Tag Archives: tested

Tested: MPS mEZD71202A-G 6.5-24V to 5V/2A DC-DC Power Supply Module

Posted on April 3, 2021 by lui_gough

When you need to regulate a higher DC voltage to a lower DC voltage, the thing that comes to mind first is a linear regulator. While they’re horribly inefficient for large voltage differences, they’re usually pretty bulletproof, produce relatively “quiet” … Continue reading →

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Tutorial: Introduction to SCPI Automation of Test Equipment with pyvisa

Posted on March 28, 2021 by lui_gough

When it comes to running scientific experiments, your test equipment are your “eyes and ears” measuring the quantities you are trying to observe. A lot of the time, purchasers tend to focus on specifications such as accuracy and resolution, while … Continue reading →

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Note: Linear Regulator Woes – When is an AMS1117 not an AMS1117?

Posted on March 27, 2021 by lui_gough

It seems like a few of my posts have been starting with something along the lines of “Well, I was shopping on a Chinese goods website …” and this one is no different! I guess I just don’t learn my … Continue reading →

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Review: Daiso Nevolution High-Power AA Alkaline Battery (5pk)

Posted on March 27, 2021 by lui_gough

A few weeks ago, I decided to venture out and do some shopping in-person at the local shopping centre. This is an activity I rarely ever do, even prior to the pandemic, purely because I usually know what I want … Continue reading →

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Review: Astrolux 3.7V Li-Ion Cells (18650/3000mAh, 21700/5000mAh & 26650/5000mAh)

Posted on March 21, 2021 by lui_gough

Some time back in February, I noticed while browsing through one of my preferred Chinese online shop sites that Astrolux now seems to be selling lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. I suppose that makes sense, since their torches have been fairly popular … Continue reading →

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Tested: XW-0936-24-240W (9-36V to 24V/10A) DC-DC Buck-Boost Converter

Posted on February 28, 2021 by lui_gough

Running things off batteries (and DC in general) is fine and dandy right up until you have a piece of gear that needs a particular voltage, or is very fussy about the voltage range it will operate in. Usually resolving … Continue reading →

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Experiment: microSD Card Power Consumption & SPI Performance

Posted on February 27, 2021 by lui_gough

This week marks the official “back-to-the-office” week and what a change it’s been. While chatting to one of my colleagues, they asked whether I was interested in doing some experiments to measure microSD card performance and power consumption in embedded … Continue reading →

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Project: A USB-TMC to Ethernet (LAN) Bridge (with a Difference)

Posted on February 20, 2021 by lui_gough

Over the years, I’ve pursued my curiosity through running experiments of my own, enabled by a suite of test equipment that I have carefully curated over the years. Being a major beneficiary of the element14 RoadTest program and the generosity … Continue reading →

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RoadTest Review: Maxim Integrated MAX77751 USB-C Autonomous Charger IC Evaluation Kit

Posted on February 6, 2021 by lui_gough

I was fortunate enough at the end of 2020 to have been awarded another RoadTest thanks to element14 and Maxim Integrated. I suppose many readers would already know that I have an interest when it comes to batteries and I … Continue reading →

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Project: Temperature-Controlled Li-Ion Cycling feat. R&S NGM202 & a Car Fridge

Posted on January 24, 2021 by lui_gough

Now that my thermoelectric car fridge has been modified, it would be time to see if it could prove its worth with a test. This way, I can see whether controlling the temperature of the battery will remove those nasty … Continue reading →

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Experiment: Exploring Ni-MH Charging with the Keithley 2450 SMU

Posted on January 17, 2021 by lui_gough

I’ve been involving myself with battery testing, at times quite intensively, testing various primary cells and rechargeable cells. Most of the tests of rechargeable cells have been Li-Ion, Li-Polymer and even Sealed Lead-Acid since they’re all similarly easy to test … Continue reading →

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Quick Review: 4Tool ED20 2200lm USB-C Rechargeable 21700 Flashlight

Posted on January 16, 2021 by lui_gough

When it comes to flashlights, I used to be a fan of 18650-based torches because of their compact size and the ubiquitous nature of the cells. The main issue was the limited run-time because of the limited capacity, constrained by … Continue reading →

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Review: “Generic” BLD-06A/B 6L Thermoelectric 12V Car Cooler/Warmer

Posted on January 12, 2021 by lui_gough

Shopping on Banggood has become a bit of a habit of mine. It’s perhaps not the best thing to be doing, but it’s also probably not the worst, as there are many items of random interest available at reasonable prices. … Continue reading →

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Review, Teardown: Bosch PLR 30 C 30m Bluetooth Laser Measure

Posted on January 2, 2021 by lui_gough

Happy New Year everyone – I can’t believe we’re in 2021 already. To kick off this year’s postings, I’m taking a trip back to 2019 when I purchased a Bosch PLR 30 C 30m Bluetooth-enabled Laser Measure for just under … Continue reading →

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R&S NGM202 Update: F/W V3.034 Graphical View, SCPI READ Command & More

Posted on December 31, 2020 by lui_gough

If you’ve followed along with this blog, you probably have seen how hard I’ve worked my Rohde & Schwarz NGM202 review unit. It’s been a big part of many product reviews of batteries, chargers and the likes – rarely ever … Continue reading →

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Review: ShockLi IMR 30A 3.7V/5500mAh Unprotected 26650 Li-Ion Battery

