Videos on Bald Engineer

Can Polymer Capacitors Replace MLCCs?

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 16:45:32 +0000

Multi-layer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) are so ubiquitous that you see them on almost every printed circuit board. Engineers and supply chain managers often ask whether polymer electrolytic capacitors can replace MLCCs. The replacement could be because of availability, or an application cannot tolerate the extreme capacitance loss with MLCC’s DC Bias Effect. This video demonstrates what happens when you replace MLCCs with Polymer Tantalum (KO-CAP) capacitors.

Exploring DIY PCB Assembly versus Turnkey Services with MacroFab and Bald SENSE

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 14:56:59 +0000

Experience comparing DIY and Turnkey PCB assembly with the Bald SENSE project. This journey started almost four years ago. Thanks to a collaboration with MacroFab, I am finally collecting valuable environmental data with my custom Feather Wing.

A big thank you to MacroFab for manufacturing the boards and sponsoring the video. I also want to thank Unexpected Maker for their noteworthy contribution to the FeatherS3 microcontroller boards, which played an essential role in the video.

Hands-on with PicoScope 7

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 15:16:47 +0000

I dive into Pico Technology’s latest PicoScope oscilloscope software, PicoScope 7. Using a PicoScope 2000A (from the element14 Community), James walks through key measurements and demonstrations using the built-in arbitrary waveform generator. He explores new functionalities in PicoScope 7, such as the improved UI, a unique feature called DeepMeasure, and decoding I3C traffic.

I have been using the Pico Technology PicoScope 2000A for years. (Here is my older review!) It is an entry-level oscilloscope with 10 MHz bandwidth, 100 megasamples per second sample rate, and 8 kilosample of acquisition memory. Since it is USB-based, it has companion software running on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

STOP! Using the Wrong Capacitors | Teardown 2024

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 02:04:11 +0000

Learn more about Teardown 2024

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B&K Precision DAS60 Hands-On

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 16:42:26 +0000

The B&K Precision DAS60 is a data recorder. It features 6 wide-range voltage inputs, 16 digital channels, and RTD thermal sensor inputs and comes in a small compact form factor. In this video, I show what it can do.

The DAS60 is designed for lab and fieldwork. Its built-in battery means you can deploy it in a facility and let it log data. It has built-in ethernet and support for generic Wi-Fi dongles. The computer runs Windows CE and has RealVNC pre-installed. This combination lets you connect remotely to configure the instrument, check its status, or review recorded data.

Retro Repairs RoundUp Appearance

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 23:35:11 +0000

The Retro Repairs RoundUp crew invited me to be a guest on episode 56 of their livestream. As their name implies, they discuss retro computers and, in many streams, how to repair them. We mostly discussed the Mega IIe project. Sean was another guest who talked about KansasFest 2024.

KansasFest is an Apple II conference. This year, it moved its venue to Springfield, Illinois. The name and the location might seem confusing; however, it was long held in Missouri. So, it is a case of the name sticking for historical reasons.

Mega IIe Supercon 2023 Talk is now Live!

Wed, 15 May 2024 13:06:13 +0000

I must extend a big “Thank You!” to Lewin Day at Hackaday for this excellent Mega IIe write-up. Accompanying the post is an archived recording of my Supercon 2023 talk. That talk is where I gave a complete overview of the Mega IIe project and showed off the final case design for the first time! This project is where I took the Mega-II chip out of an Apple IIGS and built a fully compatible Apple IIe around it—something that not even Apple ever did!

NXP's MCX FRDM Board Hands-On

Wed, 01 May 2024 16:59:43 +0000

Check out NXP’s latest microcontroller boards. These boards of their new MCX-A and MCX-N microcontrollers. The form factor is what NXP calls Freedom (FRDM.)

The MCX line of microcontrollers, each with its unique set of features, caters to a wide range of projects. The MCX-A, a general-purpose microcontroller, is ideal for entry-level projects, while the high-performance MCX-N is designed for advanced AI/machine learning tasks. NXP recently started shipping the MCX-N, adding to its versatility and appeal.

WiFi-Enabled LED detector tells me when my Dehumidifier is Full!

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 23:40:13 +0000

I created a Wi-Fi-enabled LED Detector using Nordic’s nRF7002 Design Kit (DK). Using this box, I can detect when LEDs on appliances, like my lab’s dehumidifier, are on. In other words, my non-IoT tool can send me messages over the Internet now! And, because the nRF7002 has a dual-band Wi-Fi antenna, it does so on my 5 GHz network.

I ran into a number of issues with this project, and I expected that. Except for the RF part of the design, which works fine! Links to the design files are available on the post on the element14 Community.

Measuring Apple II CPU's Glitchy Clock

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 17:58:51 +0000

The Apple II’s CPU clock has jitter or a glitch. This issue is not new—it has been present since its original design in 1977! Bald Engineer uses an oscilloscope to show how often the glitch occurs and how to correlate that jitter to its source—which is useful when you are not testing 40-year-old devices. The device under test (DUT) in this video is the Mega IIe project. It’s a fully compatible Apple IIe built around the Mega II chip.

Picking I2C Pull-Up Resistors (Correctly)

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 13:22:00 +0000

A long time ago, I made a video suggesting math was unnecessary to determine proper pull-up resistor values. Like most generalized statements, that suggestion is not always true. For example, in data buses like I2C, speeds like 400 kHz and 1 MHz are common. At those speeds, the pull-up resistor and the bus capacitance form an RC filter that fundamentally limits the data transmission speed. Or. It limits the range of pull-up resistor values. In this Workbench Wednesdays video, I show how to estimate I2C bus capacitance, measure that capacitance, and pick pull-up resistor values.

Eight KiCad 8 features I like

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 16:23:38 +0000

KiCad 8 just dropped. Here’s an AddOhms video covering eight must-try features! The February 2024 release brings a whole host of new stuff to the Schematic editor. However, the PCB editor, CLI, and Simulation tools also received attention. (There are something like 900 closed issues for the 8.0.0 Milestone!) Which of these is your favorite?

In the video, I cover:

Property Manager Panel (is now everywhere)
A fix for Symbol pin or wire end off connection grid!
Easily access alternate pin functions (on symbols with them)
Pin Helpers save time
Edit Power Symbols (instead of creating new library parts)
Net Navigator and Search panels help with large schematics
Improved custom polygon tools in PCB
(Combined) Teardrop support and Length-Tuning improvements

This AddOhms post covers my top 8 in more detail. Or, you could just watch the video!

nRF7002 DK vs EK vs EB Hands-On

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 13:53:00 +0000

In August 2022, Nordic Semiconductor announced its first Wi-Fi product. The nRF7002 is a dual-band (2.4 and 5 GHz) Wi-Fi 6 compatible companion IC. It does not have a general-purpose microcontroller built-in. Instead, Nordic intends for you to combine it with another microcontroller, like one of their nRF52 or nRF53-series system on chip (SoC).

