Brown Sound in a Box

Eddie Van Halen's "Brown Sound": tracing guitar evolution from jazz to solid-body guitars. Highlights his Frankenstrat Superstrat, unique amp and effects setup, and building a pedal to emulate his tone—imperfections add character.

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Methods of Implementing DC PLC Protocols

DC PLC protocols enable power line communication, crucial for solar panel monitoring and industrial motor control. The G3-PLC protocol, maintained by G3-Alliance, requires certified chipsets for signal processing and encryption, with major producers like Maxim Integrated and STMicroelectronics. PLC-Lite utilizes TI's processors. IEEE 2847-2021, backed by a South Korean startup, lacks dedicated chips, relying on software. Specialized chipsets are cost-effective, except for IEEE 2847-2021.

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Old School Digital Frequency Counter

Build a digital frequency counter without a microcontroller. Convert waveforms to pulses via diodes. Use an MC14553B counter and CD4017 sequencer. Measure frequency by counting pulses over one second.

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Review, teardown, and testing of ERPF-400-24 Mean Well power supply

The ERPF-400-24 Mean Well power supply features a 24V DC output with a 16.7A current, supporting AC inputs from 90 to 264V, with reduced power output between 90-200V. It's housed in a metal case with a perforated lid, offering voltage adjustment and active PFC. Testing revealed stable output voltage, low noise, and adequate dynamic performance. Build quality is decent, but compound application has gaps, affecting moisture protection. The unit operates safely up to 100% load, requiring added water protection for outdoor use.

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Telecommunication protocols application interaction

Explore application communication in the OSI model via data encapsulation. Learn about LANs vs. WANs, MAC protocols, Ethernet and Wi-Fi dominance, network topologies, transmission media, and wireless security.

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Why there are so many diverse Tube Screamers?

Maxon's OD808 (1979), developed by Susumu Tamura, became the Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer, based on the BOSS OD-1 with a tone control added. It inspired many overdrive pedals that enhance amp overdrive by emphasizing certain frequencies.

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Communication protocols for PLC on DC lines

DC Power Line Communication (PLC) systems face challenges because power cables aren't designed for communication frequencies, leading to signal reflections and interference. Solutions include limiting data rates, using OFDM modulation, and selecting suitable frequencies. Protocols like PLC-G3 (up to 45 kbps, 1300 ft range) are standardized and secure, used in green energy systems. PLC-Lite (up to 21 kbps, 130 ft range) is cost-effective but limited. IEEE 2847-2021 offers longer range but lower speeds. DC PLCs are vital in solar energy and industry, where cost-effectiveness outweighs high data rates.

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A simple DIY guitar tremolo pedal

How to build a simple DIY guitar tremolo pedal using three transistors? Electronic tremolo is easy to create without altering amplifier bandwidth or signal delay. The design uses a low-frequency oscillator (LFO) and a voltage-controlled amplifier (VCA), each on one transistor. Excellent results with a simple, thoughtful design (like the Univox U65RN and EA tremolo).

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Review, teardown, and testing of RS-150-24 Mean Well power supply

We teardown and tested RS-150-24 from Mean Well (150W) in different modes. It's a 24V power supply with a 6.3A current limit and dual AC input ranges. It lacks PFC and thermal protection and operates with passive cooling. Tests show stable and low-noise output voltage. The unit heats significantly at full load, suggesting a safe operational limit of 70-80% load to prevent overheating and potential hazards. Overload protection is in "hiccup mode."

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Telecommunication protocols: OSI model (continued)

What determines the type of network protocol? Which type of traffic is tolerant of delays, and which is tolerant of errors, and vice versa? How the quality of signal transmission at the physical layer affects the complexity of the data link layer?

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DAC0832 Digital-to-Analog Converter

The DAC0832 is a precise digital-to-analog converter used with the LM317T for voltage control in power supplies. It features dual latches, requires an op-amp, and uses 74HC193 counters for digital input management.

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Using PLC on DC power lines

Modern energy systems use DC, especially in solar power. NEC mandates reducing solar array voltage to 30 volts in emergencies. Power Line Communication (PLC) enables safe, efficient control and data transmission, outperforming wireless and PoE in reliability and cost.

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Between Analog and Digital: Comparators

Comparators compare voltages and are used in devices like microcontrollers. They resemble operational amplifiers and can be used in PWM circuits and thermometers. Comparators convert analog signals to digital logic, enabling automated control with hysteresis for stability. They can operate without microcontrollers, as shown in an electronic thermometer using LM324 chips.

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Disadvantages of Mean Well LRS series power supplies

In this post, I want to share a subjective and perhaps picky view about the LRS-200, and LRS-350 sources as a person, a user, not as a professional.

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Telecommunications Protocols: Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Model

OSI in the modern understanding of computer networks Evolution of computer networks from global to local networks Basic principles of the OSI model

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How does logic work? Decoders and Demultiplexers

Decoders and demultiplexers expand microcontroller ports and create effects like running lights. The CD4017 chip, clocked by a multivibrator, lights LEDs dynamically. Using the binary CD4060 with a 74HC138 decoder simplifies the circuit. The 74HC154 offers more outputs, enhancing digital functionality.

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PLC: data transfer over power lines

Power Line Communication (PLC) uses high frequencies to transfer data over power lines, allowing simultaneous power and data transmission. Initially used for dispatcher communication, PLC gained traction in the 1990s for internet access but couldn't compete with faster options. Today, it's used in smart meters, street lighting, and home automation. Despite challenges like interference and signal barriers, PLC remains a niche but essential technology.

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How does logic work? The magic of the CD4017 decimal counter

The CD4017 decimal counter and its simplicity, efficiency, and applications. Various practical uses for creating sequential lighting effects and controlling devices such as a wheel of fortune, electronic dice, and party lights with sound response controlled by the CD4017 and NE555 timer.

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We've created a controlled resistive load. But why?!

Building a custom controlled resistive load: a comprehensive guide to overcoming the limitations of commercial test devices for power supply testing using Raspberry PI and DIY electronic circuit design

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Which reflectometer to choose for new fiber-optic lines?

Bidirectional and unidirectional testing. Checking the optical line at both ends with two reflectometers. Bidirectional testing using one OTDR.

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