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  • StepperMotorTester | SimpleMechatronics| Simple MECHATRONICSsimple mechatronics

    Stepper Motor Tester Whenever there is a requirement to test a Stepper Motor performance or coil connection sequence, we need a stepper motor controller board, a variable DC power supply source, a logical signal generator ( or a microcontroller ) and separate power supply for logical system etc. Still this total circuit makes confusion with so many wire connections. The circuit used here is quick, low cost, handy, compact and requires only one DC power supply input. The stepper motor driver used here can handle up to 2A stepper motor. A4988 module (breakout board) is a small size, 2A bipolar stepper motor driver, which has on board adjustable current limiting, over current protection, short circuit protection and five micro-steps resolutions. The module can be operated from 8VDC to 35VDC for Stepper motor and 3VDC to 5.5VDC for logical system. Only two pin interface is used to control the direction and step of the stepper motor. ​ Refer full circuit diagram: Testing : Assemble all the components as per the above circuit on a PCB. Connect all jumpers J1 to J7. Connect 4 LEDs to the 4pin connector with 3.3K resistance in series for each LED. Connect DC power supply and switch ON the power switch. The 555 IC is connected as Astable multivibrator mode and generates pulses and the pulses are fed to the Step of A4988 module. The speed of the pulse train may be observed with the help of Blinker LED connected to pin 3 of 555 IC. Due to the input pulses to Step pin of A4988 module, the 4 LEDs glow in sequential pattern, indicates the circuit is working properly. By changing the variable resistance VR2, the speed of the LED pattern varies. With disconnecting and connecting Jumper J1, we can achieve two speeds of pulse trains from pin 3 of 555 IC and accordingly speed of the LED pattern. Usage : Switch OFF power supply, disconnect 4 LEDs and then connect (4 wires) a Stepper motor to the 4 pin connector. Now, switch ON the power supply to the circuit. Adjust VR1 to get the required voltage to the stepper motor, which may be measured at TP3 w.r.t. ground. The Stepper motor rotates in one direction (either CW or CCW). Now, disconnect the Jumper J6 and check that the motor rotates in opposite direction. By connecting and disconnecting jumpers J3, J4 and J5 the rotation of angle of the motor shaft varies for each step pulse input as described in the table below. ​ This circuit works upto 12VDC power supply. To use different power supply or more than 12VDC (upto 35VDC) to the stepper motor, disconnect Jumper J7 and connect +ve power to the TP3 pin and –ve power to ground line of the circuit. To control the stepper motor from other source, like microcontroller etc,. disconnect jumpers J2 and J6 then connect step control to TP1 and direction control to TP2 pins respectively. List of Components: 1 x LM338T Voltage Regulator 1 x 7805 5V regulator 1 x 555 Timer IC 1 x A4988 stepper motor driver module 3 x 1N4007 dioides 2 x 20K preset (volume control) 1 x 1K resistance 2 x 2.2K resistance 2 x 3.3K resistance 5 x 4.7K resistance 1 x 47uF 50V capacitor 1 x 22uF 16V capacitor 3 x 10uF 50V capacitor 1 x 2.2uF 16V capacitor 1 x 0.1 disc capacitor 1 x 0.01 disc capacitor 1 x 3mm red LED 1 x 3mm green LED 1 x 3mm yellow LED 1 x 2A(or more) SPST switch Berg strips, connectors, power supply, stepper motor etc. ALL THE BEST - ENJOY

