So who here is into electronics?

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Speedy885

182 posts

Master Geek

#74380 28-Dec-2010 19:40

Hi just wondering how many of you out there are into electronics? eg finding a schematic of something useful and building it to see if it works and how well it performs at the task it was designed for.

I usually find radio transmitter circuits for broadcasting music around my house. AM and FM but mostly FM and see how well they perform in terms of audio quality and frequency stability.

SepticSceptic

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#422337 29-Dec-2010 10:47

Yeah, generally, when I can find the time, and a bit of spare bench space :-)

Bit of valve work way back when I was a teenager, moved to those new fangled things called transistors, then IC's, TTL, analog, etc. Bit of PIC and STAMP microcontroller work.

Quite a few FM transmitters - most 2 transistor designs - seeing how far we could broadcast across the district - quite a few KM's if you cranked and tuned the tank coils just right. All completely illegal back then.. no micro-power licenses back then ...

Breadboarded and strip-boarded a heap of hobbyist projects - light chasers, musical horns, etc. Still have a pile of electronic components tucked away in storage - probably even original Signetics 555 times IC's, of which this chip design is now over 40 years old, and STILL in use.! Albeit with a few newer variances ,,,,

Unfortunately, iv'e run out of time to pursue much hobbyist electronics of late - too many other distractions.

dontpanic42

1574 posts

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#422456 29-Dec-2010 19:48

I used to delve into the odd DSE kit back in the day (amateurish, I know ;) ), but haven't really had the time or interest of late.

Although I seem to be fixing a lot of mistreated laptop power cords recently. Heat-shrink and a soldering iron to the rescue. ;)
There really needs to be a better designed rugged cable for laptop chargers. But then again, aftermarket generic laptop charger manufacturers wouldn't make any money. Thankfully there's always trademe.

/rant ;)

richms

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#422476 29-Dec-2010 21:19

Was, then got sidetracked with the whole computer thing, getting back into it now, and its great that parts and kits and stuff are available out of china so cheap now.

I have a couple of 350 watt amp kits waiting for me to clear some space to make them up. Should probably get some heatsinking sorted out too.

Richard rich.ms

Speedy885

182 posts

Master Geek

#422514 29-Dec-2010 22:30

richms: Was, then got sidetracked with the whole computer thing, getting back into it now, and its great that parts and kits and stuff are available out of china so cheap now.

I have a couple of 350 watt amp kits waiting for me to clear some space to make them up. Should probably get some heatsinking sorted out too.

Audio or RF amps? im guessing audio...

richms

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#422518 29-Dec-2010 22:40

mikelday:
richms: Was, then got sidetracked with the whole computer thing, getting back into it now, and its great that parts and kits and stuff are available out of china so cheap now.

I have a couple of 350 watt amp kits waiting for me to clear some space to make them up. Should probably get some heatsinking sorted out too.

Audio or RF amps? im guessing audio...

Yes, got lucky with a trademe listing for a 55-0-55 transfromer so asked the guy and he changed some resistors to make it ok on the slightly higher rail voltage.

Richard rich.ms

Speedy885

182 posts

Master Geek

#422531 29-Dec-2010 23:07

richms:
mikelday:
richms: Was, then got sidetracked with the whole computer thing, getting back into it now, and its great that parts and kits and stuff are available out of china so cheap now.

I have a couple of 350 watt amp kits waiting for me to clear some space to make them up. Should probably get some heatsinking sorted out too.

Audio or RF amps? im guessing audio...

Yes, got lucky with a trademe listing for a 55-0-55 transfromer so asked the guy and he changed some resistors to make it ok on the slightly higher rail voltage.

Sweet what sort of speakers are you gonna run the amp into?

richms

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#422535 29-Dec-2010 23:25

These dinosaur mcintosh ml-1c's that a friend has given me on long term loan. Very nice bottom end once equalized but damn they need power, and dont suffer from the lets be really detailed problem that more modern ones do which makes anything mixed recently sound like arse on anything half decent.

Richard rich.ms