20090930

Sharp NetWalker PC-Z1 unboxing and hands-on


Click to see the video





Some more first impressions:

- I'm not liking the keyboard at all.. key caps bend to all directions.

- touch screen got better by cleaning it fully ( there was traces of screen cover glue )

- after i calibrated the screen it is accurate and easy to use ( u need to turn it off and on to save the calibrations )

- I adjusted the font sizes bigger for easier use

- mouse is ok

- surfing with it is sometimes ok, sometimes too slow

- battery life seems good.. no real numbers yet but it could be about 7 hours on full use


I will test it more and will try to get flash and youtube working ( there should be a patch for that )

... soon we will have nice "Atom vs ARM" on UMPC battle..




Thanks again Conics for sending me it!





Get yours from Conics.net
[ click video tab to see how to set it to English ]

Details, News and Links for Netwalker

20090929

C-motech to make Snap Dragon tablet, Mangrove


Click here to see more






Yep, more and more tablets coming..

Known specs on C-motech's tablet :

7 inch touchscreen
Qualcomm Snap Dragon
Wireles options ( wifi, 3G, wimax )
2 * USB
Micro SD
Headset port
Windows Mobile 6.5





Via Aving.net [ translated ]

http://www.cmotech.com/

20090928

Meet Hanvon multitouch tablet


Click to see the video





No other specs yet, but we should get them soon..

Thanks Xavier!


Remote Control using PIC16F84A Microcontroller

Remote Control using PIC16F84A Microcontroller
Remote Control using PIC16F84A Microcontroller


design controls up to 8 devices using a PIC microcontroller (PIC16F84A) connected to the phone line. The unique feature here is that unlike other telephone line based remote control, this device does not need the call to be answered at the remote end so the call will not be charged. This device depends on number of rings given on the telephone line to activate/deactivate devices.

1. Circuit diagram (designed by www.tronicszone.com)
2. Parts List
3. C source code complied using HT-Soft PIC C compiler
4. Compiler Hex code file to be directly programmed into the PIC

Instructions for the telephone operated remote switch:

A) While constructing the main circuit, make sure you use 18pin sockets (base) for the PIC16F84A. Do not solder the IC directly to the board since you may have to remove it for programming. Before you use the PIC on the main circuit, you have to first program it.

B) To program the PIC16F84A microcontroller:

There are lots of programmers on the Internet available to program PIC microncontrollers. Given below are links to some free PIC programmer hardware/software:

* http://www.covingtoninnovations.com/noppp/
* http://www.picallw.com/
* http://www.lpilsley.uklinux.net/software.htm

Note: Programm the chip with the hex file attached above and remember to set the fuse bits to use "EXTERNAL HS OSCILLATOR" mode!

C) Remove the PIC from the programmer socket and put it into the main circuit socket.

Set the DIP SWITCH as follows:

Switch3 Switch4 No. of initial rings to Switch ON(activate half of the board)

OFF OFF 5

ON OFF 4

OFF ON 3

ON ON 2

The number of initial rings to Switch OFF is one more than the number of rings to switch ON. For example, if you have set switch3 OFF & Switch4 ON then number of initial rings to activate half of the board to switch ON the relays is 3 and number of initial rings to activate half of the board to switch OFF the relays is 3+1 = 4

Switch1 Swtich2 Delay before making the second set of rings

OFF OFF 20sec

ON OFF 15sec

OFF ON 10sec

ON ON 5sec

This is the maximum delay the board can take after it is half activated. It will reset after this delay.

D) Now connect the circuit to the phone line and switch on its power supply.

E) You can test the board now. For example set the DIP switch to Switch1 ON, Switch2 OFF (15 sec delay) & switch3 ON, switch4 OFF (4 rings to activate half for switching ON). If you want to switch ON relay 1 (connected to RB0 of main circuit) then you have to do the following:

1. Give 4 rings and put down the receiver
2. Wait 5 seconds (this 5 seconds wait is required to prevent the board from detecting continous rings)
3. then within 15 seconds give 1 ring (1 ring for relay1, 2 rings for relay2 and so on) and put down the receiver
4. then within 5 sec the relay1 will switch ON

To switch off relay1:

1. Give 5 rings and put down the receiver
2. Wait 5 seconds (this 5 seconds wait is required to prevent the board from detecting continous rings)
3. then within 15 seconds give 1 ring (1 ring for relay1, 2 rings for relay2 and so on) and put down the receiver
4. then within 5 sec the relay1 will switch OFF

IMPORTANT: This circuit has been tested by me and found to work correctly. I cannot guarantee that the circuit will work at your end since it depends on error free construction and usage. Please do not contact for any support and requests, any such requests will not be entertained.