  • Relays | SimpleMechatronics| Simple MECHATRONICSsimple mechatronics

    RELAYS Relays are used to control high voltage and/or high current equipment/gadget using a switch, which consumes low and safe voltage and/or current. In other words, relay is a mediator to convert low and safe operating power to high operating power requirement. A relay is also used to isolate the high voltage power supply from low voltage control power supply, thus protecting the operator from high voltage operating risk. Some times Relays are used to control AC equipment with DC signal and vice-versa. One of the main advantage of a relay is the isolation of control power supply (AC/DC) with the main operating power supply (AC/DC). i.e., independent of AC and DC power supplies. Relay Construction: A relay consists of an electro-magnet and a set of strips (conductors) connected parallel on to a steel plate with isolation to each other. Each strip is fixed at one end, which is called as common pin and other end is set free, which works as a lever. One contact on electro-magnet side or two contacts on both sides of the free end is provided with a fixed gap. The free end is set away from the electro-magnet pointing towards the steel plate, by default. The free end of the strip(s) moves towards the magnet by attracting steel plate, when the coil of electro-magnet is energised by a power supply. ​ The contact away from the electro-magnet, normally connecting to free end of the strip is called Normally Closed (N/C) contact. The contact towards the electro-magnet, normally disconnected to the free end of the strip is called Normally Open (N/O) contact. The N/O contact gets connected to the free end of the strip when the electro-magnet is enegised and attracts the steel plate towards it. ​ The working principle of a SPDT Relay is shown in animation here for easy understanding. Relay Types: If only one contact is available to touch the free end of the strip, then it is called Single Throw (ST) contact. If two contacts are available to touch on both sides of free end of the strip, then it is called Double Throw (DT) contact. ​ If one strip is connected to the steel plate then it is called Single Pole (SP). In case, two strips are connected to the steel plate then it is called as Double Pole (DP). Similarly, if three strips are connected to the steel plate, then it is called as Triple Pole (TP). The number of poles (strips) and number of throws combination available in relays are: SPST = Single Pole Single Throw DPST = Double Pole Single Throw TPST = Triple Pole Single Throw SPDT = Single Pole Double Throw DPDT = Double Pole Double Throw TPDT = Triple Pole Double Throw The electrical characteristics of a relay to be observed, which are normally printed on the cover / encloser of the relay : Operating voltage of the electro-magnet coil : One of the most important specification of the relay is the operating voltage of eletro-magnet coil and also check the AC/DC which energises the coil. Voltage applied above the rated value may damage the coil and less voltage may not have sufficient magnetic power to pull the steel plate to switch on the relay. Operating Voltage and Current of the poles : The Maximum Voltage and Current handling capacity of the poles (strips) are also important to the match the requirement. The values may vary for AC circuit and DC circuit. So, care should be taken while selecting proper relay. Number of poles : The number of contacts (strips) get connected and disconnected while operating the relay should match the requirement. Number of Throws : A double throw relay may be used in place of single throw relay, but, reverse may not serve the purpose, if both the poles are used in the circuit. Size, Shape and connecting details : If, the relay is to be replaced in an existing circuit, then it has to suit the connector. Some times, size and shape are also important to accommodate in the circuit board.

  • About SMT | SimpleMechatronics| Simple MECHATRONICSsimple mechatronics

    About . . . Simple mechatronics wishes a Good Day to you. ​ Are you an electronics hobbyist? Are you interested in self-learning of electronics? Are you novice in electronics and want know about electronics? Are you a teacher and make your kids know basics of electronics? Are you an electronics student? Are you curious in practical knowledge in electronics? Are you interested in Mechatronics? Are you interested in simple electronics projects? Are you interested to know about micro-controllers? Are you interested in micro-controller projects? Are you interested in Robotics? Are you searching for a circuit diagram? Do you want to learn electronics with practical knowledge? Do you want an idea for your acadamic project? Do you want to learn basics about computers? Do you want to learn computer languages? ​ If your answer is YES to at least any one of the above questions, then, this blog suits for you. ​ The main aim of this blog is self-learning of electronics, mechatronics step-by-step, from basics to practical knowledge and Make-at-Home Projects. ​ Home page contains the list of contents and same is available through the menu. ​ You may SEARCH a topic using a keyword or phrase through the search option available above the menu. ​ -: ALL THE BEST to you :-

  • SeriesLI_ionCharger | SimpleMechatronics| Simple MECHATRONICSsimple mechatronics

