A pair of 1080P AHD cameras from KKmoon
9-05-2017, 10:56
I decided to review these cameras not so much because of the cameras themselves, but because of their manufacturer. About a year ago, I came across Kkmoon when I bought a thermal imager, so I decided to see what they had to offer for video surveillance. In any case, the review will follow my usual format: inspection, teardown, and tests.
A pair of AHD 1920x1080 cameras + DVR
3-05-2017, 16:09
Last month I posted a review of a kit with four AHD cameras and a DVR made by Cotier. At the same time, I ordered a pair of 2 MP AHD cameras from the same manufacturer. But as it turned out, this ended up becoming a review of both the cameras and a different DVR. Anyway, you can see what happened, why, and how in this review.
ILIFE A4 robot vacuum, a little helper around the house
28-04-2017, 12:02
I was offered the chance to try out a product that was unusual for me: a robot vacuum. Since I really like all kinds of automated devices, I couldn't turn it down, so here you are reading this review. A vacuum cleaner is certainly useful, but in this case I was more interested in it as an automated device. Still, as always, although the main focus today will be taking it apart.
Beelink AP42, another Apollo Lake N4200 mini PC
27-04-2017, 14:13
At the beginning of the year, I wrote about a rather interesting computer based on Intel's new Pentium N4200 processor with Apollo Lake cores. Almost everything about that computer was interesting, but it had some drawbacks, such as noise. This time, Beelink decided to take a shot at it, releasing a fanless model with the same processor. Did they succeed? Find out in this review.
UNI-T UT387B, a tool for locating hidden utilities
Finding—or, more precisely, locating—wires and rebar inside walls is very useful when doing repairs or installing various equipment. This review is about one such tool. It’s quite specialized, but still useful.
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Output Filters for Switching Power Supplies
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20-04-2017, 19:57
A short video about power supply output filters.
Z28, TV box with the new RK3328
20-04-2017, 10:58
I was offered the chance to take a look at a TV box based on a new SoC from RockChip, and I couldn't say no. If you're interested in a closer look, teardown, tests, and a few conclusions, read on.
10-Watt Laser Engraver
20-04-2017, 03:49
I’ve already reviewed a DIY engraver with a 2.5-Watt laser. As it happened, I got my hands on a similar engraver, but four times more powerful, though it does have a few quirks of its own. Everything about the engraver and its quirks, as always, after the jump.
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Input Filters for Switching Power Supplies
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18-04-2017, 19:42
It all started when I decided to make a video about power supply filters and what they do. I gave it a try, but realized the topic was too big to cover in a single video, so I ended up splitting it into two parts. The first part is about the input mains filter.
YUNDOO Y8, a powerful TV box
14-04-2017, 14:38
A new release for this year has landed in my hands: a TV box based on RockChip's new RK3399 SoC. Let's just say I "happened to come across it", but I couldn't resist taking a closer look—especially since mine came in what you might call the "top-of-the-line configuration": 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of flash storage. Anyway, if you're interested in the teardown, a closer look, and a few tests, read on :)
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Datasheets, manuals, descriptions, and other documentation
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11-04-2017, 21:17
I'll post links to documentation for various components in this thread. For now, it'll be a bit of everything; later, I plan to sort it by application.
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How to turn a KRENka into a switching converter
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11-04-2017, 20:08
A real-world example of using a linear regulator to build a switching converter.

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General overview of power supplies and a first look

5 5320
11-04-2017, 20:02
Just a general look at and comparison of various power supplies, as well as devices for testing them.
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ezcap284 Video Review
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11-04-2017, 19:57
My first video review—in this case, a look at and teardown of the ezcap284 video capture device. I decided to tell you about it and show you what this device looks like in real life.
Cubot Rainbow 2 smartphone
9-04-2017, 19:21
Last year I reviewed the Cubot Rainbow smartphone, and now I was offered an updated model. I was simply curious whether anything had changed, and if so, in what direction. In this review, you can take a look at the phone itself, find out how it differs from its predecessor, and see a comparative test of battery capacity when charging via USB and when measured “separately.”
Ezcap 284 HDMI, component, and composite video capture device
9-04-2017, 12:20
Not long ago, a manager from a store I hadn’t heard of before contacted me about reviewing one of their products. When I started looking through their offerings for anything interesting, I happened to come across a rather useful device in the TV box section—at least for me—so I decided to get one for testing. Details, a closer look, teardown, and testing as always after the jump.
Beelink SEA I, TV box based on the Realtek 1295, with HDMI input
27-03-2017, 17:18
Buying this TV box was a bit of a gamble, partly because of the new processor and partly because of some features you don't get with other TV boxes. But in any case, I just wanted to give it a try and check out the new "hardware". Let's take a look, put it through its paces, and take it apart.
Another power supply, this time 24 V, 20 A, and 480 W
26-03-2017, 23:57
Not long ago, I posted a review of a 360 W power supply. I mentioned then that I was waiting for a package with a couple more power supplies, but more powerful ones. The package has arrived, and I finally got around to the first one: a 480 W model. So far, this is the most powerful power supply I’ve reviewed (apart from bench power supplies), and it also has some notable differences from the previous ones. But as usual, I’ll take a look, tear it down, and test it.





