This article documents the build of an inexpensive regulated power supply available on the Internet for around A$15 posted.
Above is the completed power supply (with some modifications as discussed below). Continue reading An inexpensive Chinese regulated power supply kit.
At Accuracy of AIMuhf system – AIM865A vs AIM882 vs AIM885 on a ferrite cored inductor I compared measurement of a small ferrite cored inductor on three ‘production’ releases of the AIM program.
Since then, AIM885A was released and it had problems as mentioned at AIM 885A produces internally inconsistent results.
Since then, AIM882, AIM885, and AIM885A have been pulled.
The developer advised on his support forum I’m sorry but version 885A has some problems. I’m working an update. In the meantime use the mature version AIM_865A.
Today, he posted a link to AIM885Gx (a declared beta release which presumably fixes problems in the pulled versions AIM882, AIM885, and AIM885A). Continue reading Accuracy of AIMuhf system – AIM865A vs AIM885Gx on a ferrite cored inductor
Generic heating / cooling controller describes a bang-bang type thermostat based on a AtTiny25.
This article works up an example application using a Pt100 RTD sensor. Pt100 is the designation for a platinum (Pt) resistance temperature detector with nominal resistance of 100Ω at 0°. Pt has a nearly linear resistance / temperature characteristic and high accuracy. Continue reading Using a Pt100 RTD with my generic heating / cooling controller
The N2006P is a inexpensive PID controller, typically for heating and cooling operations. There are lots of similar devices for under A$20 on eBay.
Above, the controller in a minimal test harness using a Type K Thermocouple for temperature sensing and 40A SSR mounted on a heatsink. (The SSR output should be protected with an MOV for inductive loads.) 480VAC 40A SSRs sell for as little as A$5 on eBay. Continue reading N2006P PID checkout #1
The Slot.it CA20Z is Ford GT40 supplied as a ‘white’ kit which requires assembly and painting work.
Above is the part assembled body after painting with Tamiya X-7 acrylic. Continue reading Slot.it CA20Z build
I couldn’t help myself… I bought a Raspberry Pi 2 (RPi2) to evaluate.
The RPi2 has 1GB of main storage (double that of the earlier RPi B+), and a 4 core 900MHz processor against a single core 700MHz process in the the RPi B+. Continue reading Raspberry Pi 2 initial impressions
Further to AIM 885 produces internally inconsistent results…
A new release, AIM885A appeared recently.
In the common theme of one step forward, two steps backwards, this version produces error popups when started.
The above popup appears twice when starting AIM885A. Just another symptom to undermine confidence in the system. It doesn’t make sense to me, and the program appears to otherwise start and run. Continue reading AIM 885A produces internally inconsistent results
AIM 882 produces internally inconsistent results and AIM 882 produces internally inconsistent results – more tests raised some issues with AIM882 software.
AIM885 has been released. Continue reading AIM 885 produces internally inconsistent results
This article builds on Accuracy of AIMuhf system – AIM865A vs AIM882 on a ferrite cored inductor by adding a measurement using AIM885 of the same test inductor.
Above is the test inductor. It comprises 6 turns of 0.5mm PVC insulated wire wound on a BN43-202 binocular balun core. Continue reading Accuracy of AIMuhf system – AIM865A vs AIM882 vs AIM885 on a ferrite cored inductor
Among the New features in version 885
is Fixed “Refer to Antenna” function.
.. so lets check it out.
The AIMuhf was calibrated using the supplied SOL components and AIM885.
Above is a sweep of a 1.05m length of Belden 8262 (RG58C/U) cable (with o/c termination) attached to the AIMuhf. Continue reading AIM885 Refer To Antenna checkout