Arduino Vidor: An FPGA for everyone?

You can use simple LED indicators to show the status of an application you are developing using an IoT board but you can convey so much more information when the dev board has the luxury of a built-in display. Check out this low-cost ESP32 development board with built-in OLED display available now from the Elektor Store.

Not depreciating the B4A product proper in any way, Anywhere Software is wanting in power to encourage beginners to start programming their Android devices. And that is exactly where Elektor top author Dogan Ibrahim steps in with his latest book. Yes, yes, Elektor readers… the trial version of Basic For Android (B4A) is free! and the book uses it to its full extent without you paying a cent! Only professionals and sponsored students should consider buying B4A.

I was asked to evaluate the Weller WT-1014 and share my findings with our readers. Let me be frank upfront: I'm not a Weller fan. There is nothing much to complain about when it comes to the quality of this brand, but when you look at their price list then you will quickly be tempted to go looking for something cheaper. Furthermore, the soldering irons from Weller that I have used in the past were too unwieldy and too heavy and I was annoyed with the relatively long warming-up time. But who knows, maybe this ‘renewed acquaintance’ will change my opinion.

Following his review of the MonoDAQ-U-X published last month, Clemens Valens has not had the time to use or even familiarise himself with the software to do a demonstration. But now it's a done deal, you can find the video below. Measuring the gain of an NPN transistor shows how to use the functions of the MonoDAQ and the resources of the DEWESoft software. This first demonstration hardly scratches the surface of this subject. Don't hesitate to give us your suggestions for more on this promising combination.

If (like most electronics buffs) you only have two hands with ten fingers on each, but lots of measurements to make on your boards, here is an interesting gadget for you. It’s the missing link between crocodile clip and contact point. It allows you to measure, continuously, hands free, with contact points without mechanical attachment, held in place by a flexible gooseneck arm. The probes are interchangeable and the support is very stable.

I found two videos on the small Peaktech 6225 desktop power supply which examine it closely and arrive at pretty much the same conclusions. The more interesting of the two is obviously that which goes a bit further with the criticism, while frankly highlighting the strengths and not glossing over the weaknesses. And finally weighs the judgement, to present an honest picture.

3D printing had its proponents right from the start, but also its detractors. How about you; do you have your doubts? To help you overcome your reticence, I offer you a video in which the author explains that he still had a disdain for 3D printers only a few years ago. Today, in a well-filled ¼ hour, he shows some 3D printed items which have improved his carpentry workshop equipment, and even his metal lathe. Clever, effective and convincing accessories.

This is an article from Microchip on the new PolarFire™ FPGA imaging and video solution. It delivers capabilities superior to alternative technologies to support resolution as high as 4K in small, low-power form factors necessary for a wide variety of imaging and video applications.

With the cut-off date of the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union rapidly approaching, politicians, industry officials and private citizens alike are still trying to assess the potential impact this unprecedented event will have on their respective fields. Due to the truly unique nature of the proceedings, even experts face a degree of uncertainty and confusion.

Microchip announces the LAN7430/1 Ethernet bridge which provides new options for embedded and automotive platform designers who are seeking Peripheral Component Interconnect Express® (PCIe®) 3.1 Low-Power Sub-State (LPSS) L1.1 and L1.2 for power savings.

Distrelec, leading European distributor of electronics, automation and measurement technology, is excited to launch their very first free webinar series. Launching on the 27th February 2019 at 1500 CET, the first webinar will be hosted in association with leading supplier of test and measurement devices, Tektronix.