Rangkaian Generator IF Sederhana

Rangkaian Generator IF Sederhana
Rangkaian Generator IF Sederhana


A versatile circuit of IF signal generator which may be of interest to radio hobbyists and professionals alike.Transistors T1 and T2 form an astable multivibrator oscillating in the audio frequency range of 1 to 2 kHz. RF oscillator is built around transistor T3. Here again a 455kHz ceramic filter/resonator is employed for obtaining stable IF. The AF from multivibrator is coupled from collector of transistor T2 to emitter of transistor T3 through capacitor C3. The tank circuit at collector of transistor T3 is formed using medium wave oscillator coil of transistor radio, a fixed 100pF capacitor C5 and half section of a gang capacitor (C6).


The oscillator section may be easily modified for any other intermediate frequency by using ceramic filter or resonator of that frequency and by making appropriate changes in the tank circuit at collector of transistor T3. Slight adjustment of bias can be affected by varying values of resistors R6 and R7, if required

Rangkaian Simple Analog to Digital Converter

Rangkaian Simple Analog to Digital Converter

Normally analogue-to-digital con-verter (ADC) needs interfacing through a chip to catechumen alternation abstracts into agenda format. This requires accouterments and all-important software, consistent in added complication and appropriately the absolute cost.

The ambit of A-to-D advocate apparent actuality is configured about ADC 0808, alienated the use of a microprocessor. The ADC 0808 is an 8-bit A-to-D converter, accepting abstracts curve D0-D7. It works on the assumption of alternating approximation. It has a absolute of eight alternation ascribe channels, out of which any one can be called application abode curve A, B and C. Here, in this case, ascribe approach IN0 is called by accomplishments A, B and C abode lines.

Usually the ascendancy signals EOC (end of conversion), SC (start conversion), ALE (address latch enable) and OE (output enable) are interfaced by agency of a microprocessor. However, the ambit apparent actuality is congenital to accomplish in its affiliated approach afterwards application any microprocessor. Therefore the ascribe ascendancy signals ALE and OE, actuality active-high, are angry to Vcc (+5 volts). The ascribe ascendancy arresting SC, actuality active-low, initiates alpha of about-face at falling bend of the pulse, admitting the achievement arresting EOC becomes aerial afterwards achievement of digitisation. This EOC achievement is accompanying to SC input, area falling bend of EOC achievement acts as SC ascribe to absolute the ADC to alpha the conversion.

As the about-face starts, EOC arresting goes high. At abutting alarm beating EOC achievement afresh goes low, and appropriately SC is enabled to alpha the abutting conversion. Thus, it provides affiliated 8-bit agenda achievement agnate to direct amount of alternation input. The best akin of alternation ascribe voltage should be appropriately scaled bottomward beneath absolute advertence (+5V) level.

The ADC 0808 IC requires alarm arresting of about 550 kHz, which can be calmly acquired from an astable multivibrator complete application 7404 inverter gates. In adjustment to visualise the agenda output, the row of eight LEDs (LED1 through LED8) accept been used, wherein anniversary LED is affiliated to corresponding abstracts curve D0 through D7. Since ADC works in the affiliated mode, it displays agenda achievement as anon as alternation ascribe is applied. The decimal agnate agenda achievement amount D for a accustomed alternation ascribe voltage Vin can be affected from the relationship


