Electronics and technology blog    /    Materials for May 2023 year

Like many others, I use leads with alligator clips to connect a bench power supply or electronic load, and I felt like replacing them. Of course, I could make my own leads, and I do use some, but I was feeling a bit lazy. I searched AliExpress, found what looked like a decent option, ordered it, and decided to share my impressions.

As I’ve already mentioned, I needed some high-performance fans for one of my projects. First I bought a couple of AVC fans, then, almost as an afterthought, three more from Sunon. Tests showed that the AVC fans I bought didn’t live up to their specs, but it was hard for me to judge what they should be like since I had nothing to compare them with. Today, though, I’ll show you the Sunon fans and compare them with the originals.

Today’s article isn’t just for the sake of it—it’s about a specific topic, as they say. I’ll be discussing one mistake that, for some reason, crops up all too often. And it’s not just beginners who make it; even quite experienced engineers do. Let me say right away: I didn’t write this post to hate on anyone, but rather for the sake of safety. And believe me, I have my reasons.

As it happens, radio amateurs most often use three basic instruments: a voltmeter, an ammeter, and an ohmmeter. But sometimes a job calls for a more complex and less common instrument: an LCR meter. Of course, these instruments come in both professional and "hobbyist" versions, but first, let's look at what an LCR meter actually is.

Today's review will be very short, partly because there isn't really much to review here, and partly because the project this board was intended for is still in development. Still, I hope you'll find it useful.

Continuing the discussion about electronic loads. As everyone knows, a load is something that usually gets very hot. And when something gets hot, it sometimes needs cooling. The most common solution is a heatsink, and when that isn't enough, you add a fan as well. Fans aren't exactly cheap in local stores these days, especially high-performance ones, so I ordered some from China.

I’ve covered buying used components from AliExpress/Taobao on my blog several times, but I decided to play roulette once again, and it looks like I got lucky this time.

I’ve already reviewed two electronic loads made by Atorch. I can’t say they were all that great, but I can’t say they were bad either. That said, I’ve noticed that each new version of their products gets better. While I wait for mine to arrive for review, I thought I’d put together a short preview.

A friend recently asked me to help a relative of his repair a power station. Since I wanted not only to help but also to see what was inside and how it worked, I naturally said, “Send it over.” The station has now been repaired and inspected, and I have something to tell you about it. Since this is essentially two articles in one, though, it’s going to be fairly long.