The Prodigious Abacus

A Blast from the Past:

pighixxx has posted a slide-rule template for Voltage, Resistance, Current, and Power calculations!



Top 5 Design Tools of the Week

Black FRAME Featured

Head over to pddnet.com for a look at their top design tool picks including the Adafruit Bone Box, Nanotec StarterKit and more!


Featured Adafruit Products

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Adafruit Bone Box – Enclosure for Beagle Bone/Beagle Bone Black – Pack up your Beagle Bone or Beagle Bone Black in this lovely clear plastic case. We designed this case to be the ideal enclosure, with plenty of elegant details to make it useful to you! (read more)

Filed under: tools — by jeff, posted at 11:44 am


NEW PRODUCT – Autoranging Digital Multimeter Pen – MS8211D

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NEW PRODUCT – Autoranging Digital Multimeter Pen – MS8211D – Chances are you spent time today poking into a circuit with two hands and then craning your neck over looking over at a multimeter display, which causes you to slip and lose your spot. OK well at least we had to do that, and that’s when we decided it was time to pick up one of these pen-style digital multimeters. It’s small and light but has a full featured multimeter inside. The ground probe is actually a wired clamp (it has a nice sharp tip or you can grab onto a ground wire). So you can just poke around with one hand and see the values instantly.

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Comes in a nice padded case and has a nifty retractable tip so you won’t accidentally stab something in your toolkit. Powered by 2 x AAA batteries, included.

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Technical Details:

  • DC Voltage Range 200mV/2V/20V/200V/600V: ±(0.7%)
  • AC Voltage Range 200mV/2V/20V/200V: ±(0.8%)
  • AC Voltage Range 600V: ±(1.0%)
  • DC Current Range 20mA/200mA: ±(1.5%)
  • AC Current Range 20mA/200mA: ±(2.0%)
  • Resistance Range 200Ω: ±(1.0%)
  • Resistance Range 2kΩ/20KΩ/200KΩ/2MΩ: ±(1.0%)
  • Resistance Range 20MΩ: ±(1.0%)
  • Display Counts: 2000
  • Auto Ranging
  • Manual Ranging
  • Logic Level Test >3.5V is High Level <3.5V is Low Level
  • Auto Power Off
  • Diode Range: 2.7V
  • Continuity Buzzer <50Ω
  • Maximum Value Hold
  • Data Hold
  • Retractable Tip for Safe Storage
  • Power Supply: 2 x 1.5AAA Batteries
  • Product Size: 208mm / 8.2″ x 38mm / 1/5″ x 29mm / 1.1″
  • Product Weight: 110g / 0.2lb
  • Category: CE ETL

In stock and shipping now!

Filed under: tools — by jeff, posted May 9, 2013 at 5:04 pm


NEW PRODUCT – SMD Component Testing Tweezers

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NEW PRODUCT – SMD Component Testing Tweezers – These tweezers are perfect for anyone who does a lot of work with SMD components (and hey, who isn’t these days?) Use these instead of squinting and trying to use clumsy multimeter probes to detect an LED’s color, polarity or resistor/cap value! The multimeter ‘probes’ are the two tips of a tweezer-shaped multimeter. Simply ‘grab’ a resistor, capacitor, diode or LED to test. It has a “scanning” mode where it will try to guess what type of component you have, or you can select the component type with the Function button and it will auto-range for you.

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We find these ideal for checking unmarked-SMD values, and LED polarity/colors: there’s one on every production desk! Comes in a nice clear hard case with a CR2032 battery and an extra set of tips. These are a great investment for any E.E.