    Series Balanced Li-Ion Charger The Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) Cells are highly used as storage cells in power banks and electronic gadgets. The charger is designed to balance charge three Li-Ion cells in series using 12V transformer and LM338 adjustable voltage regulators. The circuit may be modified to charge 4 cells in series, using 15V transformer, if required. Some of the advantages of Lithium Ion cells are listed below: 1) High capacity to weight ratio (high specific energy storage) 2) Available in high capacity, 1800mAH or more. 3) Easily available and affordable 4 ) Suitable for power banks and so on.... ​ The circuit diagram presented here is simple (without any micro-controller) and easy make-at-home project. The current circuit diagram can charge THREE cells in series, but can be modified to FOUR (or more) as required. ​ The full circuit diagram of Series Balanced Li-Ion (3 cells) Charger is shown below: WORKING PRINCIPLE: ​ The mains power supply is stepped down to 12VAC using a transformer (12-0-12V 3A) and rectified to DC volts using 2 nos of 1N5408 diodes. A 4700 micro-Farad capacitor is used as filter capacitor. Then the Raw-DC is stepped down to 4.2VDC, 8.4VDC and 12.6VDC, using three numbers of LM338 voltage regulator ICs. Three trimpots are provided to get required output voltages by adjustment. The three outputs and ground connections are used for charging the three cells in series as shown. Using a four pin connector to battery pack (or separate three cells in series) is useful to quickly connect and disconnect for charging. A 7812 fixed voltage regulator IC, is used to get 12VDC, which is useful to connect 12V cooling fan for cooling of three LM338 ICs. Heat sinks are to be provided for the LM338 ICs, which may be get heated up, while charging of cells. ​ As the difference between the two successive outputs of the four connections should not exceed 4.2VDC, the charging voltage for each cell also limited to 4.2V only. A combined Digital Voltmeter-cum-Ammeter is connected to know the voltage across the three cells and charging current value at any moment. Once the charging current shows 0.00A, then it is an indication of full charge of the cells. It is also observed that, if the charging current is less than 0.02A, then it indicates, the cells are charged more than 95 percent. ​ ​

  • Electronics | SimpleMechatronics| Simple MECHATRONICSsimple mechatronics

    FUNDAMENTALS BASICS ADVANCED ELECTRONICS PROJECTS Shared Dual Variable Power Supply Stepped Desktop Power Supply Superb Power Controller BTA41 Soft Starter + Soft Stopper (motor) Series Balanced LiFePO4 Charger Series Balanced Li-Ion Charger Sanitizing Machine (simple & eco) Solid State Relay / Switch Swift IR sensor & remote Tester Stepper Motor Tester 555 + A4988