Skema Rangkaian Seven Segment

Skema Rangkaian Seven Segment
Skema Rangkaian Seven Segment

It is actual absorbing and acceptable to be able to ascendancy aggregate while sitting at your PC terminal. Here, a simple accouterments ambit and software is acclimated to interface a 7-segment based rolling display. The printer anchorage of a PC provides a set of credibility with some acting as ascribe curve and some others as achievement lines. Some curve are accessible beneficiary blazon which can be acclimated as ascribe lines. The ambit accustomed actuality can be acclimated for interfacing with any blazon of PC’s printer port. The 25-pin alongside anchorage adapter at the aback of a PC is a aggregate of three ports. The abode varies from 378H-37AH. The 7 curve of anchorage 378H (pins 2 through 8) are acclimated in this ambit to achievement the cipher for articulation affectation through IC1. The actual one band of anchorage 378H (pin 9) and four curve of anchorage 37AH (pins 1, 14, 16, 17) are acclimated to accredit the affectation digits (one a time) through IC2. The $.25 D0, D1 and D3 of anchorage 37AH affiliated to pins 1, 14 and 17 of ‘D’ adapter are astern by the computer afore appliance to the pins while abstracts bit D2 is not inverted. Therefore to get a argumentation aerial at any of aloft three pins, we charge accelerate argumentation 0 achievement to the agnate pin of anchorage 37AH. Another important abstraction illustrated by the activity is the time analysis multiplexing. Agenda that all the bristles 7-segment displays allotment a accepted abstracts bus. The PC places the 7-segment cipher for the aboriginal digit/character on the abstracts bus and enables alone the aboriginal 7-segment display. After adjournment of a few milliseconds, the 7-segment cipher for the digit/character is replaced by that of the abutting charter/digit, but this time alone additional affectation chiffre is enabled. After the affectation of all characters/digits in this way, the aeon repeats itself over and over again. Because of this alliteration at a adequately aerial rate, there is an apparition that all the digits/characters are continuously actuality displayed. DISP1 is to be physically placed as the atomic cogent digit. IC1 (74LS244) is an octal absorber which is primarily acclimated to access the alive capability. It has two groups of four buffers with non-inverted tri-state outputs. The absorber is controlled by two alive low accredit lines. IC2 (75492) can drive a best of six 7-segment displays. (For alive up to seven common-cathode displays one may use ULN2003 declared abroad in this section.) The affairs for rolling affectation is accustomed in the advertisement DISP.C above. Whatever the message/characters to be displayed (here bristles characters accept been displayed), these are afar and stored in an array. Then these are decoded. Decoding software is actual simple. Just alter the adapted appearance with the bifold agnate of the affectation code. The affectation cipher is a byte that has the adapted $.25 angry on. For example, to affectation appearance ‘L’, the segments to be angry on are f, e and d. This is agnate to 111000 bifold or 38 hex. Please agenda that alone bound characters can be formed application 7-segment display. Characters such as M, N and K cannot be formed properly

IC 7812&7912 Dual Regulator Power Supply Circuit


IC 7812&7912 Dual Regulator Power Supply Circuit

Voltage Regulators low ability burning IC 78W alternation acclimated in our chart is now so bargain they are an economical another to simple regulators NPN-stabilizers. In addition, they action the allowances of bigger regulation, accepted absorbed / abbreviate ambit aegis to 1000 mA blow and calefaction bottomward if the electricity disperses too. Indeed, is not the alone way for these drives can be damaged polarity is incorrect or boundless ascribe voltage. Regulators Alternation 78W to affectionate of break 8V ascribe voltage of about 35V, while the blazon 24v bear 40V. Of course, of course, that regulators will not assignment with such an important ascribe cogwheel achievement as it would advance to boundless ability is dispersed. All controllers will bear the 78W alternation 1000mA accepted best accepted ascribe cogwheel voltage achievement of beneath than 7V. Otherwise, too broadcast power, thereby bringing the blaze extinguished.

Two transformers were acclimated to footfall voltage 230-250V AC ascribe power. It articles ability transformers 6-0-6V accessory terminals. This achievement is fed into the rectifier and clarify capacitor. Filtered IC6 that served 3-pin voltage regulator that provides a adapted achievement + 5V. It is acclimated to accredit the DPM system. It additionally comes as the arrangement voltage antecedent temperature accuracy.

