updating my Christmas lights (2023 edition)pileofstuff2023-11-24 | Almost 4 years ago I put together some WIFI controlled outdoor Christmas lights (youtu.be/ZxDq9-0VYHc)
'tis the season to make sure they still work, and make some more modifications
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.I made my brothers game more annoying!pileofstuff2024-05-17 | My brother asked me to combine a couple of things to convert a kids game into a loud drinking game.
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Mailbag Monday 192pileofstuff2024-05-12 | Welcome back, my friends, to the series that never ends - It's Mailbag Monday!
More goodies for tinkering and experimenting. And another surprise from viewers like you.
Links:
GT2 2GT-K Idler Timing Drive Pulleys 16T 20T For 6mm Synchronous Belt Aluminium pileofstuff.ca/r/ch832
12V WS2811 White Running 5050 LED Pixel Strip Light Addressable 60LEDs/m pileofstuff.ca/r/6sy1h
12V WS2811 Addressable 5050 RGB LED Pixel Flexible Strip Light Dream Magic Color pileofstuff.ca/r/mu12n
90W USB PD Car Charger 3 Ports USB Type C Fast Charger Quick Charge 3.0 Car Phone Adapter For iPhone 15 14 Xiaomi Samsung Huawei pileofstuff.ca/r/ya2zg
Xlr Cable Male to Female High Quailty 3 Pin Audio Lines To Interconnection With Microphone Multimedia Sound Amp pileofstuff.ca/r/u4gyl
100 Cable Ties 150x12mm T-Buckle Strap Nylon Ring Strap Black Back-to-Back Data Cable Self-Adhesive Cable Management Ties pileofstuff.ca/r/4y4fc
4PCS MG996R 55g Metal Gear Torque Digital Servo 15KG for RC Helicopter Car Robot pileofstuff.ca/r/vui9m
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Calgary Maker Faire 2024pileofstuff2024-05-10 | I decided to check out the closest Maker Faire to me, which happened to be in Calgary. it's also the first event of this type I've attended.
Here's a montage tour of some of the things I saw.
I am especially impressed at how many STEM programs they have in the community, including multiple FIRST robotics groups at all age groups.
Here's a list of the groups who participated with displays and presentations: pileofstuff.ca/r/ukx0q
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Arduino relay board : beginner friendly kit buildpileofstuff2024-05-03 | This kit is a beginner friendly soldering project that can expand the capabilities of an Arduino Uno or Mega board to allow for controlling higher current (or voltage) loads.
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Mailbag Monday 191pileofstuff2024-04-29 | It's mailbag Monday again! My favourite day of the week.
More of the cheapest electronics related goodness i could find and a couple more surprise donations from viewers like you.
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Salvaging free parts from junkpileofstuff2024-04-26 | It is spring. Which means as the snow melts all kinds of junk shows itself in the mud.
Some of that junk is discarded electronics, so today I'm on a salvage mission to see if any of it can be harvested for re-use.
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Testing a cheap power supplypileofstuff2024-04-19 | This cheap Aliexpress 12 volt power supply showed up in the last mailbag, and I wanted to run it through its paces to see how bad (or good) it is.
I hope to push it harder in the future to see where it maxes out, but I've go t to wait for more power resistors to arrive first.
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Mailbag Monday 190pileofstuff2024-04-15 | All sorts of interesting things in the mail today. And another surprise from an anonymous donor!
Links:
VS1003B VS1053 MP3 Module Development Board Onboard recording function pileofstuff.ca/r/ybrsd
Ultra Thin LED Power Supply DC 12V 24V Lighting Transformers 100W 150W 200W AC180-260V Driver For LED Strip Lights pileofstuff.ca/r/edgu8
5/10Pcs Yellow Cleaning Sponge Cleaner for Enduring Electric Welding Soldering Iron 3.5cm*5cm https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DC81RbL
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Whats inside a Hatchimals? Curiosity teardownpileofstuff2024-04-12 | This wee beasite showed up in a package that Carleton sent me.
I've never seen these things before, but it's a sort of "electronic pet", similar to a Furby or Tamagotchi.
