Electronics and technology blog    /    Reviews    /    Technical Reviews    /    Page 6

I finally got around to trying out an unusual SEPIC converter (or so I thought at first). It’s unusual, at the very least, because it uses just one inductor, whereas a conventional one always uses two (or a coupled inductor).

I've already published a comparison of two multimeters that differed greatly in both price and capabilities. Today I'm reviewing another pair, with much more similar specifications, but still noticeably different from each other.

Before New Year, readers asked me to review a couple of converters. Well, it wasn't really any trouble, and I was curious myself, so I ordered them, received them, and tested them. I was actually more interested in a slightly different converter, but I still haven't gotten around to it, so I'll cover that one another time. Today, though, I'm reviewing a simple DC-DC converter rated for 10 A.

While the big, important reviews are in the works, I decided to put together a short review/report in the “Look what arrived” series. So, today’s review is a test of SANYO UR18650ZY batteries. If you’re interested, come on in.

Today I’m reviewing another kit that lets you build a multichannel voltage converter. Some time ago, at readers’ request, I ordered several different voltage converters. I chose the one I’m reviewing today myself, just out of curiosity—I wanted to see what it was, and thought it might come in handy for someone. Photos, schematics, tests—everything as usual :)

Many of you have probably heard the name thermal imager. Some of you may have seen one in movies or various technical programs, but I doubt many people know what it is or how it works. In this review, I’ll try to explain in plain language what this device is. As always, I’ll cover everything: a description, a short test, and a teardown.

In my reviews, I often mention that I try to use plug-in connections. Of course, soldering is very reliable, but it’s not always convenient. Today’s review is about one type of connector. But since I can hardly claim to have anything new to say, this is more of a “look what just arrived” kind of review :)

Today I have a rather interesting device on my desk that can help where the popular IMAX falls short. It also has other advantages, although it doesn't replace one of the most popular devices for working with batteries. Anyway, if you're interested, come on in. I hope you'll enjoy it.

Many people here do their own home renovations, at least the people I know. During a renovation, you often need a level for laying tiles, installing doors and windows, fitting a ceiling, or hanging wallpaper. And that's not even counting shelves, cabinets, curtain rails, and the like. That's why today I'm reviewing a tool that helps with this challenging work. As always, I'll take a look, test it, take it apart, and share my conclusions.

Last month I posted a report on buying INR18650-25R batteries. Today, a report on my second “test purchase” from a store everyone knows—though this time the batteries are different: protected ICR18650-32A cells.

I often work with small electronic components, and several people have told me that a USB microscope makes the job easier. I was curious, but also skeptical about the idea. Still, when I was offered a USB microscope to review, I decided to give it a try and see whether it really was more convenient.

I saw the news about this soldering iron a few months ago. I don't think I need to say how much I wanted to try it. And since a soldering iron is one of my main tools at work, I was twice as eager to give it a try. Impressions, analysis, conclusions—all as usual, after the jump.

Power supplies aren't always high-power units; some are very small, but no less useful for it. Today I have four representatives of this class of power supply on my “operating table,” but they'll go through the same tests as always.

I recently posted a review of video cameras, and today's review is about a little helper that makes setting up IP cameras easier. The helper is a slightly modified compact TP-Link TL-WR702N router. Anyway, if you're interested in making something useful yourself, read on. I hope you'll find it interesting.

Not long ago, on November 5 to be exact, I ordered a number of Samsung INR18650-25R batteries. I was so “lucky” with the timing that the next morning they announced a sale on them. I wrote about it in the relevant thread. It took less than a month for them to arrive, and naturally, I tested them. So, here's the story of the order and delivery, and the results.

My regular readers know that I work with video surveillance systems. So I couldn't pass up the new 4 MP camera, and when I ordered another batch of the familiar DS-2CD2032 cameras, I picked one up to test as well. But since the DS-2CD2032 is now available in an updated version called the DS-2CD2032F-I, I decided to combine the two and write one review covering both. So, read on if you're interested in components for proper video surveillance systems.

I understand that writing about a converter like this now is a bit like reviewing a steam locomotive's smokestack: interesting, but nobody needs it. But I figured that if I ended up needing one, it might come in handy for someone else too.

<!--image_begin:https://www.kirich.blog/uploads/posts/2015-11/1448774040_48-volt-5-amper-i-240-vatt-ili-blok-pitaniya-kotoryy-smog-udivit.jpg|left|48 Volts, 5 Amps and 240 Watts, or the Power Supply That Managed to Surprise Me--><!--image_end--> Many of you know how much I like different power supplies. I’ve reviewed 5, 12, 24 and 36 V power supplies, and today it’s time for the next step: a 48 V power supply. So, a 48 V, 240 W power supply has landed on my workbench. We’ll take it apart, measure it, test it and, of course, analyze it.