Tag: DIY

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New Product Announcement – 12LEDstick kit

12LEDstick assembled

What is it?

The 12LEDstick is a multiplexed (specifically Charlie-plexed) linear array of twelve bright blue LEDs.  It uses four (4) pins to control all twelve LEDs, making it easy to add a lot of LEDs without dedicating a lot of valuable I/O lines.  An Arduino library with example sketches is provided to make it easy to add to your next blinky project.

Why do it?

Adding multiple LEDs to a project makes it more visually interesting, useful and engaging.  Using a clever multiplexing technique called Charlie-plexing allows up to 12 LEDs to be controlled with only four (4) signals.  The LEDs can be mounted directly to the provided PCB for a compact linear array or wired individually to reach wherever you need extra blinky-ness!

Value/Benefit

Wiring up a lot of LEDs can require a correspondingly large number of connections and extra components.  The 12LEDstick reduces this to four connections and four current-limiting resistors (provided).  The Arduino library and examples sketches will get your project blinking fast and easy.

Who benefits?

Electronic hobbyists can easily add large numbers of LEDs to their projects without needing extra chips, shift-registers, resistors and wiring.  Arduino builders can easily add more blinky bling without using up all the precious I/O lines.  Any microcontroller that can sink or source 10mA per I/O pin can drive the 12LEDstick.

12LEDStick Product Page

12 LED Stick Kit

12 LED Stick Kit

The 12LEDstick is a multiplexed linear array of blue 5mm LEDs that can be controlled with only four signals. An Arduino library and samples sketches are provided.

Assembly Manual | User Manual | Schematic | Arduino Sample Sketch

$8.00
Buy some now!
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New Product Announcement: Barrel Jack Breakout

Today I have the pleasure to tell all you Good People that there is a new product available in the store. Without further ado, allow me to present the Barrel Jack Breakout board kit!

Barrel Jack Breakout
Barrel Jack Breakout

What is it?

Another “Hobbyist Tools” category product, the Barrel Connector Breakout PCB is small DIY kit that allows electronics hobbyists to use modular barrel connector in their project without having to solder to a female jack/receptacle. The connectors have center, outer and switch connections that are bought out to a 3 pin screw terminal. Mounting holes let you robustly and securely mount the power adapter to your project.

Why do it?

Having a solid, reliable power connection is critical for prototyping electronic projects. Using this adapter makes power connections easy and trouble-free. Have one less thing to worry about in your electronic experiments – keep several of these handy adapters on your bench!

Benefits & Values

Low-cost breakout board provides robust, convenient and reliable power connection for hobby electronics projects.

Who benefits from this kit?

Electronic hobbyists can easily and reliably power their projects. Prototyping engineers can quickly produce proof-of-concept designs. Classrooms can provide project power options that don’t require soldering.

Barrel Jack Breakout board kit (2.1mm variation shown)
Barrel Jack Breakout board kit (2.1mm variation shown)

What’s included in the kit?

  • Resealable plastic bag 2″x3″
  • Printed circuit board
  • Barrel jack connector (2.1mm or 2.5mm)
  • 3-pin screw terminal block
  • Kit label
Barrel Jack Breakout Board Kit

Barrel Jack Breakout Board Kit

The Barrel Jack Breakout kit provides a modular power connection for your project.

2.1mm and 2.5mm versions are available. Assembly is quick and easy. Once assembled, no soldering is required to install or use the Barrel Jack Breakout board with your breadboard project.

Assembly instructions & documentation | Schematic

$3.00
Shop now
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New Product Announcement: Mini7Plus Infrared Spotlight kit

This is Not New!

Yes, Astute Reader, you have caught me in, shall we say, an “inconsistency”. This product is not “new”, but it is “new to the store”. I have been designing and selling infrared (IR) spotlight kits for decades now. In the past, I was mostly producing these for wholesale customers like BG Micro. Since I have several different models in stock now, I thought I would start making them available in the web store here:

https://www.dalewheat.com/product/mini7-plus-infrared-spotlight-kit/

What is it?

Mini7Plus IR Spotlight
Mini7Plus IR Spotlight as viewed in infrared

The Mini7Plus IR Spotlight is a compact, low-power infrared (IR) LED array that runs on 12VDC. The round printed circuit board (PCB) is a tiny 0.75 inches (19.05 mm) in diameter; it’s the same size as a US penny. The Mini7Plus kit contains a quality PCB, seven (7) high-power infrared LEDs, a current limiting resistor and two leads for power.

Product Variations

We offer this product with three (3) different wavelengths and two (2) different beam angles. Wavelength, usually expressed in nanometers or nm, determines the “color” of the infrared light. You need to know which wavelength your camera can detect. The beam angle refers to the spread of light as you get farther away from the LEDs. A 20° beam angle is a fairly tight “spotlight” effect, whereas a 50º angle is more of a “floodlight”.

Why do it?

Do you need a compact and reliable source of infrared illumination that runs on 12V? Use it for covert and semi-covert surveillance of small spaces, such as inside your car or under your house. The Mini7Plus IR Spotlight is a reliable and robust source of infrared light for your project.

Value & benefits:

Low-cost kit is easy to assemble and provides thousands of hours of continuous operation. Illuminate small spaces discreetly, such as small animal habitat without generating distracting visible light or excessive heat.

Who benefits?

Photographers and videographers can use the Mini7Plus IR Spotlight to illuminate otherwise invisible worlds. Property owners can use certain surveillance cameras that can pick up the light that is mostly invisible to the human eye. Scientists can use infrared light in experiments to observe nocturnal behaviors.

What’s included in the kit?

  • Resealable plastic bag 2″x3″
  • Printed circuit board
  • 7x IR LEDs
  • 100 ohm 1/2 watt 5% resistor
  • red power lead 4″
  • black power lead 4″
  • Kit label

Buy Some Today!