Electronics and technology blog    /    Page 39

It’s been a while since I last wrote about voltage converters. Today I’m reviewing not just a converter, but one with the added ability to work with QC 2.0 and 3.0 protocols. This won’t be a very long review, but I hope it’ll be useful.

As more and more devices have been connected to local networks, people have also wanted to power them remotely. After all, you’ll agree that running a separate cable to a small device that’s already connected by its own data cable is not only inconvenient, but expensive too. So today we’ll talk about what PoE is and “how it works.”

I got my hands on a rather interesting TV box based on the RK3328 SoC. I’ve already reviewed at least three TV boxes built around this fairly popular processor, but this one isn’t exactly a “budget” model. As usual, the review will cover the exterior, teardown, tests, and conclusions, along with a summary table of the TV boxes I’ve tested.

I periodically need to use stranded cables, and some time ago I even reviewed a crimping tool. But you also need consumables for all that—in other words, the terminals themselves, preferably in different colors as well as different sizes. So I decided to buy this set.

I’ve already reviewed a couple of Hikvision cameras, covering three models. When people ask me which manufacturer’s cameras are best to use, I usually say Hikvision, with about 90–95% confidence—and I have my reasons. It mostly comes down to build quality, performance, predictable results, and simply the fact that I like this manufacturer’s cameras. That last point is why I decided to review a model that isn’t exactly new, but isn’t very well known either: an 8-megapixel camera.

I've reviewed and tested various batteries, from camera batteries to cylindrical cells in all sorts of sizes, but this is the first time I've had 21700 batteries in my hands. Technically, they're ordinary batteries, just a little larger, but I was still curious to find out what they can do.

A new Xiaomi Xiaowa robot vacuum cleaner has recently hit the market, and it is quite feature-packed for its price. A few days ago, the new Roidmi F8 handheld vacuum cleaner became available for pre-order. I wonder if it can compete with the big manufacturers? I've been using Xiaomi products for several years, and I'm sure this handheld vacuum will be powerful enough to handle, for example, pet hair.

I've already had a camera from Reolink in for testing. It performed quite well, at least in my opinion, but was essentially an advanced version of a "baby monitor." Today, we'll be looking at another product from this manufacturer, but in a somewhat different form factor, better suited to setting up a home video surveillance system. As always, the review includes an inspection, a teardown, and a brief comparison with a camera from the same brand with comparable claimed specifications.

Not long ago, I saw someone mention that there aren't enough reviews of unusual products, so today I'm reviewing just such a product. Though I wouldn't call the product unusual myself, I haven't come across reviews like this, which is why I decided to write one. I've often seen people ask what is used to weld battery packs. Obviously, a special strip is used, but what types are there, how do they differ, and which one is best? That's what I'll try to explain today.

Some time ago, I posted a review of Soshine 14500-format LiFePO4 batteries. Today, I'm following up on that review with three more batteries from the same company. I'll also run a few tests on the 14500 battery you've already seen. This review includes all kinds of tests, as well as a check of how well the batteries withstand extreme currents.

Hello everyone! Today I’d like to introduce you to a new and very useful tool: the PM6530D infrared thermometer. You can set the material’s emissivity on this thermometer to get more accurate surface temperature readings. It also has UV LEDs and a temperature and humidity sensor, and you can connect an external thermocouple. A built-in laser pointer helps illuminate the surface being measured. If you’re looking for a professional tool such as a thermal imager, I recommend reading this review (Thermal Imagers: What Are They and “How Do They Work”?) by KIRICH

Xiaomi has released a magnetic mat for small parts under its own brand. It makes taking apart various devices and gadgets easier. Anyone who has ever disassembled a smartphone or other gadget knows how tiny screws and small parts always seem to roll away. You have to draw diagrams so you don't forget where each screw came from—that's where a magnetic mat comes in handy.

Lately, I’ve been seeing more and more models based on the Amlogic S905W. Although I’ve already tried testing two devices like this, I decided to give it another shot.

Another TV box, but this one belongs to the very lowest price segment. That doesn’t stop me from putting it through all the same tests as its more expensive “colleagues.” As usual, I’ll take a look, take it apart, run some tests, draw conclusions, and finish with a summary table.

Today’s review is about batteries, but not the familiar Li-ion ones—LiFePO4. They’re very similar in many ways, but in fact they have far more differences than you might think at first glance, and I’ll try to explain them.

Last summer I published a review of the MECOOL M8S PRO, which, by and large, differed from the previous models only in having DDR4 RAM. I also compared it with some other models there. This model is a little newer, but its main difference from the previous one is a different remote control. As usual, below the fold you'll find an inspection, teardown, tests, and a few conclusions.

And now it’s the turn of the last, sixth power supply made by Mean Well. I decided to save this one for last, partly because its design stands out from the rest, and partly simply because I liked the way it looks. In any case, I found it interesting to take a closer look, and that’s what I’m going to tell you about today.

I’ve mentioned before a circuit that indicates when the load current exceeds a certain threshold. Today I’ll show how to use this circuit to modify a basic voltage converter and turn it into a current regulator.