Nordic and the element14 Community sent me an nRF7002 Development Kit (DK), Evaluation Kit (EK), and some nRF7002 QFNs. I reviewed the nRF70 variants in this video and looked at the various boards. As the thumbnail suggests, I connected the Wi-FI transceiver to a FPC1500 spectrum analyzer.

RP2040 Debug and Turn-On Tips

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 17:35:18 +0000

During the component shortage, I got to know Raspberry Pi’s RP2040 microcontroller. It is a dual-core Arm Cortex-M0+ with about 262 kilobytes of RAM. The feature I like most is the programmable IO pins. These are small state machines that run independently of the Arm cores. They allow for some clever tricks. For example, I used them extensively on the Mega IIe project.

This video was supposed to be a project I thought of during the Mega IIe. I call it a state-mode logic analyzer. However, it took me several days to turn on and debug four boards. Time ran out, so I focused the video on debugging custom RP2040-based boards. These are all lessons I have learned from this project, plus about another dozen RP2040 boards I have built over the past couple of years.

Difference between flux (for soldering)

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 13:17:00 +0000

Often I hear this question: “how can I get better solder joints?” Without looking at anything they are doing, I already know that they could be using more flux. Or, as I point out in this video, perhaps the correct type of flux!

Flux removes oxide layers, gets contaminants out of the way, and makes for better solder joints. But there are so many different types of flux and even more ways to apply it.

Oscilloscope Trigger Primer

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 17:54:34 +0000

A powerful, but an underused feature of digital oscilloscopes is the trigger circuit. Learn from James how to use an oscilloscope’s trigger to find glitches, measure pulse widths, see transients, and stabilize a scope’s screen. This video explains the difference between Auto and Normal sweep modes, shows how to use a Pulse Width trigger, and explains how to use Hold-Off.

How to Profile Battery Usage for IoT Devices

Sat, 25 Jun 2022 13:08:00 +0000

When running on a battery, it is important to know what parts of your circuit draw the most current. Profiling is a process where you look at sections of code or interactions with hardware to see how much power each requires. In this video, James shows four tools (and their tradeoffs) when profiling IoT or Edge Machine Learning devices. See if it makes more sense for you to use a Digital Multimeter (DMM), Power Supply with history graphs, an oscilloscope

Do ALL Scope Probes Need Ground?

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 13:05:00 +0000

When connecting multiple oscilloscope probes to a circuit, does each probe need to connect to ground?

The short answer is yes!

Why? The long answer is kind because of the ground loop. Remember, a circuit needs a closed path. And while on DC circuits we may rarely think about the distance of that path, it absolutely matters when there is an AC or frequency component.

When you do not connect each probe’s ground, the signal path because enormous since it must connect to the circuit’s ground through another probe. (See the animation in the video above.)

How Oscilloscope Acquisition Modes Work

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 13:38:00 +0000

Every digital oscilloscope I have ever used has a menu or dialog for “acquisition modes.” And depending on the current settings, changing that acquisition mode does not seem to have an effect on the signal. Or sometimes, changing to something like Average mode can completely destroy your measurements.

It turns out, that the analog-to-digital converters in digital oscilloscopes can do more than just “sample” the data. Well, the ADCs just samples. The controller behind the ADC offers modes like Peak Detect and Average and High-Resolution.

Hands-On with B&K Precision 9140 Power Supply | Workbench Wednesdays #53

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 15:36:22 +0000

Bench power supplies are an essential piece of test equipment gear. And like most test gear, they have a wide range of capabilities. For example, the B&K Precision 9140 is a triple output supply that can output up to 300 watts. But, the basic capability isn’t what interested me about the supply. Instead, it was advanced features like rear panel triggers, adjustable slew rate, and built-in sequencing.

The element14 Community arranged for a B&K Precision 9140 power supply to be sent to me for a hands-on overview of those features.

Three Tips to Improve Your Soldering | Workbench Wednesdays #52

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 00:25:00 +0000

Using a Metcal GT120, we look at three ways to improve your soldering skills. Using flux, setting a correct temperature, and selecting the proper tip all result in better solder joints. See how well the GT120 works while learning (or reviewing) some basics to improve your soldering skills.

This episode was sponsored by Metcal.

How to Measure Ripple Voltage on a Switch-Mode Power Supply | Workbench Wednesdays #51

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 00:23:00 +0000

Measuring a switch-mode power supply (SMPS) with a DMM might show a stable voltage. But the same DC rail on an oscilloscope can show a completely different story! In this video, learn how to correctly set up an oscilloscope to characterize the noise an SMPS creates in a circuit.

DIY Solder-In Oscilloscope Probes | Workbench Wednesdays #50

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 00:19:00 +0000

When you cannot get an oscilloscope probe into a tight spot, can you just use a piece of wire? Sometimes. When signal integrity matters, you CAN use a low-cost DIY solder-in probe. These probes attenuate the signal and use an oscilloscope’s high-bandwidth 50-ohm input. James shows how to build some solder-in probes when they work and when they do not work in this video.

Special thanks to Shabaz on the element14 community for the guide used here.

Instrument Basics: Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) with PicoVNA | Workbench Wednesdays #49

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 00:15:00 +0000

Vector network analyzers (VNAs) measure how a “network” of components changes the amplitude and phase of signals. By measuring across a wide frequency range, VNAs can create S-Parameters that fully describe the behavior of a circuit. This video uses a PicoVNA 106 to show the basics of what a VNA measures, how they work, and a brief overview of how to use one.

I made a mistake on the explainer graphic for S-parameters. The annoying thing is that I think it was a really good explanation!

Exploring the Digilent Analog Discovery 3000 Pro Series | Workbench Wednesdays #48

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 00:11:00 +0000

Analog Discovery Pro from Digilent comes in a 2-channel (ADP3250) or 4-channel (ADP3450) version. These all-in-one instruments work with a PC over USB or can run entirely standalone.

On the PC the excellent Waveforms software provides virtual instruments like an Oscilloscope, Logic Analyzer, Power Supply, Spectrum Analyzer, Curve Tracer, Network Analyzer, and Impedance Analyzer. Just to name a few. See what this new instrument offers in this hands-on review.

This episode was sponsored by Digilent.

What does Bandwidth mean for Oscilloscopes? | Workbench Wednesdays #47:

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 00:08:00 +0000

Using the Rohde and Schwarz RTH1004 ScopeRider, James talks about oscilloscope bandwidth. In this video, learn what oscilloscope bandwidth is, and what it is not, and see two measurements that help you tell if you are being band-limited by an oscilloscope.

The episode was sponsored by Rohde & Schwarz.

