Thermal Imager: What Is It and What Do You Do with One?
10-02-2016, 11:40
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.

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Tamiya L6.2, connectors for connecting batteries

8 2420
4-02-2016, 04:24
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 :)
ZXY6020S, or the next chapter in the story of a DIY high-power bench power supply
2-02-2016, 07:57
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.
Large OLED Display or Building a Powerful Power Supply, Part 2
2-02-2016, 07:57
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.
ZKE EBC-A10, a multifunctional electronic load with a battery tester
12-01-2016, 13:43
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.
BX205, self-leveling cross-line laser level with five beams and a plumb point
9-01-2016, 12:21
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.
Another batch of Samsung batteries, this time protected ICR18650-32A cells (updated review)
7-01-2016, 10:35
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.

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An Interesting USB Microscope

7 7350
6-01-2016, 03:55
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.
TS100 Soldering Iron, or a Familiar Tool in a New Form
21-12-2015, 08:28
I saw the news about this soldering iron a few months ago. I don't think I need to say how much I wanted to try it. And since a soldering iron is one of my main tools at work, I was twice as eager to give it a try. Impressions, analysis, conclusions—all as usual, after the jump.
TV box with the new S905—let's see how it performs
17-12-2015, 10:32
I got another Android TV box to review, but this time it's powered by the new Amlogic S905 processor. I'm curious to see how it compares with its predecessor. Let's take a look, get hands-on, take it apart, and test it.

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Cosmetics Organizers and a Quick-Witted Seller

3 5280
15-12-2015, 01:31
Today I have a review of the kind that lets me take a break from chips, circuit boards, and other bits of hardware.
Power Supplies, Small and Very Small
13-12-2015, 09:39
Power supplies aren't always high-power units; some are very small, but no less useful for it. Today I have four representatives of this class of power supply on my “operating table,” but they'll go through the same tests as always.
TP-Link TL-WR702N or my new little helper
10-12-2015, 15:18
I recently posted a review of video cameras, and today's review is about a little helper that makes setting up IP cameras easier. The helper is a slightly modified compact TP-Link TL-WR702N router. Anyway, if you're interested in making something useful yourself, read on. I hope you'll find it interesting.
INR18650-25R test and a little story about one order
8-12-2015, 09:33
Not long ago, on November 5 to be exact, I ordered a number of Samsung INR18650-25R batteries. I was so “lucky” with the timing that the next morning they announced a sale on them. I wrote about it in the relevant thread. It took less than a month for them to arrive, and naturally, I tested them. So, here's the story of the order and delivery, and the results.
4 MP DS-2CD2042WD-I camera and the updated version of my favorite DS-2CD2032F-I in one review
5-12-2015, 23:40
My regular readers know that I work with video surveillance systems. So I couldn't pass up the new 4 MP camera, and when I ordered another batch of the familiar DS-2CD2032 cameras, I picked one up to test as well. But since the DS-2CD2032 is now available in an updated version called the DS-2CD2032F-I, I decided to combine the two and write one review covering both. So, read on if you're interested in components for proper video surveillance systems.
Multichannel DC-DC Converter Pico PSU ATX and a Little About How to Use It
30-11-2015, 00:36
I understand that writing about a converter like this now is a bit like reviewing a steam locomotive's smokestack: interesting, but nobody needs it. But I figured that if I ended up needing one, it might come in handy for someone else too.
48 Volts, 5 Amps and 240 Watts, or the Power Supply That Managed to Surprise Me
29-11-2015, 08:14
<!--image_begin:https://www.kirich.blog/uploads/posts/2015-11/1448774040_48-volt-5-amper-i-240-vatt-ili-blok-pitaniya-kotoryy-smog-udivit.jpg|left|48 Volts, 5 Amps and 240 Watts, or the Power Supply That Managed to Surprise Me--><!--image_end--> Many of you know how much I like different power supplies. I’ve reviewed 5, 12, 24 and 36 V power supplies, and today it’s time for the next step: a 48 V power supply. So, a 48 V, 240 W power supply has landed on my workbench. We’ll take it apart, measure it, test it and, of course, analyze it.
A very short mini-review of a netbook battery
27-11-2015, 01:16
Another review in the “look what arrived” series. It all started when an acquaintance brought me his netbook to repair. The first diagnosis was that the battery was dead. Anyway, I ordered one, received it, and wrote a short report in case it might be useful.















