A bionic bird known as SmartBird has been developed by German company that can takes off, fly and land without human interference and with minimal consumption of energy. The size of the SmartBird is about 150 cm wingspan, the wings feet long, and a torso of more than one meter. Despite the dimensions, the SmartBird is very lightweight. It is powered by two small lithium batteries with half amp charge.

Despite the high technology used in its mechanical structure, the key to the secret of seagull flying mechanic is within your torso. While motion sensors indicate the exact position of the wings and an accelerometer provides information about the displacement and tilt the bird, a small microprocessor system calculates the exact angle of twist of each wing and tail of the bird, which allows him to fly in different directions, take off and land without human interference. However, you can also control it via a microwave radio system known as ‘ZigBee’, which combines rapid response and low power consumption.

Genius Mouse DX-BlueEye ECO is the world’s first wireless mouse without batteries for PC & Mac users. No battery? Yes, the secret is the use the of the built-in capacitor (gold capacitor) that replace the battery and can be used up to 100,000 times refill.

According to Genius, all we need simply refill it for 3 minutes then the mouse can be used for a full day. With Genius Mouse DX-BlueEye ECO, it means we do not need extra money to purchase external battery pack and also preserve the environment. Genius Mouse DX-BlueEye ECO is using a frequency of 2.4 GHz and can be used within a maximum distance of 15 m and have a 800/1600 dpi. it will be sold with price of $ 39.99.

A revolutionary NiMH rechargeable battery - the USBCELL, saves you money and battery waste and is easy to recharge from a USB port. When empty, all you have to do is to plug the USBCELL in PC port. This cool eco-friendly gadget is of AA sized battery and costs $10-20. USBCELL has also been designed in the AAA format with an instant foldout full-size USB, and with a mini-USB. AA cells can also be used with convertors to create C and D size cells.

Introducing the C-1, the world’s first gyroscopically-stabilized “rolling smart phone”. This vehicle combines the efficiency and freedom of a motorcycle with the safety and convenience of a car. Offering the “alternative to alternatives” on an exciting and safe platform, the C-1 transforms your daily commute into something to look forward to. Influenced by Scandinavian design, the exterior of the C-1 is both approachable and simple, enveloping the human in subtle curves, softened volumes, and lots of glass.

The overall design foundation is based on its waist line, which wraps around the vehicle’s circumference, and is grounded by the swooping rocker panel, highlighting its unique gyroscopic components. Discs of light glow from the wheel hubs, illustrating the electric hub motors. With design key words: “subtle”, “simple”, and “human”, the C-1 is as happy to be seen as it is to be touched.

The C-1 was designed with you in mind. Lit Motors’ human-centered approach to design makes sure that the experience of sitting in such a unique transportation device is both comfortable and spacious. Through numerous mock-ups and user studies, we determined how much space people want and need. There is even enough room in this device for a friend to ride in the back for short city excursions.

Using electronically-controlled gyroscopes located under the floor – generating over 1,300 ft.-lb. of torque – the C-1 balances at a stop and stays upright, even in a collision. In-hub, direct-drive electric motors (20 kW) provide power and regeneration, while center-hub steering keeps you pointed in the right direction. With a top speed of 100+ MPH and battery packs providing up to 200 miles per charge, the C-1 is perfect for commuters and city dwellers alike. As we are hard at work developing this concept for production, please be patient for the future. Expect to see the C-1 in showrooms by the end of 2014.

Most photovoltaic cells are made of silicon chip above which there resides a very thin layer of noble metal through which around 1% of photon particles enter the material and activates electron flow. Here I’m showing how to make one simple solar panel using transistor. [Link]

O.S.S.D.A.S v1 stands for Open Source Solar Data Acquisition System. I have been working on this project since last few months. The picture below is the not the first prototype, but the first working prototype that looks like quite complete. There will be further revisions to the hardware and software for best efficiency and accurate results. Moreover, the recorded digital data should be rich enough to reflect the real world data’s mirror. [Link]

An unconventional, scalable high efficiency 12V solar power system and battery charge controller with low voltage cutout to protect the battery. (ideal for systems of 50W or less). The most common solar charger consists of a Schottky diode to prevent the battery from draining into the PV panel and a shunt regulator that effectively short circuits the panel once the battery is fully charged.