Pros and Cons of Low-Temp Solder Paste | Workbench Wednesdays #46

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 23:03:00 +0000

Low-temperature solder paste makes it easier to reflow-solder and re-work surface mount circuit boards. MG Chemicals offers a Bismuth-based paste that works great from larger passive components to fine pitched packages, like QFN. In this video, learn what solder paste is, what it means for a paste to be “low temperature,” and some things to watch out for when using it.

This episode was sponsored by MG Chemicals.

160 MHz Arbitrary Waveform Generator Review | Workbench Wednesdays #44:

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 22:59:00 +0000

Arbitrary waveform generators can generate almost any waveshape. In this video, see how the MP750290 from Multicomp Pro performs. Its key specs are 160 MHz, 14-bit 1.25 Gigasample per second digital-to-analog converter, 1 million point memory, and over 150 built-in waveforms.

The episode was Sponsored by Multicomp Pro.

The Origins of Delayed Timings on Oscilloscopes | Workbench Wednesdays #43

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 22:57:00 +0000

Almost everyone uses a digital oscilloscope’s zoom features. However, did you know that 40-year-old analog oscilloscopes can do something similar? Delayed time bases on analog scopes sweep twice so that the user can see a slow and fast sweep. In this video, see where “zoom” came from and how engineers accomplished the same measurement back in the day.

Compare Ideal vs. Real Filter with an LCR Meter | Workbench Wednesdays #42

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 22:51:00 +0000

Compare the ideal and measured cut-off frequency for a filter with a handheld LCR meter. Unlike a DMM, these meters apply an AC signal (from 100 Hz to 100 kHz) to determine the reactive component of an inductor, capacitor, or resistor. A simple example here is a low-pass filter. See how the ideal and measured cut-off frequency varies. And THEN, see how it compares between a PCB and a Breadboard.

How Eaton's Power Defense Circuit Breakers Work | Workbench Wednesdays #41

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 22:45:00 +0000

Circuit breakers make electricity safe in everyday life. The miniature breakers found in your home are relatively simple devices. Commercial units like the Eaton Power Defense with PXR Trip units are found everywhere, even if we do not see them. Learn how a basic circuit breaker works and get some insight into these advanced electronic controlled Circuit Breakers.

In this video, I got to interview Andy at Eaton. He was an interesting person and very knowledgeable about circuit breakers. I had no idea how much technology went into them.

Op Amps Without Op Amps | Workbench Wednesdays #39

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 22:35:00 +0000

Okay, technically, this circuit *does* use Op-Amps. However, the ones shown here are integrated into an ATmega128DB microcontroller from Microchip. The DIP package breaks out two operational amplifiers that are controllable entirely by software. Even better, you can program them like they are an Arduino!

Which Oscilloscope Form Factor Is Best For Me? | Workbench Wednesdays #38

Fri, 21 May 2021 22:30:00 +0000

Oscilloscopes are available in many shapes and sizes. After figuring out how much bandwidth you need (or want), the next step is to choose the form factor. Do you go with the traditional bench style? When does it make sense to use a USB-based scope with your PC? And what about these newer tablets or battery-powered oscilloscopes? Learn the difference between them and see which one is best for you.

Desoldering Wick Tips and Tricks with Superwick | Workbench Wednesdays #37

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 22:14:00 +0000

Desoldering braid removes surface solder from a circuit board. It makes reworking PCBs easy and quick. With a few tips and tricks, products like MG Chemical’s Superwick can work like magic. You can remove solder from surface mount parts, wick away excess solder blobs, and repair boards using it. In this video, James shares tips and tricks from the element14 community for using desoldering braid. (Please note: the makers of Superwick, MG Chemicals, sponsored this video)

Essential Logic Families | Workbench Wednesdays #35

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 23:07:00 +0000

Did you know that TTL chips do not output 5 volts? 74LS, 74HC, and 74HCT all have different input and output thresholds. Switching between logic families can be difficult if you are not careful. In this video, learn how different 7400-series logic families compare with input threshold, output voltage, frequency, rise time, and propagation delay.

Check out this TI Application Guide for a great resource on logic families.

Triggering And Decoding Serial Protocols On An Oscilloscope | Workbench Wednesdays #34

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 23:03:00 +0000

Everything with a microcontroller has serial buses in it. Busses like UART, I2C, and SPI are very popular choices. When you have a problem with a sensor that uses one or the bus itself, you can use an oscilloscope or logic analyzer to “decode” the traffic. These decoders convert the 1s and 0s into readable HEX or ASCII characters.

I am not sure how I thought of the “multiple” James idea for the thumbnail. The concept had something to do with “serial,” but I am not sure what.

Measuring A 555 On An Oscilloscope | Workbench Wednesdays #33

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 23:00:00 +0000

The 555 is a very popular chip, and for good reason. It is such a versatile timer. Learn about 555 measurements like how to measure the voltage divider inside the chip and what is going on with the signals in an astable multivibrator (clock) circuit. The key to a 555 circuit is connecting the threshold and trigger pins together. But, until you see the schematic and waveforms it may not be obvious why.

UPS ESR Battery Measurements | Workbench Wednesdays #32:

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 22:57:00 +0000

As batteries age, their ESR goes up. Eventually, they will no longer be serviceable. A battery measurement tool like the Hioki BT3554 lets field service technicians monitor the help of batteries over time. In this video, see how it can be used to measure a live UPS battery.

This episode was sponsored by Hioki.

Essential Consumables for Building Circuits | Workbench Wednesdays #31:

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 22:48:00 +0000

Obviously, you need solder to build most circuits. However, before and after soldering a circuit, there is a bunch of other stuff. In this Workbench Wednesdays episode, James looks at the solder, flux, wick, and cleaning supplies needed when working with electronics. Make sure your lab is stocked with these must-have consumables.

Ceramic Capacitor Voltage Effect | Workbench Wednesdays #30

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 21:46:00 +0000

Ceramic capacitors change capacitance with applied voltage, temperature, and age. They are the most popular electronic component, yet many do not understand what causes this capacitance to change. In this video, James teams up with Murata to see what happens to a simple timer circuit when changing a capacitor from a 1206 case size to a much smaller 0201.

What Active Components Do You Need? | Workbench Wednesday #29

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 21:43:00 +0000

Active components like transistors, BJTs, MOSFETs, and integrated circuits (ICs) make it possible to control circuits. This video explains the must-have NPN and PNP BJTs. For MOSFETs there are a couple of N-Channels and P-Channels to consider. Basic ICs include some digital logic stuff from the 7400-family as well as the venerable 555-timer to have on-hand. We did not forget Op-Amps either. Spoiler: We do not recommend the ua741!

What Passive Components Do You Need? | Workbench Wednesdays #28

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 21:41:00 +0000

Whether you are just getting started in electronics or you have boxes of parts, it is good to know what are the most critical parts to have in your kit. James asked the element 14 community for what they considered to be essential passive components like resistors, capacitors, switches, wires, and even diodes. In this video, he consolidated their puts and explains what to think about when buying these parts for your kit.

