Category Archives: TOT – tools of the trade

YAEL (Yet and Other Electronic Load)

Posted on December 23, 2014 by admin

I stumbled on to Kerry Wong web blog when I searched for some ideas on an electronic load.  Kerry also references a tutorial on an Electronic Load for testing batteries by Dave of EEBlog. Kerry uses a lm324 to drive … Continue reading →

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Press Bender

Posted on October 6, 2014 by admin

Being an avid DIYer, I always find the need to bend up brackets, even if it is a simple 90 degree bend bar.  Quite often a trip to the local hardware store will reveal suitable substitute brackets. I stumbled on … Continue reading →

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DMX Start Address

Posted on June 11, 2012 by admin

All my controllers and most other DMX controllers used in the Christmas Lights hobby don’t use switches to set the start address like most commercial applications.  As far as I can see, there are two main reasons for this: Our … Continue reading →

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HOW-TO: Soldering SOIC devices by hand

Posted on January 19, 2011 by admin

Soldering SOIC devices by hand Continue reading →

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TOT – Reflow Oven

Posted on September 20, 2010 by admin

I have a small 7litre oven that works a treat for Reflow of small boards. I recently upgraded to a 20 litre oven with two element top and bottom.  Rated at 1500Watts, there is able power to heat the area. … Continue reading →

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TOT – SMT pens

Posted on July 7, 2010 by admin

Tools of the Trade I like using Surface mount components where ever I can. But I have to say the size of those devilish small components can be a real pain. Picking them up is always an issue and most … Continue reading →

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