#home made pcb

[commodorez]

Cactus fascinates me, does it run on code similar to an existing instruction set or is it completely original on that front?

What can you do with it? What's it's storage?

Both the Cactus (the original wooden prototype from years ago) and the new PCB Cactus(es) are essentially derived from a minimal 6502 computer design by Grant Searle for their core logic. Here's what that would look like on a breadboard:

There isn't much to it, it's 32K of RAM, 16K of ROM containing Ohio Scientific's version of Microsoft BASIC, a 6850 ACIA for serial interaction, some logic gates, and of course a 6502 microprocessor (NMOS or CMOS, doesn't matter which). You hook it into a terminal and away you go.

Grant's design in turn can be best described as a distilled, modernized version of the OSI Challenger series of computers. Here's an OSI-400 and a Challenger 4P respectively:

The left one is a replica of the 400 circa 1976, also called the Superboard. It was affordable, endlessly reconfigurable and hackable, but ultimately very limited in capabilities. No BASIC, minimal monitor ROM you talk to over serial, but you could connect it to a bus to augment its features and turn it into a more powerful computer.

Whereas the OSI C4P on the right from about 1979 has more RAM, a video card, keyboard, BASIC built in, serial interface, cassette tape storage, and that's just the standard configuration. There was more room to expand and augment it to your needs inside the chassis (alot changed in 3 years for home computer users).

Grant's minimal 6502 design running OSI BASIC is a good starter project for hobbyists. I learned about the 6502's memory map decoding from his design. I modified and implemented his design on a separate cards that could connect to a larger backplane.

Here are the serial, ROM, RAM, and CPU cards respectively:

Each one is 100% custom, containing many modifications and fixes as I developed the design. However, that's only half of the computer.

I really wanted a 6502 machine with a front panel. People told me "nobody did that", or couldn't think of examples from the 1970s but that seemed really strange to me. Especially since I had evidence to the contrary in the form of the OSI-300:

This one I saw at VCF West back in 2018 illustrates just how limited of a design it is. 128 bytes of RAM, no ROM, no serial -- just you, the CPU, and toggle switches and LEDs to learn the CPU. I was inspired the first time I saw one in 2015 at VCF East, which is probably when this whole project got set in motion.

Later that year I bought a kit for a miniature replica OSI-300 made by Christopher Bachman, and learned really quickly how limited the design philosophy for this particular front panel was. It was a major pain in the ass to use (to be clear, that's by OSI's choice, not any fault of Christopher in his implementation)

So... I designed my own. Took awhile, but that's the core of what the Cactus is: my attempt at experiencing the 1970s homebrew scene by building the computer I would have wanted at the time. Over half of the logic in the Cactus is just to run the front panel's state machine, so you can examine and modify the contents of memory without bothering the 6502. I added in all of the things I liked from more advanced front panels I had encountered, and designed it to my liking.

Here's the original front panel, accompanying logic, and backplane connected to the modern single board computer (SBC) version of the machine:

And here's the new Cactus SBC working with the new front panel PCB, which combines the logic, physical switch mountings, and cabling harnesses into a single printed circuit board.

So, what can you do with it? Pretty much the same things I do already with other contemporary 1970s computers: play around in BASIC, fire up the occasional game, and tinker with it.

I've got no permanent storage designed for the Cactus as yet, it's been one of those "eventually" things. The good news is that a variety of software can be ported to the hardware without too much trouble for an experienced hobbyist. A friend of mine wrote a game called ZNEK in 6502 assembly which runs from a terminal:

Right now, you have to either toggle in machine programs from the front panel from scratch, burn a custom ROM, or connect it to a serial terminal to gain access to its more advanced features:

Here's it booted into OSI BASIC, but I have also added in a modern descendant of Steve Wozniak's WOZMON software for when I need to do lower level debugging.

I've also got a video card now, based on the OSI-440. I have yet to implement a keyboard, or modify BASIC to use the video board instead of the serial connection. Even if I did, screen resolution is pretty limited at 24x24 characters on screen at once. Still, I'm working on that...

Anyway, I hope that answers your question. Check the tags below to see the whole process stretching back to 2017 if you're curious to learn more of the project's history. I'm also happy to answer any more questions you might have about the project.

[khwxbeeda]

At the age of eight, I first learnt jealousy. I learnt it by feeling it, by grabbing it with both hands and tugging it close to my heart; my mother kissed my baby sister's forehead, but not mine. Never mine.

At ten, I learnt betrayal. Someone I though would be a true friend turned her back on me in the blink of an eye, and I spent the days alone, no one to hold hands and laugh with. She walked with the popular crowd, and I walked between the shelves of the library; maybe the books would be better friends.

By the time I turned twelve, I had learnt loneliness. I sat alone at lunch tables in school, I sat alone at the dinner table in my home. My sister was six and a monster for taking away all my parents' love, and my classmates were thirteen or fourteen and monsters for trying to take away my books. It was better to be away than suffer, I decided, and I didn't mind the loneliness much.

Thirteen was the age that taught me sadness. I went to school, studied, came back home, studied, ate, and went to bed. I buried tears and suffocated my crying with my pillows, and woke up with red-rimmed eyes that I ran to hide from my mother, as if she would care enough to ask if she did see them. I cried in the bathroom, my head bent over the sink so I didn't have to look in the mirror and my teeth digging into my bottom lip to stop the sounds from coming out. I learnt to cry silently that year.

Fourteen... was an empty year. There were no more tears left. No more crying. No more sadness or jealousy or anything. I did what I was told to do with a book in one hand and my schoolbag in the other, lips sealed shut and face cast in marble. No one wanted to know what I had to say, I did not want to say anything to anyone. (A few years later, I came across an article describing dissociation.)

Fifteen was anger. So much anger. I was angry at everything and everyone; at the world, at my classmates, at my teachers, my parents, my sister. At myself. An eternal fire burned in the back of my throat and in the pits of my heart and it refused to be extinguished: I wanted to scream, wanted to rage, wanted to throw things and destroy everything in my path. I was so so angry, all the time. I read, somewhere, that fifteen was the worst age to be. I pushed the fireball of anger deeper down, and agreed.

At sixteen, I was good at ignoring my thoughts. I looked at the ledge of the roof and turned away; I refused to step within twenty feet of it. I looked at the shine of the knife blade and put it down; I refused to cut fruit and vegetable. I looked at the rope in the corner of the balcony and stepped back into the house; I would not set the laundry out to dry. I buried myself in my textbooks— Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, English, Hindi. I got higher marks than I'd ever gotten. My mother ran a hand over my head and smiled at me in a way she hadn't in the last ten years. I flinched away from her touch.

Seventeen... I was in bed. Surgery was nasty business, and throughout the seventeeth year of my life I went through seven of them. I laid in bed, a bandage over my left eye and tears rolling down my right cheek. I'd studied. I'd studied till I collapsed when I was sixteen, but I didn't get to sit for my 12th boards. All my efforts were in vain. At seventeen, I was in bed, and I languished.

Eighteen. Eighteen was the whirlwind year. I sat for my 12th boards but didn't get the marks I hoped for. I forgot that I'd registered for PCM and PCB CET until I got the emails, and then gave up on studying. The results were 95% for both exams. I changed my trajectory, and was granted admission in Fergusson. I yelled at my parents with tears in my eyes and kissed my sister on her forehead with a smile on my face. I made friends. I smiled, I laughed, I talked more and more with each passing month. Eighteen was a whirlwind. Eighteen was good to me.

Now, I am nineteen. Let's see how this year goes, shall we?