Instrument Basics: Logic Probe | Workbench Wednesdays #27

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 21:36:00 +0000

Logic probes are great for debugging 7400 series logic chips and digital circuits. In this video, James makes a counter circuit and debugs each stage as he builds, with a Logic Probe. If you are wondering, “do I need a logic probe” this video shows how one can be used and even answers when you should consider buying one.

How to Measure Sound with a Handheld Meter | Workbench Wednesday #26

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 21:31:00 +0000

One of the loudest pieces of equipment on Bald Engineer’s electronics workbench is the Electronic DC Load. James has finally had it with its noise and decided to swap the fan out. To see (and not just hear) an improvement, he uses a Tenma 72-942 handheld sound meter to compare before and after.

Full notes on element14 community

Measuring a MOSFET's Miller Plateau | Workbench Wednesdays #25

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 21:28:00 +0000

Turning on a MOSFET takes more than knowing the threshold voltage. A special event occurs when a FET turns on, which is called the Miller Plateau. The gate voltage sticks to the threshold voltage while the drain opens up. In this video, James shows how to measure the Miller Capacitance, using an oscilloscope and custom MOSFET test board.

This video came from some measurements I did on a live stream. I had intended to demonstrate something else, but the board I created was such a great demo board for the Miller Effect.

No-Contact Current Measurements | Workbench Wednesday #24

Tue, 05 May 2020 21:25:00 +0000

One of the safest ways to measure current is with a clamp. Clamps do not require you to break the circuit and they safely measure wires with thousands of amps. In this video, we measure DC current in the lab, AC current of a reflow oven controller, and the DC current in a car using a Tenma 72-7226 True RMS Clamp Meter.

This video was the last one I did before moving to a new house / lab.

What that DMM Beep Means - A Continuity Mode Tutorial | Workbench Wednesdays #23

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 21:23:00 +0000

Chances are, you have used the continuity mode of your digital multimeter. But how much do you understand about how it works? In this video, we break down how the mode works, what the beep means, and show examples of how to use it (correctly.) It might seem silly to spend so much time on such a simple mode.

However, I have run across a few posts on the Internet, including the element14 Community where people do not understand continuity mode. Sometimes it is just a lack of experience and sometimes it is a total lack of understanding of what is happening. The biggest mistake, of course, is trying to measure continuity on a powered circuit. That is just a no-go. So in this video, I wanted to show what the meter is actually doing, how it sees different components, and give a couple of real-life examples of how to use it.

Instrument Basics: LCR Meter | Workbench Wednesdays #22

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 23:31:00 +0000

Learn how to use an LCR meter, such as the Tenma 72-10465, to measure reactive components. An LCR meter uses an AC signal at different frequencies to characterize capacitors, inductors, and even resistors. They can also provide impedance measurements. These include phase angle, ESR, quality factor, and dissipation factor.

You can even use the 72-10465 to sort components by their tolerance range.

DMM Half-Digits Explained | Workbench Wednesdays #21

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 22:20:00 +0000

What does it mean for a DMM to have 3.5 digits? How much more accurate is a 5.5 digit multimeter versus a 4.75 digit meter? Many people assume that more digits mean more accuracy. However, these numbers express the precision of the meter, not its accuracy! In this video, learn about a DMM’s accuracy, and what does “half a digit” mean.

As I often do, I messed up the decimals in this one.

Thermal Tools for Circuit Measurements | Workbench Wednesdays

Sun, 23 Feb 2020 17:48:14 +0000

Measuring the effectiveness of a heatsink or the thermal load of a CPU requires thermal test tools. In this episode, learn how an IR Thermometer and a Thermocouple could be used on an electronics workbench. Many multimeters (DMMs) include the ability to measure temperature with a K-type thermocouple. See examples of when each measurement could be used.

Behind the scenes of Thermal Tools Tutorial

Originally intended to use the episode to show how hot the Pi 4 would get. However, by the time I got around to producing it, a new version of Raspbian came out, resolving the temperature issues. To heat up the Pi, I used this toolset from GitHub: XXXXX.

DMM Basics Video Tutorial | Workbench Wednesdays

Sun, 23 Feb 2020 16:47:49 +0000

A multimeter is the go-to-tool for electronics measurements. Knowing how to use it to measure voltage, current, diodes, and transistors can save time (and frustration) while troubleshooting. In this video, James explains how the multimeter works, so that you can understand them better. After watching, you will gain a solid DMM basics understanding.

Behind the scenes of wbw’s DMM Basics

The first Workbench Wednesdays episode covered a pen-style DMM. Back when we were first developing the show, the intent was to be more of a review show and less of a tutorial show. That episode became a mix of both. So we decided to do a straight-up tutorial on DMM basics. Measuring voltage usually has not tripped up too many people, especially on an auto-ranging meter. The main thing to remember with current is to move the red lead back to the voltage input immediately after making a measurement. I touched on continuity briefly but hope to come back and cover that more in the future.

4-Wire Resistance Tutorial | Workbench Wednesdays

Sun, 23 Feb 2020 16:31:31 +0000

Bench DMMs have an extra set of banana jacks called “sense.” Known as a Kelvin or 4-wire resistance measurements, these inputs accurately measure small resistors. Like, milliohms small. This video shows how to make a 4-wire measurement, prove when it is accurate, and alternatives to 4-wire. See below for an explanation of the alternative method shown.

Behind the scenes

Doing yet another DMM episode was a tough call for me. However, I am working on a project that requires me to characterize both a 1 ohm and a 100 milliohm resistor. The element14 community was kind enough to send me an MP720028 bench DMM. As shown in the picture, it has an extra set of banana jacks called “4-wire sense.” These connections make 4-wire resistance measurements. In this video, I show the same resistor measured with the traditional 2-wire and advanced 4-wire configuration. (Spoiler Alert! The 2-wire measurement was almost twice as big as the 4-wire!)

Digilent Analog Discovery 2 Review | Workbench Wednesdays

Sun, 29 Dec 2019 18:44:50 +0000

The Analog Discovery 2 combines all the equipment found on a typical electronics workbench into one small package. It packs an oscilloscope, logic analyzer, power supplies, spectrum analyzer, and so much more. As impressive as the hardware is, the Analog Discovery 2’s software, called Waveforms, is fantastic as well. You can configure it for any measurement situation, and it has extensive scripting capability. See if you should be considering adding the Analog Discovery 2 to your electronics workbench.

Function Generator Basics | Workbench Wednesdays

Sun, 29 Dec 2019 18:32:19 +0000

Generating signals with a waveform, function, or arbitrary generator lets you test all kinds of circuits. Learn how to get a function generator to output a signal, the 3 types of waveforms you can create, and which controls matter. James, the Bald Engineer, explains the difference between analog and digital generators.

