Cat feeder improvements (video)

This is just a repost for people who are not subscribed to my youtube channel.

http://benkrasnow.blogspot.com/2009/08/improved-automatic-cat-feeder.html

Product Review: CP06 low-cost AC/DC clamp-on current probe

I bought this bargain basement clamp-on current probe on eBay. It doesn't even seem to have a manufacturer (shamed out of existence?), but the model number is CP06. It's $70 shipped, and is probably worth it, especially if you plan to measure DC and 50/60Hz AC waveforms. It will not do high-frequency measurements. The DC accuracy seems good enough for many different applications where cutting into the test wire is not preferable.

Note: Hold down the "zero" button for a couple seconds, then release.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation project - part 1

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a technique to stimulate brain tissue directly through the skull. It works by sending a very high current pulse through a coil that is located on the subject's scalp. The fast-rising edge of the pulse induces a current in the brain tissue, causing neuron stimulation.





This device uses a capacitor bank, high current SCR, trigger circuit, figure-8 (or butterfly) coil, and high voltage charging circuit.

Link to the SCR datasheet: http://www.5scomponents.com/pdf/5STH_30J4501.pdf

Some good technical information: http://www.abovesobelow.com/TMS/cTMS.pdf

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transcranial_magnetic_stimulation

Extech IR250 infrared thermometer disassembly and plans for thermal imaging

One of my ongoing projects is to develop a low-cost thermal imaging camera. In this video, I take apart an Extech IR250 infrared thermometer with the intention of grabbing an analog or digital signal so that I can record temperature measurements while using a scanning or image processing device to select portions of the scene being examined. Unfortunately, it looks like the analog circuitry is completely sealed inside a custom IC that is hidden under a blob of potting material. I'll remove the IR sensor from the board and build my own analog amplification and digitization hardware.






Common digital output IR thermometer sensor:
http://www.melexis.com/Infrared-Thermometer-Sensors/Infrared-Thermometer-Sensors/MLX90614-615.aspx

TPS334 sensor datasheet:
http://www.datasheetcatalog.org/datasheet/perkinelmer/TPS334.pdf

Analog Devices app note regarding thermopile sensors:
http://www.analog.com/en/all-operational-amplifiers-op-amps/operational-amplifiers-op-amps/products/technical-articles/using_thermopile_sensor_in_ir_digital_thermometers/resources/fca.html


Servo pan/tilt IR imaging scanner project:
http://www.cheap-thermocam.tk/

Redshift thermal imaging:
http://redshiftsystems.com/site

What should I build with six ultracapacitors?

I bought six 2600F 2.5V ultracapacitors from Electronic Goldmine. They were on sale a couple weeks ago, and this was one of my rare impulse purchases. I am thinking of building a portable capacitive discharge welder, or perhaps conventional spot welder. What are your ideas?