Other articles transformers with a accommodation of 12-0-12V at its accessory terminals. The centermost was accustomed as a bubbler in the antecedent case. The added two accessory terminals are fed arch rectifier complete application diodes. Achievement recovered is filtered application a capacitor C5 and C6 for aliment and IC7 IC. In-8 IC7, which are 3-pin regulators accommodate achievement voltage of ± 8V. These two voltages are arresting generator. TO-8V ability antecedent is activated to the temperature of the network, and the advertence voltage. It is additionally all-important to +12 V and-12V food for the accomplishing of operational amplifiers. This can be calmly done application a 12V zener diodes. The achievement of arch rectifier is absorbed to the +12 V and-12V, respectively, application two zener diodes. In the zener achievement is fed to the terminals of the operational amplifier supply. For supply

for operational amplifiers charge not be actual able in acclimation + 12V, the use of Zener diodes be costly.

For the testing of cyberbanking apparatus voltage aloft 50 V is required. This can be accomplished through quadruple the alternation tension. It consists of four diodes and four electrolytic capacitors. Unreasonable Administration Accessory 12-0-12V is affiliated to quadruple string. Quadrupled achievement of the ambit is 68V to ground.

Car Adapter Circuit with ECG184


Car Adapter Circuit with Transistor ECG184

car converter 12 VDC to 9 VDC converters side for audio ,playstation,DVD,tv etc., is that we have designed for 12DC to 9DC converters that we bring to our design circuit . They are all effective in Switch Mode Power Supplies regulated output. We have developed a series of DC-DC power supply models ranging from 1 watt to 500 watts, which we incorporated into the new controller of DC converters. We are also developing new areas whenever necessary to meet customer requirements. We can provide some custom products that changes on the following products and fully custom DC-DC, new products, such as DC Battery Backup Power Supplies.

IC TDA7294 120 Watt Audio Power Amplifier Circuit


IC TDA7294 120 Watt Audio Power Amplifier Circuit

Amplifer with IC number TDA7293 for process sound system. This amplifer was have the input for a radio, TV, stereo or other line level device. It also has a phono input for a record player, guitar, microphone or other un-amplified source. With the addition of a low pass filter at the input, it makes a great amp for a small subwoofer.

Parts

R : 660 Ohm 1/4 W Resistor = 2 pcs.
R : 22K 1/4 W Resistor = 5 pcs.
R : 10K 1/4 W Resistor = 1 pcs.
R : 30K 1/4 W Resistor = 1 pcs.
C : 2200uF 35V Electrolytic Capacitor = 2 pcs.
C : 0.22uF Capacitor = 2 pcs.
C : 22uF Capacitor = 4 pcs.
C : 0.45uF Capacitor = 2 pcs.
U1,2 : TDA7294 100W DMOS AUDIO AMPLIFIER WITH MUTE/ST-BY

T1 : 50V Center Tapped 5 Amp Transformer
S1 : SPST 3 Amp Switch
S2 : DPDT Switch
F1 : 2 Amp Fuse
SPKR1 : 8 Ohm 120W Speaker
MISC : Case, Knobs, Line Cord, Binding Posts Or Phono Plugs (For Input And Output), Heatsinks For Q1 And Q2

20090924

Moorestown MID running Moblin 2.0 with Wind River UI


Click to see the video





... and as a side note: you wont be running moblin on current menlow devices... moorestown only.

Thanks Steve


20090923

Meet Digicube Z8 UMPC ( aka MIDPhone-50 )


Click here to see more



My hands-on video from Computex


Specs released at Computex






So MIDPhone-50 is now Digicube Z8 MID...

We should get some good news about this one soon...

Jump to UberGizmo for full gallery

UPDATE: Steve got hands-on too.. pile of pictures on gallery



Meet Viliv S10 Blade. 10 inch convertible netbook.


UPDATED with video..

Click to see the video and pictures











10 inch 1366 x 768 touch screen
1.33Ghz or 2.0Ghz Atoms
1GB RAM
32GB or 64GB SSD
3G options
SD card slot
Mic and headphone port
Webcam
2 x USB + mini USB
VGA/composite/RGB out
10 hour battery life
Windows 7 Home Premium

"Thin as Blade"

Shipping at Q4 starting +$500

Video coming any second...