The video introduction is my first attempt at doing an LGR style “Tech Tales” story. It is short with only a few images. However, it is something I would like to do more of in the future. My professional career started at Agilent right when they split off from Hewlett Packard. Most of my co-workers had been there while Bill and Dave still worked at the company. Even though the computer division took the name, Agilent was HP’s core: test and measurement.

Logic Analyzer Basics | Workbench Wednesdays

Sun, 29 Dec 2019 18:28:48 +0000

Logic analyzers capture digital signals and then display a waveform or list. Serial busses like I2C, SPI, or UART (Serial) can be decoded or triggered on when there are problems in your circuit. In this video, learn the basic controls you need to use (almost) any logic analyzer. You’ll learn how to set up a simple trigger, make measurements, and set things like sample rate or memory depth.

When I first graduated from college, I started as an Application Engineer for Agilent Technologies. Based in Austin, I supported computer companies like Dell, Compaq, HP, IBM, and Tandem. I helped their engineers set up million-dollar logic analyzer configurations to measure various PC busses.

Spectrum Analyzer Basics | Workbench Wednesdays

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 02:06:58 +0000

A spectrum analyzer displays signals in the frequency domain. To use one, you only need to know about four controls: reference level, center frequency, and resolution bandwidth. In this episode, see how to use a spectrum analyzer and determine the transmitting frequency of a device.

The example device is my microphone transmitter. It operates around 500 MHz with FM modulation. You’ll see how I step through the spectrum analyzer controls to find the exact frequency. At the end of the episode, I show some advanced measurements you can do with a modern spectrum analyzer. My favorite one is the demodulation.

Electronic Load Basics | Workbench Wednesdays

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 15:15:24 +0000

During the Bench Power Supply basics video, I made use of my electronic load. An electronic load can sink current from power sources such as power supplies or batteries. Loads are useful to test a power supply’s design margin or verify a battery’s capacity. See how three different instrument options from ultra low-end to midrange to high-end compare. After this element14 Presents Workbench Wednesday video, you will understand how to use modes on an electronic load like constant current and constant resistance to make different measurements.

Bench Power Supply Basics | Workbench Wednesdays

Wed, 28 Aug 2019 15:36:25 +0000

A bench power supply makes powering circuits easy and safe. Learn how to adjust basic controls like voltage. Finally, see how “current limiting” works (and why you should use it.) See how you can use built-in series or parallel tracking to increase a bench power supply’s voltage or current output. Last, if you are in the market for a power supply, do not forget to add some leads like mini-grabbers, alligator clips, and banana plugs.

DCA Pro Transistor Tester Review | Workbench Wednesdays

Wed, 07 Aug 2019 14:19:09 +0000

When it comes to transistors, there are only so many things a multimeter can measure. The DCA Pro from PEAK Electronics makes short work of testing parts like a transistor. This small device can determine pinout, component type, and essential parameters in a matter of seconds. Not only that but it can be connected to a (Windows) PC and draw parameter curves.

Check out the video review to see how the device and software work. Then head over to the element14 page where you can download a zip file full of example parts I measured for you. Use the free DCA Pro software to open them.

Measuring ESR with the PEAK ESR70 | Workbench Wednesdays Review

Wed, 26 Jun 2019 14:50:45 +0000

There are three capacitor measurements you need to know how to make: capacitance, leakage current, and equivalent series resistance. Capacitance is easy to measure if you have a current limited supply or can use a resistor. Apply a voltage, then time how long it takes to charge up. You might need to use an oscilloscope or even an Arduino for the second part. Leakage current is the easiest of the three, apply a voltage (ideally through a resistor) for a few minutes, and then measure the current. ESR requires some special tricks. Since it is the resistance of the “wires” connecting to the capacitive element’s anode and code, you have to measure resistance without charging up the capacitor. (Otherwise, you get leakage.)

Bald Engineer's ESD Must-Haves | Workbench Wednesdays

Wed, 05 Jun 2019 23:30:01 +0000

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) damage can occur without you knowing it. That’s bad. However, the good news is that with little effort you can prevent it. Duratool has a kit of the most common tools for any electronics workbench. It includes a large mat, grounding cable, wrist strap, ESD-safe cleaner, and a simple electronic tester. Don’t get shocked by electrostatic discharge; add these simple tools to prevent it.

This review is on a kit that includes:

Tenma 72-2660 Portable Hand Held Supply | Workbench Wednesdays

Mon, 13 May 2019 13:25:12 +0000

The TENMA 72-2660 portable power supply offers bench supply capability in a backpack-friendly package. The single output is capable of 45 watts with up to 30 volts and 3.75 amps out. The built-in USB ports offer an easy way to power 5 Volts Arduino or Raspberry Pi projects while limiting their current. See how this portable supply performs, the things the Bald Engineer likes about it, and the points to consider before buying

Health and Solder Fumes | Workbench Wednesdays

Thu, 09 May 2019 13:18:20 +0000

An overlooked danger of electronics soldering is the fumes. While the smell and smoke may not be pleasant, the chemicals in the fumes can be harmful. Is solder made with lead(Pb) your only concern? Learn about where lead-free solder came from, what different flux types mean, and two ways to keep your air (and your lungs clean.)

In the video, I show a cheap “smoke eater” and a professional fume extractor. There is a cost difference of $50 and $700 between the two. However, either is better than having nothing.

Surface Mount Rework Tools | Workbench Wednesdays

Thu, 28 Mar 2019 03:21:42 +0000

In this element14 Workbench Wednesdays episode, I review tools provided by Weller which are suitable for surface mount soldering. Throughout the soldering series, I have been using mini-projects to see how the gear works. Making this particular video was special to me. The subject was a TI-85. Back when I was a kid, one of my first soldering projects was to replace a capacitor in the TI-85. At the time, all I knew is that the change would make it run faster. I didn’t know why I just knew it worked.

Soldering Tool Upgrade Paths | Workbench Wednesdays

Sat, 09 Feb 2019 01:45:15 +0000

Right after the digital multimeter, or DMM, a soldering iron is a must-have tool for electronics work. Like most tools, there is a vast variety of options available. In this episode of element14’s Workbench Wednesdays, I look at a range of instruments from Weller. They offer everything from a cheap $10 “fire starter” (sorry, it is what we call them!) all the way up to a full-blown surface mount rework station.

Whether you don’t have a soldering iron or you have a $100 station, this video will show you options to consider when thinking about an upgrade.

Answering BJT questions with Karen on element14's The Learning Circuit

Wed, 02 Jan 2019 17:29:28 +0000

Over on element14, Karen hosts The Learning Circuit. It is a tutorial show geared towards learning STEM basics. So far she has covered subjects like soldering, diodes, and how to make a DIY electromagnet. She did a great job on introducing BJTs and how they work. While I thought she provided a clear explanation of the internal workings, some members of the element14 community still had questions.

