LEK Dev

Random geek stuff. Electronics, PCBAs, wiring, printing.

[LEK Dev @lek_dev]

What would happen if the team didn’t work together?
The machine would turn into a problem child: failed tests, field returns, endless patches, rework. Always in trouble, never ready for production.
And one by one, its disheartened caregivers would walk away.

[LEK Dev @lek_dev]

It takes a whole team to bring a machine to life and nurture it into production.
Mechanical builds the skeleton. Electrical, the circulatory system. Firmware, the nervous system. Software, the brain.
None of it works alone. The machine only runs when the team works as one.

[LEK Dev @lek_dev]

Every board designer should hand solder new parts on prototypes, or if not used in a while.
It's an easy way to find issues and improve DFMA before production.
This footprint I had from years ago needs an update to enlarge pads and reduce hole size to improve solder reliability.

[LEK Dev @lek_dev]

I did a video demo of the initial prototype running #WLED here:

https://t.co/dXWOahqVSS

[LEK Dev @lek_dev]

KS054 Lighting Controller on its way. #ESP32, 8 fused addressable LED outputs, isolated DMX512, 4 digital + 2 analog inputs, USB-C. Here it runs 6 LED strips and 3 matrix displays on #WLED.

[LEK Dev @lek_dev]

And @JLCPCB turned around the next revision super fast. Delivered in time for some weekend hand soldering and testing.

[LEK Dev @lek_dev]

I feed my draft specs, drawings, schematics into AI. It cross-checks, finds discrepancies, title block errors, designator errors, to list a few ... finds the stuff that I may miss after a busy day.
Juniors use the same tools. The floor has been raised for everyone.

[LEK Dev @lek_dev]

EMC emission and immunity testing is fun. And anxious watching live results during testing. Will it pass or fail?
Make sure long cables are adequately shielded.
Cables running near metal frames can turn them into antennas.

[LEK Dev @lek_dev]

Neopixels too small and dim?
Neopanels are big and bright!

24 LEDs controlled by single WS2811. Logically appears like a single Neopixel.

https://t.co/FlkFaeWTmV

[LEK Dev @lek_dev]

Can never have too many LEDs! WS2811 panel = ultra-bright Neopixel. Pro tip: filter your power rails, or you’ll hear the PWM buzz.

[LEK Dev @lek_dev]

DMX lighting is actually pretty easy.
Quick python script and FT232 USB-RS485 adapter is all it took.
Longest part was finding the channel definitions of a light that had no documentation.

[LEK Dev @lek_dev]

Still don't trust "good quality" capacitors, but can't decide between Nichicon or Rubycon?
Maybe "niubycon" is the brand for you.

[LEK Dev @lek_dev]

Not sure about capacitor reliability? Don't worry, these are "good quality".

I'll be sure to use these in my next circuit design.

[LEK Dev @lek_dev]

Haven't found the electronics shopping area in Barcelona yet, but did stumble across this.

[LEK Dev @lek_dev]

Speed your projects along with the LIS2DH12 Accelerometer Board!
This ultra-low-power, high-performance 3-axis sensor is ideal for motion detection, gaming, and wearables.

https://t.co/wp3AiW55uJ

#IoT #Sensors #Accelerometer #Makers #Tindie

[LEK Dev @lek_dev]

Just released: ICM42670 Motion Tracker IMU board - a compact, high-performance 6-axis sensor for motion tracking, gaming, wearables, and more.

Get yours here: https://t.co/8eG68FnSRt

#IMU #ICM42670P #Electronics #Maker #Tindie

[LEK Dev @lek_dev]

0.5mm LGA package. Microscope, tin the board pads, tin the IC pads, good dose of flux, hot plate. Done.

[LEK Dev @lek_dev]

@gojimmypi haha yeah, but writing "lightning proof" sure is easier than something like "protected against indirect lightning effects"

[LEK Dev @lek_dev]

If you ever need RS232 on a system but only have CAN, the Waveshare CAN-RS232 converter worked great for me.
Plugged it in, configured it, up in ~5 min, no fuss.

https://t.co/paejK3zVHU

[LEK Dev @lek_dev]

OMG what a blast from the past.
Haven't needed to touch RS232 signals like this for 15yrs++.
TX -> RX and RX -> TX, get it right!