Is the Rigol DG822 Pro the Best Function Generator for Your Money? | Voltlog #490

If you’re in the market for a high-quality, feature-packed function generator that won’t break the bank, the Rigol DG822 Pro is definitely worth considering. This dual-channel, 25MHz arbitrary waveform generator packs a punch, offering a wide range of capabilities that make it a versatile tool for hobbyists, students, and professionals alike.

One of the standout features of the DG822 Pro is its comprehensive library of built-in arbitrary waveforms. With dozens of custom waveforms to choose from, you’ll have a wealth of options at your fingertips for generating complex, non-standard signals. Additionally, the instrument allows you to create and run sequences of up to 64 arbitrary waveforms, giving you even more flexibility in your signal generation.

The user interface is a highlight, with a well-designed, intuitive layout that makes it easy to navigate and adjust settings. The 7-inch touchscreen display is clear and responsive, and the dedicated keys for common waveforms and functions streamline the operation. While the circular keypad arrangement may take some getting used to, it’s a minor quibble in an otherwise user-friendly design.

Connectivity is another strong suit of the DG822 Pro. With LXI over LAN and web control capabilities, you can easily access and control the instrument remotely, a huge convenience for collaborative projects or remote testing scenarios. The built-in 32GB of storage and the option to add external storage via USB further enhance its versatility.

Performance-wise, the DG822 Pro delivers solid results for its price point. While it may not match the absolute top-tier instruments in terms of raw specs, it offers more than enough capability for most hobby, educational, and small business applications. The ability to output signals from 1mVpp to 10Vpp, with a frequency resolution of 1uHz and a wide range of modulation techniques, should meet the needs of most users.

Of course, no product is perfect, and the DG822 Pro has a few minor drawbacks. The high-pitched fan noise, while not uncomfortably loud, may be a nuisance for some users. The font rendering on the GUI could also be improved, though this is a cosmetic issue that doesn’t affect functionality. Overall, the Rigol DG822 Pro is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a capable, feature-rich function generator at an affordable price point.

With its impressive array of built-in waveforms, intuitive interface, and robust connectivity options, it offers exceptional value for the money. While it may not be the ultimate performance powerhouse, it strikes a great balance between capability and cost, making it a solid investment for a wide range of applications.

The Ultimate Handheld Thermal Camera Kaiweets KTI-W02 | Voltlog #489

Are you in the market for a budget-friendly thermal camera that doesn’t compromise on quality? Look no further than the Kaiweets KTI-W02. This compact yet powerful device offers impressive features that cater to a wide range of applications, from home inspections to automotive diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting.

Unboxing the Kaiweets KTI-W02 is a delightful experience, with its premium packaging and inclusion of a hard EVA carry case. The camera itself boasts a sleek design, with ridges around the display and camera lens for added protection. Despite its compact size, it packs a punch with a 256×192 pixel thermal sensor, a temperature measurement range of -20°C to +550°C, and a lightning-fast 1-second boot time.

One of the standout features of the Kaiweets KTI-W02 is its impressive battery life of up to 16 hours, coupled with a rapid 2.5-hour recharge time. This makes it an ideal companion for extended field operations or prolonged inspections. Additionally, the camera’s IP54 rating ensures dust and water resistance, while its 2-meter drop rating provides peace of mind against accidental drops.

In terms of performance, the Kaiweets KTI-W02 delivers crisp and detailed thermal images, thanks to its 25Hz frame rate. The camera offers multiple display modes, including thermal-only, visual-only, fusion, and picture-in-picture, allowing you to customize the view according to your needs. While the fusion mode could use some improvement in aligning the thermal and visual images, it still provides a useful perspective.

The camera’s menu system is user-friendly and intuitive, allowing you to adjust settings such as temperature range, emissivity, color palettes, and region of interest measurement. However, it’s worth noting that the camera lacks video recording capabilities and is limited to a single center-point measurement on the screen.

