Search found 1499 matches

by Lenp
Fri May 15, 2009 4:23 am
Forum: Computer Programming
Topic: What's with the spam?
Replies: 4
Views: 2241

What's with the spam?

What is the sense of the spam that seems to be growing. I'm at a real loss as to its purpose. Most people ignore it, just dump it. and go on since the ISP's appear to be powerless to stop it. I really want to believe that the majority of people are smart enough to not fall for all the hype that surr...
by Lenp
Thu May 14, 2009 7:34 pm
Forum: Computer Programming
Topic: Which Computer Mags Still Publish Paper Copies?
Replies: 7
Views: 3230

Re: Which Computer Mags Still Publish Paper Copies?

I guess the best approach is to vote with your wallet! Yes, I feel cheated since my multi-year subscription went from print to online without any options. I requested a refund from PC Mag, the silence was deafening. It almost borders on breach of contract! So you know how I'll vote. It's like when y...
by Lenp
Thu May 14, 2009 6:13 pm
Forum: Computer Programming
Topic: Which Computer Mags Still Publish Paper Copies?
Replies: 7
Views: 3230

Re: Which Computer Mags Still Publish Paper Copies?

AH HA!

At least there's another soul out there that feels the same way. I am always being acused of being cynical, but, I just have the unusual ability to hear the thunder before I see the lightning!.
I'm considering in investing in compressed air....Someday people will pay for it!

Len
by Lenp
Thu May 14, 2009 6:04 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Panasonic tv help...
Replies: 11
Views: 4202

Simple Coil Ring Test!

Years ago when I was in the consumer repair business we modified a scope by taking a pulse from the sweep circuit output with a capacitor, maybe .1uf or so, and connected it back to the vertical input. If you put an inductor between that point and ground, and adjusted the vert gain and sweep speed, ...
by Lenp
Thu May 14, 2009 7:16 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: $50 Oscilloscope worth the money for a hobbyist?
Replies: 13
Views: 4600

Re: $50 Oscilloscope worth the money for a hobbyist?

IMO..You've made a wise choice!
Len
by Lenp
Thu May 14, 2009 6:38 am
Forum: Computer Programming
Topic: Which Computer Mags Still Publish Paper Copies?
Replies: 7
Views: 3230

Re: Which Computer Mags Still Publish Paper Copies?

It's the sign of the times. Pay more, get less and be convinced it's better. The paper issues of magazines had quality, permanence and were handy. Carry them on trips, in a briefcase, on the train and almost anyplace. Don't forget the time spent in the porcelain bowl room. Now you need a laptop, or ...
by Lenp
Thu May 14, 2009 6:09 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: $50 Oscilloscope worth the money for a hobbyist?
Replies: 13
Views: 4600

Re: $50 Oscilloscope worth the money for a hobbyist?

Setec I think that after using it for a few days, you would be drooling for a 'real' scope. For 'real' measurement use, get a large screen, two channel unit. Much better option to learn too. I second these opinions! The term cute might apply, but effective does not. Just the thought of a new $50 sco...
by Lenp
Tue May 12, 2009 8:25 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Logic Analyzer Help~
Replies: 21
Views: 8297

Re: Logic Analyzer Help~

Ron, Thanks again for your input. Are you using the basic Dataq software, or the upgrade? I can't seem to get two instances of the software for a specific unit to run. I never really tried it and this may me me missing something. What is meant by the quote above? I reviewed much of the Dataq data an...
by Lenp
Tue May 12, 2009 6:48 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Logic Analyzer Help~
Replies: 21
Views: 8297

Re: Logic Analyzer Help~

Ron, That's a really generous offer, I am tempted, but the laptops available have no serial ports. I perhaps could use a USB/serial dongle but I've had some bad success in the past with some of those. Our shop systems have serial ports but the acid test is in the hostile nvironment! Looking at the D...
by Lenp
Sun May 10, 2009 7:46 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Audio Ducking Amp
Replies: 21
Views: 6957

Re: Audio Ducking Amp

OK duckies, here's some thought... A 'ducking' amplifier appears to be an accross the pond term, and not too much used here. I think it's root is from a duck's reaction to something in the water, a quick dip down, then back up, like we duck when someone throws something. The ducking amplifier, for e...
by Lenp
Sun May 10, 2009 6:57 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Logic Analyzer Help~
Replies: 21
Views: 8297

Re: Logic Analyzer Help~

Ron, So if I get the drift, the Dataq units could log the on/off states of the inputs if I properly conditioned them. The data would be saved so that it could later be examined, printed, or whatever. It looks like the USB units, while not cascadable, can be used on separate USB inputs and that incre...
by Lenp
Sun May 10, 2009 2:38 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Logic Analyzer Help~
Replies: 21
Views: 8297

Re: Logic Analyzer Help~

To ALl I'm amazed at the response, Thanks! First I think it needs to be clear that although I started this thread as a Logic Analyzer, it probably was a misnomer. A paperless strip chart recorder may have been more accurate. I guess I was looking at all the available logic analyzers and am trying to...
by Lenp
Sun May 10, 2009 6:05 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Logic Analyzer Help~
Replies: 21
Views: 8297

Re: Logic Analyzer Help~

Hi Philba, I've considered the unit from Sparkfun. It has been out of stock from them and the manufacturer for some time. The one factor with the Dataq unit that attracted me, besides price, is that the software can handle about 30 chamnnels by just adding more analyzer modules. Since the modules ar...
by Lenp
Sat May 09, 2009 4:56 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Logic Analyzer Help~
Replies: 21
Views: 8297

Re: Logic Analyzer Help~

Hi Al, I agree, that opto-isolation is the best approach. With some of the NEC 2600 series isolators, designed for AC, there are parallel opposing polarity input LED's. That negates any AC/DC and polarity issues. With proper input scaling resistors the front end could easily and effectivly be protec...
by Lenp
Fri May 08, 2009 7:50 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Logic Analyzer Help~
Replies: 21
Views: 8297

Logic Analyzer Help~

I am considering possibly adding a logic analyzer to my collection of toys. Looking over the ebay lists, I need some directon to go in. I do not high speed. In fact, what I really need is a slower speed. I often work on PLC systems in industrial controls and would like to monitor various signals may...