Sometimes a 555 timer does not output a great square wave from 0-5 V. In this case, when using it as a clock source for a flip-flop, a bad 555 timer output can lead to missed clock pulses and seemingly strange behavior on the output. To correct this, use one or two Schmitt inverters (7414) …
In digital systems, I teach about a bunch of different hardware solutions that can be used to implement a project. I thought it would be fun (and not to mention, a learning experience for me) to come up with both a combinational logic project and a sequential logic project and implement each one using a …
The purpose of this post is to make the design process of creating printed circuit boards (PCBs) a little less scary. Please note that, as with most of the hobby stuff on my website, I am self taught. This means that I use auto-routing, don’t worry about ground planes, and the most difficult thing I …
Frequently, I will come up with an idea for a project I’d like to do. Some of the projects are small in scope, like designing a PCB for some DIP components so that my students don’t have to spend time wiring up a frequently-used component (like the 7447 and a 7-segment display). Those are relatively …
I’ve decided to post a link to my blog. My goal is to start writing more about the digital logic and microcontrollers project that I work on, to act as help and inspiration for my students. Occasionally I also write about my other passion, which is flying airplanes. Don’t expect updates terribly frequently, however. 🙂
It can be very difficult to convey to students sometimes just how much effort can go into diagnosing a circuit that isn’t working, and how much tenacity it takes. There are many resources that can be used to try to overcome problems. I figured it might be a good idea to write about my experiences …
Stats for the day: I thought I was going to have a boring story to tell today. Let’s go back to last night. I was taking a hard look at the weather forecasts, as it appeared that today might be a little tricky as far as getting home at the right time. The visibility and …
Stats for the day: 3.5 hours flight time 10 landings, 2 full stop Airports: 5D5 (Woolsey Memorial), Y87 (Empire), KFKS (Frankfort), KMBL (Manistee County), KLDM (Mason County), C04 (Oceana County), KMKG (Muskegon County), 3GM (Grand Haven), KHLM (Park Township), KBIV (West Michigan Regional) 17.1 gallons of 100LL burned Today is the penultimate day of my …
Stats for the day: 3.0 hours flight time 10 landings, 2 full stop Airports: 5Y1 (Albert Lindbergh), 83D (Mackinac County), KMCD (Mackinac Island), 6Y1 (Bois Blanc Island), KSLH (Cheboygan County), KPLN (Pellston Regional), KMGN (Harbor Springs), KCVX (Charlevoix), KACB (Antrim County), KTVC (Traverse City) 14.6 gallons of 100LL burned Day 3! I just calculated my …
Stats for the day: 3.5 hours flight time 6 landings, 2 full stop Airports: KMNM (Menominee), KESC (Delta County), KISQ (Schoolcraft County), KERY (Luce County), KCIU (Chippewa County), KANJ (Sault Ste Marie / Sanderson) 18.1 gallons of 100LL burned I’m writing my day 2 post early in the morning on day 3… but I’ll continue …