InTheMail | Voltlog #488

In the latest edition of InTheMail, I unbox and review a treasure trove of electronics tools and gadgets from AliExpress and Amazon. From high-quality pliers to versatile USB-C connectors and even a unique IR pre-heater, this video is packed with valuable insights and recommendations for hobbyists of all levels.

Kicking things off, I share my honest thoughts on a set of pliers that failed to meet expectations, followed by a handy pair of scissor-type cutters perfect for trimming heat shrink and enamel wire. Next up, a carbon fiber spudger adds an anti-static and ESD-safe option to my toolkit. The video also showcases the compact and open-source olmBoard modules, featuring impressive specs like a wide input voltage range and low power consumption.

USB-C connectors, a magnetic rotary position sensor breakout, and a digital speaker amp board are also highlighted. For those working with DC motors, I review breakout boards for the DRV8871 H-bridge driver, offering overcurrent and over-temperature protection. Practical accessories like a tactical shoulder strap, corkscrew bottle opener, and wetsuit hanger are also covered.

One standout item is the IR pre-heater, which has revolutionized my soldering and desoldering workflow. By pre-heating PCBs, I can minimize stress on surrounding components and achieve better results, especially for double-sided or heavily populated boards. Finally, I explore the potential of syringe filters for cleaning and reusing ultrasonic cleaner liquids more effectively.

Victron BlueSolar MPPT Repair | Voltlog #487

Are you a DIY enthusiast or a renewable energy hobbyist? If you’ve ever encountered issues with your Victron BlueSolar MPPT75/10 charge controller, this repair guide is just what you need. In this comprehensive tutorial, we’ll walk you through the process of disassembling, diagnosing, and fixing a common problem with these popular charge controllers – a blown fuse.

The video begins by introducing the Victron BlueSolar MPPT75/10, a budget-friendly yet capable charge controller that can handle up to 75V solar panel input and 10A of current. Despite its affordability, this unit packs a punch with features like a serial interface for configuration and compatibility with the Victron Connect app.

The disassembly process is meticulously explained, highlighting the challenges of working with a glue-sealed enclosure. Using a spudger, the presenter carefully separates the blue plastic case from the black acrylic back panel, revealing the internal components and the conformal coating that protects the PCB.

Upon closer inspection, the root cause of the issue becomes apparent – a blown 20A automotive fuse responsible for protecting the battery port. The presenter replaces the fuse, and voilà, the charge controller springs back to life, much to the relief of DIY enthusiasts everywhere. But the tutorial doesn’t stop there.

It also addresses a potential design flaw in the terminal arrangement, which could lead to accidental polarity reversal and subsequent fuse blowouts. The presenter offers valuable insights and tips to avoid such mishaps in the future.

Where is the ADC? RIGOL DM858 Teardown | Voltlog #486

Ever wondered what lies beneath the sleek exterior of the high-tech Rigol DM858 multimeter? In a recent teardown video, we took a deep dive into the inner workings of this precision instrument, uncovering the components that make it tick. Right off the bat, the teardown revealed the beautiful construction and assembly quality, with key areas like power supplies, connectivity, and a clever system-on-module design.

The power supply section was straightforward, with a USB-C input and a series of switchers to step down the voltage to the required levels. The real star of the show was the SODIMM module, housing an Allwinner A40i-H quad-core Cortex-A7 processor, RAM chips, flash memory, and a power management circuit.

This modular design offers several advantages, including cost savings, flexibility, and the ability to swap out components as needed. Moving on to the input section, we encountered a curious square PCB module housing the user-accessible fuse and input protection components like gas discharge tubes, Metal Oxide Varistors, and clamping devices.

Underneath a small shield, we found relays likely responsible for input switching and range selection. One of the most intriguing discoveries was the potential use of the microcontroller’s built-in ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) instead of a dedicated ADC chip. This design choice, if true, would be a clever solution for high sampling rates and accurate measurements.

However, not all mysteries were solved. We encountered a few unidentified components, leaving us scratching our heads. Can you help shed light on these enigmatic parts? Leave a comment below and join the discussion!