She invited me on to revisit BJTs and transistors to (hopefully) clarify the connection between how transistors physically work and how to use them.

Learn Oscilloscope Basics with an Arduino Uno

Mon, 03 Sep 2018 14:10:11 +0000

Learning to use a new oscilloscope can be daunting. In this video, I show 5 measurements you can make using just an Arduino as your DUT. Learn how to offset voltage, setup measurements, enable infinite persistence, save reference waveforms, AND trigger (and decode) serial signals. For this video, Rohde & Schwarz was kind enough to send me an RTM3004. This video is a follow-up from an ealier blog post which featured 6 scope measurements you can make with an Arduino.

MKR 4000 VIDOR Hands-On Video | AddOhms Live

Tue, 14 Aug 2018 13:47:52 +0000

As promised, the Arduino team shipped the MKR 4000 VIDOR by the end of July. The graphical editor is still missing in action, but you can check out the board now. I received mine. In this AddOhms Live Stream, I turned it on and checked it out.

This video is a “working” live stream. Generally, I try to set up some demos and run through some canned actions. Not this time. I used the board once, on another computer. You get to watch how I attack a new board…live! Warts and all.

Standalone Arduino Turn-On and Debug

Mon, 09 Jul 2018 13:00:54 +0000

This AddOhms episode is part 3 of the “design your own Arduino” series. In this one I populate a bare PCB, reflow solder it, debug a few issues, and load the Uno bootloader. Originally, I designed 2 versions of the board. One version contained an error that I planned to fix in the episode. Well, turns out, the “correct” board had two issues which were more interesting.

Check out the #27 show notes for links to a bunch of stuff in the episode, including the design files.

Programming Adafruit Coin Acceptor on AddOhms Live

Mon, 18 Jun 2018 06:00:26 +0000

This week the bald engineer unboxes swag from electromaker.io, programs the Adafruit Coin Accepter, with a Pyramiduino, and answers questions along the way.

Interesting time code jump points:

7:59 - See Programming Bootloader Clip
12:11 - Coin Acceptor Programming
18:00 - Pulses on the R&S RTM3004 Oscilloscope
42:05 - Code working as intended!

Creating an AddOhms Animations - Behind The Scenes

Mon, 28 May 2018 13:00:05 +0000

Pretty often I am asked about how I create the AddOhms animations. Currently, I’m working on the final part of the DIY Arduino Series. In the first part, I showed the elements of an Arduino schematic. The second part showed an overview of the PCB design. Finally, I will take the finished board and explain how to turn it on the for the first time. Lucky for me, there was a “mistake” on the board. This error gives some context for the episode.

Picking Pull-Up Resistor Value | AO #25

Fri, 04 May 2018 21:14:16 +0000

Common question that comes up about pull-up resistors: what value do you pick and why not just use a piece of wire? In this follow-up electronics tutorial, the bald engineer looks at how to pick a pull-up resistor value. Note that while focused on pull-up everything said in this video would apply to pull-down as well.

If you’re new to pull-up resistors, check out this longer Pull-Up Resistor Tutorial.

Watch the full video

EAGLE 9 First Look - Couple of things I noticed

Wed, 25 Apr 2018 13:00:21 +0000

Autodesk released EAGLE 9. This new version continues the improvement that Autodesk has been providing since acquiring the infamous ECAD tool. There are three areas I look at in this AddOhms Livestream.

How I looked at EAGLE 9

In the beginning, I use an old training class I wrote about five years ago when I was using EAGLE daily. It shows how to design a 555 flashing circuit from schematic to PCB. A follow-on class taught how to mill the PCB on a Shopbot. I might update the course and release it if I have time. The exercise class helps me find some surprises with EAGLE’s incremental improvements.

Crazy Circuits Hands-On and Q&A (AddOhms Live!)

Mon, 18 Dec 2017 14:43:39 +0000

In April 2017 I backed a project on Kickstarter called “Crazy Circuits.” It looked like a cool concept that was well developed, so I even included it in the Baldengineer Newsletter. I do not typically promote Kickstarter projects–unless they are exceptional in some way. I liked the concept of circuits that worked with existing LEGO-sized boards and pieces. Their shipping was a couple of months off, but nothing compared to some Kickstarter disasters. I received my Crazy Circuits kit in November, compared to the promised September.

Aluminum Polymer Capacitors on EE Journal's Chalk Talk

Mon, 30 Oct 2017 22:38:05 +0000

What are aluminum polymer capacitors? These are a solid type of capacitor that replaces the liquid electrolyte with a solid polymer material. Sometimes you might hear these capacitors called “organic aluminum.” Technically, they are still “electrolytic” capacitors. However, the colloquial term of “aluminum electrolytic” refers to the traditional wet electrolyte-based capacitors.

In this video, I meet with Amelia Dalton of EE Journal, and we discuss these capacitor types. Mouser and EE Journal developed the video in joint with KEMET. (Previously I talked on Amelia’s Chalk Talk about SSD Capacitors.)

Voltage Dividers as Regulators?! | AddOhms #22

Mon, 16 Oct 2017 13:00:15 +0000

Can you use voltage dividers as regulators? What if you add a Zener Diode? In this AddOhms episode, I show what happens when you try to power a complex circuit like an ESP8266 with a voltage divider instead of a regulator. (Spoiler: Get a voltage regulator.) This video tutorial is related to a write up I did recently on Zener Diodes. For questions or comments visit the AddOhms Discussion Forum.

Behind the scenes

A significant change for this AddOhms Episode is that I moved from Final Cut Pro X to Premiere Pro. I also shot the entire video in 4K, even though the output is 1080p. Animations were still done as 1080p compositions. One snag I ran into, the color corrections I applied in PPro, didn’t seem to get exported. You might notice when the breadboard is on screen, it has a very slight yellow tint to it.

Brushless DC Motor Introduction | AddOhms #21

Wed, 26 Jul 2017 13:20:18 +0000

The first part of the tutorial looks inside of a Brushless DC Motor, or, BLDC. Then I show a discrete transistor circuit that can drive one. Of course, you’ll need a Microcontroller like an Arduino to drive it! Lastly, I briefly talk about an ESC.

Overall, a BLDC is better than a Brushed DC Motor (talked about those on #20) because:

There are no brushes to wear out
No sparks when the motor spins
You can get way faster RPMs out of a BLDC.

Check out the AddOhms #21: Brushless DC (BLDC) Motors. Show notes are available here.

Top of the P(acq) - Oscilloscope Talk

Mon, 24 Jul 2017 13:58:10 +0000

Supplyframe Hardware has published a video of a talk I gave in July 2017. This talk was at HDDG 22. The focus of my discussion was how an oscilloscope’s trigger circuit works. I built on that and talked about some of the behind-the-scenes stuff of what is going on with a digital oscilloscope. (You can download my HDDG 22 slides here.)

