Amateur radio, programming, electronics and other musings

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Overview

2014-03-22-22.03A DIY DC distribution system based around the popular Anderson Powerpole connectors.

Ideal for amateur radio applications or even RC enthusiasts who wish to connect several batteries in parallel to charge.  The kit contains everything you need to build the project including a professionally machined ABS enclosure.

You could mount one if these in the car, under your shack bench or include it in your “go” bag for portable use.

There is a single input fuse which if removed will isolate all other items connected from the power.

The Details

  • Printed circuit board .062 FR4 material, extra heavy 3oz. copper, with large high current traces.
  • Double sided, plated through holes, solder mask over bare copper, silk screened commercial grade printed circuit board.
  • Enclosure: ABS black plastic with CNC milled slots.
  • Power connectors: Anderson Powerpoles®.
  • Connectors are arranged according to the ARES/RACES standard.
  • Fuses are standard ATC/ATO automotive fuses available in 10 values from 1 to 40 Amps.
  • LED lights up to help identify which fuse is blown.
  • PVC threaded mounting standoffs.

Features

  • 1 fused input
  • 5 fused outputs
  • LED lights when fuse is blown
  • Maximum 40A handling

What is Included?

You will receive a PCB and all of the components required to populate it.  You will receive a 4 page document explaining how to construct it. There is nothing complicated with building this and as long as you have a reasonably powerful soldering iron you should be fine.

You will also receive an ABS enclosure and standoffs. The enclosure has been commercially machined so there is no work required from you.

Cost

£35 + postage

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It’s been a little while since I posted last but it doesn’t mean I’ve not been actively working on the project.  I have drawn out the schematic and PCB using Eagle and will be releasing the files to github (https://github.com/m1dst/Trimble-Thunderbolt-Monitor) with the first version of the source code.

I must stress that these have yet to be checked thoroughly so if you fancy double checking it for me I would appreciate.   I plan to get a run of PCBs made in the coming days.

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Repair Intempo RDI

Categories: Electronics
Comments Off on Repair Intempo RDI
Exposing the PSU
The faulty PSU
Bulging caps

The RDI was the industry’s first iPod speaker dock with integrated DAB digital radio.

I’ve had mine for a couple of years so it’s well through the warranty period. About 12 months ago it started to show signs of dying. It would work fine as a DAB radio but if you plugged in an iPhone it would cut the audio out. The speakers would emit a high pitched whistle which changed in pitch over time. You would then get a crack and audio would return. It was obviously the power supply at fault. It sounded like a cap was struggling to charge and once charged all was well.

I lived with it until it eventually broke completely. The display was even dim.

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