One problem with this approach is diode losses and the resulting heat. If a 50W 12V panel supplies 4A to the battery, the Schottky diode will drop about 0,4V across it dissipating about 1,6W of heat. This requires a heat sink and loses power to heat. The problem is that there is no way of reducing the volt drop, paralleling diodes may share current, but the 0,4V will still be there. The circuit uses a MOSFET in stead of the usual diode and the primary power loss is resistive. [Link]

 

The MAX17116 includes two current-mode 1.4MHz switch mode power-supply (SMPS) regulators for active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) displays. The positive supply is provided by a step-up regulator with a synchronous rectifier. The negative supply is provided by an inverting regulator with a synchronous rectifier.[Link]

TRACOPOWER launches the high performance TEN50 Series with 12 models providing 50W power in a 1”x 2”x 0.4 “ compact package. Today already almost all of applications require a high efficiency of a voltage conversion. When we add to this requirement also saving of space and a galvanic isolation, we´ll get to widely used components – DC/DC modules. The TEN 50 Series models feature a very high efficiency of up to 92%. Excellent efficiency is maintained in over a wide load range and no minimum load is required for an accurate output regulation. They are available in three basic groups – TEN 50-12xx, TEN 50-24xx a TEN 50-48xx with a wide input voltage range (2:1).

 

Low thermal losses and the use of highest grade components allow an operating temperature range of –40°C to +85°C while up to 55°C no forced air cooling is required. With an optional heat-sink this temperature can even be increased. An operation without a forced air cooling is possible even at higher temperatures – at an adequate power derating ( 2%/K above 55°C and 2,5%/K above 65°C). The TEN 50 Series comes with remote On/Off function and have an adjustable output voltage (± 10%). Protection against overload and short-circuit, very compact dimensions and a 1500VDC isolation enable usage of TEN 50 modules in virtually any power application. [Link]

Daylight harvesting is becoming increasingly important in the design and implementation of commercial lighting systems. Being able to integrate the natural light from windows with flexible, controllable sources of lighting helps improve the work environment and cut energy bills.

Being able to have closer control of the lighting systems in a commercial environment is a key element to this strategy and energy harvesting can play an important role. Being able to have flexible placement of control pads for a commercial lighting system is an important requirement as office space is regularly reconfigured as existing clients grow and change their requirements and new clients have new requirements. [Link]

Individual solar-panel systems produce dc power for remote applications while also storing energy in a rechargeable battery supported by a battery-charger IC. In non-utility grid applications solar panels produce dc power for emergency roadside telephones, navigation buoys, and other remote loads. Virtually all 12-V-system solar panels comprise a series of photovoltaic cells that have a maximum output power of less than 25 W.

In producing this power the solar-panel system uses a battery to provide power when the panel is “dark.” The rechargeable battery can supply power for long periods of time, requiring a charger that can properly operate a solar panel. Meeting this need is Linear Technology’s LT3652 monolithic buck-charger IC, which operates with a single solar panel.

The IC uses average-current-mode control-loop architecture to provide constant current/constant voltage (CC/CV) charge characteristics with a programmable charge current. The charger can be programmed to produce a 14.4-V float voltage. Housed in a 3- × 3-mm DFN-12 package, the IC can charge a variety of battery configurations, including up to three Li-Ion/Polymer cells in series, up to four Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) cells in series, and sealed lead-acid batteries up to 14.4 V. [Link]

The purpose of the device is for when you need a constant load to test things like power supplies, or batteries. No matter what the voltage coming out of the power supply, the constant current dummy load will adjust automatically to provide the same amount of current. [Link]

This design is inspired by the Minty Boost but it fixes some of the issues that I had with it. The Minty Boost is limited to 600mA due to the LT1302 chip. The Super Boost uses the LM2700 which can push up to 3.6A. This will enable i-devices to draw up to there maximum of 1A which will enable a faster recharge. [Link]

