I learned a lot today in this video: LTspice tutorial – EP4 How to import libraries and component models.
Category Archives: Web
Descent3 Source Code
Today on lobsters there was a link to the Descent3 Source Code. Very cool.
Props to Corsair
Just wanted to say thank you publicly to Corsair. The case for my computer ‘charisma‘ is a Corsair Carbide 100R Silent Edition Mid-Tower ATX Case. I really love this case and in fact I have two of them.
Anyway I had a problem where one of the feet snapped off and I couldn’t find spares for sale anywhere on the internet. I applied for a replacement of the feet through the Corsair warranty process, which was comprehensive but relatively painless, and I am pleased to report that my new replacement feet arrived today.
I am a happy customer!
You can trust this article because it’s written by academics
I just needed to make a note of this unironic statement which I read here:
Claudius Ptolemaeus, Almagestum, 1515
Wow. On Wikipedia you can download a 1515 Latin translation of the Almagest: Claudius Ptolemaeus, Almagestum, 1515.
I was able to read this file on my Debian workstation after installing the package djview4.
Undocumented LTspice
Today I discovered Undocumented LTspice while reading Introduction to LTspice – MIT (PDF).
SparkFun ATTiny85 Quick Reference
Today I happened upon this ATTiny85 Quick Reference.
ChipQuik Alloy
On an EEVblog video I learned about ChipQuik Alloy which has a low melting point for removing difficult SMT components with a soldering iron.
Soldering tips from Dave Jones
In his video EEVblog #186 – Soldering Tutorial Part 3 – Surface Mount Dave Jones says to use soldering iron temperature of 300°C to 350°C. He set his hot air gun at 350°C.
He also recommends 4x or 6x magnifications for 0402 SMD and recommends not to use them (or smaller) unless you have to because they can increase manufacturing costs due to being small and fiddly and requiring magnification during soldering. The smaller components can affect yield.
For solder he recommends 0.46mm solder (recommended Multicore brand). And flux. Always use flux.
Also he’s on the record as preferring a chisel tip. In this video he also demoed a thing called a “well tip“, which I have never seen or used before. Apparently good for drag soldering?
While I was researching this post I came across the Hakko Product Lineup, they have some nice looking kit!
p.s. in EEVblog #180 – Soldering Tutorial Part 1 – Tools Dave suggests solder in this order:
- 62sn/36pb/2ag
- 63sn/37pb
- 60sn/40pb
The first one with silver in it can be good for some SMT devices. The second one has a more stable melting point. The third is tried and tested but has variable range of melting points.
Note: sn = tin; pb = lead; ag = silver.