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7 GUIDES | 39 PAGES | 1 FEATURED | 0 POPULAR

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DIY DC/DC Boost Calculator

A calculator for rolling your own basic DC/DC boost with a microcontroller

For many small projects, its cheaper and easier to DIY a boost converter than to buy a specialty chip. DIY converters are usually not as efficient but they're quick & cheap!

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FEATURED

All About Batteries

Everything you ever wanted to know about batteries!

This article is about batteries (if you couldn't tell) - and how to decide which batteries will run your project best! I'll cover both rechargable and "one shot" batteries, trying to cover everything I've learned.

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Stereo 3.7W Class D Audio Amplifier

These go to eleven!

Add some big sound to your next project. Boost he output of your Wave Shield or build yourself a portable sound system for your iPod or mp3 player.

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MCP4725 12-Bit DAC Tutorial

Add an analog output to your microcontroller

Your microcontroller probably has an ADC (analog -> digital converter) but does it have a DAC (digital -> analog converter)??? Now it can! This breakout board features the easy-to-use MCP4725 12-bit DAC. Control it via I2C and send it the value you want it to output, and the VOUT pin will have it. Great for audio / analog projects, such as when you can't use PWM but need a sine wave or adjustable bias point.

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Mini Thermal Receipt Printer

Print receipt paper from a little printer

Add a mini printer to any microcontroller project with this very cute thermal printer. Also known as receipt printers, they’re what you get when you go to the ATM or grocery store. Print text, barcodes, bitmap graphics, even a QR code!

PHILLIP BURGESS

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Li-Ion & LiPoly Batteries

All about the power packs that propel your projects!

If you want to take your project portable you'll need a battery pack! For beginners, we suggest alkaline batteries, such as the venerable AA or 9V cell, great for making into larger multi-battery packs, easy to find and carry plenty of charge. If you want to go rechargable to save money and avoid waste, NiMH batteries can often replace alkalines. Eventually, however you may want to upgrade to the shiniest new technology - rechargable lithium ion/polymer batteries. In this guide you will learn all about these batteries, and how to properly use them in your projects.

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Power Supplies

Power in, power out!

A power supply is a device that supplies power to another device, at a specific voltage level, voltage type and current level. While it sounds simple, power supplies have a lot of little hang-ups that can be very tricky for the uninitiated. This tutorial will try to help explain all about power supplies.