I’ve decided to move spectrum analyzer posts onto their own page. I’ve been getting complaints from approx. 25% of my readership (hi, Katie) that I’m crossing the line to “too nerdy”. So, I’ll let you opt-in to hearing about it. The page is available under the title banner, near the “about” and “thesis” page. I’ll write sub pages for each module. Unfortunately, I don’t think there’s a way to make an RSS feed of changes to this page, so if you’re interested you’ll just have to check in occasionally. I’ll also post when it’s all done, so there is that to look forward to. Anyway, that’s all. :)
I’ve decided to hold off posting spectrum analyzer modules until they’re complete. I’ve been collecting tons of pictures along the way, so hopefully the post for each module will be interesting and visually appealing. With that in mind, I can’t post about any of the modules with the exception of this one. Read more…
I’ve verified each of the 3 mixers that I need for the spectrum analyzer. The one above is mixer 2. The schematic for this mixer is available from Scotty’s site. Read more…
IMPORTANT!! – I’ve made a special page for my construction and testing of the spectrum analyzer. It’s available on the navigation bar below the blog title banner, or here.
A while back I bought a spectrum analyzer kit. It can display waveforms in the frequency domain from 0 to 1000 Mhz. I haven’t worked on it for a while, but I’ve decided to start working on it again. If you’re interested in more information, there is a webpage for the analyzer by the guy who designed it, and there’s a Yahoo group, also. If you’re really-really interested there is a group buy open (until the 28th of march 2010) here. Anyway, I’m sure it’s of limited use to my usual readers (thanks, friends & family! [oh who am I kidding, most of my family doesn't read this ]), but it may be useful to others working on the kit. I’ll post the “annotated” CAD images for each board here, and add images of the completed boards when I finish them. Who knows, it may be interesting for someone. Also, I’ll include my thoughts and observations while building these boards. Finally, not all the boards that come with the kit include annotated layouts, so I’ll have to dig around and figure out what they do and what to put on them Read more…
I’ve been developing a RF transceiver for use with my Kadet. I really like these Micrel RadioWire modules, but they basically must be reflow soldered. They’re also about $16/ea. in single unit quantities, so I want to make sure that the carrier PCB works before I solder on the module (I’ve made that mistake already!). With that in mind, I had to figure out how to solder the module on after all the other components were installed. This means hand soldering. Looking on the datasheet, they say that it can be done, using solder paste. So, here’s documentation of my attempt.
I find myself posting something someone else did again. I found this via Hack-a-Day, and it is an astonishingly well-done documentary about the culture that I value, and for which this blog is related. Enjoy.
I’ve finally gotten my home weather station online! I’m using a Oregon Scientific WMR918 system with anemometer (wind speed), wind direction, temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure sensors. Click here to access the current and recent readings, or the beta version of an integrated page (also available in the navigation bar below the blog title) and “read more” to find out how it works.
I’ve decided to spend some time profiling the toaster oven. In addition, I’ve made a simple controller board that may get the brains to manage a reflow operation on it’s own one day. For now, I’m satisfied learning more about the oven’s capabilities. An interesting thing to notice is that it (appears) incapable of satisfying the recommended profile from Kester.
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]), but it may be useful to others working on the kit. I’ll post the “annotated” CAD images for each board here, and add images of the completed boards when I finish them. Who knows, it may be interesting for someone. Also, I’ll include my thoughts and observations while building these boards. Finally, not all the boards that come with the kit include annotated layouts, so I’ll have to dig around and figure out what they do and what to put on them 
