In most cases the uses for a solderless breadboard is to test new designs that do not require soldering. Since no soldering is needed these are excellent for experimenting with. Since the solderless breadboards are reusable, they are often used in classrooms or other learning facilities. There are plenty of projects that can be done using solderless breadboards and a popular one is building a LED panel. Few parts are needed, and the solderless breadboard can be used over and over with similar projects.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Valuable Solderless Breadboards
In most cases the uses for a solderless breadboard is to test new designs that do not require soldering. Since no soldering is needed these are excellent for experimenting with. Since the solderless breadboards are reusable, they are often used in classrooms or other learning facilities. There are plenty of projects that can be done using solderless breadboards and a popular one is building a LED panel. Few parts are needed, and the solderless breadboard can be used over and over with similar projects.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Introduction to the PCB Cutter
Our product guru, George, takes the time to show us the ins and outs of the new PCB Cutter. The cutter is machined from durable steel and features a plastic guard to prevent accidental cuttings. See the item in use before making the purchase, you'll be pleasantly surprised with the results.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Quality Coaxial Cable Tester
When my local Cox Cable installer came to my house initially to run a new main cable, i noticed he was using at test unit similar to this one. My guess is the unit he was using cost several times more then this high quality device.
In closing, Circuit Specialists continues the tradition of providing high quality test equipment like multimeters and oscilloscopes at excellent prices. Oh, and the support can't be beat!
Monday, June 18, 2012
Digital Panel Meters Explained
What exactly is a panel meter? In the simplest of terms a panel meter is a display instrument that shows the input signal in an analog or digital form. In many of today’s applications digital panel meters are often the most popular. They are easy to read and are very durable which makes them easy for hobbyists to work with. Digital panel meters can be used to measure voltage, current, pressure, volume or temperature, another reason why they are commonly used. Circuit Specialists Inc., provide LCD panel meters that offer a clear display.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Using a Digital Panel Meter (DPM) to monitor the 12 V battery system in a vehicle (car, truck, boat motorcycle, etc.)
I get a fair number of questions from customers concerning how to connect a digital panel meter (DPM) to measure the 12 V electrical system in a vehicle. I have prepared this drawing showing the required connections along with a parts list indicating Circuit Specialists part numbers that are required to perform this operation.
Since the power for the DPM is to be derived from the same electrical system that is being monitored, this will require a DPM that uses a COMMON GND system. These include the PM-1029B and the PM-128E and PM-128E-BACKLIT. Other models with a common ground connection will also work but require additional components so I prefer the three models listed above.
All of the common ground units require 5 V power to operate the digital panel meter so some method of reducing the 12 V from the vehicle’s electrical system is required. I recommend using a 5 V regulator (such as the 78L05 or 7805) along with a small capacitor (such as 21ET100 ceramic disc) to supply the required power to the DPM.
The attached drawing shows the connections for the PM-1029B DPM and is similar to the PM-128E connections but there are differences in the jumper settings for each meter. If using the PM-128E (or PM-128E-BACKLIT) DPM, the DC and the J1 and J2 jumpers must be set correctly.
Since the power for the DPM is to be derived from the same electrical system that is being monitored, this will require a DPM that uses a COMMON GND system. These include the PM-1029B and the PM-128E and PM-128E-BACKLIT. Other models with a common ground connection will also work but require additional components so I prefer the three models listed above.
All of the common ground units require 5 V power to operate the digital panel meter so some method of reducing the 12 V from the vehicle’s electrical system is required. I recommend using a 5 V regulator (such as the 78L05 or 7805) along with a small capacitor (such as 21ET100 ceramic disc) to supply the required power to the DPM.
The attached drawing shows the connections for the PM-1029B DPM and is similar to the PM-128E connections but there are differences in the jumper settings for each meter. If using the PM-128E (or PM-128E-BACKLIT) DPM, the DC and the J1 and J2 jumpers must be set correctly.
Click Image to Enlarge
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
What Are Digital Panel Meters
Digital panel meters are used to measure and show electrical variables. These variables may include voltage monitoring to current, flow, speed, and much more. The digital panel meters are fitted with a bright LED or LCD display for easy viewing. Digital panel meters are often used in replacement of analog panel meters since they are much more accurate and have a faster response time. Many of these newer types of meters will have additional features that may include alarm options, or on/off switches that control the process unit.
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