  • ESSENTIALS | SimpleMechatronics| Simple MECHATRONICSsimple mechatronics

    ESSENTIALS The general use and essentials for Make-at-Home projects are listed below with comment as Basic or Important or Optional keyword, which means that, BASIC : very much required and affordable IMPORTANT : having this item is advantageous OPTIONAL : may be purchased later BREAD BOARD : A bread board is used for connecting electronic components of a circuit, quickly. The bread board has holes to insert leads of electronic components and interconnecting them using flexible jumper wires. The bread boards are available in various sizes and their ends have slots and projections for adding more bread boards in cascading. Normally, holes of top two lines and bottom two lines are connected horizontally in parallel, which are useful for connecting power supply. The remaining holes, which are in between the horizontal lines, are divided into two groups, top and bottom from mid-line. Each group have holes with vertical connecting lines for connecting main circuit (or components) (BASIC) A model Bread Board with connecting lines, underneath is shown below. Some bread boards with with various sizes are also shown for reference. ​ PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (PCB) : A PCB is used to assemble a circuit, using soldering method. A PCB is made of flat insulating material (FR-4, glass epoxy etc.), contains copper tracks (strips) stick on its surface, as connectors for a circuit, is known as Single sided PCB. Holes are made, wherever required to insert the particular electronic component through it, then solder on other side. The surface of PCB, where pinouts of the components to be inserted are printed is called as Silkscreen side . The other surface, on which the leads of the components are soldered is called Soldering side . ( IMPORTANT) ​ Some PCBs have copper track on both the surfaces, is called Double sided PCB . Some PCBs have insulating material and copper tracks as alternate layers is called multi-layer PCB s. The insulating material selection depends on the di-electric strength required and frequency of the data transfer for the circuit. The thickness and width of the copper track depends upon the current carrying capacity required between in the components in the circuit. ​ Single sided, general purpose PCBs, which are easily available and affordable, are normally used in our Make-at-Home projects. If you want to make a complete project and enclose it aesthetically, then select proper PCB, with required size. ​ Some general purpose PCBs with various sizes and connecting lines (dots and lines) are shown for reference. One custom made PCB (green coloured) is also shown as an example. ​ JUMPER WIRES : Jumper wire means , a small wire (about 15cm to 30cm length), low current capacity (normally used for signal transmission) with black coloured end connections on either end (or sometimes one end only). The end connection may be male type (which has pin projecting out) or female type (which has hole). So, the jumper wires are available with following end connectors 1) Male-Male 2)Female-Male and 3) Female-Female. The jumper wires are frequently used for prototyping and quick testing, by connecting holes of bread board or to external components or other circuits/modules. (BASIC) ​ CONNECTORS : Connectors are used to connect / disconnect single or multiple wiring connections easily and quickly. Various types are used on a circuit board, which depends on number of wire connections and current flow through them. The Berg strips and DC power connectors are highly used in most of the circuits. Some connectors, which are frequently used in the circuits are shown below. (IMPORTANT) RELIMATE CONNECTORS : Relimate connectors are also used for quick connect/disconnect multiple wire connections, mostly for PCB to the electronic component or module. Single or double row pins are used for these connectors and the number of pins varies per row as per requirement. The main advantage with Relimate connectors is, they are polarized, i.e., connects in one direction only, to avoid reverse connection. Some Relimate connectors are shown for reference below. (IMPORTANT) CLIPS : Clips are used to connect / disconnect a wiring connections easily and quickly, while testing a circuit. Various types of clips are used as per requirement. Some clipos, which are frequently used in the circuits are shown below. (IMPORTANT) WIRES : Single or multi-strand copper wires (electrical conducting material) are used for connection between electronic components and power supply connections. The cross-section of copper wire depends