Tag list: @orgasming-caterpillar @musaafir-hun-yaaron @hum-suffer @h0bg0blin-meat @yehsahihai @blushlilyyy @budugu

[princessbettina]

Dance with The Stars-Stardust x Fem!Reader

(Summary-Getting to tag with the newly formed tag team P.C.B. aka Paige, Charlotte Flair, and Becky Lynch, has you up for plenty of fun and wild adventures. One night, PCB and you have an exciting and thrilling match against both the Bella Twins and Alicia Fox.

That’s where everyone slowly discovers your crush on Stardust (he suddenly interrupts during the match as one of the Bella twins try to be sneaky and cost you the win) until Stardust saves you and distracts your opponents as you get the win. Afterward, you find yourself in a surprising offer from the one who’s from the 5th dimension.

Warnings: None-This story takes place back in the year 2015 as that was when Stardust was still around, as was PCB in tag team form. Kind of a long story but I think it's worth the read :)

Divider Credit: saradika on Tumblr

After you got the offer to team up with Paige, Charlotte, and Becky, you knew your life would change in a good way. You had been a part of the company for a few years now and have been having everyone have their eyes on you when you made your entrance each night, including Paige. You and her became really great friends the moment you two were signed by the wwe around the same time. She was like your partner in crime.

One night on Raw, you were called by your closest friend Paige, as she wanted to put your skills to the test and take down the Bella Twins along with Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch. The more help on her team, the better. You instantly accepted Paige's invitation, and it was made official.

"This just in, this has been made official by Stephanie McMahon moments ago. We are set to see PCB alongside Y/n in a tag match against the Bella Twins and Alicia Fox later tonight." Said Michael Cole as he spoke on commentary for those watching on television at home. You were ready.

You never teamed up with Charlotte or Becky before, but you enjoyed watching them in the ring plenty of times before and grew to be friends with them outside the ring, right next to Paige. Trust and loyalty grew and radiated between the four of you as you all stretched and waited backstage, talking amongst each other and watching the other matches on the TV screen that was next to you.

"We got this, ladies! We're going to take down those troll doll twins once and for all! " Paige exclaimed as you nodded and smiled. Charlotte and Becky squealed and clapped their hands which caused you all to laugh softly.

"Paigie Mack is right! We'll beat them so fast, they won't know what hit them!" Becky cheered as Charlotte laughed more and woohed like usual, again causing you all to laugh more.

Moments later, you glance away from the group for a moment, and as you turn your head to the side, you gasp softly to yourself as you begin to feel the blushing beating on your cheeks. Paige was quick to notice your sudden mood changes.

"Y/n? Baby girl, what's the matter? " Paige asked you calmly, gently resting her hand atop of your shoulder. Calmly collecting your thoughts and taking deep breaths, you turned your head back to face Paige and the others before smiling a blushy smile.

You glanced up at Paige and whispered towards her, hoping only she would hear and no one else. "Stardust just walked by a few minutes ago."

Paige widened her eyes and looked up and saw that Stardust was walking through the hallway and passed you and your gal pals. "Yeah, you're right, he's right down the hall now. Aiming for gorilla."

Or so she thought that's where he was going. Moments later, Stardust was seen walking back in the same direction where he came before moments ago in the same hallway. "Wait, Y/n! Do you have a crush on Stardust or something? " Paige questioned, a sly smile appeared on her face.

You continued to blush and then widen your eyes, playing it off and pretending that what she said wasn't true. Gently covering her mouth with your hand, the two of you laughed.

Somehow, both Charlotte and Becky heard about your little crush on the guy who wants everyone to forget about that so-called 'Cody Rhodes' fella and who literally hisses at almost everyone he comes into contact with.

"So, you have a thing for Stardust, don't ya, Y/n? " Becky asked, curiosity rolling off of her tongue. You widened your eyes again as you began to blush even more. You playfully denied what Becky said.

"Whaaat? No, I don't. You girls are so silly." You chirped, giggling nervously as you hid your face in your hair.

"I think you and Stardust would be so cute together, Y/n! " Charlotte said with a wink your way. Both her and Becky nodded in agreement. Soft giggles escaped from their lips.

"I ship it already! " Charlotte chirped quickly once more. You shook your head and took a breath.

You thought you were in the clear as you composed yourself and began to stand tall. That's when you stretched out your arms for a few minutes, as did the other three girls too.

Paige saw something that you didn't. She gently rested her hand on your shoulder and quickly whispered, "Girlfriend, here comes Stardust, five o'clock! "

Your eyes grew big, and it felt as if your breath was sucked out from inside you when you shot your head up and immediately saw Stardust walking towards you.

"Keep calm,Y/n," whispered Charlotte before she giggled softly with Becky. Paige bit her lip from anticipation as she watched Stardust walk up to you.

What was Stardust doing here?

"Greetings, Y/n. We finally meet each other at last." Stardust greeted you softly, that iconic smirk glowing on his face, causing your face to burn from blushing much harder now.

All you could do was smile back at him, your face almost as red as a tomato at this point. You couldn't wrap your mind around the fact that your crush was standing right in front of you and talking to you. "H-hi Stardust. "

Stardust found it cute how speechless you were. He smiled brightly at you before looking you up and down, starting from your feet all the way up to your face. Seeing that instantly made you flush that you felt like your face was on fire.

Who knew that one look, one stare even, could make you act wild?

Yeah, you knew it was for him to act mysteriously and flirty, but you never expected for him to do an act like that, especially for anyone he's rarely talked to.

"Wish we had more time to talk. I'm aware that you have a tag match soon. I've seen you around here and I must say that I've enjoyed seeing what you can do. I personally would like to get to know you better if you want to as well." Stardust said with a flirty smile.

You could instantly feel the smirks off of the faces of your team members in Paige, Charlotte, and Becky as they continued to stand by the both of you.

"I would be honored. It's a deal, Stardust!" You replied quickly as the smile on your face grew. He smirked and nodded his head at your response. The both of you wanted to keep this interaction going more, but it was Paige who snapped you out of your little love fit your mind was having.

Paige gently tapped your shoulder. You whipped your head around to face her for a moment. "Come on, babygirl! Our match is on next. We have to go now, bye Starboy!" Said Paige, as she waved quickly to the man and then motioned her arm to you, as both Charlotte and Becky began to walk towards gorilla.

Stardust playfully rolled his eyes as his smirk continued. He then made that tongue clicking sound softly, indicating that he didn't want you to leave so soon. "The name's Stardust, not that odd fella Starboy you speak of. "

You couldn't help but giggle at Stardust's remark. You smiled at him as you waved at him. "Sorry about her. I'll see you later, I promise."

Stardust liked the sound of everything that you said. You practically saw the smirk on his face grow by the minute. He was speechless as he quietly admired your beauty and glow.

All that the man that dances with the stars did next was simply nod as his smile continued.

You took a few steps forward and then looked back at Stardust briefly. You softly smile and then wave at him once more.

"Bye." You whispered with a smile before turning your back around and catching up with your friends in PCB.

You didn't see the wave that Stardust did as he continued to watch you exit and walk off in the distance.

He knew what he wanted to do next...

Your match against the Bella Twins and Alicia Fox had been underway. You and your team were dominant from the start, which was surprising because everyone thought of you to be the underdog. This dominance coming from you was one way to win over the crowd.

Seconds later, it was the Bella twins who decided to be sneaky and cause a distraction on you when they used what they like to call, 'Twin Magic'-where the legal tagged person switches places with their twin by hiding from the ref, not getting caught.

Charlotte and Becky were busy taking down Alicia in the far corner of the ring on the right, as Paige was laying on the ground outside the ring by one of the barricades after being taken out by the Bella Twins before they started with Twin Magic.

