computoman

PC oscilloscope or how to save yourself hundreds of dollars before you buy an oscilloscope. Sometimes when I build simple ttl (Transistor–transistor logic) circuits I like to see the results of the output. An example would be the pwm (Pulse-width modulation) that might control a robot motor. I do not have the money to buy an oscilloscope. so I am using this project to fulfill those needs. Note I am assuming you know how to use this set up. If you are not sure, please get a professional to help. If you are unfamiliar with electronics do not do this without help of a professional. Improper probes could destroy your computer, what is connected to your computer, and as well as not be safe. Step 1: Input probe. You may want to build this input probe from the first diagram. http://nte01.nteinc.com/nte/NTExRefSemiProd.nsf/$$Search is a good place to go to get equivalent part numbers.  Also included are other...

A soldering iron can be a tech's best friend. You never know when you need to repair an electrical connection. You can actually do a whole lot more, You can rescue parts for reuse. You can build your own simple test equipment. You can even build your own projects. You do not have to get a fancy soldering iron at first, but later as you gain experience, You may certainly want one. You also will want to learn about electronic symbols so that you can understand at least simple schematics. One of the first pieces of test  equipment I ever made was a continuity tester. What is that? it is a tool to see whether a wire cam make a complete circuit.  There are no breaks in the wire. Most of what I do is low voltage, so parts are not that critical. To make the continuity tester, I rescued a battery holder (from the motherboard) and an led from a dead computer. Saved a few bucks right there. So a soldering iron can get you free parts! The continuity tester is just...

Quote from an unnamed blog: Quote: Probably going to get lambasted for this, but it is something to think about when judging a potential employee. Can a potential employee use what they have or do they need thousands of dollars just to do the simplest thing to get going. Here we will pit a confirmed Microsoft software only advocate versus someone who has at least some familiarity with linux or is willing to try something new and use the systems alloted to them. In each of two separate rooms on the desk is a Pentium II computer with 128 megs of ram, minimal graphics card, network connection, floppy drive and a 4 gig hard drive. This system will have access to the internet. Also on the desk, are two items. A brand new MSWindows 7 dvd install disk and a gpxe based floppy setup to install linux remotely via the network. The two potential techs are sent to each of the separate rooms to get their computer up and running plus send an email to predefined email address left on a piece o...