on the required current to flow through it, (which is directly proportional). Most of the times the copper wire is covered with insulating material (as a sleeve) like, PVC, PTFE etc. For easy identification of wire connection(s), various coloured sleeved wires are used in the circuit board(s) (BASIC) JUMPER CAPS : Jumper cap ( or shorting jumper) is a small connector with 0.1" (2.54mm) pitch, with rectangular plastic enclosure. A small groove is provided on upper portion, as a grip, for easy removal of jumper cap from a circuit. Jumper caps are used to simply connect or disconnect two pins as per users requirements / settings, which is provided in the circuit. It is also useful to quick testing of a circuit. (BASIC) HEAT SHRINK TUBE : A Heat shrink tube is made up of rubber material, in a tubular form. When a small length of the tube is exposed to small flame (or heat), the diameter of the tube shrinks to lower diameter. So, this is positioned on a soldered joint (or any wire joint), and small heat applied to it, to shrink and fit on the exposed metal joint and protect as insulator. (IMPORTANT) ​ The Heat shrink tubes are available with various diameters, out of which, 3mm and 5mm are very useful for Make_at-Home projects. A small gas lighter or hot air blower, is required to apply heat on the surface of the heat shrink tube. ​ INSULATION TAPE : An insulation tape is used to cover joined wires, especially used for mains supply, to avoid electrical leakage and protect from shock, through the exposed copper (metal) wire. Now-a-days, the insulation tapes are available in various colours also. Having at least one insulation tape is recommended. (BASIC) CELLO TAPE : A Cello tape ( or Cellophane tape ) is easily available and affordable, which is transparent and having glue one side. Due to it's transparency and quick fixing on surfaces, it is very much useful to hold small electronic components in position and insulating from conductors (tracks, wires etc.). The cello tapes are available in various widths, like half-inch, one-inch, 2 inch etc. Select the width to suit your requirement. (IMPORTANT) ​ DOUBLE SIDED TAPE : A double sided foam tape is useful to quickly position some electronic modules / components and its related items together. eg: placing small displays, modules on main PCB. (IMPORTANT) EMERY PAPER : A emery / sand paper is also very useful, to clean the surfaces of PCBs before soldering. It is also useful to clean the leads of electronic components before soldering. A high dense, very fine size emery should be used to avoid, unnecessary scratches on the surface, instead of cleaning. So, select emery paper with grit about 1000. (BASIC) ​ CABLE TIES : A cable tie (nylon zip tie) is useful to tie multiple wires / cables together. A cable tie is wrapped around a group of wires and cables and its free end is pulled though its rectangular opening for locking. By pulling the free end, through the eye on other end, the wrapped cables get tightened and locked automatically. ​ A marking on the cable tie or a label used with wires tie is useful for grouping the wires and identify them easily and their functionality. Now-a-days, cable ties are available in various sizes and colors. You have to select the required size. Using multi-coloured coloured cable ties are also useful to easily identifying the group of wires and purpose. (OPTIONAL) SCREWS & NUTS : Fasteners like small screws / bolts, nuts and washers are also important to fix the PCBs, heat sinks, displays, some bigger size components etc. Most of the times M2.7, M3 and M4 screw set of half-inch or one-inch lenght is used. The higher size fasteners are rarely used. Some times wood screws are also used, if the base or cabinet is made of wood / plywood etc. (IMPORTANT) ANTI-STATIC ENVELOPES : Better to maintain anti-static envelopes to keep the modules / circuits, which will protect them from damage due to static electricity, if any. Keeping the components and circuits at-least in a plastic self-sealing cover is preferable. (OPTIONAL) CONTAINERS/RACKS : To keep the electronic components, modules, circuits etc., suitable containers and racks are required. To assemble the completed circuit also, suitable containers / cabinets are to be selected. (OPTIONAL) WORKING TABLE AND CHAIR : Last but not least, a wooden table and chair is required for keeping the components, circuits, soldering station, power supplies etc., at a reach of hand is appreciated. The table and chair should be comfortable while working with the circuits (ergonically designed, if possible) (OPTIONAL) Seek ADVICE, but use your own COMMON SENSE. – Yiddish Proverb

