Mailbag – VoltLog

InTheMail | Voltlog #476

Gear up, electronics enthusiasts! In this installment of InTheMail, we’re diving deep into a treasure trove of tech goodies that are sure to elevate your workshop game. From cutting-edge ESP32-C3 development boards to sleek braided heat shrink tubing, we’ve got you covered. First up, we’re exploring the world of the ESP32-C3, a powerful microcontroller based on the RISC-V architecture.

We’ve got not one, but three dev boards to showcase, each with its unique features and form factors. Whether you need a compact solution or a board packed with extras like USB-C ports and status LEDs, we’ve got you covered. But that’s not all! We’re also taking a closer look at braided heat shrink cable sleeving, a professional-grade solution for your wiring projects.

While it comes with a few caveats, like a higher price tag and stiffer finish, the braided look is undeniably sleek and polished. Continuing our exploration, we stumble upon a rather intriguing (and slightly concerning) product – a pet positioning GPS locator with a built-in microphone. While its tracking capabilities are questionable, the ability to listen in on conversations raises some ethical concerns.

We’ll leave it up to you to decide how to utilize this technology responsibly. Moving on to more practical solutions, we’ve got our hands on a nifty hand wave sensor and a touch sensor designed for furniture integration. These clever devices allow you to control lighting and other low-voltage DC applications with a simple wave or touch, adding a touch of convenience and modernity to your projects.

And speaking of lighting, we’re diving into the world of LED tape controllers, specifically one powered by an ESP8266 module. While it may not be the ideal choice for driving analog LED tapes due to potential flickering issues, it’s a fantastic option for digital LED tapes, offering seamless integration with popular open-source firmware platforms like Tasmota, WLED, and ESPHome.

But wait, there’s more! We’re also exploring a budget-friendly Apple Watch charger clone and a unique stainless steel scrub cleaner for those who value a sparkling workshop (and cast iron pans!).

InTheMail | Voltlog #468

Welcome back to another exciting mailbag video! In this edition, we’ve got a fantastic selection of electronics modules, tools, and accessories that are sure to pique the interest of any hobbyist or tech enthusiast. From practical storage solutions to unique bargraph displays and rapid prototyping boards, this video is packed with gems that might just inspire your next project.

Kicking things off, we have a pair of EVA storage cases that are perfect for safely storing and transporting small devices like logic analyzers or firmware debug tools. These compact and affordable cases are a must-have for anyone who values organization and protection for their electronics. Next up, we have a fascinating LED bargraph module that caught my eye.

This round, 31-segment display is a true eye-catcher and can be used in various projects, such as level indicators or visual displays. With options for different colors like green, red, and yellow, these modules offer versatility and a touch of retro charm. For those who frequently work with ESP32 or compatible modules, the prototyping PCBs featured in this video are a game-changer.

These boards allow for rapid prototyping and easy access to all pins, making them invaluable tools for any maker or developer. But that’s not all! We also explore a range of other exciting products, including a bicycle pump valve replacement, pneumatic fittings, high-quality cigarette lighter connectors (with a rant about delivery restrictions), connector adapters, USB Power Delivery decoy modules, and even an EMI filter module for power supply noise suppression.

InTheMail | Voltlog #450

Welcome back to another exciting episode of “InTheMail”! In this installment, we’ll be unboxing a treasure trove of electronic gadgets and tools that are sure to pique your interest. From cutting-edge USB testers to compact GPS modules and industrial-grade connectors, this mailbag is packed with goodies that will make any electronics enthusiast’s heart skip a beat.

First up, we have the FNIRSI FNB58 and FNB48P USB testers, which boast impressive specifications and a sleek design. These bad boys can handle a wide range of voltages, currents, and power levels, making them indispensable for any serious tinkerer. But that’s not all – we’ll also be taking a closer look at a nifty GPS module based on the ATGM336H chipset, perfect for prototyping and testing your location-based projects.

Moving on, we’ve got some exciting USB-C chargers and power delivery modules, including a car laptop charger capable of delivering a whopping 100W of power. Prepare to be amazed as we put this beast through its paces and see if it can truly live up to its claims. But that’s not all, folks! We’ll also be exploring industrial-grade circular connectors, Anderson-style connectors, and even a specialized connector for VW rear-view mirrors.

If you’re a fan of automotive projects, this one’s for you. And let’s not forget about the tools and accessories! From self-priming water pumps for your DIY plant watering station to audio modules, diagonal cutters, and a portable soldering iron stand, this mailbag has everything you need to take your projects to the next level.

So, buckle up and get ready for an electrifying ride through the world of electronics! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious newcomer, there’s something in this mailbag for everyone.

InTheMail | Voltlog #444

In the latest installment of the popular “InTheMail” series, tech enthusiasts are treated to a diverse array of electronics and accessories straight from the mailbag. From compact chargers and carry cases to specialized tools and sensors, this episode covers a wide range of products that cater to various needs.

