Uni-Byte 0182 - Mailbag #23: A real BIG pile - It's got to STOP!

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  • Опубліковано 30 кві 2024
  • Binge buying from AliExpress for future projects and lab add-ons.
    Buying from Amazon or AliExpress? Use these links to help the channel and it won't cost you a penny more!
    Amazon Affiliate Link: amzn.to/49GmnRV
    AliExpress Affiliate Link: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFi...
    Help support the channel directly.
    Through PayPal: paypal.me/UniBytePP
    Or click on the Super Thanks button above (heart with a "$" sign)
    Video Specific Links:
    3 position Quick Splice Block: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dc7...
    Adjustable Regulated Power Supply Kit: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdR...
    Banana Plugs: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCf...
    Storage Case: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dkj...
    3 & 2 Position Separate Splice Blocks: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEf...
    Toroidal Transformer: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dm1...
    Flood Lights: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dmq...
    LED COB Module: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dl8...
    Bluetooth Speaker Kit: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Deo...
    White Board Notebook: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEr...
    Mini Digital Volt Meters: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdJ...
    Solar Charge Controller: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCf...
    Banana to Clip Leads: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFf...
    WIFI Module: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DD4...
    Cheapie Soldering Iron: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDK...
    Subscribe: / @uni-byte
  • Наука та технологія

КОМЕНТАРІ • 76

  • @barrymiddlebrook6800
    @barrymiddlebrook6800 2 місяці тому +12

    Nice to see someone else has the Ali-bug, and I buy a lot of the same things.....

    • @CookieTube
      @CookieTube 2 місяці тому +2

      Yep, same, guilty as charged....

    • @uni-byte
      @uni-byte  2 місяці тому +1

      Yes, I have it bad. There is just as much coming as I just showed!

    • @pcka12
      @pcka12 2 місяці тому +1

      A harmless obsession?

    • @uni-byte
      @uni-byte  2 місяці тому

      @@pcka12 I hope so!

  • @johnwest7993
    @johnwest7993 2 місяці тому +5

    After years of looking for my calipers I finally learned to just keep them out on my desk/workbench.
    Edison said that in order to invent something you need an idea and a big pile of junk.
    I've mostly stopped buying little electronics stuff online until I'm actually spending my time building stuff again. Also, I am reminded of the saying, 'It's not a good price if you don't need it.'

    • @uni-byte
      @uni-byte  2 місяці тому +1

      Sage advice!

  • @englishrupe01
    @englishrupe01 2 місяці тому +3

    Loved every minute....thanks. I have that same Ali addiction, too. ;-)

    • @uni-byte
      @uni-byte  2 місяці тому +1

      It seems to be a pandemic.

  • @guateque1718
    @guateque1718 2 місяці тому +4

    There will be no talk of passing away, sir.
    We have a long interesting time left. Onwards Mr Byte

  • @WhiteDieselShed
    @WhiteDieselShed 2 місяці тому +2

    Solar charge controller, I bought one of them years ago when that design was brand new and the USB ports were NOT 5v. Full solar panel voltage...

    • @uni-byte
      @uni-byte  2 місяці тому

      That would not be ideal. I'll look for that when I test it. Thanks.

  • @snakezdewiggle6084
    @snakezdewiggle6084 2 місяці тому +1

    I highly recommended the Cables with Clips. Low Resistance, Silicon Insulation.
    The Blue tooth Speakers. Best idea I've head in a loong time.
    👍👍👍

    • @uni-byte
      @uni-byte  2 місяці тому +1

      Thanks for the comment!

  • @jimjones1652
    @jimjones1652 2 місяці тому +1

    I found an issue with those soldering irons, they work well enough but as they are made of plastic it becomes very brittle at the element end because of the heat .
    I dropped one from about three feet onto a carpet and it broke in two. Fortunately super glue works on this plastic.

    • @uni-byte
      @uni-byte  2 місяці тому

      Good info there. Yeah, they leave a bunch to be desired but they do make good back-up devices. They work long enough to get a "real" one ordered and delivered.

  • @andymouse
    @andymouse 2 місяці тому +1

    I have a 300w Dual linear supply with a bloody great toroid inside ! A man's PSU suits all my needs. Great tip on ALI. This speed is good. Like to see the WIFI module in use that should be a cool vid. Concise commenting !.....cheers.

    • @uni-byte
      @uni-byte  2 місяці тому +1

      I'm keen to have a look at that WiFi module too.

    • @andymouse
      @andymouse 2 місяці тому +1

      @@uni-byte :)

  • @andyfraser5876
    @andyfraser5876 2 місяці тому +2

    I built the 30V PSU a couple of years ago, but found that the 3 op-amp ICs provided were fake, so didn't work correctly. When I replaced them with genuine TL071, it worked fine.