You stood in the middle of the ring momentarily, confused as what to do next. You wanted to help both of your team members, but your attention was quickly on the outside of the ring in front of you. You knew that the Bella Twins were up to no good, and you had to put a stop to them and fast.

You raised an eyebrow as you got closer to them. The second you got even closer to them and stepped out of the ring ropes was when Nikki switched places with Brie by sliding under the ring, hiding as Brie began to grab hold of you.

Catching you off guard momentarily as she grabbed the base of your neck and almost began to throw you into the ring steps. Brie's plan was cut short when all of a sudden, Stardust's music began to play.

The crowd cheered as it seemed as though Brie had seen a ghost. Stardust immediately ran down the ramp as Brie continued to hold onto you before throwing you right in front of Stardust when he was a few feet in front of her.

Thankfully, what Brie did didn't cause any injuries to you and Stardust. He quickly kept you up by maintaining his balance, along with your own, his hands snaked around your shoulder and then to your waist as he smirked at Brie, who backed away from the two of you.

Her hands up in surrender as she then stopped walking when it was Paige who began to throw hits on her from behind the moment Brie turned around.

You, on the other hand, began to stand up straight again and finally caught your breath. Stardust never left your side. His arm was still around your shoulder. You slowly turned your head to face him and saw him flirtatiously smirking back at you, causing you to smile and blush.

"Hello, beautiful." Stardust chirped, winking your way. Causing you to giggle and cover your mouth with your hand as a way to relax your nerves, being that close to and with your crush was a big deal.

The only thing you could do was smile up at him and move the strand of hair away from your face before Stardust took control of that, gently replacing your hand with his.

Seconds later, you and Stardust watched as Paige tossed Brie into the ring as then Nikki came back into the frame and helped her sister from getting pinned by Paige. Nikki was the legal competitor in the match, after all.

Comforting Brie for moment was what Nikki did before Charlotte came back into the frame too, hitting Nikki with a boot to her face as soon as she stood on her feet, causing her to fall down on the mat.

Quickly, Charlotte went for the pin on Nikki as the crowd chanted, "One... two... three!" The sound of the bell ringing afterward had indicated that you and your team won.

The ref raised up Charlotte's hand in victory as Paige, Becky, and yourself quickly joined her in ring. Before, though, you quickly told Stardust that you'll be right back as you then slid into the ring with your teammates. Sharing hugs and squeals together, celebrating your well-earned victory.

"Here are your winners, Charlotte, Paige, Becky, and Y/n!" One of the ring announcers announced, the crowd continued to cheer and clap for you and your team.

"We did it! I'm so proud of us, ladies!" Paige squealed between hugs with the three of you. Both Charlotte and Becky mentioned how proud and happy they were of you and of the win. "Way to go, Y/n! You're one tough and spicy lass, you are!" Becky said with a giggle and a wink.

You laughed softly and playfully shook your head. "Awesome job, Champ! Paige made the right decision on bringing you on board with us. I think you could be the next member of PCB." Charlotte said to you with a bright smile.

Everything that you were hearing made you overwhelmed with happiness. You actually became speechless. You thanked all three girls for their extremely nice words. Paige turned to look at you with a smile and whispered,

"You proved that you can truly take down anyone, Y/n. As your bestie, I officially welcome and invite you to be a member of PCB anytime. We can all count on each other."

Tears began to fill up in your eyes. Happy tears at that. You nodded your head and gave Paige another hug as she hugged you back. "Thank you, Paigie! You're amazing, and I love you!" You whispered to her as the smile on her face and yours grew. Charlotte and Becky joined the hug as it became a group hug and then tapped your shoulders afterwards.

Paige noticed that Stardust was still standing outside of the ring. She knew that he probably had something planned for you. "Babygirl, Y/n! Stardust never left, he's right over there." Whispered Paige as turned you around and motioned her hand in his direction.

There he was, standing in the same spot that he was when he saved you from Brie. Only this time he was making it seem like he was 'hiding' behind the ring rope pole. As soon as you made eye contact with him was when he peeked through and came out of hiding again, hissing at Paige, which she didn't quite understand why but just laughed. "What is he doin'? Anyways, I'll leave you to figure him out. See you later, darling. Good luck!" She waved and giggled before exiting the ring as Charlotte and Becky followed behind her.

Stardust stepped up onto the ring steps and entered the ring before pausing in his tracks and bringing both his hands to his face, making that iconic star symbol on his gloves. Watching this happen right in front of you caused you to giggle and smirk playfully the more you watched.

Stardust then quickly removed both his hands away from his face, and smirked directly at you, causing you to blush once more. Moments later, the two of you found each other both listening to the crowd and smirking at them briefly before looking back at one another, signalling that you both were thinking the same thing somehow.

Without hesitation, Stardust held out his hand towards you. This gesture only meant one thing to you and you were beaming with excitement. "How's about you become my beautiful sidekick? Partner if you will where together we can dance with the stars and rule this wrestling galaxy as one?" He asked curiously,smirking your way.

You widened your eyes for a moment before grinning ear to ear. You then chuckled softly and found yourself connecting your hand with Stardust's, causing the crowd to cheer. You officially were on board with your crush, and that made you so happy.

You couldn't wait to see what adventures Stardust and yourself would get into. You hoped it started now.

-The End <3

I hope you enjoyed my first Stardust story. I know, I know Stardust isn't around and not a thing anymore, but as a new Cody Rhodes fan, I really enjoy watching old clips and stuff of Stardust back then, he was really an enjoyable and fun character. He will always have a special place in my heart &lt;3 I'll see you in the next one <3

[andmaybegayer]

Last Monday of the Week 2025-06-02

Sumer.

Listening: I have had the Miike Snow track My Trigger stuck in my head for days because it's good.

This has the two guys from the other music video also, but now as the leaders of the USA and Russia doing some erotic nuclear deterrence.

It would maybe be too much to call this Hyperpop but it is close to hyperpop, and actually I think there is a CharliXCX feature on one of the songs in this album.

Reading: I have been both reading and listening to Song of Myself by Walt Whitman, downstream of some of my philosophy posting when I realized I was trending towards a kind of industrial transcendentalism.

Listening here provided by The Memory Palace, by Nate DiMeo, who did a reading of this before the 2016 elections, and which I had reached but not listened to as I have been going through those archives a few months back.

Several parts of this are compelling as part of the kind of industrial transcendentalism I found myself writing, like the rough boundaries of the self:

I am not an earth nor an adjunct of an earth, I am the mate and companion of people, all just as immortal and fathomless as myself, (They do not know how immortal, but I know.) Every kind for itself and its own, for me mine male and female, For me those that have been boys and that love women, For me the man that is proud and feels how it stings to be slighted, For me the sweet-heart and the old maid, for me mothers and the mothers of mothers, For me lips that have smiled, eyes that have shed tears, For me children and the begetters of children.

Or towards the idea that there is a history in all things, not just the things seen as good or successful

With music strong I come, with my cornets and my drums, I play not marches for accepted victors only, I play marches for conquer’d and slain persons. Have you heard that it was good to gain the day? I also say it is good to fall, battles are lost in the same spirit in which they are won. I beat and pound for the dead, I blow through my embouchures my loudest and gayest for them. Vivas to those who have fail’d! And to those whose war-vessels sank in the sea! And to those themselves who sank in the sea! And to all generals that lost engagements, and all overcome heroes! And the numberless unknown heroes equal to the greatest heroes known!