RIGOL DM858 Multimeter Review | Voltlog #485

The Rigol DM858 is a high-quality multimeter from a reputable manufacturer, boasting a 7-inch touchscreen display and a sleek form factor reminiscent of their oscilloscope line. With a wide range of measurement capabilities, including 10A current, 10mF capacitance, and 0.03% accuracy on DC voltage, it certainly packs a punch in terms of specifications.

One of the standout features is the web view and control interface, allowing you to access and control the multimeter remotely from any computer or mobile device connected to your local network. This level of convenience is a welcome addition to any modern lab setup. However, the DM858 is not without its flaws.

During testing, a concerning auto-ranging bug was discovered, where the meter fails to detect the need to switch to a higher voltage range, potentially leading to incorrect readings and even internal damage. Rigol has been notified, and a firmware fix is hopefully on the way. Another disappointment is the lack of a built-in data logging feature, which seems counterintuitive for a multimeter in this price range.

While the user manual mentions data logging capabilities, the implementation appears incomplete and unintuitive. Other minor gripes include the inability to use math functions in auto-range mode, the lack of a thermocouple probe or USB cable in the package, and the recommended software being outdated and incompatible with modern Windows versions.

Despite these drawbacks, the DM858 remains a compelling option for those seeking a multimeter with a large touchscreen display and remote control capabilities. Its unique form factor may appeal to those with limited bench space or a preference for monitor-mounted instruments. Priced at around $500 (or €440 in the EU), the DM858 competes with alternatives like the UNI-T UT8805E, which offers better specifications at a lower cost but lacks the touchscreen and web control features.

Ultimately, the decision to purchase the Rigol DM858 will depend on your specific needs and priorities. If the touchscreen, remote control, and unique form factor outweigh the concerns raised in this review, it could be a worthwhile investment for your workbench.

Affordable 10Gbit Switches Are Here! Mokerlink | Voltlog #484

The world of high-speed networking is no longer limited to enterprise-level gear. With the rise of affordable options like the Mokerlink 2g04210GSMX, upgrading your home or small office network to blazing-fast speeds has become a reality. This compact managed switch packs a punch with its 4x 2.5Gbit ports, 1x SFP+ 10Gbit port, and 1x RJ45 10Gbit port, all encased in a sleek metal enclosure.

But why do you need 10Gbit Ethernet, you might ask? One compelling reason is the need for lightning-fast access to network-attached storage (NAS) devices. With modern computers often equipped with limited built-in storage, a high-speed NAS becomes essential for storing and accessing large files, such as media libraries or creative projects, without frustrating bottlenecks.

The Mokerlink 2g04210GSMX strikes the perfect balance between performance and affordability, offering a robust feature set at a mere $100 price point. Its passively cooled design ensures silent operation, while the solid metal construction and thoughtful thermal management contribute to long-term reliability.

Setting up the switch is a breeze, with a user-friendly web management interface that provides comprehensive control over port configuration, VLAN settings, and other advanced networking options. Whether you’re a home user or a small business owner, this switch adapts to your needs, delivering the flexibility to optimize your network’s performance.

But what truly sets the Mokerlink apart is its attention to detail. From the well-soldered components to the extra thermal pads and heatsinks, the teardown reveals a commitment to quality that often surpasses similar offerings from other brands. And with stocking locations in the US and EU, along with FCC and CE certifications, you can rest assured that your purchase is backed by reliable support and hassle-free returns if needed.

InTheMail | Voltlog #482

Welcome to another exciting InTheMail unboxing extravaganza! In this episode, we dive into a treasure trove of gadgets, tools, and components perfect for any electronics tinkerer or maker. From mechanical fasteners and wiring accessories to unique finds like magnetic multimeter leads and a PoE detector, this mailbag is brimming with surprises.

One highlight is the heartwarming story of upgrading a toy excavator for a 2-year-old construction machinery enthusiast. By incorporating LEDs, sound effects, and vibrations, an ordinary toy was transformed into an interactive delight, sparking joy and wonder. This project showcases the magic of combining electronics with creativity.