More soon at MIDMoves too


20090922

Forget vegetablet! Microsoft Courier is cool!


Click here to see more







" Courier is a real device, and we've heard that it's in the "late prototype" stage of development. It's not a tablet, it's a booklet. The dual 7-inch (or so) screens are multitouch, and designed for writing, flicking and drawing with a stylus, in addition to fingers. "

This is looking good... now we need specs and reality check!


Jump to Giz to see the video too!


Intel opens Atom Dev Program, app store to follow


Click here to see more

"We want to fuel the growth of Intel Atom-based products designed for the mobile lifestyle," said Renee James, corporate vice president and general manager, Intel Software and Services Group. "The netbook has become one of the most popular consumer devices in the market today, but its true potential has been limited by applications that are not optimized for its mobility and smaller screen size. The Intel Atom Developer Program provides a great opportunity for developers to create useful and inventive applications that will unlock a netbook's potential while opening a new sales and distribution channel."

The program offers a streamlined and transparent process that will take the developer from application creation through testing and, finally, to the go-to-market stage. Intel is working with netbook original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and other partners to create application storefronts through which validated applications will be sold.



Atom Developer Program, Frequently Asked Questions


http://appdeveloper.intel.com/

Press release


Intel releases Moblin 2.1 for Handhelds ( video )


Click to see the video





Thanks again Steve!


20090921

UMID mBook M2 at IDF ( now with video )


Click here to see more








Steve just showed us UMID's new UMPC called mBook M2.

It's upgrade from their earlier model M1, updates include:

- new housing

- normal USB plug ( no more dongles )

- VGA out

- optical mouse on screen frame

- 1.2Ghz and 1.6Ghz Atoms

- 1GB RAM

- Windows 7

It has same keyboard and screen as on M1.

We should hear more soon...


Starting at $499 available next month..or 2

UPDATE: Starting at means $499 for 1.2Ghz CPU, 512MB, 8GB SSD, Win XP and no camera.

Thanks Steve!


mSATA SSDs for netbooks and UMPCs


Click here to see more




mSATA is now the new name for mini PCI-e SSDs according to SATA-IO

Yes, it is the same connector and form factor we have seen on Asus Eee PCs and Dell Minis, but now other manufactures will be supporting it too. The main size is 1.18 in. x 0.19 in. x 2 in. (30mm x 4.75mm x 50.95mm), which we have been calling 50mm pcie SSDs

They are naming the the "mini 1.8 inch drives" as Half-Slim drives on the same press release.

The Half-Slim SATA II modules have the same SATA connector used on 2.5-inch HDDs and SDDs, but the outside measurements are smaller: 1.18 in. x 0.19 in. x 2 in. (54mm x 4 mm x 39mm).



There should be pile of these SSDs at IDF, so we might get to see them a bit more as Steve and Sascha are there.

SATA-IO to Develop Specification for Mini Interface Connector

Via Engadget

Meet:Mobility Podcast 33


Welcome to listen Meet Mobility Podcast.
Join me, Steve and Sascha talking about mobile computing.

Continue reading...



Click to download [ mp3,1:07:05 ]

Show notes:

IFA overview.
Vaio X
JournE
Netwalker.

Viliv S7.
OVerview

Android Tablet.
229 8gb Cortex GPS optimised browser.
Flash 10 Q1 2010.

Mobinnova N910.
http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2009/09/mobinnova_n910_smartbook_hands-on_tegra_smartbook.htmlDifference between video consumption and web consumption.

$100 smartbooks.
http://www.itpro.co.uk/615184/new-arm-chip-promises-100-netbooks
The real story – Dual cortex A9.

IDF.
PineTrail
Moorestown
Graphics?
New platforms, Windows 7
New devices for Christmas.
Moblin netbooks. When? Moblin in beta.


Meetmobility is an occasional podcast from UMPCPortal, Netbooknews.com and JKKmobile.com
If you'd like to sponsor the podcast and help us make a more regular event, please contact us.