Transcendentalism is an interesting philosophy because it is kind of a "this must hit so hard if you're stupid" philosophy but I do also get it, and I think it is particularly compelling as The American philosophy, something that can try to reconcile expansionism with multiculturalism, imperialism with cosmopolitanism,

Watching: At a good movie night, Zardoz, which is so much of a movie. Bad movie night is at times somewhat samey because the issues with the movies are so often technical, that they are not just bad movies, but bad productions. Zardoz is both a good movie and well produced, but it is also you know. Weird.

It is a funny look at like, 70's semi-fringe English politics. You can see how that culture would produce this.

Making: Galena modernization project, some PCB layout and more part hunting because I realized I had made some other poor choices and had to change supplier to DigiKey.

Almost done sewing the near-forgotten silk pillowcase, which will hopefully be finished tonight or tomorrow night. It's not hard but it is so easy to lose track of a project, you know how it is.

Playing: Beat Skin Deep, which was great. The individual levels are usually home to at least one capital P Puzzle but also just well designed to force you into odd corners. I feel like making it harder would defeat the point, part of the fun is not that defeating the pirates is hard, but that doing so cleanly is almost impossible, so it's important that they are easy to kill but very very very messy. Yes, I can take down a heavy pirate pretty easily, but doing so will probably wipe out every appliance in ten meters and spray fire and glass everywhere.

I hope that the increased visibility on this will lead to a healthier modding scene than the one I found when I finally got around to Quadrilateral Cowboy. A Modding Demo Museum is already available and I've seen some levels, so we can hope.

Tools and Equipment: I have been running a private headscale node for my tailnet for a while, but it broke and I decided to try out the Official Tailscale Experience for a moment. It's really nice! If you need a VPN Right Now and don't want to think too hard about setup, Official Tailscale is really polished, and has a generous free tier made possible by the fact that by design you send hardly any information to their servers. Obviously, headscale is more private, but this definitely has upsides especially if you want to use it for, say, ad-hoc adding people to your LAN for gaming or resource access. Tailscale is mostly just Very Smart Wireguard so it's not like it's too hard to understand.

[arduino-diy]

4x4x4 PCB LED CUBE

Bring life to your home with this enchanting 4x4x4 LED cube. From static to flashing, chasing, or fading this cube can be programmed to display many different types of 3D LED transitions. This customizable PCB LED cube is super easy to make and fun to have in your home. Go ahead and create a forest of these cubes using various color LEDs to enhance the beauty of your Christmas Tree this Christmas. This cube has 64 Blue LEDs organized in 4 layers. These LEDs are wired up to an Arduino Nano. Each LED can be addressed individually using Arduino IDE, enabling it to display amazing 3D transitions! There are hundreds of tutorials of these cubes made using exposed metal wires and by using crazy soldering techniques, which just gives me shivers. In this tutorial I'll show you guys how to make this super simple 4x4x4 PCB LED cube "without over complicating anything". With just basic soldering skills, you can create this PCB cube and light up your living room making everyone jealous.

[tamara-kama]

Look, it's my first arcade joystick using a wood cabinet and arcade parts.. it's one of a kind featuring graphics I edited myself as a teenager..

The friend who made it for me generously only charged me for parts not woodworking design or labor!

It was late 90's made and my friend was ahead of his time making home arcade hardware.. He made all kinds of cabinets meant to hook up to TVs that bristled with arcade hardware.. he even made a cabinet with MK1-3 arcade PCBs that could be switched via a press of a button..

USB didn't even exist so he had to make his own bespoke connectors to make them so you could interchange the cables for use with different systems!

TBH I'm not sure this is worth much except sentimental value for me..

[kingsignal-1225]

Ultimate Guide to PCB Testing Methods: Ensuring Quality and Reliability in Your Circuits

In the electronics sector, Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are the life-lines of virtually all gadgets that are in use in the modern society. From humble home appliances to gigantic industrial equipment, PCBs are the skeletal framework of hardware organization and connection of circuit elements. It is vital to guarantee the quality and dependability of these fundamental parts – thus enters PCB testing methods. It is our hope that this extensive hand will help identify the most suitable test strategies for PCB testing, why these techniques matter, and how to maximize your circuits’ functionality.

Introduction

Firstly, an increase in the capability of different electronic devices leads to higher necessary requirements to the PCBs used in their production. Performing tests on the PCBs is an essential step in the manufacturing process done to confirm that a given board performs as a unit to the expected levels. This guide aims at explaining various techniques of PCB testing with a view of having a better understanding on how to achieve quality and reliability on the circuits.

Why PCB Testing is Crucial

PCB Testing When it comes to the potential defects on PCBs, there are shorts, opens, and some component placements. They can cause device failure, decline in performance level, and sometimes also pose safety issues. Through high-quality testing regimes, it becomes easier to address problems before they reach the customer, and thus manufacturers will have reliable and efficient products. Key reasons for PCB testing include:

Detecting Manufacturing Defects: Solder bridges, missing and placed in wrong position components, all can be detected in the initial stages easily.

Ensuring Functionality: Ensuring that the PCB does what is wanted and needed when it is in use, and under several conditions.

Quality Assurance: Ensuring that the business meets industry standards, and what clients require of them.

Cost Efficiency: Decreasing the likelihood of rework and recall by identifying possible defects before they get to the customer.

Types of PCB Testing Methods

These are the types of PCB Testing Methods:

Visual Inspection

Technique one as also referred to as the VI or visual inspection is the simplest and basic type of testing done on PCBs. The technique entails inspecting the board with naked eyes for some of the common faults including solder bridges, missing parts, and misalignment issues.

Automated Optical Inspection (AOI)

AOI employs cameras and software algorithms to check PCBs for defects and performs the inspections singly. This method of inspection is far more efficient than the manual inspection and simultaneously versatile enough to identify numerous problems.

X-ray Inspection

Some functions which include examination of features of BPCs that could not be easily inspected include solder joints under components through x-ray inspection. It is especially effective in inspecting defects in BGA (Ball Grid Array) and other various packages as well.

In-Circuit Testing (ICT)

ICT entails applying different voltage across the PCB to checks on the electrical characteristics of the needy part and connections. The use of this method is highly recommended for the identification of functional problems and verification of the circuit’s goodness.

Functional Testing (FCT)

Functional testing evaluates the effectiveness of the PCB pointing to the fact that it can be tested when placed in use. This method enables the certification of that the PCB works as expected under actual environment.

Flying Probe Testing

In flying probe testing, the probes are moved around to test the electrical properties of the created PCB. Lower to medium volume production runs can be made easily by using this technique; hence it is advantageous in this regard.

Boundary Scan Testing

Boundary scan testing also called as JTAG testing extends test circuitry into all the components for testing the connections between them. Although, this method is very efficient for identifying connection problems and faults.

Burn-In Testing

Burn-in testing puts the PCB in a state of operational stress for a long time to capture early-life failures. This aspect makes the method reliable for the long term since it is likely to identify problems that may occur when the equipment is in use for a long time.

Detailed Analysis of Each Testing Method works

These are the detailed analysis of each testing method works:

Visual Inspection

Pros:

Simple and low-cost

Determined to be a system for the reporting of noticeable defects as soon as they are observed.

Cons:

Time-consuming for complex boards

Limited to visible defects

Automated Optical Inspection (AOI)

Pros:

Fast and accurate

Is capable of detecting various kinds of defects.

Non-destructive

Cons:

High initial setup cost

May need to have better settings optimized for specific boards.

X-ray Inspection

Pros:

Examines hidden features

Ideal for complex packages

Cons:

Expensive equipment

Requires skilled operators

In-Circuit Testing (ICT)

Pros:

Thorough electrical testing

High fault coverage

Cons:

Requires custom fixtures

Not for all the boards or servers that you wish to build.

