Practical Usage

Category: Electronics

  • RFM12B: Dealing with radio interference

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    This is a screenshot from the serial monitor of a Jeenode (Arduino compatible) connected to my computer. It runs a program that will listen to incoming radio messages through its RFM12B radio transceiver. In this window, you can clearly see too lines that start with “OK”. These are real messages coming from my EM-1 Energy Monitor.…

  • VC-1: New circuit

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    The first circuit design for the VC-1 was a bit unstable and very dependant on the quality of the control signal. Since the goal here is to control the resistance with a PWM signal from the micro-controller, the control signal is going to be a fixed frequency square wave with a variable duty cycle (variable…

  • Tech Preview: Alesis Vortex (updated)

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    Update 16/1/31: The Alesis Vortex has been replaced by the Alesis Vortex Wireless . But the links below about in-depth reviews and complete user manual are still applicable and current. Update: 2012/12/21 – I am reviewing the Vortex in new posts. The first part is at: https://practicalusage.com/?p=781 Update: 2012/12/29 – Second part of the Vortex Review/Guide. Programming…

  • VC-1: Volume Control Beta

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    The VC-1 is. On the left, the Silonex Audiohm opto-couplers (OC) with the electronic drivers. it has been described here. On the right, the line-buffer/impedance-controller described there. It works as expected, using two digital pins on the Arduino micro-controller to change the volume. Partial specifications I use 2.2 Mohm metal film resitors as a voltage…

  • Making my own PCB: An exercise in frustration

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    I decided a few weeks ago that I would make my own circuit boards (PCB) for a while. At least for the first Beta. I succeeded, but the time and money invested make it a very “not profitable” adventure. I had to deal with nasty chemicals, capricious sensitized copper coated boards, unfriendly software and a…

  • Griffin Stompbox: A review

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    Update 16/1/31: Nothing left of this device on the Griffin site. I guess it has been retired (deprecated) Since I develop pedal boards, I thought I’d give the Griffin Stombox a try. To see what others are up to. The idea makes sense. A pedal board to control effects on the iPad. Sadly, there are…

  • Alesis iO DOCK: A review

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    There will be no un-boxing. Sorry, but there isn’t much in the box. Actually, I won’t do much functionality review today. In this first review, I am more interested in what is INSIDE the Alesis iO DOCK. The Alesis IO Dock The left side is for midi connection.Midi in-out and Midi USB. The iO DOCK…