Another intriguing item is the set of sodium-ion 18650 batteries. While still in the early stages of adoption, these safer and longer-lasting alternatives to lithium-ion batteries hold promise for future designs. The possibility of destructive testing (with caution, of course) adds an element of excitement and curiosity.

From essential components like standoffs and screws to specialized tools like the drain cleaning brush and countdown timer, this mailbag caters to a wide range of needs. Whether you’re prototyping, repairing, or simply exploring new technologies, there’s something for everyone. So, join us on this adventure as we unbox, explore, and dream up new projects with the latest additions to our ever-growing collection of electronics goodies.

Excellent Build Quality Inside The UNI-T UT8805E | Voltlog #481

In the world of high-end multimeters, the UNI-T UT8805E stands tall with its impressive build quality and top-notch components. In a recent teardown video, we got an up-close look at what makes this professional-grade instrument tick. The teardown process revealed a meticulously designed interior, with high-quality parts sourced from reputable manufacturers like Analog Devices, Texas Instruments, and Maxim.

The mainboard boasts a large, matte green PCB panel with ample space, showcasing UNI-T’s commitment to quality. One of the standout features is the AD7122-2 24-bit, sigma-delta ADC from Analog Devices, capable of sampling up to 31kS/s, although UNI-T has wisely limited it to 5kS/s for improved noise performance.

Complementing the ADC is the MAX6225AESA+ 2.5V voltage reference with an impressive tempco of 1.5ppm per degree C and long-term stability of 20ppm/1000 hours at 25°C. The analog section is a true marvel, with a plethora of high-quality components like AD8622 rail-to-rail op-amps, OP72 op-amps, an AD637 RMS converter chip, ADG1209 multiplexers, and a MAX333A quad analog switch.

Input protection is top-notch, with surge arrestors, metal oxide varistors, and beefy film capacitors. At the heart of the instrument lies a TRION T20F256 FPGA, responsible for sampling data from the ADC and managing the auto-ranging features and measurements. The front panel boasts an STM32F407 Arm Cortex-M4 application processor, handling data from the FPGA/ADC and managing the display and keypad.

While UNI-T acknowledged a couple of issues in the initial review, they’ve assured that a newer revision has addressed these concerns. A fresh unit is on its way for further testing, so stay tuned for updates on this impressive multimeter’s performance.

The UNI-T UT8805E Review: Packed with Features, BUT… | Voltlog #483

In the ever-evolving world of test equipment, the UNI-T UT8805E promises to be a game-changer for professionals and hobbyists alike. Boasting a 5.5-digit resolution and a plethora of modern features, this benchtop multimeter aims to redefine precision and convenience. While vintage meters like the HP/Agilent 3478A offer similar resolution, the UT8805E brings a fresh perspective with its cutting-edge functionality, connectivity options, and warranty support.

Gone are the days of sacrificing modern amenities for precision; the UT8805E seamlessly blends accuracy with a user-friendly interface and robust data logging capabilities. Under the hood, the UT8805E packs a punch with impressive specs, including a 4.3-inch TFT LCD, 5K readings per second, TRUE-RMS measurements, and 1GB of internal flash storage.

Its accuracy is nothing short of remarkable, with a 1-year specification of 0.015% + a few counts for DC voltage measurements. Beyond the standard fare, the UT8805E offers a wealth of advanced features, such as diode testing, frequency measurement, thermocouple temperature sensing, and various math functions.

Connectivity options abound, with USB, RS-232, Ethernet, and optional GPIB support, ensuring seamless integration with modern workflows. However, the UT8805E is not without its flaws. The buggy software, lack of a web interface, and a noisy cooling fan are notable drawbacks that may give some users pause.

Additionally, the update process and the non-functioning buzzer on the review unit raise concerns about user experience and quality control. Nonetheless, the UT8805E’s strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a modern, feature-rich multimeter without compromising accuracy or functionality.

With its intuitive user interface, bright display, and comprehensive connectivity options, the UT8805E offers a compelling alternative to vintage meters, provided UNI-T addresses the reported issues.