Kicking things off is the VOLTME dual USB Type-C phone charger, a compact and powerful solution for charging multiple devices simultaneously. Its small form factor and GaN technology make it an ideal travel companion. Next up are EVA hard shell cases, offering protection for soldering irons and oscilloscopes during transportation.

The Ulanzi VL49 RGB LED light is a versatile addition for photography and videography, boasting impressive specs like high CRI, adjustable color temperature, and long battery life. The episode also showcases a learning RF remote control with an impressive frequency range, perfect for hobbyists and tinkerers.

For those in need of cable management solutions, the video covers keyrings, USB cables (including right-angle and USB Type-B variants), and silicone-insulated cables designed for soldering applications. Fiberglass cable insulation rated for high temperatures is also highlighted, catering to projects involving hot environments.

The mailbag also unveils a hidden GPS tracking device with 4G support and an upgraded USB-to-CAN adapter for CAN bus interfacing. Specialized tools like a BNC T-split connector and ceramic heating plates are also explored, offering potential applications in electronics and temperature control projects.

Finally, the episode touches on a radar sensor module and a waterproof temperature/humidity sensor, both useful for home automation and outdoor sensing applications.

Voltlog #294 – InTheMail

Welcome to a new InTheMail, the series that will touch both your passion for electronics and your bank account at the same time. Before I get started I’m gonna take a second to remind you to subscribe to the channel and hit the bell notification icon because that’s the only way you will know for sure when I upload new videos.

Depending on which part of the world you live in, you might be dealing with the same isolation measures as I am, the government is recommending we stay inside as much as possible here in Romania, to avoid contact with other people. So that gives me more time to work on projects, learn new stuff and of course discover and order stuff from the internet.

I’m gonna start with this notebook which has a retro looking leather cover, I think it’s quite neat looking, I’m not sure if this is real leather or not, description just said leather. I always keep a notebook around the workbench, it can be useful for drafting a quick schematic, some dimensions or just for writing down some measurements. Another cool feature of this notebook is the binder style clips you have inside, which allow you to insert or remove paper and what’s even nicer is that you can find this type of paper with different grid styles and they’re very affordable.

Voltlog #293 – Buying From Banggood and Ebay Tips & Tricks

Welcome to a new Voltlog, this is a continuation of Voltlog #291 where I shared some tips and tricks about buying from Aliexpress, if you haven’t seen that video, I will link it on screen right now. Today I’m gonna share my experience with buying from Banggood or Ebay. These are my secondary buying channels, some of the stuff you see in my mailbag videos comes from Banggood or Ebay.

Voltlog #291 – Buying From Aliexpress Tips & Tricks

Welcome to a new Voltlog, today I’m gonna share with you some tips and tricks about buying from Aliexpress and I might follow up with another video about Ebay and Banggood. I received requests for doing such a video several times as the subject was brought up and I think I can share a few useful things with you because as you may know, some of my most popular videos are my InTheMail videos where I show you the stuff I purchase from China and I get a lot of stuff which allowed me to learn a few tricks over the years.

Voltlog #289 – InTheMail

I must say I’m noticing delays in delivery of these packages from China, it started with orders placed mid January and I’m probably going to see some packages lost and never delivered so i recommend you keep an eye on your orders and request a refund when the protection time expires.

Voltlog #286 – How Is The Coronavirus Affecting PCB Production?

Welcome to a new Voltlog, I have a couple of projects in the pipeline right now that require PCBs and as usual I will be getting them from JLCPCB who have been sponsoring my videos for a while now and even if they weren’t I would still be ordering from them because I like how their service runs. But the problem right now as you may know is the Coronavirus infection. In order to contain the spread of the virus, companies in China have moved to a work from home scenario with only minimal required personnel present on site.

This coupled with the extended holiday which was issued after the spring festival means decreased manufacturing capacity which leads to long lead times as customers line up to get their PCBs manufactured.

So this video is more an update on the current situation because I am in contact with JLCPCB and I want to give you some info on the expected delays for pcb orders. Right now they offer production of 2 layer pcbs as well as smt assembly service and stencil production service but 4 layer, 6 layer and ENIG coated pcb manufacturing has been suspended until further notice.

Can The Coronavirus Travel With Packages Delivered From China?

Welcome to a new Voltlog and yes we are talking about the Coronavirus on this channel and you might think it’s completely unrelated but there is a connection as I will explain in a moment. You know I host a popular type of videos on my channel, that is the mailbag videos with electronic items that I get from China. I am ordering this stuff from Aliexpress, Ebay, Bangood but it doesn’t really matter which website we’re talking about, even on Amazon there are a bunch of shops that ship directly from China to the US or UK or whatever.

Some of you might be asking is there a safety risk with the Coronavirus infection happening in China, is there a chance of that virus traveling with these products and infecting us the recipients of the packages? Well let’s look at the facts first.