Why ceramic capacitors change capacitance

Fri, 06 Jan 2017 23:18:03 +0000

It is commonly known that ceramic capacitors change capacitance with applied voltage. What isn’t always as well known is how strong this effect can be and why it occurs. At KEMET we’ve put together a technical video that answers that question.

What is Ask An FAE?

Ask An FAE is a new video series we launched at my day job, KEMET. An FAE is a field application engineer. These engineers are very common in the electronics industry. Companies like KEMET, where I work, have FAEs who meet with customers to answer technical (and very detailed) questions about how to use their products. In UBM’s Mind of an Engineer survey, FAEs were ranked as one of the top information sources for design engineers.

Ripping apart soda cans with an Electromagnet

Fri, 23 Dec 2016 15:31:09 +0000

ArcAttack is a band that performs at the Bay Area Maker Fare, among other places. They feature massive signing Telsa coils. (Here’s a video I show when I saw ArcAttack in 2013.) Singing Telsa coils are awesome. Everyone knows that. Which is why I found when Dianna Cowern, the Physics Girl, visited the band ArcAttack, electromagnets are just as cool. In addition to talking about their music, ArcAttack’s Joe does something amazing. He splits an aluminum soda can with just an electromagnet.

Electron Microscope Analyzing Vinyl Records (and other Spinning Media)

Mon, 17 Oct 2016 13:57:56 +0000

Ben Krasnow from Applied Science on YouTube uses his Electron Microscope to compare spinning media. The part of the video that caught my attention is the Vinyl Record. Not only does he show the groove and needle, but he puts it in motion! It’s a great look at how this technology works.

Additionally, I loved how he went into detail about how to prep the record for use in the electron microscope. (Spoiler: he had to make the record and needle conductive.) After the vinyl, he also compares a CD and DVD. The twist is that he also shows how a Capacitance Electronic Disc (CED) compares to the vinyl. You never heard of a CED?

Brushed DC Motor Video Tutorial

Sat, 17 Sep 2016 16:36:39 +0000

How a Brushed DC Motor works and how to use them

This Addohms Electronics Motor Tutorial goes into the third dimension. Using a 3D model, we show what makes a brushed DC motor, well, a “brushed motor.” (Hint: It’s the brushes!) Then, as usual, we break down two simple ways to control them with a microcontroller like the Arduino. You can use a single BJT Transistor (remember those from #10?), build a discrete H-Bridge to go in both directions, or use a popular H-Bridge chip like the L293D or L298D. (Notice the ‘D’!)

Current Flow Direction

Wed, 22 Jun 2016 13:00:15 +0000

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about four current flow direction myths. As a follow up to that popular post, I decided to dedicate this month’s AddOhms electronics tutorial video to Current Flow. In episode #19, I tackle the question of which way does current flow.

You might have heard about “conventional flow” and “electron flow.” In conventional flow, we assume that current flows from the positive voltage towards the negative voltage. In digital, the “negative voltage” is usually called ground. However, that’s not how the electrons move nor is it how they carry the charge around a circuit path.

They're JUST Capacitors?

Wed, 08 Jun 2016 00:20:22 +0000

I was invited to speak at the 11th Hardware Developers Didactic Galactic group at the Supplyframe office in San Francisco. I talked about the misconception that capacitors are a simple device.

Chris Gammell recorded the discussion and posted it via PHY Media. This video is about 50 minutes.

In this talk, I break down a few things to know about Ceramic, Aluminum, Tantalum, and Supercapacitors. You can see the full video via PHY Media’s YouTube Channel: They’re JUST Capacitors. For links and the slides, check out this post.

Full Size LEGO BB-8 time lapse build by Bright Bricks

Tue, 02 Feb 2016 19:00:23 +0000

Quick timelapse video of Bright Bricks building a life-size BB-8 unit. Surprising to me was that I always imagined these builds solid with LEGO pieces. Turns out, they are built an internal structure, which makes more sense really. Either way, watching this short LEGO BB-8 build is fun.

The War On Science - AsapSCIENCE

Thu, 08 Oct 2015 23:41:42 +0000

The latest video from AsapSCIENCE, The War on Science, addresses the preverbal war between science and society we are experiencing today. 100, 200, or 1000+ years ago you could argue the ignorance of science was due to lack of information availability. However, that does not apply to today’s world. The entire World’s knowledge and the sum of collected data are available to virtually anyone, anywhere at any time. This moment isn’t just historical; it is pivotal. Yet. Society as a whole seems to continue the trend of ignoring this data in favor of emotional social media posts.

Build your own Ghostbusters Trap

Fri, 02 Oct 2015 13:00:19 +0000

Deck out the rest of your Ghostbuster gear with a Ghost Trap. Dustin McLean from DIY Prop Shop from AWE me builds a trap in this quick 12-minute video. The build uses very basic materials: cardboard, popsicle sticks, tape, PVC, and spray paint. Of course, the tools used are just basic cutting and straight edges.

If you aren’t familiar with DIY Prop Shop, the show–as the name suggests–takes a DIY approach to building famous movie props. Totally fun to watch and get ideas for your projects.

AddOhms #15: Pull-Up Resistors (and buttons)

Mon, 10 Aug 2015 13:00:05 +0000

The latest AddOhms looks at why you need a pull-up resistor when using push-buttons. This video goes into what happens when you leave a pin floating, what a floating pin means, and how the pull-up works. You can get more information about the video on the AddOhms Episode page.

Pull-Up Resistors can be a difficult topic to understand. That’s why I made this video.

This tutorial is the 2nd time I’ve made a video on pull-ups. Despite being a single resistor, it can be a difficult topic for new hardware designers to understand. The pull-up video was the first video tutorial I ever made. In fact, the YouTube version uses YouTube’s “stabilization” algorithm, which gives the video a very warped feel.

The Bernoulli Box - Where Physics Met Storage

Thu, 25 Jun 2015 06:30:11 +0000

Back in the 1990s, a 1.44mb floppy disk was a reasonable storage size for most documents. For bigger documents or backing up an internal hard drive, other options were necessary. You might remember the Zip Drive, but that wasn’t the first large portable media.

The Bernoulli Box was the precursor to the Zip Drive. It used custom media that could store 10s to 100mbs on portable disks. Well, portable compared to carrying around an entire hard drive. Operating using the Bernoulli principal, the drive’s head never comes in contact with the “floppy” material inside the protective case.

Machine Learning with Super Mario Brothers

Mon, 22 Jun 2015 14:00:02 +0000

Using a learning algorithm known as NEAT, this Super Mario World play through is an example of a machine learning how to beat the level on its own. Using an evolutionary process, a neural network was built–or learned–to complete the level. The name of the program used to control Mario is called… Mar-I/O.

