Search found 140 matches

by Rodney
Wed Jul 29, 2015 9:25 am
Forum: Computer Programming
Topic: Make Win8.1 boot from a USB
Replies: 2
Views: 4745

Make Win8.1 boot from a USB

I have a USB that is supposed to let you boot any computer direct from the USB. I can not see how one sets the Win8.1 to boot first from the USB. How do you set the boot sequence? Thanks, Rodney Oh yes, this is a Dell desktop.
by Rodney
Sun Aug 03, 2014 11:58 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Boda antenna construction
Replies: 4
Views: 6805

Boda antenna construction

I am curious as to what a BODA antenna is. One of my source describe it as a boosted omni directional antenna constructed by just taking the outer shield of a coax and folding it back over the original cable and leaving the center conductor that is now exposed as the antenna. The length of the expos...
by Rodney
Sun Jun 29, 2014 12:08 pm
Forum: Computer Programming
Topic: Is it possible to pigyback three programs on the Ardunio?
Replies: 4
Views: 6921

Re: Is it possible to pigyback three programs on the Ardunio

Yes, just make the 2nd and 3rd program as programs that you call from the main program or, make each of the three programs as separate programs that you call from a master program. This is like using Gosubs in basic. You can make use of the "if,then" or "else" type functions to s...
by Rodney
Wed Jan 15, 2014 7:12 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Diode forward/reverse resistance measurement
Replies: 8
Views: 8528

Re: Diode forward/reverse resistance measurement

The only good way I have found to check the impedance of a diode is to use an oscilloscope. Use the X and Y axis. put the current through the diode on one axis and the voltage across it on the other axis and power it with an AC voltage. The slope of the trace on the scope will be an indications of t...
by Rodney
Tue Oct 15, 2013 2:05 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Sealed Lead Acid
Replies: 16
Views: 9420

Re: Sealed Lead Acid

Most of these early failures are due to improper use. You must NEVER discharge to deeply and always charge at not more than 0.1C. Always recharge as soon as the voltage falls to 11.9 volts on a 6 cell battery and use a charger that will not overcharge.
by Rodney
Tue Sep 17, 2013 10:22 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Wayne Green has passed away
Replies: 1
Views: 2287

Re: Wayne Green has passed away

The old Killobaud Magazine was one of my favorites. Always admired Mr. Green's intellect and his way to word things as well as his sometimes unconventional way of looking at things. He was a rare and appreciated individual.
by Rodney
Sun Apr 14, 2013 6:44 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Batteries in a vacuum
Replies: 14
Views: 7681

Re: Batteries in a vacuum

I would definately contact the manufacturer of any batteries you might be using; I'm afraid most of the batteries would have some out gassing or even fluid leaks. Even capacitors are a problem under vacuum, especially any electrolyitics as they will also outgas.
by Rodney
Mon Mar 25, 2013 9:12 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: High Voltage Circuit
Replies: 16
Views: 9729

Re: High Voltage Circuit

The July 1962 issue of Popular Electronics had a circuit to convert battery power to a higher voltage; 2.4Vin=70Vout, 4.8Vi=120Vout,6Vin=150Vout and 8Vin=200Vout; max output current 40 milliamperes. I still have it and it still works, uses two 2N392 power transistors in what I think was a multivibra...
by Rodney
Tue Oct 23, 2012 11:52 am
Forum: Computer Programming
Topic: gATEWAY p/n 5000376 terminator card, what is it?
Replies: 2
Views: 5049

gATEWAY p/n 5000376 terminator card, what is it?

I was given an older Gateway computer which has two of the P/N 5000376 cards in two of the memory slots. They appear to be just blank cards. What is their purpose? Is it necessary to have them in the slots (they are in two of the slots with regular memory modules in the first two slots)? The compute...
by Rodney
Sun Aug 26, 2012 5:18 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: WHERE ARE THEY?
Replies: 32
Views: 18563

Re: WHERE ARE THEY?

I still check into this forum daily. I think that the fact that electronics has become much less expensive to buy gagets that fewer people now build. I know my interest has strayed over into the micro processors, robotics, etc. and away from audio, HAM radio, test equipment (other than oscilloscopes...
by Rodney
Mon Aug 20, 2012 6:58 am
Forum: Computer Programming
Topic: Arduino, how do you make it STAND ALONE?
Replies: 3
Views: 5084

Re: Arduino, how do you make it STAND ALONE?

Thanks John. Shortly after I posted this question I did find the schematic of the Arduino and found that you could power it with separate source, looks like a typical 12 volt source would work but since I had an 8.4 ( 2 cell) volt LiPo handy, I used that as a power source and it worked fine. I was j...
by Rodney
Sun Aug 19, 2012 6:58 am
Forum: Computer Programming
Topic: Arduino, how do you make it STAND ALONE?
Replies: 3
Views: 5084

Arduino, how do you make it STAND ALONE?

After you get your sketch working and uploaded to the Arduino, how do you wean it from the computer; i.e. use it as a stand alone item? Do you just disconnect the USB and power it up with a 5 volt source or what? None of the instructions cover this or maybe I'm just to blind to see how they do it.
by Rodney
Thu Apr 12, 2012 11:29 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Fluorescent Lighting
Replies: 13
Views: 7246

Re: Fluorescent Lighting

so you just stuck the metallized tape to the bulb short of the ends. It did not make contact to anything like a floating plate capacitor kind of thing? Correct, just short of the ends (do not touch the metal ends). It was a strip about 1 inch wide the full length of the top side of the bulb on each...
by Rodney
Fri Apr 06, 2012 11:32 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Fluorescent Lighting
Replies: 13
Views: 7246

Re: Fluorescent Lighting

I was highly skeptical but I tried a suggestion posted elswhere here in the forums. I bought a roll of aluminized tape (like used on duct work to seal seams) and cut some inch wide strips just a couple inches shorter than the florecent tube; glue them to the top of each tube (they are self adhesive)...
by Rodney
Fri Mar 02, 2012 7:36 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: circular polarized antenna for 2.4GHz
Replies: 1
Views: 2122

circular polarized antenna for 2.4GHz

Is it possible to set up a typical hobby type 2.4GHz transmitter for circular polarization? If so, any suggestions on where to get the details to try it? Reason, to use on RC boats where reflections off the water can cause serious problems. Circular polarization would elimiate the reflection problem...