Functional Testing (FCT)

Pros:

Ensures real-world performance

Detects system-level issues

Cons:

Time-consuming

The mathematical test object can involve complex arrangements of test configurations.

Flying Probe Testing

Pros:

Flexible and adaptable

Cost-effective for small batches

Cons:

Slower than ICT for big volumes

Applicable only when the board is specially designed

Boundary Scan Testing

Pros:

Interconnections have high fault coverage.

Said; No need to have physical access to the test points

Cons:

Requires boundary scan-enabled components

Complex setup

Burn-In Testing

Pros:

Identifies early-life failures

Ensures long-term reliability

Cons:

Time-consuming and costly

Perhaps stressful to the board

Choosing the Right Testing Method

The choice of the appropriate method of PCB testing can be influenced by several factors such as the level of complexity of the PCB and the numbers of boards to be tested as well as the actual costs of the testing process and other features. Consider the following when choosing a testing method:

Board Complexity: Great board densities or component placement can be a determinant as to whether one needs AOI or X-ray inspection.

Production Volume: Applications that are characterized by high volumes can be easily facilitated by ICT while the low to medium volume applications may require flying probe testing.

Budget: Both manual inspection and AOI are favorable for various production volumes, while X-ray and ICT are more expensive at the beginning.

Specific Requirements: There are two types of the test, namely Functional Test and Burn-In Test that should be made so as to attain the long term reliability in applications that are critical.

Best Practices for PCB Testing

Using the best techniques in testing PCBs increases the quality and reliability of the circuits that you are working on. Here are some key practices to follow:

Early Testing: It is recommended to carry out the tests when the product is still in its design and manufacturing phase so that problems can be noted earlier before they reach a very catastrophic level.

Automate Where Possible: Use method such as automation to reduce the time and improve on the quality of the testing.

Regular Calibration: It is necessary to check if all the testing equipment used for calibration are accurate.

Comprehensive Coverage: This way, you will be able to ensure that there are no defects that are not tested as the best testing approach combines all types of testing methods.

Document Everything: Ensure that you keep records of the tests performed, the results obtained, as well as any measures taken to correct the breaches.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

These are the common challenges and how to overcome them:

False Positives/Negatives

Automated testing methods maybe good some times, they give you the results that are either positive or negative and this will lead to unnecessary rework or more alarming leaving critical defects unfound. In order to avoid this, make sure that testing algorithms and testing equipment are updated and fine-tuned from time to time.

Component Access

Some of the testing techniques involve handling parts of the circuit and with high density board this can be very difficult. Some of the ways in which testbench implementation can be avoided are as follows Boundary scan testing and X-ray inspection.

High Costs

Some form of testing such as X-ray and ICT testing is often very costly. The effectiveness must come with reasonable prices; try to combine some of the mentioned approaches to cover all the aspects without spending too much money.

Future Trends in PCB Testing

About the future, it can be stated that its trends will be in fact linked to the tendencies in technologies and expectations towards ever higher quality and quantity of tested PCBs. Key trends to watch include:

AI and Machine Learning: Using of intelligence algorithms and machine learning in testing algorithms to enhance the efficiency and the minimization of false negative or false positives.

IoT and Smart Manufacturing: Higher testing flexibility and opportunities for the continuous test process supervision.

Advanced Imaging Techniques: The need for better techniques that would enhance the detection of defects within a printed circuit.

Environmental Stress Testing: More focus in the testing of PCBs under different environmental pressures in order to improve on its longevity.

Conclusion

Quality and reliability of packaged circuits have to be maintained to contribute positively in any electronic equipment. This paper seeks to explain the common testing techniques for PCB so that PCB manufacturers are able to test and see if they are free from defects and if they are functional. This ultimate guide will give you a full insight on the available options in PCB testing that will enable you make the best decision that will give you perfect circuits.

The aim is to help you understand how to attain the best quality of PCBs, what methods are worth following, and what trends drive future improvements, thus contributing to the quality of the final electronic products and, consequently, consumer satisfaction.

[blubblubisdead2me]

What your favorite interests (also other than ones listed on your pages) and also how did you got into touhou in the first place as well as your favorite characters, music, games, etc from it as well?

this is my certified lore post y'all get ready

firstly thank u very much for the ask hedgypipes i appreciate u HERE WE GO

so basically im a big art nerd, that's what i love, always been drawing since i was baby

I LOVE TWICE THE KPOP GROUP??? SO MUCH ???? but i only started properly listening to them this year <3 i always wanna reblog stuff of them but this is just not that kind of blog tbh

I LOVE INDIE HORROR GAMES LIKE CHILLA'S ART IS JUST MWAH but no scary ghosts pls i cant😭

i first got into touhou in 2017 when i heard my classmate listening to bad apple and i was like "WOAH" and they were like "you DON'T know bad apple??? FREAK" and i was like "oh dear i must be cool and popular" so i went home and promptly made myself learn all the lore about the bad apple MV and a month later i started playing imperishable night

i really love the touhou games, i've given all of them a go at one point. my favourites to play are DDC, PCB, and HSiFS. I've only ever normal 1CC'd LLS, AoCF and UDoALG LMAOOOOO BUT IN MY DEFENCE I

i made a pretty detailed post about my favourite characters already but u have to scroll rly far and also i cringe every time i have to look at my posts so heres a recap:

marisa (shes so wife), renko, sumireko, okina, and seija <3 OH AND YUUKA

asking me about the music is so wild u have opened pandoras box but its okay i got it i will try to stay calm so heres my top 5 1. Tiny Shangri-La (Son Biten's Theme) 2. Where is that Bustling Marketplace Now ~ Immemorial Marketeers (Chimata Tenkyuu's Theme) 3. Phantom Band ~ Phantom Ensemble (Prismriver Sisters' Theme) 4. Illusionary Joururi (Benben & Yatsuhashi Tsukumo's Theme) 5. Bell of Avici ~ Infinite Nightmare (DS Photo Theme 4)

i've gotten around to most of ZUN's music sparing the very most obscure stuff from his manga CDs and some of the '99 arranges from his old website. i have magical astronomy and changeability of strange dream in my cd collection 🥰 OH and my favourite manga is definitely forbidden scrollery, but i loved wild and horned hermit too n plan to re-read it soon

tl;dr thank u i wouldn't either THANK YOU FOR THE ASK!!!! I APPRECIATE IT A LOT!!!!

[systemrestart]

Nice!!!!! PCB Extra clear with ReimuA

Man, Reimu's homing shots are SO WEAK in this game. Made it harder to deal with both the stage and bosses, it took so damn long to kill things ;;;; But, the homing did help with a couple spellcards, and it's always nice to have Reimu's tiny hitbox lol.

