Table of Contents
Utilities
Utility to easily select electronics and engineering symbols it insert into your documents.
Some examples: ° ± ≠ ≥ ⸫ µ Ω π ½ ● □
Resources & Recommendations
Amazon, ebay and AliExpress can provide many components, but they are often not the best choice to purchase quality components. This list includes reliable sources of quality components.
Programs (mostly free) that I have found to be useful
iBOM is an extension to EasyEDA (standard edition) to aid in assembly of printed circuit boards. It displays a BOM (Bill of Materials) next to a diagram of the circuit board. Clicking on an item in the BOM highlights every location on the board where that component is used.
Projects
For about 20 bucks in parts, you can create a lab-grade power supply that provides a wide voltage range at 5 amps, constant current mode and a digital readout of volts, amps, and power statistics. In addition there are 5v @ 1 amp and 12v @ 12+ amps fixed outputs.
Lego Technic frames and laser-cut acrylic panels can be used to create professional-quality custom enclosures you can be proud of. Rowmark Colorcast acrylic can be used to make a great control panel.
This servo clock was developed 15 years ago and was my first microcontroller. The servo clock looks like a giant voltmeter with a sweep of 12 hours, with marks to indicate quarter-hour increments. My clock runs from 12 - 12 and at midnight and noon, the needle zips back to the beginning,
Carrying a couple large drinks and a bag of takeout food can be challenging, with the fear that pressboard drink carriers are about to fail, This acrylic drink carrier can handle the largest takeout cups and is easy to carry.
If you're caring for an elderly parent or relative with cognitive impairment, this simple project using a 24 hour quartz clock movement can increase their awareness of time and events.
A primer on USB C PD (Power Delivery) power supplies and a practical application.
Tips
Lock footprints make soldering headers to printed circuit boards quick and easy, and ensure the headers are perpendicular to the board.
Prevent those "oh crap" moments caused by hooking up the power backwards. This P-channel MOSFET method is simple and doesn't introduce the typical diode voltage drop.
When laying out printed circuit boards, mounting holes should be included, but they are often squeezed in at the last minute, not leaving clearance for screw heads or spacers. Creating a footprint that shows needed fastener and tool clearance helps ensure adequate clearance.
Custom aluminum panels are kind of expensive when purchased in small quantities. Rowmark Colorcast acrylic can be used to make beautiful labeled and even back-lit panels at a reasonable cost.
Printed circuit boards can be used as inexpensive good-looking panels. Properly machined panels with silk screen labels will make any project look fantastic.