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Easy kit build: touch switch with timerpileofstuff2024-04-05 | today I'm building another of the kits that Universal Solder sent me earlier this year.
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Mailbag Monday 189pileofstuff2024-04-01 | There's an interesting looking variety of packages in the mailbox today. Including a couple of unexpected donations! Grab yourself a drink and let's get into it.
fortwhyte.org is the beneficiary of the beer's fundraiser
50 PCS ESD Small 1.5" x 2.8"_4 x 7cm Anti Static Zipper Bags Electronic Packing pileofstuff.ca/r/p71xy
BTBcoin 19+1 20Pin 4 Port USB 3.0 HUB Front Panel Combo Bracket USB3.0 Hub Adapter for PC Desktop 3.5" FDD Floppy Disk Drive Bay pileofstuff.ca/r/8oypy
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.LED safety triangle -repair/teardownpileofstuff2024-03-29 | This is a quick diagnosis and repair (and curiosity teardown while I'm at it) of a flashing LED safety thing a friend-of-a-friend asked me to try and fix.
Turned out to be one of the most common types of failure and a very easy repair
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Road construction warning light (curiosity teardown)pileofstuff2024-03-22 | Last week Big Clive did a video on a road construction warning light, which reminded me that I have one of those as well - but a somewhat different style, and probably older.
Today, I'm taking a look inside to see how similar (or different) they are.
odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Mailbag Monday 188pileofstuff2024-03-18 | Happy Monday, it's tie to open the mail!
More things I thought was interesting during my late night ebay trolling, and a few unexpected things from you guys.
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.ESD wrist strap testerpileofstuff2024-03-15 | This ESD wrist strap tester has been hanging on the wall of the shop at work fo many years, and recently it stopped working.
Which gives me the chance to bring it home and see what's inside!
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.First look: DMX512 LED strip controllerpileofstuff2024-03-08 | Today I'm exploring the SP201 DMX512 to LED strip controller.
I wasn't able to find a lot of information about this thing online, and the "manual" that comes with it leaves a *lot* to be desired. Hopefully my explorations can be helpful to someone who gets their hands on one in the future.
It can control several types of addressable LEDs (including the common WS2812/2812 types) as well as acting as a 5 channel PWM dimmer for standard LEDs and stips.
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Mailbag Monday 187pileofstuff2024-03-04 | Mailbag Monday! My favourite day of the week. And this week there's a couple of things that I'm especially interested in. even more than usual.
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Kit build: stereo amplifier.pileofstuff2024-03-01 | Remember that big box of kits that universal Solder sent me last month? Here's the first build out of that collection. This is a 15 watt stereo amplifier based on the TDA2030 amplifier chip.
After asking Universal Solder about the component value changes, he tells me that it was a change to make the amplifier a bit more stable at high gain settings, as I suspected. There were components included in the kit for both options.
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.camera arm attempt 2pileofstuff2024-02-23 | A few months ago I tried to build an automatic camera moving thing, which sort of worked, but it had a lot of problems See for yourself: youtu.be/R5MEBZYgvk8
But now I'm back with different motors, new 3D printed parts, and a new simplified control circuit.
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Mailbag Monday 186pileofstuff2024-02-19 | It's Monday and I've got more mail.
Electronics, parts, kits and surprises! Grab yourself a beverage and let's get into it!
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.unboxing a bunch of kits from universal solderpileofstuff2024-02-16 | I got a box of kits and other modules in the mail from a nifty little Canadian company called Universal Solder.
Today I'm gonna do a quick unboxing and look at everything, then a closer look at a couple of the modules.
Which kit do you want to see me build first? Let me know in the comments.
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.curiosity teardown: power bar with USBpileofstuff2024-02-09 | Most of the time the USB power supplies I see overestimate their ratings. This one claims to do 4.2A at 5 volts. And it's a surge suppressed AC power strip as well.
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Mailbag Monday 185pileofstuff2024-02-05 | Time to open the mail. And even more unexpected things that has been sent by anonymous donors, in addition to some stuff I found late at night while wandering around Ebay unsupervised.
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Q&A 2024 editionpileofstuff2024-02-02 | You asked, so I'm answering
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Can I make homemade flux?pileofstuff2024-01-26 | I've seen a few web pages and articles about making your own DIY flux for soldering, so I gathered a few supplies and gave it a try.
