James @baldengineer@qoto.org

Just came across Visashot - A Python tool to create beautiful screenshots from vintage test equipment. Up to 120 instruments supported.

https://damien.douxchamps.net/elec/visashot/

TDK introduced a 1uF, 100V capacitance in an EIA 0603-sized case. The press release suggests it targets 48V systems (like data centers.) At 50V, the effective capacitance isn't even 200 nF.

https://product.tdk.com/en/search/capacitor/ceramic/mlcc/info?part_no=C1608X7R2A105K080AC

That DC bias effect is real.

Before PDFs, you could order a Microfiche version of test equipment manuals to stay up-to-date.

Maker News June 2025 Update. Lots of cool stuff to check out from great makers:

Kayaks on treadmills, rogue sparks in shielded boxes, and a payment terminal that gives up root in 30 seconds

https://makernews.substack.com/p/maker-news-june-2025-update

The RP2350pc appears to be an open-source single-board computer from @Olimex, based on the RP2350 microcontroller. Their shop lists it at 25 EUR.

https://bald.ee/rp2350pcolimex

GuitarML on Github created an ESP32/Arduino-based Space Station Tracker. Add 2.8" LCD and watch its path around the world.

https://github.com/GuitarML/SpaceStationTracker

An LLM for the Commodore 64 (with 2MB REU). It isn't a chat bot, but it will tell you a story... like a 3 year old.

https://github.com/ytmytm/llama2.c64

10/10 Stream: Working on the State Mode Logic Analyzer project. https://twitch.tv/baldengineer

Thur 9/12 Stream: Let's do some PCB work for the State Mode Logic Analyzer. Moving forward with the RP2350 despite E9.

YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/FXKvN4B7B6k
or
twitch.tv/baldengineer

Presented without context.

What could I be testing?

Thur 9/5 Stream: Second attempt at soldering a blinky board for the CERBERUS 2100 computer. (Modern 6502 + Z80 SBC). https://youtube.com/live/WNV3RQurbJg

Anyone have details about this NTE Announcement (LinkedIn)? Who bought them in 2022? Looks like all stock is cleared out of the channels and their site is down. Seems like an abrupt end. :(

(Sorry for the weird looking URL, blame LinkedIn.)
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nte-electronics-inc_%F0%9D%97%94%F0%9D%97%B3%F0%9D%98%81%F0%9D%97%B2%F0%9D%97%BF-%F0%9D%9F%B0%F0%9D%9F%AC-%F0%9D%97%AC%F0%9D%97%B2%F0%9D%97%AE%F0%9D%97%BF%F0%9D%98%80-%F0%9D%97%BC%F0%9D%97%B3-%F0%9D%97%98%F0%9D%98%85%F0%9D%97%B0%F0%9D%97%B2-activity-7235031096395018240-7TsV

Well. I should have listened to chat. The correct answer was to just do it in the RP2040's PIO. 18 lines of code and two cups of coffee later ...

C-side keeps increasing the delay between Clock "In" and Clock "Out"

Thur 8/29 Stream: Attempting to program this (hopefully) clever clock delay circuit. It'll be used in my state mode logic analyzer project. Twitch or:
https://youtube.com/live/KlQh8Rn1QOA

Thur 8/22 Stream: Let's do some RP2350 design. I want to upgrade my state-mode logic analyzer. Come say hi.

https://youtube.com/live/SnUesxjJU-k

Thur 8/1 Livestream: Let's fix some mistakes I made on an oscilloscope active probe text fixture: https://www.twitch.tv/baldengineer/

Yellow: Temperature (digital sensor)
Green: Battery Voltage (in ADC) Steps
Blue: Open Voltage Divider (in ADC) Steps

FeatherS3 (ESP32) with custom sensor Wing in a box, in my garden

As the temperature peaks, looks like the ADC (or its ref) is drifting.

Data is cool

I don't normally write or promote Kickstarter projects. However, since this is Particle and they have a proven track record of using crowdfunding successfully, I am comfortable sharing this one.

**Also**, I want one. It's like a mid-range smartphone on a Pi board for $149.

https://www.hackster.io/news/particle-s-tachyon-first-5g-enabled-sbc-harnessing-ai-ml-acceleration-for-edge-and-iot-applications-6b3260fa57f6

Success!

Thur 7/25 Livestream: Soldering some Banana Plug Adapters for power supplies. Adapt USB, JST PH, Barrel Jack, and Screw Terminals to test equipment. Come say Hi! https://youtube.com/live/DKOYQZEC8t4