Hoping to take down Yukari soon B^)

[sneakyscarab]

im starting to run out of fun things to say in these intro segments, but it feels weird to just skip directly into the main post without any lead in… complaining about a lack of intro works for this one but i have no idea what im gonna do next :P

nina's thoughts on Touhou 10 - Mountain of Faith

Mountain of Faith is technically my first touhou game, back in march of 2018 i decided to give touhou a shot and randomly picked this one, i think solely because i was able to find a download of it pre-patched into english. i didn't do very great, never made it past stage 4, and bounced off of touhou for a couple years, coming back to the series with Touhou Luna Nights in 2021. (which by the way is a great game, i might make a dedicated post about it if i need a break between the mainline games)

backstory aside, lets begin! Mountain of Faith takes us back to the basics. after the craziness of the last couple games, MoF simplifies things a lot, acting as a sort of soft reset for the gameplay. while it's more small-scale than the previous games, it still brings some unique new fun stuff to the table.

for the playable characters we're back to just Reimu and Marisa, but they each have 3 weapon options and some are pretty funky. Reimu has her typical homing bullets and needles, but her third option is the 'youkai buster', a weird shot that goes from a vertical shot with decent range when unfocused to a high-speed shotgun fan blast when focused. Marisa's weapons are even more weird, her illusion laser and magic missile come back, but the magic missile is completely reworked to be a bunch of trailing options that follow behind Marisa as an afterimage and can be locked into a position relative to her by focusing. her third option is the weirdest one, the 'cold inferno' giving Marisa powerful icy flamethrowers with a point-blank range, that can be placed in a position on the screen by focusing while Marisa herself moves away somewhere else. its potential damage feels pretty high, but its tough to make use of, especially in boss fights where you're typically positioned far outside it's effective range. i really like all of Marisa's movesets in this one, and my 1cc was done with her illusion laser set.

one disappointment in the players arsenal though is the removal of bombs. bombs no longer exist as a resource, and characters and movesets don't have unique special moves tied to them. instead a replacement for the bomb exists as a basic panic button of sorts that sacrifices a weapon option and summons a circle at your character that negates bullets for a few seconds. this lackluster replacement for bombs is not only just not very fun to use, but also makes MoF much more difficult than previous games imo. compared to previous games where a bomb clears a good chunk of the screen and deals a lot of bonus damage, instead these bomb-replacements only clear a fraction of the bullets aimed at you, and directly reduce your attack strength while not doing any damage of their own! their one saving grace is that since they're based off of your power stat, they are infinitely renewable, which cannot be said for the bombs in previous games where you only get 3 per life, plus a few more from miniboss kills. still, i have to say i really dont like these.

another system in this game that i actually do like is the Faith system. Faith is in essence a distilled version of the confusing Cherry mechanics from PCB. simply put, you pick up green Faith items and it increases your Faith meter, which increases how much point items are worth. after a couple seconds of not shooting enemies or picking up items, your Faith starts to deplete. its very simple, but it works really well, and unlike PCB the extra points gained are actually useful as MoF gives you lives based on reaching certain point values.

anyways, enough about the gameplay its funny characters time! the highlight of the game is definitely the moriya shrine trio. the shrine maiden Sanae makes for a great rival to Reimu, and contrasts her well with a green and blue design. her character in this game is really overconfident, but after she loses she chills out, and in later games is a lot goofier. i love the fanon interpretation that because she came to Gensokyo from the outside world in 2007 she basically acts like a time capsule of early 2000s culture, it makes for really funny interactions with Reimu and Marisa. the two gods of the shrine are pretty cool too, the snake lady Kanako and the frog lady Suwako both have pretty neat designs, and their relation and interactions with Sanae and each other are really cute. i absolutely subscribe to the headcanon that moriya shrine is just a girl and her two lesbian god moms.

besides them MoF also introduces Nitori who is a pretty fun character, a kappa girl whos also a tech wiz inventor, creating bizarre contraptions that stick out like a sore thumb in the old-fashioned Gensokyo. her introduction in this game is hilarious, she flies in as a midboss for like half a second and then immediately panics and flies offscreen again leaving the main character confused, and when she shows up later she complains that you broke her 'optical camouflage system' that she was testing, as she assumed she was invisible and wasnt expecting to get shot at LOL.

altogether i would say MoF is a mixed bag. it cuts down a lot on features from previous games, and the new stuff it introduces doesnt always work. overall though, most of the new additions are good, and its still a fun experience even if its a much higher difficulty than average.

thanks for reading! for those who made it this far, i have a confession to make: theres actually a glitch with Marisa's illusion laser that makes it deal 10x the intended damage in specific scenarios, and i absolutely made use of that to get my 1cc. MoF is just too hard! when i found out there was a trick like this i couldn't Not use it. most of my run was still done legit, but i absolutely cheesed some boss fights with it. sorry not sorry :P

[babycatlix]

hi friends 💖

i'm still a little distracted by researching keyboards and keycaps. but i did try to post a few sets this week bc i did spend the weekend making gifs!

i did tick one more thing off my little list, i got a new desk chair! it's much bigger than my old chair and has actual back support! it's so comfy and toothless likes it too 🥰 she took a nice long nap in it yesterday afternoon 😴

my desk and monitor stand are on the way! also, remember my list?

new desk

monitor stand

computer chair

nail polish rack/organization for polish

mechanical keyboard

imac computer

i made the list in the order in which i thought i might get everything. but, the mechanical keyboard is actually going to be next. i'm on the waiting list for the nail polish rack i want, and i'm not even sure when it'll be back in stock. so i'm gonna move onto the next thing! what i need for my mechanical keyboard is:

keyboard pcb (basically the body)

keycaps

switches

originally i was looking at, what i think is the same keyboard as felix, which is the GMMK Pro. however, after looking at other keyoards, i think i might go with the Keychron Q1 Pro. it's basically the same body as the GMMK Pro, but it has better reviews. when i was initially getting into mechanical keyboards, i was looking at keychrons, but they were too pricy for a beginner keyboard. but now that i want to fully customize one, i think this is the best route! it's a fully aluminum body, which i've been looking for... a good potential weapon in case of a home invasion...

anyway! i'm looking at keycaps too! i found some that i want, but of course... they're out of stock! i did sign up to be notified when they come back in stock. but i am kind of torn between a few options of keycaps... and maybe i'll post a poll so you can vote!

that's all for now, i'll keep making gifs this weekend. i hope you're doing well, stay safe out there, and stay hydrated my friends! 💖

[redspectragamecorner]

RSGC0015 - Release Your Old Games, Japan!

I love Japanese video games. They're the reason why, even though I'm in my late 30s, I'm still utterly captivated by the medium. Through rigorous refinement, Japanese game makers helped shape the industry as we know it today. As a result, they have left a lasting impression, a legacy, in the hearts and minds of fans worldwide.

But, for quite some time, it felt as if these companies didn't understand this impact, as they've let some of their lesser known works slip between the cracks. This can be due matters of licensing or other litigious obstacles. Other times its a lack of interest from the mainstream; a poor reception. But more often then not, simply, someone "fumbled the bag" so to speak. 

Let's discuss. 

Chapter I: Namco X Not Releasing A Bunch of Their Old Games

When Bandai Namco released their most recent Museum compilation for the Nintendo Switch it was surprisingly threadbare; it was just 12 games. Twelve. Of course, it included Pac-Man - the game that made them a household name in the 1980s - and other staples such as Dig Dug and Galaga. They're undisputed classics, sure, no argument there. Deep cuts, however, they are not.

Namco's catalog has dozens of fantastic games, most of which would remained elusive if I didn't dive deep into retro gaming (and, by extension, collecting). One example of these is 1985's Baraduke, a 2D shooter with lite maze-runner gameplay. It's pretty rad, but somewhat under-the-radar these days. What if you want to play it right now, on real hardware?

Unless you own a prohibitively expensive Sharp X68000 computer along with the sole port of the game; an arcade PCB; or a copy of Namco Museum Vol. 5 for Playstation, it's highly unlikely you're going to be flying through rooms, blasting Octies any time soon. Out of the aforementioned options, the most feasible one is buying Namco Museum Vol. 5. Again, this is to play the game through legal means.

This was, in fact, the main inspiration for this post. There were 8 or so Namco compilations for the PS1. Why is the most extensive collection of Namco classics locked on an almost 30 year old console? Does Namco not value their older IPs? Do they think we just want Pac-man, Dig Dug and Galaga for our shiny current-gen game boxes and to Hell with obscure titles like Youkai Douchūki (aka Shadow Lands)? Or what about the esoteric hack-n-slash Genpei Tōmaden (aka The Genji and Hieke Clans)? Certainly everything that's been previously available (and then some) can fit on a Blu-ray disc or a Switch cartridge, no? Its frustrating, as someone chomping at the bit to own and experience such things. Sadly, Namco is not alone in this regard.