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Mailbag Monday 184pileofstuff2024-01-22 | These mailbags just get randomer and more unpredictable.
*** links***
Student Manual Paper Cutting Carving Tool Die Cutter Press Utility Knife Simple pileofstuff.ca/r/5pv5m
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Curiosity teardown: Pentax camera flashpileofstuff2024-01-19 | Today I'm taking a look inside a '90s vintage Pentax camera flash.
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.projector teardownpileofstuff2024-01-15 | I found this cheap little projector at a dollar store. Just a (very) quick teardown to satisfy my curiosity.
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.curiosity teardown: cheap powerbankpileofstuff2024-01-12 | Back in December I got the biggest cheapest PD/QC capable power bank I could find... Except it didn't work.
Lets take a look and see if it can be resurrected. And if not, at least we can look at what's inside.
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Mailbag Monday 183pileofstuff2024-01-08 | It's the first mailbag of the year! Time to grab a drink and see what's in the mail this time.
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.First look: Elecrow CrowView 14 Portable Ultralight Dual Monitorpileofstuff2024-01-05 | Elecrow sent me their CrowView Dual Monitor laptop dual monitor thingie. to take a look at.
It's basically a 14" monitor that can clamp onto your laptop's screen and connect as a dual monitor configuration. But it can also be used as an extra monitor on anything that you can connect a monitor to using USB-C or HDMI (which is basically *any* modern device that can connect using either of those interfaces)
Yes they sent it as a free demo device, and yes those are both affiliate links. I'll get a commission if you buy one, but they aren't paying me for the video.
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.December kit builds: Noisy Lasers!pileofstuff2023-12-29 | Welcome to the last of the 2023 December of kit builds.
Today we've got lasers. Ok, LED lasers, but still... Lasers! And it's musical too!
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Mailbag Monday 182pileofstuff2023-12-25 | Last mailbag of the year! Where has the time gone...
The links:
2.8V 3.3V 5V CH551 CH552 Core Development Board Core Board USB-Device USB pileofstuff.ca/r/fvg4b
3.5inch Mini 170 Diagonal Pliers DIY Hand Tool Model Clamp Cutting Plier DIY pileofstuff.ca/r/rtwxn
DIY Power Bank Box LCD Digital Display Fast Charging Power Bank Cases NO Battery pileofstuff.ca/r/uxida
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.December kit builds: switches and soundspileofstuff2023-12-22 | The December kit build extravaganza continues. This is one iI got last year and forgot about. Like so many of these cheap kits, the instructions and description are fully in Chinese, so the best way to know exactly what it does is to build it!
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.December kit builds: light-up fidget spinnerpileofstuff2023-12-15 | Time to tackle a fully surface mount kit. This is a fidget spinner that makes a variety of patterns on it's LEDs using persistence of vision to create a full image out of only 11 LEDs.
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Mailbag Monday 181pileofstuff2023-12-11 | We're getting close to the end of the year, but the mail keeps on coming. This time another useful assortment, and a surprise gift from a long time sponsor.
The links:
10Pcs DC Connectors 5.5x2.1mm 3.5x1.3mm DC Power Plug Male Female Jack Socket Nut Panel Mount DC Power Adapter Connector 5.5*2.1 pileofstuff.ca/r/ttnwn
ESP8266 ESP-01 ESP-01S RGB LED IDE Adapter Controller Module WS2812 for Arduino pileofstuff.ca/r/ir9j0
10PC M3*8 Black 12.9 Headless Hex Socket Allen Set Screws Grub Screw Flat Point pileofstuff.ca/r/rkdmb (search link)
5/10/20/30/50mm x 33M High Temperature Heat Resistant Insulation Tape Polyimide pileofstuff.ca/r/m46l5
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.December kit builds: logic gates and a buzzerpileofstuff2023-12-08 | Continuing on with my December of kit builds.
This time it's a lower part count kit with a couple of logic gates, some push buttons and a buzzer. ut what does it do?
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.December kit builds: relays and LEDspileofstuff2023-12-01 | Welcome to the first fo the 2023 December kit builds.
