Electronics and technology blog    /    Page 54

I know my readers prefer reviews about amateur radio, and that will be the next one, so bear with me a little. :) But today I have a TV box on my desk, combining the new RK3229 processor with the familiar Android version 4.4. As always, a full teardown, tests, and analysis.

I've already reviewed quite a few mini PCs running Windows. But then I came across a relatively inexpensive model and decided to see what mini PCs in the lower price range have to offer. As usual, though, this turned into the whole routine: inspection, tests, teardown, modifications, setup, and more tests.

I've already reviewed several kits that let you build all sorts of useful things for radio enthusiasts. But today I'm reviewing a bigger kit. We'll try to build a recent invention: a 3D printer. I can't say it all went smoothly. I kept expecting something to go wrong, but in the end, I managed to put something together. Anyway, a description of what this is and an attempt at a step-by-step guide are below the fold.

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).

ONDA, a company known for its tablets, apparently decided not to stop at making these devices and set its sights on the small desktop computer market. Today, I’ll tell you about one of these devices. As always, there’ll be a look around, some tests, a teardown, and a few more hurdles to overcome.

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.

Quite a few of my readers probably remember my review of one of the smallest computers, the MeeGoPad T02. The review was probably remembered less for its description of the computer than for the difficulties I ran into while modifying it. Although I did manage to get the better of it back then, it wasn't easy. When I saw an updated version of this computer, I couldn't pass it up. I was curious to see whether it really was any better. Anyway, 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 :)

About a year and a half ago, I reviewed a project using the smaller DC-DC converter board from the ZXY60xxS family. The power supply is in good shape and works perfectly well. But after using it for a while, I realized I wanted something different. So about a year ago, I started designing a more practical power supply (at least for my needs). Anyway, if you're curious what I cobbled together in the end, read on. Warning: lots of traffic, lots of photos.

This review continues the previous one, but since doing two reviews in a row about the same product would be somewhat illogical and inappropriate, at least the opening will focus on one of the interesting parts I bought for the future power supply.

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.