Search found 385 matches

by Dave Dixon
Thu Oct 15, 2009 6:45 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Storing copper clad laminate
Replies: 3
Views: 3298

Re: Storing copper clad laminate

I think sealing/bagging the PCB material is a great idea. For what it is worth... we don't do anything with our board material. It is just loose in a drawer. Before I use a piece of it, I take one of those green "Scotchbrite" pads to it, and it shines up like brand new. Vacuum seal would s...
by Dave Dixon
Fri Oct 09, 2009 8:15 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Electronic Books
Replies: 15
Views: 8767

Re: Electronic Books

That is nice to know Robert! I just did a search on Fleabay for "ARRL Handbook" and found 68 matches. Earliest issue was 1945!!! Most all of them are at around $10. I don't think our new forum member could go wrong with any one from the early 80's or so. What do you think? 73's de N0QOF Ed...
by Dave Dixon
Fri Oct 09, 2009 4:53 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Electronic Books
Replies: 15
Views: 8767

Re: Electronic Books

One great source is the ARRL Handbook. Of course it specializes in radio and communications, but the first few chapters are great at teaching all of the basics. Don't worry about buying a brand new one either! My handbook is the 1985 edition!!! The basics remain the same though. I haven't seen the n...
by Dave Dixon
Fri Sep 04, 2009 7:55 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Test Your Tech Skills - Be a HAM
Replies: 12
Views: 6891

Re: Test Your Tech Skills - Be a HAM

I've been inactive for ages. The only thing I do anymore is listen to the stormspotters when we get our usual Kansas weather. My last great time was using 2 Meter packet to get a reply from the MIR spacestation on one occasion and NASA's space shuttle twice. Hey, it was an automated reply, but excit...
by Dave Dixon
Tue Aug 25, 2009 4:58 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Diode needed
Replies: 4
Views: 3118

Re: Diode needed

We order from Newark almost daily. I can squeeze a few in our next shipment from them if you would like. $0.481 ea (we get a discount!) and you'll have to pay for a first class stamp for me to send them USPS to you, once I get them. Let me know how many you want to buy, and if you can spare a couple...
by Dave Dixon
Fri Aug 14, 2009 5:07 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Les Paul passes away at 94
Replies: 11
Views: 5708

Re: Les Paul passes away at 94

I saw an interview once where he claimed that after he got poor results with the telephone parts, that he "borrowed" his dad's phono cartridge from their turntable every night after his dad went to bed, and made sure to return it before dad got up in the morning - else he would have been i...
by Dave Dixon
Thu Aug 13, 2009 4:48 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: PCB - some reputable companies
Replies: 3
Views: 4394

Re: PCB - some reputable companies

I have had great service from Avanti Circuits. They aren't the cheapest, but are great at giving fast quotes and deliver a great product. I met with a gentleman a few weeks ago with a place called q-fab, and he said that they were interested in smaller quantities, but I haven't personally used them....
by Dave Dixon
Thu Aug 13, 2009 4:42 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Mini amp circuit
Replies: 147
Views: 601048

Re: Mini amp circuit

CeaSaR, I can totally relate.... I have a nixie clock on my bench here at work!!! Something to be said for doing it the "old fashion" way and blowing out the old cobwebs. I did PM you the board and schematic jpg's of that new fangled one that I had fun building... I had most of the compone...
by Dave Dixon
Wed Aug 12, 2009 5:07 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Mini amp circuit
Replies: 147
Views: 601048

Re: Mini amp circuit

Image

Just thought I'd share!
Dave
by Dave Dixon
Wed Aug 05, 2009 4:51 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: And now for something completely.. er.. Different?
Replies: 16
Views: 10217

Re: And now for something completely.. er.. Different?

Just stopped in there yesterday. They caught me at the door wanting to help me. I said I needed a 75 ohm balun and some "F" type connectors and watched her eyes glass over. As I walked past, I said "antenna accessories - right this way"!
She sure knew her cell phones though.
by Dave Dixon
Tue Jul 28, 2009 1:22 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Front-panel laser-printed plastic film. advice pls
Replies: 7
Views: 5724

Re: Front-panel laser-printed plastic film. advice pls

Thanks for taking the time for a follow-up! Many times (myself included) we ask a question, get some help, get on a roll, and forget to let everyone else know what worked the best - which is obviously great for the forum. Glad you are up and running!
by Dave Dixon
Thu Jul 23, 2009 4:42 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Front-panel laser-printed plastic film. advice pls
Replies: 7
Views: 5724

Re: Front-panel laser-printed plastic film. advice pls

Good advice Bob, That is the way I did mine, but forgot to mention it! TNX

I love your signature Bob! I just bought my wife this shirt the other day.... she feels the same way about Pluto (she's a High School Science Teacher!)...
http://shirt.woot.com/Blog/ViewEntry.aspx?Id=8730
by Dave Dixon
Wed Jul 22, 2009 5:00 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Front-panel laser-printed plastic film. advice pls
Replies: 7
Views: 5724

Re: Front-panel laser-printed plastic film. advice pls

I've tried Chartpak's D&DAF (Drafting and Design Applique Film) with "some" success. I used their DAF8-10. I think my surfaces weren't smooth enough, so got a few bubbles, and the edges lifted a little as well. Maybe user error though! You should at least check out their product line f...
by Dave Dixon
Wed Jul 22, 2009 4:51 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Mini amp circuit
Replies: 147
Views: 601048

Re: Mini amp circuit

I built a cool 80mW stereo amp from a free sample I obtained from Maxim of their MAX4410. Biggest parts on the board were the 2 audio jacks! PCB I made was 1.8" X 0.7". Also required: 8 surface mount caps, 4 resistors. Got a schematic and layout in EagleCad if you'd like me to send them to...
by Dave Dixon
Mon Jul 20, 2009 10:33 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: E-Cig question
Replies: 1
Views: 2180

E-Cig question

Hi all, I know this is a hobby forum, but I've been hanging here for so many years that I trust you guys! I've been hearing about, and even seeing those new fangled electronic cigarettes. I've checked out a few sites, but am wondering if anyone has actually tried one yet. Looks like a smoker could s...