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Mailbag Monday 179pileofstuff2023-11-27 | It's Monday. Time to open a beer and see what's in the mail!
Links:
DIY Electronic Kit LED Gyro Manufacture Kit Welding Alleviate Fatigue Loo pileofstuff.ca/r/q8jt6
5M 50led USB Fairy Light Multicolor Copper Wire String Strip Party Garland Decor pileofstuff.ca/r/9uf0d (search link)
10pcs Right Angle 4 Pins DIP PCB Mount USB A Female Jack Solder Connector pileofstuff.ca/r/oo3rv (search link)
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Cheap garage light repair.pileofstuff2023-11-17 | Remember that light from the last mailbag that arrived broken? Time to see if I can fix it. And do a bit of an exploration of what's inside.
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Mailbag Monday 178pileofstuff2023-11-13 | Another Monday, Another interesting beer, and even more mail.
And even a surprise package from one of you generous folks.
Here's the links:
3.5 Jack 3.5mm Female Adapter Solder Stereo Socket Wire Connector DIY Jack Plug pileofstuff.ca/r/wt91x
MINI Mobile Phone RF Signal Blocker Jammer Bag Case Pouch Anti Radiation pileofstuff.ca/r/uhm0s
6 Wires Circuits Capsule Slip Ring 240V 300Rpm 12.5mm / 250Rpm 22mm For Monitor pileofstuff.ca/r/1wa0s
3 Leaf LED Fan Deformable Lamp Fan Folding Garage Ceiling Workshop Lamp (C) Z#B pileofstuff.ca/r/csx32
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Curiosity teardown: beer store freebiepileofstuff2023-11-10 | When I was at the beer store picking up some *supplies* they offered me a pick from a box of promo freebies. Obviously I picked something with blinking LEDs and a rechargeable battery. Let's see what else is inside it...
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Automated camera arm (is it really a fail if I learned something?)pileofstuff2023-11-03 | I decided to challenge myself and build an automated camera arm without using a microcontroller.
Spoiler: it didn't quite work the way I wanted, but the problem is not what I expected.
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Mailbag Monday 177pileofstuff2023-10-30 | Oh, look. there's mail to open!
Time to pour a drink and get into it!
The links: 3Pcs 4 Pole 3.5mm Stereo Audio Female Jack Socket Connector Solder pileofstuff.ca/r/yb5ay
TP4056 5V 1A USB Type-C 18650 Lithium Battery Charging and Protection pileofstuff.ca/r/yxi4h (search link)
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Halloween strobe light: curiosity teardownpileofstuff2023-10-27 | Among the spooky seasonal stuff at my local Dollarama, i found this cheap little strobe light.
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Exploring a cheap macro keypadpileofstuff2023-10-20 | I'm hoping this cheap macro keypad can make my video editing faster or at least more efficient.
But before it goes into service, let's see what's inside, and figure out how to program it.
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Mailbag Monday 176pileofstuff2023-10-16 | Is it Monday already? Cool! Time to grab a drink and see what showed up this time!
Links:
TZT 5pcs Fr4 Pcb 7x10cm 7*10 Single Side Copper Clad Plate Diy Pcb Kit Laminate Circuit Board pileofstuff.ca/r/uwb20
4s 20a 14.8v 16.8v Li - on Battery Protection Board BMS PCB 18650 protection pileofstuff.ca/r/utbav
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Quick and cheap laser engraver enclosure for Creality Falcon2pileofstuff2023-10-13 | Now that it's getting colder, I want to move my new Creality Falcon2 laser engraver from the well ventilated garage into the house. And that means I need an enclosure and a way to vent the smoke and fumes out of the house.
Join me as I build a quick and dirty (and cheap) enclosure.
Interested in the Creality Falcon2 22 watt laser engraver?
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odysee.com/@pileofstuff #ElectronicsCreators ----- This isn't the only way to do it. It's probably not the best way to do it. But it's how I did it.Curiosity teardown: trimble GPSpileofstuff2023-10-06 | Today my curiosity led me to this decades old GPS unit.
It's an industrial grade Trimble unit that has spent the last few decades hanging out on a tower and providing stable timing to a long gone paging system.