Posted on December 30, 2020 by lui_gough

Readers have probably noticed that I’ve recently been on a bit of a flashlight and lithium-ion battery “binge”. I guess that can’t be helped, since I quite like using flashlights for added general purpose lighting in my room (where it … Continue reading →

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Project: SMD Practice Kits Pt. 2 (1206/0805/0603/0402/SOP/SOT, HKT002 NE555+CD4017)

Posted on December 30, 2020 by lui_gough

After starting on some SMD Practice Kits yesterday, I had two remaining in the pile. Rather than leave them unfinished, I decided to try tackling them today so that I can finally say that I’m done. A Sense of Deja … Continue reading →

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Project: SMD Practice Kits (1206/0805/0603/SOP16/SOT-23, TJ-56-242 NE555+CD4017)

Posted on December 29, 2020 by lui_gough

Growing up with Dick Smith Funway 2 kits, I’ve honed my skills on through-hole technology boards. But the days of through-hole technology are well and truly numbered, as many ICs either cost more or don’t come in DIP packages and … Continue reading →

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Quick Review: Xiaomi Youpin NexTool Cree XHP50.2 2000lm 6500K Flashlight

Posted on December 24, 2020 by lui_gough

It’s coming up to Christmas, so I was on the lookout for a little treat for myself. While I’m not a flash-a-holic (I keep telling myself that), I couldn’t resist buying a Xiaomi Youpin NexTool Flashlight when I saw it … Continue reading →

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Project: TSP-Scripted Battery Simulation for Keithley 2450 SourceMeter

Posted on December 13, 2020 by lui_gough

As one of the lucky recipients of a Keithley 2450 SourceMeter as part of the element14 RoadTest program, I had the opportunity to review this rather precise and versatile source-measurement unit. Unfortunately, during the review process, an issue was found … Continue reading →

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R&S NGM202: Developing a Li-Ion Battery Model with Multi-Level Current Waveform

Posted on December 12, 2020 by lui_gough

In a previous posting, I looked at how I could use the Rohde & Schwarz NGM202 Two-Quadrant Power Supply to test and generate a battery model for use with the Battery Simulation option. In that previous posting, I covered some … Continue reading →

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Review: Keeppower IMR26650 3.7V 5500mAh Unprotected Li-Ion Battery (UH2655)

Posted on December 11, 2020 by lui_gough

It’s the season of discounts and cashbacks, so not wanting to waste a good opportunity, I decided to make a few more purchases to keep myself occupied. Despite the relative unpopularity of the 26650 size (as the 21700 cells offer … Continue reading →

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Review: Bakeey 116 Pro (Teng Jinda/LeFun Health) Smartwatch – Step, Sleep, HR, BP, SPO2 for $15?

Posted on December 6, 2020 by lui_gough

It’s been a while since I reviewed anything wearable. The main reason is that I’ve been happy with my Mi Band 2 with an aftermarket metal strap that I’ve been using since 2017, with one notable exception – the OLED … Continue reading →

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Quick Review: (Xiaomi) Atuman DUKA LS-1 USB Rechargeable Laser Rangefinder

Posted on December 5, 2020 by lui_gough

Perusing the recent Black Friday sales online, I came across a discounted listing for a Xiaomi/Atuman DUKA LS-1 USB rechargeable laser rangefinder for under AU$15 delivered. Having already owned a Bosch PLR 30 C (which I didn’t get around to … Continue reading →

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Review, Teardown: HoldPeak HP-605C 6/40A AC/DC Clamp Adapter

Posted on December 4, 2020 by lui_gough

Current measurements are, in general, a pain. Most of the time you have to insert the meter in series with the circuit that is being measured, meaning you’re going to have to interrupt the circuit somewhere, cutting power to the … Continue reading →

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Notes: Measuring DC-DC Converter Efficiency (feat. Computer Products PM941 48V to 5V Module)

Posted on October 23, 2020 by lui_gough

Around a week ago, I delivered my RoadTest review on the Vishay SiC461 Synchronous Buck Converter Reference Design Evaluation Board. It was a very involved review requiring a lot of time running tests and due to its claimed 98% peak … Continue reading →

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Review: Sofirn SP33 V3 3500lm XHP50.2 Flashlight w/5500mAh 26650 Li-Ion Battery

Posted on October 17, 2020 by lui_gough

I wouldn’t consider myself a flash-a-holic, but I didn’t expect to make my next purchase so soon after I had acquired an Astrolux FT03. Unfortunately for me, oweban on OzBargain decided to post a deal on the Sofirn SP33 V3.0 … Continue reading →

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Review, Teardown: L336 Learning Infrared Remote Control (& Reviving a Dead Remote)

Posted on October 11, 2020 by lui_gough

One of the modern conveniences of audio-visual equipment is the ability to tele-command it with an infrared remote control, so you don’t have to get up out of your seat to push a few buttons. Unfortunately, for many reasons, remote … Continue reading →

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Review: Keeppower 26650 3.7V 5500mAh Protected Li-Ion Battery (P2655C)

Posted on October 6, 2020 by lui_gough

If you’re like me and have a few flashlights, you’ve probably also got a few spare cylindrical batteries to go with them. Traditionally, 18650 cells were the most common and with some judicious selection, you can obtain cells that are … Continue reading →

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Review: Escam PVR008 Full-HD H.265 Pan-Tilt Wireless IP Camera

Posted on October 3, 2020 by lui_gough

I’ve been very busy as of late, but sometimes, doing the work I do can feel a bit repetitive and boring. So what happens when I’m bored? I go looking for bargains and things to buy that might be rather … Continue reading →

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