A cloud of steam hisses from under the hood as you pull over to the side of the road. Popping open the lid reveals the culprit – a small leak in one of the joints of your radiator. The good news is this doesn’t have to mean an expensive trip to the mechanic. With the …
Shoddy craftsmanship shows its true colors under pressure. When constructing a circuit board, the integrity of solder joints is crucial. Though imperfections may seem minor at first glance, these defects threaten to undermine the entire operation. Just as a faulty foundation compromises a building’s structural soundness, cold solder joints represent cracks in the circuitry that …
As technology advances, makers and engineers choose between programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and microcontroller platforms like Arduino for automation and control projects. Both offer digital programmability but have key differences that make each better suited for certain applications. When picking the right solution for your needs, it’s important to weigh factors like complexity, flexibility, cost, …
Light sensors come in many forms, but two of the most common are the phototransistor and the photoresistor. Though they both detect light levels, their inner workings differ significantly. The phototransistor relies on a semiconductor junction to control current flow, almost like a standard transistor but activated by light instead of electric potential. Meanwhile, the …
Phototransistor vs. Photoresistor: What’s the Difference? Read More »
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are essential components in nearly all modern electronics, but cutting them neatly and accurately can be tricky. From gathering the right tools to employing proper techniques, properly cutting a PCB requires care and precision. In this brief guide, we’ll cover the basics of PCB cutting, from understanding the materials involved to …
When building a high-performance computer, finding the right cooling solution is crucial. The heatsink draws heat away from sensitive components like the CPU and GPU, preventing thermal throttling during demanding tasks. But with options like copper or aluminum, how do you choose the best material for optimal heat dissipation? Both have their advantages and disadvantages …
That eye-catching green hue isn’t just for looks. The green color of motherboards serves essential functions beyond aesthetic appeal. There’s a solid reason behind the ubiquitous emerald tint of computer motherboards. While black circuit boards may look sleek, the green PCBs found in most PCs provide vital benefits. The component-packed interior of your computer is …
The shift from leaded solders to lead-free formulations was a major change for electronics assembly and production. But what exactly replaced the lead in modern soldiers? When restrictive laws kicked the electronics industry’s lead habit for environmental and health reasons, manufacturers had to reinvent solder with safer alternatives. Various metals stepped in to substitute for …
The Raspberry Pi, that compact and versatile single-board computer beloved by hobbyists, keeps getting more expensive. What was once an affordable entry point into computing now costs over $100 for even the most basic Pi models. For tinkerers on a budget, the rising price of Pis presents a problem. Why have these diminutive boards designed …
Oh no! You just discovered a broken wire in your latest electronics project. Now what? Before you reach for the soldering iron, consider this – there are several clever ways to fix a broken wire without any soldering required. In this brief guide, we’ll explore some of the easiest no-solder wire repairs using simple tools …