Meet Mobility home page
Subscribe via RSS


20090917

Simple PIC RF/Microwave Frequency Counter

PIC RF/Microwave Frequency Counter
This RF/Microwave Frequency Counter project built based on PIC 16F876A. The basic counter rate is extended to at least 180MHz using two 74Fxx devices. A divide-by-64 prescaler is used for higher frequencies up to at least 4.5GHz. All results of the measurement are shown on an inexpensive, 2x16 alphanumeric LCD module with large characters.

There are 3 inpust on this project a microwave (prescaled) input, an RF input and a TTL input. The microwave and RF inputs are AC coupled and terminated to a low impedance (around 50ohms). The TTL input is DC coupled and has a high input impedance. A progress-bar indicator is provided on the LCD for the gate timing.

Both the microwave and RF inputs have an additional feature : a simple signal-level detector driving yet another bar indicator on the LCD module. This is very useful to check for the correct input-signal level as well as an indicator for circuit tuning or absorption-wave-meter dip display (Lecher wires). This project designed by Matjaz Vidmar.

tag : RF counter, Microwave Frequency counter, PIC project source

Simple PIC RF/Microwave Frequency Counter

PIC RF/Microwave Frequency Counter
This RF/Microwave Frequency Counter project built based on PIC 16F876A. The basic counter rate is extended to at least 180MHz using two 74Fxx devices. A divide-by-64 prescaler is used for higher frequencies up to at least 4.5GHz. All results of the measurement are shown on an inexpensive, 2x16 alphanumeric LCD module with large characters.

There are 3 inpust on this project a microwave (prescaled) input, an RF input and a TTL input. The microwave and RF inputs are AC coupled and terminated to a low impedance (around 50ohms). The TTL input is DC coupled and has a high input impedance. A progress-bar indicator is provided on the LCD for the gate timing.

Both the microwave and RF inputs have an additional feature : a simple signal-level detector driving yet another bar indicator on the LCD module. This is very useful to check for the correct input-signal level as well as an indicator for circuit tuning or absorption-wave-meter dip display (Lecher wires). This project designed by Matjaz Vidmar.

tag : RF counter, Microwave Frequency counter, PIC project source

xpPhone getting ready, taking pre-orders and soon at jkkmobile


Click to see the video and info



Hands-on at Computex







Yep, sliding qwerty MID / UMPC with phone capability getting ready and to jkkmobile. Will be fun to test x86 Windows XP UMPC as a phone...

As Jenn points out on her news, they are making it a bit "more thin and sharp" compared to the early prototype I tested.

If you want to make sure you get it among the first, just jump to their site and fill the Online Pre-order form.

As a reminder what we will be getting, here are the full specs:

*CPU: AMD Super Mobile CPU
* Memory:512M/1G
* SSD: 8G/16G/32G/64G
* HDD:30G/60G/80G/120G
* LCD: 4.8' TFT Touch-screen LCD 800*480
* Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP
* Network:GSM/GPRS/EDGE/WCDMA (HSDPA/HSUPA)
CDMA/CDMA2000 1X/CDMA1X EVDO,TD-SCDMA,TD-HSDPA
* Wireless:WiFi 802.11b/g,WiMax(optional),Buletooth,Stand-alone GPS
* Camera Specifications:CMOS, 300k/1.3 Million
* Ports:1 x earphone jack,1 x microphone jack,Docking Connector
(include VGA output signal ),1 x USB 2.0, SIM Slot
* Power Management:
Battery: Removable Lithium-ion
Talk time: about 5 hours,Stand by time: about 5 days
Real life: about 7 hours(Standard), about 12 hours(Large)
Talk time,Standby time,Operation time may vary depending different usage.
* Weight: 400g (include battery)

No pricing details yet, shipping in next month or 2.



xpPhone official site

20090916

Sharp NetWalker vs UMID Mbook


Click here to see more








Both with 4.8 inch 1024 x 600 touch screen, around 160mm / 100mm / 20mm and 400g

Keyboard, screen angle and mouse all looking better on NetWalker..

I am getting the NetWalker soon from Conics.net so then we can compare them even more...

.. and I just got confirmation that NetWalker has English language option too!



More at PC Watch [ translated ]

Details, News and Links for Sharp NetWalker