
10 57510
Meanwell AD-55A, a power supply with an uninterruptible power supply function, or how to turn a UPS into a UPS

10 57510
16-02-2023, 14:10
Some time ago, one of my readers asked me to help modify an uninterruptible power supply from Meanwell. This company's power supplies are very good, as I've shown more than once, but this UPS managed to surprise me—and I wouldn't say pleasantly. More on that in the review.
Pure sine wave inverter, or how the Chinese have gotten too bold
7-02-2023, 14:16
Around the middle of December, I ordered several inverters. I also decided to order a couple from a different store than the one I usually use. Naturally, I read the reviews first, where buyers showed that yes, it really does produce a pure sine wave output. But things turned out not to be so simple.
An Interesting but Slightly Strange Battery Protection Board
6-02-2023, 03:30
While preparing a couple of upcoming reviews, I needed to assemble a battery pack. Since the cells are lithium-based, they usually need a protection board. I originally bought this one for other batteries, but it came in handy here too.
A soft, great cable for a soldering iron, but...
4-02-2023, 03:07
While I’m getting material ready for some other reviews, I decided to put together a short one. I remember getting carried away last time and saying I’d try to keep things a bit shorter, and today seems like just the right occasion :) In short, I’ll show you a pretty good cable for a soldering iron.

4 81412
Another set of Vapcell LiFePO4 32700 batteries with a claimed capacity of 6200 mAh

4 81412
28-01-2023, 13:15
Back to the topic of off-grid power. Today I have some 32700 LiFePO4 batteries on my desk. Why “again”? Because this is already my fourth review of batteries in this size, and my second review of similar batteries from Vapcell.
An unusual power bank with a QC/PD output of up to 22 W and a few quirks
26-01-2023, 21:03
A couple of months ago, I was browsing AliExpress and came across some interesting power bank cases. What caught my eye was how often I saw them, in all sorts of variations, yet they all shared the same style: a colored cartridge inside a transparent case. Anyway, I ordered one and it arrived.

5 3811
How to speed up battery charging without violating its operating requirements

5 3811
24-01-2023, 14:24
These days, it’s not just how long you can run on a standalone power source that matters, but also how quickly you can recharge it. People often complain in the comments that their batteries—lead-acid or lithium—charge slowly, but don’t understand how to speed things up using “legitimate methods.” Today I’ll try to explain why this happens and what you can do about it.

3 93713
Vapcell F52 21700 5200mAh Batteries

3 93713
22-01-2023, 11:55
It's been quite a while since I last wrote about Vapcell batteries, but I recently received a package from them with four samples. So today, here's part one: 21700 batteries rated at 5200mAh.

7 16233
Delayed deliveries, lost parcels, and indifferent customer support? Meest-express is for you. Updated 05.01.23

7 16233
5-01-2023, 22:29
I never thought I'd have to write a post like this, but I wanted to warn you about the problems you may run into when using Meest-express.
EagleTac 17650 1600mAh batteries from Nkon
27-12-2022, 02:37
I happened to get my hands on some batteries in the relatively uncommon 17650 form factor. I couldn't resist testing them, and as it turned out, I was right to do so.

7 0751
How to Choose an Adjustable Converter

7 0751
25-12-2022, 02:53
Among hobbyists—and professionals, for that matter—so-called bench power supplies are very popular. Most are essentially universal adjustable voltage and current sources. Some offer extra features in addition to the usual controls, such as trigger-based overload protection, mode memory, or remote control from a PC or smartphone. But in any case, they’re still adjustable power supplies.

11 41923
Features of backup power, or what to do during rolling blackouts, Part 3: Batteries

11 41923
4-12-2022, 02:47
Today I'd like to talk about the characteristics of different types of batteries, focusing on their use in UPSs and, more generally, for long-term off-grid power. I'll try to explain the differences between the various battery types, what situations they're suited to, and some charging-related details.

12 3627
Power supplies: how they differ and how to choose the right one

12 3627
25-11-2022, 23:59
A common question is which power supply to choose for powering an amplifier, LED lighting, an adjustable converter, and other equally useful devices. Choosing a power supply is an important task, so let's take a look at how they differ and how to choose “the one.”

44 88516
DC-DC converters: differences and how to choose the right one

44 88516
11-11-2022, 22:26
Sometimes it feels like voltage converters are everywhere, even in places where you wouldn't expect to find them. You can find them in power banks, smartphones, TV boxes, computers, USB hubs, routers, and many other devices. But converters are also sold as standalone modules, intended for everything from hobbyist projects to professional use. And today, we're going to talk about these "invisible helpers".

11 18428
Features of off-grid power, or what to do during rolling blackouts, Part 2: UPSs and inverters

11 18428
9-11-2022, 02:58
Last time, we looked at relatively compact devices for storing electricity that can help you charge your phone, laptop, or tablet. But I can already hear the obvious question: what do you do when you need to power something more demanding, or something that requires AC? So yes, today I’ll talk about uninterruptible power supplies and the finer points of using them.

7 92816
Features of off-grid power, or what to do during rolling blackouts, Part 1: power banks

7 92816
5-11-2022, 01:29
Lately, I’ve been asked several times about the same thing: how to keep various devices and appliances running when the power goes out. Today I wanted to talk a little about it so I don’t have to repeat my answers in private messages and can save myself some time while giving you a more complete answer.

3 5010
Noname 18650 batteries with a capacity of 2600 mAh

3 5010
Some batteries I’d never seen before landed in my hands—or, to be more precise, they first landed with a friend of mine. He wanted to find out more about them, so he asked me to test them in different modes and give him my opinion.

7 0492
Design mistakes found in switching power supplies

7 0492
23-09-2022, 00:57
Today, I'm actually going to talk about a single power supply. The idea for this article came to me spontaneously while I was sorting through a pile of junk at home and came across one of the power supplies.





