Category Archives: switching

The Descendants of Ancient Computers

Posted on May 31, 2020 by Fernando Gomes

Building computers from discrete components is a fairly common hobby project, but it used to be the only way to build a computer until integrated circuits came on the scene. If you’re living in the modern times, however, you can get a computer like this running easily enough, but if …read more

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Posted in bipolar junction transistor, bjt, computer, computer hacks, cray, discrete, frequency, parts, retro, supercomputer, switching, transistor | Leave a comment

Turning a Bad Bench Supply into a Better Bench Supply

Posted on December 1, 2019 by Fernando Gomes

‘Tis the season for dropping hints on what new doodads would make a hacker happy, and we have to admit to doing a little virtual window shopping ourselves. And as a decent bench power supply is on our list, it was no surprise to see videos reviews that the hive …read more

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Posted in bench supply, buck, constant current, DC_DC, DPS5005, misc hacks, programmable, Riden RD6006, switching, tool hacks | Leave a comment

Fun With A Hydrogen Thyratron

Posted on March 7, 2019 by Fernando Gomes

There’s something oddly menacing about some vacuum tubes. The glass, the glowing filaments, the strange metal grids and wires suspended within – all those lead to a mysterious sci-fi look and the feeling that strange things are happening in there.

Add in a little high voltage and a tube that …read more

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Posted in classic hacks, high current, high voltage, hydrogen, igbt, scr, switching, TGI1-50/5, thyratron | Leave a comment