Ambient light, thermal gradients, vibration/motion, or electromagnetic radiation can be harvested to power electronic devices. At the same time, all energy-harvesting-based systems need energy storage for times when the energy cannot be harvested (e.g., at night for solar-powered systems). Rechargeable batteries ‒ known as “secondary” cells to differentiate them from “primary” or single-use cells ‒ are usually specified for this task. This article will examine the various secondary cell technologies available to energy harvesting system designers looking for a cost-effective and powerful battery solution.

Primary and secondary batteries contain the same basic structure of a cathode, an anode, an electrolyte for moving charge between the terminals, and a means to separate them. Secondary cells are distinguished by the type of rechargeable chemistry employed, such as nickel-cadmium or lithium-polymer, or solid-state thin film. [Link]

It’s a trying task to find something for your lovable computer geek significant other. Especially when they say they want something shiny and outlandishly expensive. Luckily, there is the World’s Most Expensive Computer Mouse. Yes, that is the mouse’s literal product name. Having looked at the price, the product name is definitely right on the money.

The mouse is advertised as the perfect 60th wedding anniversary gift since traditionally speaking that anniversary calls for a diamond. It also works for the 50th, since that one is gold. These computer accessories come in yellow, red or white gold with black or white trim. You can design your own or pick up the Diamond Flower or Scattered Diamond designs. To purchase your very own it’ll cost you £16,200.00 or $26,730, but hey, diamonds are forever. Of course it only takes a month for gadgets to become outdated, but at least the shiny stuff is forever. Source: Technabob

Who doesn't have a DVD player today! I know, everybody has one, but I wonder who will have a DVD Player for $20,000! Yes, you read it right. Meridian Audio Ltd presents to you their exclusive range of DVD Players. The company manufactures the world's most expensive DVD playback machine with prices starting at $19,950.

Controlling temperature has been a prime objective in various applications including refrigerators, air conditioners, air coolers, heaters, industrial temperature conditioning and so on. Temperature controllers vary in their complexities and algorithms. Some of these use simple control techniques like simple on-off control while others use complex Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) or fuzzy logic algorithms. In this project Shawon Shahryiar discusses about a simple control algorithm and utilize it intelligently unlike analogue controllers. Here are the features of this controller:

The Mantis 9.1 design is a radical departure from version 8 and earlier. Most notably, the part count has been almost halved! The current design has 13 parts, all of which can be made with a handsaw and a drill press. Also, I’ve traded away my alignment free exactly-constrained design for extra stiffness. Several unsuccessful attempts to eradicate the last of the slop in the Z axis on version 8 lead me back to the world of over-constrained parallel rods. My previous attempts at an over-constrained design (versions 1-5) all failed because I was unable to make the rods sufficiently parallel to avoid jamming. What to do? [Link]

Dorji Applied Technology from China builds different types of RF modules that can be easily incorporated in designing wireless data loggers, sensor network, telemetry and other wireless applications.

Some of their RF modules have an additional pre-programmed microcontroller that allows direct interface of selected analog and digital sensors to the module. This means you don’t need any external MCU or to write codes for these sensors. In this tutorial, Raj from Embedded Lab talks about their DRF5150S and DRF4432S RF modules which are very versatile and easy to use for wireless sensor applications. For illustrative purpose, Raj shows how to put them together to construct a simple wireless sensor application where data from a remote sensor are received and displayed on a PC, without using any external microcontrollers. [Link]

Exapod ported TV-B-Gone, the universal TV off button, to the tiny PIC12F1840. He used the free version of the Hi-Tech compiler so the optimizations leave a lot to be desired, but the code only uses 17% of program memory. The prototype was made on a protoboard and an SOIC packaged PIC. [Link]