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Technical Details:

  • Max Dimensions: 32mm / 1.25″ x 175mm / 6.9″ x 20mm / 0.79″
  • Weight: 46g

Multimeter specifications:

  • Auto Scanning (detects component type), Auto ranging & Manual ranging
  • 3000 Display Count
  • Resistance Range: 300Ω/3K/30K/300KΩ/3MΩ/30MΩ
    Resolution: 0.1Ω
    Accuracy: ± 1.0%
  • Capacitance Range: 3nF/30nF/300nF/3µF/30µF/300µF/3mF/30mF
    Best Resolution: 1pF
    Accuracy: ± 3%
  • Continuity Buzzer sounds when < 50Ω
  • Auto off, low battery indication
  • Powered by single CR2032 battery

In stock and shipping now!

Filed under: tools — by jeff, posted at 4:53 pm


ArduTester – Arduino Component Tester

pighixxx, author of the ABC – Arduino Basic Connections series, has released his ArduTester – a simple Arduino-based component tester:

This is an Arduino porting of the excellent work by Markus Frejek.
The final aim is to create an economic component tester using Arduino and a few passive components;

You can see more about ArduTester in our Arduino Forum.

Ardutester - Arduino Component Tester



NEW PRODUCT – TV Microscope – 25x & 400x magnification / 8 LEDs

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NEW PRODUCT – TV Microscope – 25x & 400x magnification / 8 LEDs – As electronics get smaller and smaller, you’ll need a hand examining PCBs and this little TV-output microscope is the perfect tool. It’s smaller and lighter than a large optical microscope but packs quite a bit of power in its little body. There’s a 1.3 megapixel sensor inside and an optical magnifier that can adjust to about 25x (for basic PCB inspection) or 400x (for detailed inspection). Eight white LEDs are angled right onto whatever you’re examining so you get enough lighting to see, and are smoothly adjustable via a dial on the side.

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Compared to our popular USB microscope cameras, this one does not plug into a computer. Instead, there’s a composite video output. Connect it to any TV (including our lovely little displays) and the magnified output will appear in 4:3 aspect ratio. There’s a button on the side, when pressed, it will “freeze-frame” what is currently on the screen. Press again to release the freeze.

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We tried a bunch of different AV microscopes and found this one to be the best combination of optical clarity, usability, and price. Because no computer is involved, it is near-instant responsive and much better for rework or soldering-while-inspecting. These microscopes are great for all electronics hacking, rework, SMT (de)soldering, inspection, and soon you’ll find yourself pulling it out to look at all sort of cool small stuff around your lab and home.

Package comes with a AV microscope with 4.5ft/140cm long cord, an adjustable metal stand, and a 5V 1A power supply with US prongs. The power adapter is 110-240V so if you have a prong adapter, you can use it in any country.

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To demonstrate it, we show the microscope above with our articulated microscope stand and a 7″ TV, the TV is not included (but we have them in the shop and they’re great additions).

Technical Details:

  • Image Sensor: 1.3 megapixel w/high-speed DSP
  • 25x or 400x axis micro-lens
  • Adjustable focal length, from 10mm-50mm
  • Snapshot ‘freeze frame’ by pressing the button
  • Video rate of 30f/s at a brightness of 600 lux
  • Flicker control for 50Hz/60Hz
  • 8 white LED light, 40000mLux
  • 5V adapter 5.5mm/2.1mm jack powered
  • Size: 112mm long x 33mm diameter

Color may vary

In stock and shipping now!

Filed under: tools — by jeff, posted April 26, 2013 at 6:45 pm


NEW PRODUCT – DSO Nano v3 – Pocket-size color digital oscilloscope

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NEW PRODUCT – DSO Nano v3 – Pocket-size color digital oscilloscope. This cute pocket oscilloscope is a perfect companion to your tool box. For beginners, its a good starter scope – it is not as complicated as a benchtop scope so its easy to use. For advanced EE’s, its useful as a scope-on-the-go, for field-debugging, when you don’t want to drag your scope over, or when a floating-ground is needed (it will naturally do ‘differential’ measurements as long as its not plugged into a computer USB port). It’s not a terribly fast scope, best used for signals up to 100KHz, and it is only a single channel, but we still find uses for it all the time, especially with analog projects! The new version 3.0 has a nice fully-metal case for increased durability

