Power on Reset – Capacitor calculations
Note : Written up for the Z80 processor, though same principal applies to others. While power on instability is a less of an issue with modern processors, older, retro, MPU's definitely need reset on power up. Newer chip tend to have this build into the chip. The...
Parametric Lego Fusion 360
Parametric Lego design in Fusion 360. In this video, I take you though designing a parametric version of a Lego block allowing you to easily create a block of any dimensions that you can then 3D print.
GroClock update 1
Quick update - I have been looking at which processor to use and which Wifi module. I was considering using a Bluetooth module but that would have meant developing an iPhone /Android app which just adds to much to the project. So have decided to use a Wifi Module with...
Schmitt Trigger Oscillator
The Schmitt Trigger Inverter oscillator is a very simple oscillator which can be useful but is also not very accurate or stable. Pros Easy and simple circuit Easy timing calculation Useful for not critical oscillations or clock signal. Cons Subject to frequency...
Microsoft Surface Pro 4 Repair
I was given a Surface Pro 4 to repair and was told that the user stood on it and hence the screen cracked. However.... once I managed to open it (something that was far more difficult than I would have hoped for) I realised that actually, cause of the cracked screen...
First computer experience
My very first memory of a computer was at a friends house when I was about 7 or 8 years old (in South Africa). In the lounge was a glass cabinet with a homemade computer, screen and keyboard. I clearly remember it. It had a white (or more grey) monochrome monitor -...
3D printed repair and replacement for Wooden rail track
I had two issues with my son's Big Jig rail track. One was the railway crossing gates getting broken and the other was the "rickety bridge" issue.The gate was a simple case of it being stood on.But one gate and the track link got broken so I looked to replace both by...
Why I hate Linux…
OK, so I admit that I have been a Microsoft user since DOS 2. I still think DOS 3.3 was the best ever OS. I'm on Windows 10 at the moment and I'm quite happy with it. Most of my applications only come for Windows and some for Mac. But I can get everything I need for...