25 October 2008

I decided to build the UV exposure box for photo-sensitive PC boards, as published in the November 2007 SILICON CHIP. The first thought I had was to use the timer module in an old microwave oven, instead of building the timer design used in the project. Then I thought: "Why not use the whole oven?"

15 October 2008

Telemetry (from the Greek tele = remote and metron = measure) refers to the remote measurement and reporting of information, typically using wireless links to carry the data. Such technology is well established in climatic monitoring (especially temperature), water management, motor sport, security, medicine, defence and even space - Martian probe style.

11 October 2008

While sales of large-screen plasma and LCD TV sets are booming, people are still confused as to the choice: plasma or LCD? This situation has recently become a little clouded as "Mura" faults become evident on some LCD panels. The real kicker is that Mura faults may not be evident when you buy your set.

07 October 2008

Hooked up to a desktop or laptop computer, this USB oscilloscope and its supplied PC software provide a large range of functions, including data logging. With the optional signal generator you can also test audio equipment, measure THD and do frequency sweeps.

16 September 2008

Did you know that it's now mandatory for electricians to provide a written safety test report when they install new wiring or do repairs to your home, office or factory? That is quite an onerous and time-consuming task but the Metrel Instaltest 3017 does all the tests specified in the AS/NZS3017 standard. As well, it provides a step-by-step guide for electricians when they are doing visual checks as well as the electrical tests.

11 August 2008

Occasionally, when I am allowed out by myself, I wander off to the auctions for the day. I always enjoy the experience but I have learnt that what you might gain is at the expense of a day's lost wages and if you do buy something, it's often a pig in a poke with no guarantees.

08 August 2008

Imagine a colour printer that outputs images not just in the two dimensions we're all familiar with - width and depth - but adds the third dimension, height, so that the "printed" images can be physically held, picked up, turned, inverted . . . just like any other 3D object.

01 August 2008

The 300MHz DPO3034, with its wide "digital phosphor" LCD screen, is a serious oscilloscope with an impressive list of features and an excellent user interface.

18 July 2008

If Swan's 2nd Law is: "Microcontrollers can never have too many I/O channels" . . . what's his first?

10 July 2008