*EDIT (this is old lol) I started writing (and now rewriting) this post about month before the announcement of the Namcot Archive (a collection of Famicom Namco games) for the Switch. It's a neat set but my point, for the most part, still stands.*

Chapter II: The Virtual Console was Disappointing.

Nintendo needs no introduction. Their name is synonymous with video games, built on the fact that they dominated the home console market in the mid-1980s with their Family Computer (aka Famicom) in Japan. A few years later they expanded Westward with the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) to similar acclaim. While they didn't quite hold the same market share they secured in the 80s into the 90s and beyond, Nintendo still shaped generations with their games.

With Nintendo's fifth console, the Wii, they entered the realm of online game distribution. It was called the Virtual Console and it debuted in November of 2006, with it coming to the 3DS in 2011 and the Wii U in 2013. At launch, NES, SNES, Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games were available with Turbografx-16 following a few days later.

Eventually, the service would offer western gamers titles that never got released outside of Japan. The first of these was Sin & Punishment for the Nintendo 64, an on-rails shooting game from Treasure. The most notable instance of this, however, was Konami's Akumajō Dracula X: Chi no Rondo (aka Castlevania: Rondo of Blood), a highly sought after title. At the time, it must have been incredible to finally play this without the need to purchase a costly secondhand copy of the disc or an expensive PC-Engine CD Turbo Duo console.

VC had its drawbacks, though. Most notably that when the service had come to other platforms, users were unable to transfer their purchases as the Wii, 3DS and Wii U eShops were separate entities. This lead to customers paying fees to re-download their titles or having to outright buy them again. This was, for lack of a better term, shitty on Nintendo's part. The lack of a universal pricing model, for what were essentially ROMs, didn't help either.

The 3DS and Wii U eShops also offered less games, 184 and 267 respectively, than the original VC's 398. 

Between the slow-drip of re-rereleases at launch and anti-consumer practices, VC ultimately squandered its good will and potential. 

Chapter III: Sega Does What Ninten-does, Too?

If there's one thing that Nintendo and one-time rival Sega have in common is that, like clockwork, they churn out the same classic titles over and over again. We saw this when the Virtual Console came to the Wii U and were hooked into the slow-drip of Mario Bros. 3, some random black box game, or a re-release of a third-party offering.

Sega is no better. I own Genesis compilations across at least 3 console generations. Their game lists are nearly identical. Golden Axe. Ristar. Phantasy Star II. I can go on. All are fantastic games in their own right, no doubt. I'm a fan. But like so many other Japanese game companies, they’re holding out on us. Yes, many will be placated with the likes of the current-gen Sega Genesis Collection's value (53 games for less than $50) but, I don't know, I can only attempt to play through Comix Zone and Phantasy Star III so many times; I'm sure many others share in this frustration.

A bright spot in Sega's history, however, was the Sega Ages line. The project started off as 3D budget (¥2500 at retail) remakes of their biggest hits that, thankfully, evolved into a series of definitive collections. This was due in part to the work of M2, a company who's MO is masterfully porting older games to modern consoles. Case in point, their 3DS Sega Ages port of Outrun was, at the time of its release, the best way to experience it. Again, as with Namco Museum, the bulk of the Sega Ages line is locked to the Japanese PlayStation 2 library. To further exacerbate this issue, most of later releases have started to become expensive on the secondhand market and Japanese auction sites. Bummer.

Conclusion 

It's not all doom and gloom. Publishers like Johnny Turbo's Arcade are keeping classic Data East games alive and, more importantly, available. Price wise, it's pretty fair too. For example, less than $10 USD nets you a download of Night Slashers, a 3-player horror-themed arcade-only beat-em-up from almost 30 years ago. While, no, it isn't the pinnacle of the its respective genre, I absolutely welcome its availability with arms wide open.

We also need to acknowledge the efforts of Hamster Corporation's Arcade Archive. Through them, we have whole bunch of Neo Geo games (well, except for Tengai Makyō Shinden aka Far East of Eden: Kabuki Klash but that's more a Konami problem) and most then arcade-only obscurities available for download on every console, mobile and PC marketplace. It's wonderful time to be alive unless of course you love Tengai Makyō-flavored Samurai Shodown clones, I guess. Hopefully, that'll change soon.

[andmaybegayer]

latest Freddie DeBoer seems odd. It's very focused on a sort of consumer-facing understanding of technology for a lot of its runtime. He's not wrong that the changes are smaller than they were in the 1800's but like. That's the low hanging fruit, we all know this, the jump from "not having trains" to "having trains" beats almost any improvement in "trains"

A major change technology has brought to the modern world imo is heavily streamlined manufacturing all across the industrial stack.

If you read like, Bunie Huang's Made in China blog series, in the early 2000's getting a piece of technology made required enormous in-person investment of time and effort working with your manufacturing teams across a pretty broad number of suppliers and industries, you had to get PCB's made, components sourced, moulds designed and set up for injection.

I know people manufacturing small to medium run commercial and industrial electronics, and I did that at my last job. You order machine populated PCB's from your favourite Chinese PCB solutions provider over a web form. If you need ten thousand buttons, you can get that delivered with three emails. Hell, if you want a custom genome to use for some experimental bioreactor, there's multiple competing suppliers who will mail you plasmids that you can customise from online templates and you don't even have to talk to anyone.

And that's just mass manufacturing. If you're making a few thousand of some high end medical equipment, or still in the development phase of design, you can order a titanium laser print to be delivered by the end of the week, or run off a dozen prototypes on your company's fleet of printers using body safe plastics.

Consumer needs don't change much because people are people, we have limited capacity to need things and do things. I've long said that no human can digest more than 50Mbps of media in real time, really. One home cook can only economise their movements so much. A food processor and a pressure cooker can save you some time but the solution to"I want to spend less time cooking at home" will eventually become "don't cook at home, lean on industrial manufacturing of food" and that's fine. There's only so much tech can improve your individual experience before you become the bottleneck.

Faster computers sure, means you can edit video on your phone a little quicker (also hey people ARE editing video on their phone, despite what this blog post says) but it also means Netflix can serve their 4 Petabytes of video library at 400+Gbps from a single server occupying less than 50 liters of space.

It seems disingenuous to act like consumer products feeling stagnant means technology is stagnant.

[g-nicerf]

Best Partner for Wireless Modules: A Comprehensive Antenna Selection Guide

n the field of wireless communication, antenna selection is crucial. It not only affects the coverage range and transmission quality of signals but also directly relates to the overall performance of the system. Among various wireless modules, finding the right antenna can maximize their potential, ensuring stable and efficient data transmission.

When designing wireless transceiver devices for RF systems, antenna design and selection are essential components. A high-quality antenna system can ensure optimal communication distances. Typically, the size of antennas of the same type is proportional to the wavelength of the RF signal; as signal strength increases, the number of required antennas also grows.

Antennae can be categorized as internal or external based on their installation location. Internal antennas are installed within the device, while external antennas are mounted outside.

In situations where space is limited or there are multiple frequency bands, antenna design becomes more complex. External antennas are usually standard products, allowing users to simply select the required frequency band without needing additional tuning, making them convenient and easy to use.

What are the main types of antennas?

External Antennas: These antennas can be classified into omnidirectional antennas and directional antennas based on the radiation pattern.

Internal Antennas: These antennas refer  to antennas that can be placed inside devices.

