Fundamentally there are two types of voltage regulators: linear and switching. The names come from how they operate and how they achieve voltage regulation. Linear regulators tend to be a little cheaper to implement, but they aren’t as efficient as their more complex switching variants.
There are also some “cheap and dirty” methods that some designs use. Below is a brief description and example of each.
After getting a couple of flashing lights working on a microprocessor, the next fun project is generally building some kind of Matrix. At first I built a 5×5 LED matrix which was relatively simple to solder together. When trying to make one much larger, the task because significantly more complex. That’s when I decided to build a LED Matrix Shield for the Arduino which did not use Charliplexing, like the LoL shield. I wanted something that was simpler to understand and (ultimately) code for. Unfortunately, 5mm LEDs means 8 columns x 6 rows, instead of the traditional 8×8.
Digital ICs like microcontrollers, memory, and shift registers need a stable voltage source to make sure they work as expected. Most circuits are designed with a voltage regulator to accomplish this stability. In theory voltage regulators will vary their output to stay at a set voltage, regardless of how much current the load is drawing. As a load draws a little bit more current, the supply voltage will begin to sag. Conversely when the load is reduced the voltage may rise a little bit. Regulators work to eliminate, well minimize, this change.
Full Tutorial: Voltage Regulator Basics
When working with components like capacitors and inductors it is always helpful to know how to calculate a resonant frequency. This Resonant Frequency Calculator is an excellent resource because it allows for calculating for Frequency, Inductance, or Capacitance. Sometimes plugging in what you know is faster than working through some algebra.
Check out the: Resonant Frequency Calculator.
When I was working on BinBoo (A Binary Clock), I decided I was going to create a custom enclosure with a laser cutter. The process took me a couple of iterations. The very first box I had cut didn’t hold together because I didn’t make enough “teeth.” The 2nd box included these and holds together solid.
After all of that work, I was pointed to BoxMaker which makes Laser Cutting a Box very simple. Check out how easy it is with these 4 steps.
One of the big advantages to using this script is defining the material thickness. For example, BinBoo is stuck with 3mm material because that’s how I designed the notches. I have to re-design from the start to use another type of material.
At this point the you can submit the file to a laser cutter or import it into a vector program to make modifications. Simple, eh?
What’s really cool is, the script is open source and can be found here: 
