Martin's corner on the web

DA16200 WiFi SoC

Interesting new WiFi SoC by @DialogSemi – the DA16200. Promises averaged 72µA power consumption and 1 sec response time while always connected to the network. Perfect for battery powered WiFi #IoT nodes. I will order few samples and research it further. https://youtu.be/d80X2GtTNBk

Lowpower listening on 433Mhz

Lowpower listening on 433Mhz

Lowpower listening on 433Mhz while consuming 1.2uA. Range about 100m, reaction time about 800ms-1.5s. The node on the right sends data/awakes the node on the left upon button press, consumes 300nA in standby. Using RFM69 transceivers with Atmega328 and @LowPowerLab 's library More details under scope: the receiver wakes for ~250us every second, consuming 19mA…

My first handeld ham radio

My first handeld ham radio

Just received my first handeld ham radio. The Baofeng UV-5R seems to be a popular model, feature packed, powerful (1/4/8W?? selectable) and dirt cheap. Switched TX power to 1W to avoid accidental transmission interference until I get proper ham radio license.

Current ranger device

Current ranger device

Now that I own a 'current ranger' device, I am measuring the power consumption of old projects of mine. Pictured below a Atmega328+RFM69 based smoke alarm detector, standby current is 6.5uA so practically no battery impact..

Kenwood breadmaker hub & drive coupling assembly

Kenwood breadmaker hub & drive coupling assembly

Kenwood breadmaker hub & drive coupling assembly replacement instructions literally say take apart the breadmaker to pieces in order to replace the broken drive. Estimated repair time: 1 hr 30 min. Me: drill the bottom out, swap the part and be done in less than 15 min The replacement instructions: https://www.espares.co.uk/advice/careandmaintenance/replacing-a-breadmaker-hub-and-drive-coupling-assembly-twist-and-lock

Cheap PIR sensor

Cheap PIR sensor

Testing a cheap PIR sensor, seems to be working fine down to 2.0V with no modifications (strange?). 25uA quiescent current at that voltage. Considering it for a battery powered PIR IoT node. Power consumption at 3.0V:

Geiger counter projects indoors outdoors

Geiger counter projects indoors outdoors

What is the proper shielding enclosure and measurement location (indoors/outdoors) for Geiger counter projects? Taking mine outside gives Chernobyl level readings , indoors is 0.15uSv/h (15-25 cpm) .. so obviously direct sunlight affects the GM tube heavily, and it must be shielded. Good information here: https://www.gqelectronicsllc.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4540