A photoflash unit has a simple circuit design: a high-voltage direct current (DC) supply is connected in series with a high-resistance resistor (which we’ll call ‘R1′). This resistor limits the current flow. A capacitor ‘C’ is connected in parallel with a flash lamp. The resistance ‘R2’ of a flash lamp is of small value. The circuit contains a switch between the large resistance ‘R1’ and a small resistance flash lamp ‘R2’, such that it can connect either resistance at any time during the process. [Link]

This project is a remake of an old discolights pod. Original 24V 5W bulbs are changed to 230V 40W with E14 thread. Original driver board has non-typical signal input. This driver is based on the FT245RL chip, a USB-LPT converter – so you can use it with PC applications such as discolitez. Low voltage part is supplied directly from the USB so there is no need to to use any transformer…

Device uses a MOC3041 optotriac and a BT136 triac in a standard application to drive bulbs. Note if you want to use stronger bulbs, like 100W or more, you need to use some little radiators to cool down the triacs. There are 4 channels, 3 are used for bulbs and 4th is used as an extra 230V output – in this case for a mini strobe. You can find 4 goldpins on board, these are a 4 extra output channels – so you can expand device to another optotriacs and triacs to use 4 more 230V devices. To your own safety, use a proper fuse, and remember that device works on a 230V potential. You can use it with 110V devices instead of 230V, no problem. [Link]

I got myself some UV-curable solder mask for my PCB workshop, and as soon as i got it, i discovered that my UV artwork transfer box is totally incapable to activate the UV paint and cure it. I began searching the net for powerful UV lamps, and then it hit me: Some months ago i uploaded a theory regarding the Cold and Hot cathode discharge lamps. During my research for these lamps i found out that they can provide directly visible light (lamps without internal coating), or they produce UV radiation. The lamps that produce UV radiation have an extra coating on their internal surface which glows when excited by the UV rays, thus producing light! [Link]

This project was used as a wireless light dimmer, but in principle can be used to dim resistive loads and wirelessly turn on/off loads. The current code includes a routine to dim a light bulb in a “heartbeat” pattern, with the heartbeat frequency remotely adjustable.

The top left of the schematic shows the wall outlet (US 120VAC) being stepped down with a small transformer, then full rectified and regulated. This powers the entire board from the wall. The top right shows a microcontroller, ATmega48, its programming header, and a UART connection to the microcontroller (for debugging). The bottom right shows the XBee and its basic voltage regulation (it’s 3.3V), as well as an LED that indicates when the XBee is connected. [Link]

The Akafugu LED Candle is an artificial candle that imitates the flickering of a real candle. Use it in place of a real tea candle: It will fit inside a tea candle casing or any holder made for tea candles.

Raj from Embedded Lab shows in his latest tutorial guide how to implement adaptive brightness control to seven segment LED displays for optimum readability in all illumination conditions. The technique has been demonstrated by constructing a temperature and humidity meter that adapts the brightness of the seven segment LED displays to the surrounding lighting conditions.The project uses a general purpose LDR to sense the surrounding illumination and MAX7219 to drive the LED display.

A 20 Watt Triac dimmable LED driver. This is basically a current controlled step-down switching power supply. The circuit is powered directly from mains so be careful with this one.

When it comes to camera equipment, you know the more gear someone carries, the more professional he or she is. Well, most of us would just tote around a compact digital camera that has its own built-in flash, while more serious shutterbugs will look towards a DSLR kit. Here is an accessory that you might want to consider purchasing if you were to make the move up to the big leagues, so to speak, with the $79.99 Manfrotto Hotshoe Dimmable LED Panel.

It is said that the Manfrotto Hotshoe Dimmable LED Panel delivers perfect lighting for on-the-go filmmakers, being tiny enough to fit in your camera case, while it is also versatile to play nice with a wide variety of DSLRs and compact cameras – and get this, it will also work even with smartphones, now how about that? This 24-LED light source delivers daylight-bright light, where all two dozen LEDs will emit continuous light at a constant temperature of 5600°K (daylight), not to mention an illuminance of 220 lux at a distance of 1 meter. You can control the lighting in a precise manner thanks to its dimmer. Any takers?