  • POWER_SUPPLY | SimpleMechatronics| Simple MECHATRONICSsimple mechatronics

    POWER SUPPLIES The basic power supplies necessary for Make-at-Home projects are listed below with comment as Basic or Important or Optional keyword, which means that, BASIC : very much required and affordable IMPORTANT : having this tool is advantageous OPTIONAL : may be purchased later 1.5V CELL : The 1.5V cells (normally called as battery) are commonly used power supply for house-hold electronic gadgets, like remote controls, wall clocks etc. These batteries are used as single use and cannot recharge. These cells are used as power supply for our Make-at-Home projects and testing voltage references etc. Technically there are two types of 1.5V cells. 1)Carbon-Zinc battery cells, which are highly used and more affordable (BASIC) 2)Alkaline battery cells, which gives more life but little costlier (OPTIONAL) Now-a-days, the 1.5V cells are available in various sizes matches to its capacity (mAH), like AAA, AA, C, D etc. Multiple cell holder in series connection is shown for reference. 9V BATTERY : Basically, a 9V battery made up of 6 number of 1.5 cells connected in series. The 9V batteries are commonly used for house hold gadgets, like radios, multi-meters, electronic circuits etc. These batteries are also single use and cannot recharge, except Lithium-Ion batteries. These batteries are commonly used as power supply for our Make-at-Home projects and testing the circuits. Technically there are three types of 9V batteries like 1.5V cells. 1)Carbon-Zinc battery cells, which are highly used and more affordable (BASIC) 2)Alkaline battery cells, which gives more life but little costlier (OPTIONAL) 3)Li-ion battery, is rechargeable, but costlier (OPTIONAL) Lead-Acid & SLA BATTERIES : (OPTIONAL) Lead-Acid battery is the oldest technology and highly used system of storing electrical energy. The lead plates are used as positive (Plain Lead, Pb) and negative (Lead-Dioxide,PbO2) probes and separated by Sulfuric acid (H 2 SO 4 ) as electrolyte. Each cell can hold approximately 2.1V. So, for getting required voltage, the lead-acid cells are grouped together in series. Thus, by grouping 3 cells for 6V, 6cells for 12V, 12cells for 24V approximately, and so on. ​ Most of the automobiles use Lead Acid batteries. Now-a-days, Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries are available, which is almost maintenance free. 12V SLA batteries are used in some of our Make-at-Home projects. Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) CELLS / BATTERIES : (OPTIONAL) Ni-Cd cells are normally available at 1.2 Volts and at various ampere hour ratings. They are highly used in AA size, which holds approximately 850mAH. These cells has to be charged at 10 percent of its mAH for about 12 hours for full charging. For higher capacities (mAH), D size Ni-Cd cells are used. ​ A bunch of Ni-Cd cells are connected in series to get more voltage (in multiples of 1.2V), which forms as battery pack. These are highly used in cameras, flashlights, emergency lights, RC toys etc. ​ Now-a-days, the usage of Ni-Cd cells/batteries are reduced, after introduction of Lithium cells. 3V COIN BATTERIES : (OPTIONAL) Normally the 3V coin batteries are used for remotes, clocks etc. These 3V batteries are used for power supply of RTC (Real Time Clock) circuits in our Make-at-Home projects. Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) CELLS & BATTERIES : (IMPORTANT) The Lithium-Ion cells are available as 3.7V, with varying capacities starting from 1000mAH. The Li-Ion cells are re-chargeable using specific (balancing) charger(s). ​ For more capacity and voltage requirements, the Li-Ion cells are connected in parallel (for more mAH) and series (for more Voltage). A 2P3S pack of 2200mAH cells conneced means, cells are connected as 2 parallel and 3 series, which means 4400mAH (2x2200) capacity with 11.1V (3x3.7). Lithium-Polymer (LiPo) CELLS & BATTERIES : (OPTIONAL) The Lithium Polymer cells are improved from Lithium-Ion cells by replacing the electrolyte made of a special polymer instead of liquid/gel electrolyte, with nominal voltage as 3.7V. The new technology reduces the weight of the cell as well as increases the capacity (mAH), which compared to any rechargeable cells. LiPo cells also packed like Li-Ion batteries to get more power and more voltage as power bank(s). Special balanced chargers has to be used for LiPo cell/battery charging. Due to its high capacity to weight ratio, LiPo batteries are highly used in mobile, electric vehicles, drones etc. Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LiFePo4) CELLS & BATTERIES : (OPTIONAL) The LiFePO4 cells are made of latest technology, with high capacity to weight ratio, normally available as 3.3 Volts. Other advantages are, available in higher capacities like 6000mAH, high discharge rates, withstand high charging voltage (upto 4.2V) etc. ​ These cells are useful for making power banks using parallel and series for electric vehicles and robots etc. Special balancing chargers are to be used for charging these cells/batteries 5V POWER BANKS : (OPTIONAL) Now-a-days, 5 Volts power banks are in use heavily for backup of cell phones, which uses Li-Ion battery to hold the energy. An internal in-built circuit charges the inner battery to its voltage using 5VDC input and discharges as 5VDC, whenever required. ​ Most of the electronic circuits works on 5VDC, these power banks are useful for our make-at-home projects MAINS SUPPLY : (BASIC) The Mains supply is AC (Alternating Current) and it is normally available to you, in either 220VAC 50Hz or 110VAC 60Hz. Some of the Make-at_home projects use mains power supply directly or step-down to required voltage using transformer or SMPS circuit. The mains power supply is very much essential for soldering, lighting, charging of batteries, power supply for the circuits/gadgets etc. DESKTOP POWER SUPPLY : (IMPORTANT) A desktop power supply working on the Mains supply is essential to test a circuit board. It's working cost is very less, when compared to single use batteries. Having a desktop power supply with various DC output voltages (like 3VDC, 5VDC, 8VDC, 12VDC etc.) is very much needed for Make-at-Home projects. ​ Click here to know, how to make your own All-in-one desktop power supply. SOLAR POWER SUPPLY : (OPTIONAL) Now-a-days, the Solar power supply is gaining usage, due to availability and affordability of solar panels and related equipment. You may charge batteries using the solar power and use the power supply from the batteries, whenever required. ​ Some Make-at-Home Solar power projects are presented by Simple Mechatronics, for your knowledge and practical use. An investment in KNOWLEDGE, pays the best interest. – Benjamin Franklin

  • SteppedDesktopPowerSupply | SimpleMechatronics| Simple MECHATRONICSsimple mechatronics