Omnidirectional Antennas: These antennas radiate signals uniformly in the horizontal plane, making them suitable for applications that require 360-degree coverage, such as home Wi-Fi routers and mobile devices.

Directional Antennas: These antennas have a high emission and reception strength in one or more specific directions, while the strength is minimal or zero in others. Directional antennas are primarily used to enhance signal strength and improve interference resistance.

PCB Antennas: These antennas are directly printed on the circuit board and are suitable for devices with limited space, commonly used in small wireless modules and IoT devices.

FPC Antennas: FPC antennas are flexible printed circuit antennas that are lightweight, efficient, and easy to integrate.

Concealed Antennas: Designed for aesthetic purposes, concealed antennas can be hidden within devices or disguised as other objects, making them suitable for applications where appearance is important without compromising signal quality.

Antenna Selection Guide

When selecting the appropriate antenna for a communication module, it's essential to first determine whether to use an internal or external antenna based on the module's structure.

External Antennas: These antennas offer high gain, are less affected by the environment, and can save development time, but they may take up space and impact the product's aesthetics.

Internal Antennas: These have relatively high gain and are installed within the device, maintaining a clean and appealing exterior.

 Sucker  Antennas: These provide high gain and are easy to install and secure.

Copper Rod  Sucker  Antennas: Made from large-diameter pure copper radiators, these are highly efficient with a wide bandwidth.

Rubber Rod Antennas: Offer moderate gain at a low cost.

Fiberglass Antennas: Suitable for harsh environments and ideal for long-distance signal

External Directional Antennas

Typically used in environments with long communication distances, small signal coverage areas, and high target density.

Panel Antennas have high efficiency, are compact, and easy to install, while considering the impact of gain and radiation area Yagi Antennas offer very high gain, are slightly larger, and have strong directionality, making them suitable for long-distance signal transmission; however, attention must be paid to the antenna's orientation during use

Internal Antenna Selection

Most internal antennas are affected by environmental factors and may require custom design or impedance matching

Spring Antennas are cost-effective but have low gain and narrow bandwidth, often requiring tuning for good matching when installed Ceramic Patch Antennas occupy minimal space and perform well, but have a narrow bandwidth

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[edu-diary]

Top 10 Items Exported From India To The USA

Wondering what India sends the most to the U.S.? The top 10 items exported from India to USA reflect how India has become a global supplier across tech, health, and consumer markets. From smartphones to home furnishings, here’s a quick look at what’s driving billions in exports.

Electronics & Electricals India shipped $14.4B worth of electronics to the U.S., led by smartphones (including iPhones), PCBs, and EV parts.

Pharmaceuticals At $12.73B, India remains the top source of generic drugs and APIs for the U.S. healthcare system.

Precious Metals Jewelry, diamonds, and silver exports reached $11.88B—thanks to India’s strong gem-cutting and design industry.

Machinery Industrial and farm equipment valued at $7.10B is built in hubs like Pune and Coimbatore.

Fuel & Oil India exported $3.23B in refined petroleum and light oils, supported by top-tier refineries.

Chemical Products Dyes, pigments, and specialty chemicals made up $3.63B in exports to U.S. industries.

Textiles (Home) From bed linens to rugs, home textile exports hit $3.10B, led by Panipat and Karur.

Iron & Steel Goods Pipes, castings, and more added up to $2.83B in exports for construction and manufacturing.

Vehicles & Auto Parts India shipped $2.80B worth of cars, two-wheelers, and EV components to the U.S.

Apparel Garments like woven fashionwear and ethnic apparel reached $2.52B in U.S. markets.

India’s export engine is a mix of scale, skill, and policy support—making it a rising force in global trade.

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Maintaining Your HVAC System with AC Pro-Tech Aerosol: The Ultimate AC Coil Cleaning Solution

Keeping your HVAC system operating smoothly and for a long time is very important, especially where there are lots of high humidity and corrosive substances. Cleaning your system’s AC coils with a good cleaner is very effective in protecting your system. One of the main products here is the AC Pro-Tech Aerosol which is the best from AC Products USA.

Understanding the Importance of AC Coil Maintenance

Jacobs (2023) reports that it is critical to service your HVAC regularly to ensure that it continues to operate efficiently, reliably and safely. So don't let maintenance go if you want to lose the slow and take on the low, low energy bills, that is. It also reduces dust and debris in the home, which is better for your lungs and can also increase system life and reduce your carbon footprint, helping out several good causes. Particularly, the AC cooling coils one section of your HVAC that is responsible for transferring heat. Eventually, these coils might attract all manner of garbage and dirt that will weigh them down and bust the thing loose. The machines will run well and last long, if you clean the AC coils frequently and use a good cleaner spray.

Introducing AC Pro-Tech Aerosol

The AC Pro-Tech Aerosol is a specially formulated AC coil cleaning spray designed to provide a protective coating to your HVAC system. This product not only cleans but also offers long-lasting protection against corrosion, UV rays, and other environmental factors.

Key Features:

Modified Acrylic Polymer Base: Provides a hard, clear coating that allows heat transfer while preventing corrosion.

UV Stable: Protects against material degradation due to ultraviolet rays.

Non-Conductive: Safe for use on electronic components within the HVAC system.

Flexible Barrier: Creates an oxygen barrier that remains flexible over time.

For more details and to purchase, visit the AC Pro-Tech Aerosol product page.

Why Choose AC Pro-Tech Aerosol?

When it comes to maintaining your AC Pro air conditioning system, the AC Pro-Tech Aerosol stands out for several reasons:

Comprehensive Protection: It shields the PCB, cabinet, and coils with a single application.

Ease of Use: Found in a simple spray, one can put it on easily.

Tested and Trusted: It went through a test that was very fast, but very hard, so we know it will last.

Versatility: It can work on new and old machines, making them last longer.

Application Guidelines

To achieve the best results with the AC Pro-Tech Aerosol, follow these steps:

Preparation: Ensure the HVAC system is turned off and clean the surface thoroughly.

Application: Shake the can well and spray evenly over the areas that you want, also on coils, cabinets, and PCBs.

Drying: Let the coat dry fully before you turn the system back on.

Maintenance: Check the system often and put it back on if you need to keep the best cover.

Complementary Products

For a comprehensive maintenance routine, consider using the AC Pro-Clean No Rinse Foaming HVAC Coil Cleaner in conjunction with the AC Pro-Tech Aerosol. This product is made especially to work well with machine parts with a cover on the outside. It can clean a part of the machine that makes heat and a part that gets rid of heat without taking away the cover.

Conclusion

It is important to maintain your HVAC system to guarantee it lasts and performs well. Taking on the AC Pro-Tech Aerosol is a good way to maintain your car because it cleans and protects at the same time. Because of its distinctive way of being made, it is chosen by professionals and homeowners.

More details and a range of other products are available at AC Products USA.

FAQs

1. How is AC Pro-Tech Aerosol distinguished from other coil cleaners?

While normal cleaners only clean, AC Pro-Tech Aerosol offers defense against corrosion and ultraviolet rays, which helps your HVAC equipment last longer.

2. Am I allowed to use AC Pro-Tech Aerosol on any type of HVAC system?

Yes, it is built to fit well with most HVAC systems, both in homes and commercial spaces, as well as those made by Protech AC.

3. Does AC Pro-Tech Aerosol need to be applied often?

Regularly check your system and respray it with aerosol, annually or as required by the current conditions.

4. Can the HVAC electronic parts be safely exposed to the aerosol?

Absolutely. Because it’s non-conductive, it is safe to apply to PCBs and other electronic parts.

5. Where do I find AC Pro-Tech Aerosol?

You can get the product from AC Products USA.