N: Neuro
E: Evolution of
A: Augmenting
T: Topologies

The initial play through is fascinating as well as the breakdown of what is going on. Well worth the 5 minutes.

Cutting Perfect Breadboard Jumper Wires

Fri, 01 May 2015 14:00:22 +0000

Learning to a breadboard is critical when adding electronics to a project. A skill often overlooked is how to use breadboard jumper wires correctly. For example, when I breadboard a circuit I only use Red, Green, or Blue for positive voltages and Black for ground. Other colors, it depends on the functions of the wire. The idea is to keep it clear when I look at the board, what each wire is doing.

Apple ][ Watch and It is Real

Fri, 24 Apr 2015 14:00:40 +0000

Today “regular” people will start receiving their pre-ordered Apple Watch. Whether they spent $350 or over $10,000 dollars, they’ll now have a device that connects to their iPhone and tells time. Like their iPhone does. But with Bluetooth!

What if you don’t want an Apple watch, but want to celebrate a real computing achievement? Check out this video on an Apple ][ watch. Oh and it is real.

That’s right, this isn’t just some clever movie-magic hoax. Following this Instructable, you can build your own Apple ][ Watch.

An Open Letter to Arduino LLC and Arduino SRL #OneArduino

Fri, 10 Apr 2015 13:00:31 +0000

Most of the major electronic blogs have covered the controversy between Arduino LLC and Arduino SRL. My first deep look into it was from Hackaday’s Arduino v. Arduino. Since it has been covered so well by others, I won’t re-hash the already known facts.

If you want to join in giving feedback to these companies, please tag your posts, tweets, and content with " #OneArduino".

Vintage Turntable Repaired with Arduino (via pitface123)

Fri, 27 Mar 2015 13:55:21 +0000

element14 is running a Design Challenge called Enchanted Objects. The idea is to add magic, or modern technology, into older objects, enchanting them. How could you turn an ordinary household object into something extraordinary?

You can see the content intro video here.

With my recent interest in retro-electronics, an entry by Jan Cumps caught my eye. He’s repaired a vintage record player (turntable) using an Arduino and Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) control. For more information on his work, the project page is here. Jan’s YouTube channel is at pitface123.

Video Review of NI's VirtualBench

Fri, 20 Mar 2015 14:30:33 +0000

National Instruments changed the world of instrumentation when it released the VirtualBench. For about $2000 (USD), they give you a bench’s worth of equipment in a box about the size of Horowitz’s The Art of Electronics! In this video review, I take a look at the VirtualBench’s 6 built-in functions.

This is a follow-up to my written review of the Virtual Bench. I use the same mixed signal oscilloscope (MSO) demo board, to point out what I like and don’t like about the VirtualBench.

Funny video from Rockwell Automation on their "Encabulator"

Fri, 06 Mar 2015 17:03:23 +0000

In this Rockwell Automation video you’ll learn all about their latest Encabulator technology. The presenter goes through each piece of the system expertly describing both its name and its function. Now, since this video is from 2008, it is a little bit older. And in today’s technological terms, may be difficult to understand.

(BTW, this is what you probably sound like when you try to explain your projects to your friends.)

How 3D Printing Filament is Made

Fri, 27 Feb 2015 15:56:33 +0000

Make joins Joshua Smith at Makergeeks.com to find out how 3D Printing Filament is made. They make their own filament from scratch and not just source it ready-made from China.

More information and pictures are available at http://wp.me/p22K2I-1Xt2.

Awesome Look at Olympic-Class ships (aka Titanic)

Fri, 20 Feb 2015 15:11:22 +0000

The most well-known Olympic-Class ship is the famous Titanic. While known for his maiden voyage’s epic fail, the Olympic-class ships were amazing feats of engineering. Bill Hammock breaks down the engineering and construction of the RMS Olympic, the first of the class.

Hammock is one of the Author’s of Eight Amazing Engineering Stories, which I already reviewed here. He gives his usual excellent treatment on a subject. I included his Podcast/Video series on my 5 Electrical Engineering Podcasts you should subscribe.

PacMan theme in 10 different styles

Fri, 06 Feb 2015 15:16:31 +0000

In the mood for some retro game music? Check out D Wave’s YouTube Channel for a fresh take on some retro game tunes. The PacMan melody is good. You might also like his take on the SMB Theme.

Neodymium Magnets - Will It Blend?

Fri, 30 Jan 2015 15:12:48 +0000

In this “Will It Blend?” Tom takes on neodymium magnet balls. This is a fun one to watch because the balls spark up while flying around. Some really good slow motion replay work here.

If you aren’t familiar with “Will It Blend”, it is a video series presented by the blender maker Blendtec. Tom Dickson attempts to bend various items. Not only the star of the clips, Tom is also the Founder of Blendtec. You can find all their videos at willitblend.com.

Bill Gates talks about the Altair 8800

Fri, 23 Jan 2015 15:49:57 +0000

Go back to 1975. The idea of a computer at home was something that only happened in Science Fiction books. When the Altair 8800 was introduced, not only could you have a computer at home–you could build it yourself!

For some “computer” is a bit liberal. Based on the Intel 8080, the “computer” supported some toggle switches and LEDs on the front panel. As Gates explains in this video, there wasn’t even any kind of interactive terminal.

Space Invaders on Gecko EFM32

Fri, 16 Jan 2015 15:05:08 +0000

The Gecko Zero EFM32 Weather Station Evaluation Board from Silicon Labs is intended to show off the low-energy or energy harvesting capabilities of the EFM32 Zero. The ARM-based board has physical and cap sensitive buttons along with the LCD.

It comes pre-loaded with a demo program, which is the classic Space Invaders.

If you’re interested in more about the board, I wrote a road test of Gecko EFM32 on element 14. (Spoilers: I wasn’t impressed. Not a bad board, but rough development environment.)

Quake on an Oscilloscope

Fri, 09 Jan 2015 21:53:43 +0000

Video is rendered on a PC and provide to the analog scope for X/Y graphing.

Astronomically Correct Twinkle Twinkle | MinutePhysics

Fri, 02 Jan 2015 14:53:39 +0000

MinutePhysics, one of my favorite YouTube channels, has done a collaboration project to provide an animated short on a scientifically correct version of the Children’s song, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.”

They are also offering an eBook at: http://minutephysics.com/twinkle

(Looks like if you pre-order the printed book, you’ll get a free copy of the eBook.)

How does a transistor work by Veritasium

Fri, 26 Dec 2014 16:05:17 +0000

One of the best ways to describe a transistor is as an “electronic switch.” They are solid state devices that make up almost everything in our world. This video by Veritasium, which is a bit older, covers how n and p-type transistors actually work.

This complements the Addohms videos on BJTs and MOSFETs, which are more about how to use them.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas

Thu, 25 Dec 2014 11:00:19 +0000

Minecraft animation from PoetPlays.

Happy Holidays Everyone.