Technical Notes and Articles
Informative Articles, Technical Notes and Reference Material
We produce many technical documents, reference guides, application notes, and much more. As we generate new material, they will be added to our collection here.
Do you have an article or document that you think would be valuable to other visitors? If so, feel free to contact us, and we would be happy to include your work here. Don’t worry if it is not formatted; we can format your contributions to fit into the format needed to have your work published.
Vintage Computers and Components
Listing of some of our vintage PCs, accessories, and components we are offering for sale.
TRS-80 Model 4 Easy Power Supply Refurbishing
Details on refurbishing a TRS-80 Model 4 power supply.
Hikvision and Google Chrome Compatibility
Hikvision NVRs lack remote viewing capabilities with Google Chrome. This walkthru provides details on how to restore viewing capabilities.
Inexpensive Blades For the Cameo Silhouette 4
Cameo Silhouette blades are costly with a limited life. Graphtec CB09 blades and holders produce superior results inexpensively.
Resistor Color Code Calculator
A resistor is one of the most common building block used in electronics circuits. Resistors are available in several shapes and sizes. This tool decodes information for all color banded resistors.
LED Series Dropping Resistor Calculator
Online tool to assist you in determining the optimal value of the series dropping resistor to limit the current through your LED circuit.
32-LED LED Heart Display Kit
Colorful LED Heart kit can be assembled by a novice kit builder in one evening. Includes all parts including 32 multi-color LEDs, USB power connections, and PC board.
Creality Ender 3 – 3D Printer
The Creality Ender 3 is a remarkable low-cost 3D printer. An excellent first-time 3D printer and also an attractive option for an additional printer to your collection. See our handy hints so you too can get the most from your Ender 3.
Vinyl Decals Beautifully Installed in 7 Easy Steps
Quick instructions on how to easily install vinyl decals on a vehicle or any surface.
Gel Cell Charger
The GCC01 Gel Cell Charger utilizes a highly accurate and effective solution, which will fully charge 12v Gel Cell batteries and indefinitely maintain your cells on a float charge.
LED Blinky – Dual LED Flasher Kit
LED Blinky – Dual LED Flasher in a Do-It-Yourself Kit or Bare PC Board. Tiny 1.2″ x 1.2″ board holds all components for this ultra-simple LED flasher circuit.
Proto Arduino – DIY Prototype Board
Arduino Nano or ATTiny85 prototype development board. The Proto Arduino is a versatile prototyping platform. Compatible with the Arduino Nano v3 or Digispark style ATTiny85.
LED Dazzler – HL1606 LED Ribbon Controller
The LED Dazzler is a complex, yet simple design to control HL1606 based RGB LED ribbon. Available assembled or as a kit of components.
LED fX – LED Lighting Effects Controller
Incredible LED effects controller with 16 output channels with 16 elegant LEDs. Available as a DIY kit for building at home.
LED fX 37 Sample Effects
Graphical examples of the LED animation sequences from the LED fX controller. Visualize how your LED fX will look.
LED Rainbow RGB Controller
The LED Rainbow is a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) controller which generates color-changing effects on RGB LEDs and LED ribbons. Available as a DIY kit.
10mm Color Changing LED
Color Cycling LEDs are a very different type of LED. Each features three separate LEDs connected to a dedicated microcontroller inside of the LED. When powered, the LED will automatically perform a slow fade cycle.
LED Specifications and Application Notes
Full specifications, electrical information, and details on 3mm, 5mm, 8mm, 10mm, STAR, and Piranha LEDs
50A Digital Voltage and Ammeter
Compact digital panel meter measures currents from 0-49.9A and voltages from 0-99.9V DC through dual 0.28″ LED displays. Complete with an external 50A shunt.
Candle Flicker LED
Candle Flicker LEDs are a new generation of LEDs that incorporate a tiny microprocessor which, when power is applied, will closely mimic a real candle flame.
PWM LED Driver for High Power 1 or 3 Watt LEDs
Driver for 1 watt or 3 watt High Power LEDs. LED drivers can be a confusing part of LED technology. Our exclusive Driver Board holds three LED Drivers and delivers PWM power to up to 12 high power LEDs
How To Crimp an RJ45 Connector
Crimping and RJ45 Connector Correctly. How to properly wire and crimp an RJ45 connector for Cat5/5e Ethernet cable.
Mini DC-DC Step Down Power Converter Board
Highly efficient DC step down power converter board features a 5V-15V input voltage and delivers up the 3A output at 1.25V, 1.5V, 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V or 5V output in a tiny easy to use package.
UV LED PC Board Exposure Build
Design overview of a do-it-yourself design to build a UV exposure system using UV LEDs. This UV LED system can expose your boards in 30 seconds or less. This UV Light Source is capable of exposing photo-resist or for the UV curing of different paints and finishes.
WS2812 NeoPixel Ring to ATTiny85 Guide
The NeoPixel WS2812 LED Ring and Arduino ATTiny85 are the perfect combinations for the creation of elegant LED lighting solutions.