  • Portable and lightweight, only 76 grams and 95mm x 62mm x 13mm
  • 2.8″ 320×240 Color TFT display
  • Built in Lithium polymer battery, USB rechargeable
  • Waveform storage and playback to microSD card slot (microSD card is not included)
  • 6 triggering modes
  • 1 channel input, 200Khz Analog Bandwidth, 1 Mega-sample-per-second. Best for use on signals from DC to 100 KHz
  • Complete measurement markers and signal characteristic
  • Built-in Signal Generator
  • Comes complete with: 2 types of probes, one with hooks, one for plugging into a PCB, screwdriver, carrying bag, stand
  • Updatable firmware! – check the Downloads tab above
  • DSO Nano manual

In stock and shipping.

Filed under: tools — by adafruit, posted March 14, 2013 at 8:18 pm


Escape Ring #WearableWednesday

escape-ring

Titanium escape ring via Shannon Henry on Pinterest:

A useful tool for covert and undercover operators, those that travel abroad in unstable countries, or anyone at risk of being held unlawfully.

The Titanium Escape Ring adds another tool to the operator’s E&E options for escaping captivity. It’s a simple but elegant-looking ring made of titanium, cut from solid barstock and polished to a mirror finish. But unlike all other rings, this one contains a saw and handcuff shim pick combination tool which is completely hidden from view when worn. Located on a finger, its always in the exact area needed to quickly access and deploy, even when handcuffed. The shim can be used to open single-locked handcuffs, while the saw can cut zip-ties, disposable handcuffs, duct tape, rope, and other non-metallic materials. This stainless steel tool is 2″ x 1/8″ x 1/64″, and its unusual flexibility allows it to curve around and be seated in the ring’s interior.

I wish they were available in ladies’ sizes!

Filed under: tools,wearables — by Becky Stern, posted March 13, 2013 at 8:00 am


NEW PRODUCT – WiFi Portable Microscope – Usable With Android/iPad/iPhone

NEW PRODUCT – WiFi Portable Microscope – Usable With Android/iPad/iPhone – As electronics get smaller and smaller, you’ll need a hand examining PCBs and this little USB microscope is the perfect tool. Its smaller and lighter than a large optical microscope but packs quite a bit of power in its little body. There’s a high quality 640×480 camera sensor inside and an optical magnifier that can adjust from 5x (for basic PCB inspection) to 200x (for detailed inspection). Eight mini white LEDs are angled right onto whatever you’re examining so you get enough lighting to see, and are smoothly adjustable via a dial on the side.

Unlike our USB microscopes, this ‘scope is WiFi based. This means that instead of having a cable or wireless-usb-dongle type connection, there’s a WiFi access point inside the camera enclosure. When you turn it on, it will create a new hotspot just for the camera, so that any tablet or smartphone (such as an iPad/iPhone/Android/etc) can connect to the camera and view the microscope’s video output. This isn’t possible with a USB microscope as many tablets and phones don’t have a USB port and even if they did, there wouldn’t necessarily be drivers available for the camera.

Comes with the microscope, charging cable, CD with software and manual. A stand is not included, the photo above shows it with our articulated aluminum stand (which works great). While this camera is more expensive than a wired-variety, there’s nothing like it for when you want to view the output on a smartphone or tablet!

In stock and shipping now!

Filed under: tools — by jeff, posted March 1, 2013 at 6:24 pm


NEW PRODUCT – Hakko Soldering Tip: T18-D24 Screwdriver – For Lead or Lead-Free

NEW PRODUCT – Hakko Soldering Tip: T18-D24 Screwdriver – For Lead or Lead-Free – Upgrade your Hakko with a new tip, you’ll get better & faster solder joints and the whole process will be much more enjoyable. This tip fits the FX-888 analog and digital irons, and they’re fast to swap, takes only 30 seconds to change out. All the tips are good for either lead or lead free (simply set the iron to the temperature required for the solder you are using).