    Stepped Desktop Power Supply Most of the times a fixed voltage power supply is very much required for quickly connect and test an electronic equipment. Having bi-polar (both positive and negative) DC power supply is added advantage for working with op-amp circuits etc. The circuit of Stepped Desktop Power Supply is simple and easy to construct. The input should be in between -18VDC to -21VDC for negative output voltage power supplies -3VDC, -5VDC, -8VDC, -12VDC & -15VDC. Similarly, the input should be in between +18VDC to +21VDC for positive output voltage power supplies +3VDC, +5VDC, +8VDC, +12VDC & +15VDC. ​ All the output Voltages are generated using fixed voltage regulator ICs, 7805, 7808, 7812, 7815 for positive voltages and 7905, 7908, 7912 & 7915 for negative voltages. For +3V, adjustable positive regulator IC LM317 and for -3V, adjustable negative voltage regulator IC LM337 are used with resistances 330 Ω and 220 Ω for fixed voltage outputs. ​ Refer full circuit diagram: Two berg strip sets are used on the PCB, for Positive and Negative Voltage outputs separately, for easy connection as per individual's requirements. GOOD LUCK. ENJOY.

  • BASIC TOOLS | SimpleMechatronics| Simple MECHATRONICSsimple mechatronics

    BASIC TOOLS The tools necessary for Make-at-Home projects are listed below with comment as Basic or Important or Optional keyword, which means that, BASIC : very much required and affordable IMPORTANT : having this tool is advantageous OPTIONAL : may be purchased later SCREW DRIVER : The necessary basic tool is Screw Driver, which is used to open or close any fittings. The screw driver is also necessary for fixing some components on the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) of the Make-at-Home projects. A good quality screw driver have good and convenient grip, which is useful to have more torque to open / close the screws. (BASIC) SCREW DRIVER SET : The basic screw driver is useful to open/close screws with a line slot on screw's head. But, the screw heads may have different grip shapes on their head. So, a screw driver set, with different screw driver tips, which are changeable to match the type of screw head, is more useful. (IMPORTANT) The above screw driver set may be used to open / close straight (minus) or start (plus) slotted headed screws. Some times, you may come across special slotted screw head shapes like, five / six edged star, with various sizes. In that case, a special screw driver set shown here may be useful. But, the requirement of this screw drirever set is very less for the projects available in Simple Mechatronics. (OPTIONAL) CUTTING PLIER & NOSE PLIER : The Pliers are useful hold, open or close bolts, nuts , cut wires (copper, aluminum, GI) etc. The pliers are useful for fixing of some electronic equipment, like transformers, which uses hexagonal or square headed screws and nuts. Pliers are useful to cut some wires also. The nose-plier is useful to hold small size bolts and nuts, in narrow spaces, inside the cabinet. (IMPORTANT) WIRE CUTTER AND WIRE STRIPPER : Many times you may require to remove the shield on the wire, or cut the wire to desired length. So, a wire cutter or wire stripper is very much useful. There is some adjustments on the wire cutter / wire stripper to adjust the gap for removing the shield on the wire, without damaging the metal wire inside. Any one type of the following wire cutter-cum-stripper shown below may be required. (IMPORTANT) SLIDING CUTTER / KNIFE : The sliding knife, shown here, is useful to cut papers, card-boards, foam sheets, rubber products and very important is PCBs to required sizes. The main advantages with this type of cutter/knife are 1) the blades are changeable, which are available at affordable price. 2) the cutting edge may be pushed out, whenever required only, which is safe while not working with it. (BASIC) HAND DRILL FOR PCB : The Hand drill does not require any electrical power and very useful tool to make holes on the PCB. Some times, a few holes on some PCBs are not drilled properly or the hole size may not be sufficient to insert the lead of the the component. In such cases, the hand drill is very comfortable to make or expand hole(s), wherever is required on the PCB. (IMPORTNANT) NAIL CUTTER : You may be surprised to see a nail cutter as a tool. But, it is useful to cut the free leads of components (like resistors, capacitors etc) after soldering on PCB. Some times, it is more convenient to cut the extra leads, behind the PCB, compared to wire cutters. (BASIC) SCISSORS : The scissoris are useful to cut thin and thick papers, generally used for labels and base sheets. The scissors are also useful to shear/cut very thin metal sheets made of copper / G.I. sheets. The thin sheets are used to make cabinets for project. (OPTIONAL) MAGNIFYING GLASS : A magnifying glass (convex lens) is useful to read the small details, printed on electronic components, which are difficult to read with naked eys. Magnifying glass is somtimes useful to know any soldering defects also (IMPORTANT) ​ SPANNERS (WRENCH) : The spanners are used to open / close hexagonal / square headed bolts / screws / nuts. The open ended spanners and ring spanners are used for specific size, which are marked near the opening or ring shape. (OPTIONAL) Where as, an adjustable spanner can adjust the gap between its jaws, by rotating a roller shaped worm, so that , it can hold various sizes of bolts and nuts. (IMPORTNANT) ALLEN KEY : The Allen key is used to open / close hexagonal socket headed screws. These screws are rarely used in electronic equipment. Some times motors and other hardware items are clamped using these type of screws / bolts. These type of small screws may be opened / closed using special screw driver set shown earlier. (OPTIONAL) HACK SAW : Hack saw is useful cutting tool, while making cabinets, using sheet metal, plastic sheets, wooden items, PVC pipes etc. The main advantage of hack saw is, removable blade. The hack saw blade is easily changeable and easily available at affordable price. (IMPORTNANT) ​ A bench vice is preferred for proper holding of the component, while cutting it, with hack saw. (OPTIONAL) WOOD SAW : The Wood saw is also useful tool to cut wooden or hi-lam items for making base of the circuits and containers. Little experience is required for proper cutting of wooden items in straight line. (OPTIONAL) HAMMER : A hammer is also useful tool while flateninig sheet metals, making cabinets etc. The hammer shown in the image is Claw Hammer, which has slotted end on other side to remove nails etc., from wood. (OPTIONAL) FILE(S) : A (mechanical) file is used to remove material (especially for metals) by abrasion method. A file is useful tool to cut and shape a hole or ends of metallic or wooden parts or PCBs etc. Wood files are especially used for shaping wooden items. The files used for metal and wood are available with various cross-sections to suit the requirement, like rectangular, square, triangular, circular, semi-circular etc. (OPTIONAL) GRINDING STONE : A cuboid shaped grinding stone is useful to clear the burrs of PCB after cutting to required size. It is also useful to sharpen the cutting edges of scissors, cutting blades etc. (OPTIONAL) Never expect FRUITS from the today's plantation. – Simple Mechatronics

