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Category Archives: Tips and Tricks

Return path discontinuity and EMI

Posted on July 21, 2015 by R-B One comment

While designing PCBs for high frequency circuits, it is critical that the characteristic impedance is under control for signal integrity and minimal EMI. One of the biggest concerns in doing so is the signal path discontinuities, including the return path on ground plane. Minoru Ishikawa has posted some tips in this article on EDN to understand the relationship between the return path discontinuities and electromagnetic compatibilty, that will help to enhance the EM compatibility of your final design. It’s conventional wisdom that a solid, continuous return path provides a better result in electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). This article discusses the relationship between return

Simple 3D projection for your cellphone using clear plastic sheet

Posted on July 20, 2015 by R-B Leave a comment

A very simple 3D holographic projection technique using a clear plastic sheet is described in this instructable from mikroGanesh. You will be amazed at the simplicity of this mechanism and its practicality. Use your smartphone to project 3D holographic images and videos without any modification or 3D goggles. Be mystified by images and videos popping over your smartphone!! All this from a piece of clear plastic sheet

Non-invasive power meter

Posted on July 11, 2015 by R-B One comment

Yonas Leguesse’s non-invasive power meter represents a much saver way of measuring electricity consumption without any direct wiring with the mains supply line. It uses a non-invasive current probe that is clamped around the mains power cable and a spark core module for periodic readings of the current sensor output and sending them to a webserver. Via [Hackaday]

Adding a PID temperature controller to a regular soldering station

Posted on April 28, 2015 by R-B Leave a comment

Mike Doughty has posted an article showing how to add a PID temperature controller to a regular sodering iron for better performance. Some plug-in soldering irons are adjustable. Some models have a temperature adjustment built into them and function like a light dimmer. Although better than units without any kind of temperature control, they are somewhat limited. I was looking at PID temperature controllers and learned that they worked with K-type thermocouples. Then I started looking at K-type thermocouples and I thought that there may be a way to insert one of them inside a soldering iron and take a reading from the back of the heating

Personal Air Conditioner Powered from Solar Energy

Posted on April 26, 2015 by R-B 3 comments

This personal air conditioner is specially designed for outdoor use and runs over solar power. It uses a copper tube with circulating ice water through it to work as a heat exchanger. A small water pump helps to circulate the ice water, while a small fan distributes the cool air.

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