Electronics and technology blog    /    Page 58

The first time I saw thermally conductive rubber was many years ago in CD-ROM drives, where it was used to transfer heat from the motor drivers to the drive housing. At the time, I didn't think much about how useful something like that could be. But much later, I realized it could come in handy, so out of curiosity I ordered a couple of pieces in different thicknesses to try out. If you're interested, come on in.

Another review of various things for DIY projects. This time I'll tell you about a digital speed controller. It's an interesting little gadget, but I was hoping for more. If you're interested, read on :)

Not long ago, my fellow reviewer Ksiman reviewed a similar set. As it happened, I ordered a set from the same series at almost the same time. It took me a while to get around to writing a review, but here it is at last. If you're interested, read on.

I needed a lighting control timer for a project. The lighting (a sign) had to switch on after dark. Usually, people just install a photocell switch for this, but it has its drawbacks. I decided to tackle the problem with a special timer.

Like most men, I have a habit of shaving in the morning. Some use a razor, others an electric shaver. I got used to using an electric shaver from the start, though I sometimes shave with a razor too, depending on my mood. This review is about an electric shaver. If you're interested, come on in.

I once wrote about a mini computer running Windows 8.1. This computer is very similar to it, but also has some notable differences, mostly for the better. But nothing is perfect, and I'll try to explain that in this review. I'll say right away: I'll be taking it apart :)

Some time ago, I came up with the idea of building a simple but useful device. I had everything I needed at home, except for an ammeter-voltmeter, so I ordered one, received it, and started building what I had in mind. More after the jump.

<!--image_begin:https://www.kirich.blog/uploads/posts/2015-04/1428353400_esche-odin-12-volt-blok-pitaniya-no-uzhe-na-1-amper.jpg|left|Еще another 12 V power supply, but this one is rated for 1 A.--><!--image_end--> In my previous review, I misspoke when I said there were two items in the package. Today I’ll show you what else arrived. I ordered this power supply for a very specific purpose, but I’ll tell you about that at the end. This review will be very similar to the previous one. If you’re interested, read on.

<!--image_begin:https://www.kirich.blog/uploads/posts/2015-04/1428184680_12-volt-6-8-amper-blok-pitaniya-kotoryy-priyatno-udivil.jpg|left|12 Volt, 6–8 Amp power supply that pleasantly surprised me.--><!--image_end--> In one of my reviews, I showed how to build a decent power supply yourself and complained about how rarely good power supplies are available for sale. I liked the look of this one right away, but since pictures can be deceiving, I decided to take a closer look and put it to the test. The review includes a description, photos, tests, and an analysis of a small design flaw. Read on after the jump.

While working on one of my long-running projects, which I started late last year, I needed some batteries. I had the idea of adding a backup power source to the device I'm building. So I decided to order these batteries and take a look at what they were like. So, we'll be testing 18650 batteries with a claimed capacity of 2800 mAh. Anyway, more after the jump.

Today, a clamp meter landed on my workbench. When I was looking for one, I specifically wanted a model that could measure DC current with the clamp, and it absolutely had to have True RMS. I need both features for working with uninterruptible power supplies (and not only those). As always, all the details, teardown, and measurements are below the fold.

I've described components for DIY chargers several times and shown how to use them. This time, I decided to take a look at what a factory-made charger is like. Of course, I've seen the insides of chargers before, but I initially liked this one simply for its looks. We'll take a look inside, too :)

I've been working with video surveillance systems for many years. Like everyone else, I used to install analog cameras. These days, of course, I've switched to digital, and I wouldn't go back. I've tried various cameras, but I kept coming across products from ILDVR and Hikvision, mostly because of their convenient software. This article is about cameras from the latter manufacturer—or rather, one particularly successful model. If you're interested, read on.

I have a set of electronic scales at home that I bought about 5 years ago. They’re pretty good, and sometimes make an appearance in photos in my reviews. But they have one quirk: besides weighing things, they can measure the air temperature, show the time, and rob caravans. But they chew through batteries so fast that sometimes I feel like I replace them more often than I use the scales. Anyway, I got tired of all that and decided to order a set of scales that are just scales.

With this review, I’d like to continue introducing readers to all sorts of useful electronic components. Reviews like this don’t come along very often, but I hope they can be useful too. Anyway, as always, the rest is after the jump.

I know quite a few people who would like to replace their desktop with a small mini PC. They want to browse the internet, watch movies on a big TV, and still be able to use it like a regular computer, albeit a small one. So, let me introduce you to a mini PC running Windows 8.1

Not long ago, a friend asked me to help him buy a drawing tablet. We picked one, placed the order, paid, and started waiting :) Anyway, the rest is below the fold. If you're interested, come on in.

In my work, I sometimes need to measure distances. Mostly, this means calculating how much cable is needed for an installation or measuring a room for drawings, but sometimes it’s to convince clients whose sense of distance isn’t quite up to scratch. We used to make do with a tape measure, or pace it out if the distance was long. It was rough, but it worked—we’d just allow extra cable. I got tired of that, so I decided to add a laser distance meter to my toolkit. If you’re interested, read on.