This is a wide “Screwdriver” tip, great for thru-hole soldering or big SMT parts, especially big stuff you need to heat up fast or that have a heat-sink attached. It’s 150% wider than the tip that comes by default on the FX-888.

In stock and shipping now!

Filed under: tools — by jeff, posted at 6:16 pm


NEW PRODUCT – GoodFET v42 by Travis Goodspeed – v4.2

NEW PRODUCT – GoodFET v42 by Travis Goodspeed – v4.2 – The GoodFET is an open-source JTAG adapter, loosely based upon the TI MSP430 FET UIF and EZ430U boards, as described in their documentation. It has expanded to be useful as a microcontroller multitool, with ‘clients’ for programming/debugging MSP430 JTAG, Nordic RF, Chipcon 8051/SPI, AVR, PIC, etc.

A handy tool for advanced microcontroller work, and especially for MSP430 fans who want their own JTAG debugger for everyday use. Comes as a fully assembled and tested board. You may also want to pick up some female/male or female/female jumper cables to connect from the 14 pin header to your dev board.

For a lot more information including all schematics, layouts and firmware, check out the goodfet website.

In stock and shipping now!



NEW PRODUCTS – Hakko Soldering Tips: T18-C2 Hoof, T18-S4 Fine SMD, T18-D16 Screwdriver – For Lead or Lead-Free Use

NEW PRODUCTS – Hakko Soldering Tips: T18-C2 Hoof, T18-S4 Fine SMD, T18-D16 Screwdriver – For Lead or Lead-Free Use – Upgrade your Hakko with a new tip, you’ll get better & faster solder joints and the whole process will be much more enjoyable. These tips fit the FX-888 analog and digital irons, and they’re fast to swap, takes only 30 seconds to change out. All the tips are good for either lead or lead free (simply set the iron to the temperature required for the solder you are using).

NEW PRODUCT – Hakko Soldering Tip: T18-C2 Hoof – For Lead or Lead-Free Use – This is a “Hoof” tip, great for drag soldering and also has more mass at the end for quickly heating up large solder joints such as connectors.

NEW PRODUCT – Hakko Soldering Tip: T18-S4 Fine SMD – For Lead or Lead-Free Use – This is a “Fine Point” tip, great for any SMT soldering and other delicate work.

NEW PRODUCT – Hakko Soldering Tip: T18-D16 Screwdriver – For Lead or Lead-Free Use – This is a “Screwdriver” tip, great for everyday thru-hole soldering. It’s the tip that comes by default on the FX-888

In stock and shipping now!



Scenes from #manufacturing at Adafruit: New reflow oven!

New reflow oven setup! The picked and placed boards enter the oven on a conveyor belt.

Inside the oven, the boards move through three different temperature chambers in order to bake to perfection.

A finished board leaves the reflow oven.

This is a BIG upgrade from our homemade Reflowduino.

Filed under: manufacturing,tools — by Andy, posted at 1:00 am


Flickr Pool Friday – Soda Can SMT Stencil

sodacanstencil

DIY-at-home metal stencil with beverage can aluminum by FelixEmman on Flickr.

Want to be featured on Flickr pool Friday? Add your Adafruits to the Adafruit Flickr pool.

Filed under: tools — by Becky Stern, posted February 1, 2013 at 10:55 am


NEW PRODUCT – Allen Wrench (Hex Key) – 2.5mm

NEW PRODUCT – Allen Wrench (Hex Key) – 2.5mm - To build all your fun CNC machines, you’ll need an Allen key! This one is 2.5mm in size and works with our M4 screws and will make assembling your extruded aluminum project a cinch.

In stock and shipping now!

Filed under: tools — by jeff, posted January 24, 2013 at 3:00 pm


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