  • Packages | SimpleMechatronics| Simple MECHATRONICSsimple mechatronics

    PACKAGES All Integrated Circuits (ICs) and Transistors are available in one or more standard packages. Type of packages: DIP / DIL = Dual In Line Package. Mostly through hole type package used to put on one side of the PCB ( Printed Circuit Board ) and solder on the opposite side of the PCB. ​ SIL / SIP = Single In Line Package. ​ PDIP = Plastic Dual In Line Package. ​ CDIP = Ceramic Dual In Line Package. ​ SO / SOIC / SOP : Small-Outline Integrated Circuit ​ QIP / QIL = Quadraple In Line Package. ​ SMT = Surface Mount Technology package. The IC is placed on the PCB and solder on the track of same side of the PCB. SOJ , SOIC , LQFP, QFN, MLF, QFP, MQFP are some variants of SMT ICs, having various types pin outs. LQFP = Low-profile Quad Flat-Package is SMT IC. TQFP = Thin Quad Flat-Package (having leads) is SMT IC. TQFN = Thin Quad Flat No-lead PLCC = Plastic Leaded Chip-Carrier CLCC = Ceramic Leadless Chip-Carrier QFN/MLF = Quad flat No-leads package. Also called as Micro Lead Frame. QFP = Quad Flat Package. MQFP = Metric Quad Flat Package. TO-220 = Through-hole plastic package with three leads attached with a metal heat sink tab with hole on top. SOT-23 / SOT-223 = Small Outline Transistor Package is SMT IC, having three pin-outs.

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