    • @uni-byte
      @uni-byte  2 місяці тому

      Thanks for the info. I have some genuine parts around here that I could use.

  • @Old-Sole
    @Old-Sole 2 місяці тому +1

    At last I’ve found someone like me 😂

    • @uni-byte
      @uni-byte  2 місяці тому

      Great minds think alike!

  • @Multi-Skill-Bill
    @Multi-Skill-Bill 2 місяці тому +2

    I like the little caliper keychain if for nothing more than a novelty :)
    My kids have always asked why I keep so many parts and tools etc.. I tell them when I die, it is a project for them (figure out what to do with it) LOL
    I love those small volt meters, I have a bunch to use on stuff I wanna know I am in the right range at a glance. Some can be adjusted if you look close.
    Nice bunch of goodies! 👍👍

    • @englishrupe01
      @englishrupe01 2 місяці тому +2

      Yes, some have a little pot on them for calibration.

    • @uni-byte
      @uni-byte  2 місяці тому +1

      I've seen that adjustment on bigger meters. I'll check these out. Thanks Bill.

    • @Multi-Skill-Bill
      @Multi-Skill-Bill 2 місяці тому +1

      @@uni-byte yup, never know. Worth a peek :D

    • @uni-byte
      @uni-byte  2 місяці тому +1

      @@Multi-Skill-Bill No such luck on these tiny meter. Ya gets whut ya gets.

    • @Multi-Skill-Bill
      @Multi-Skill-Bill 2 місяці тому +1

      @@uni-byte yep, still good enough :D

  • @Irilia_neko
    @Irilia_neko 2 місяці тому +1

    Don't use the cheap lever connector for AC main connection, you can't know the quality of them

    • @uni-byte
      @uni-byte  2 місяці тому +1

      Not to be contrary, but I am qualified to test these and understand the results of that testing. I have taken these apart and tested them. While I would not use them for in-wall or in-ceiling connections (because I don't have long term data on them) I personally have no issues with using them myself for simple ad-hoc mains connections on the bench. I don't recommend anyone else do the same unless they feel qualified to do the tests themselves and do wire retention tests before each use. On the other hand, I agree that no one should just trust any connector of this type without fist doing some sanity checks. Not even the certified brand name units, as they have a non-zero failure rate.

  • @nixxonnor
    @nixxonnor 2 місяці тому +1

    When I order 3 things for low cost and free shipping the order is cancelled 3 out of 4 times. The amount paid is incrementally credited, but due to credit card cost and currency stuff I lose about 5 % ot the amount every time

    • @uni-byte
      @uni-byte  2 місяці тому

      Yikes, that has never happened to me!

  • @GnuReligion
    @GnuReligion 2 місяці тому +2

    Curious to see if your toroidal transformer is near spec. Sure looks good for the price.
    Would be very useful to power audio amps.

    • @uni-byte
      @uni-byte  2 місяці тому +2

      Right now it doesn't. Put it on the bench this morning only to find the primary is open circuit. Doh!

    • @GnuReligion
      @GnuReligion 2 місяці тому +1

      @@uni-byte ohno

  • @percaine
    @percaine 2 місяці тому +1

    Nice haul. I'm looking forward to seeing the power supply kit built. I bought a psu kit a few years ago that I built into a case but I used a salvaged transformer that's not quite up to the job so eventually I'd like to upgrade it if I can find one for a decent price.

    • @uni-byte
      @uni-byte  2 місяці тому

      I actually tested the transformer this morning. The primary winding is open - so no joy with this one. Now begins the fight to get my money back...

    • @percaine
      @percaine 2 місяці тому +1

      @@uni-byte I got tired of dealing with trying to get money back from overseas sellers so I stick mostly with amazon now. Amazon is a lot better when it comes to returns and refunds but they don't always have everything you need for electronics. I've noticed that most of the time the when I compare prices on places like ebay and aliexpress they usually aren't any better than amazon and if they are it's usually not enough savings to compensate for the longer shipping time. Also where I'm located Canada Post wont deliver to your home so it's a pain to go to the post office to pick up packages all the time. :)

    • @uni-byte
      @uni-byte  2 місяці тому

      @@percaine Definitely something to consider in what you say. I do reserve Amazon for most of teh pricey stuff. Though that transformer came very close to my AliExpress price limit.

    • @percaine
      @percaine 2 місяці тому +1

      @@uni-byte An example for me was the little Dso154Pro I bought on aliexpress. I did save about $20 over buying it on amazon at the time but about 2 weeks after buying it amazon had it for only a few dollars more and I would have gotten it in less than a week. So I guess it depends on the item and luck..lol

    • @uni-byte
      @uni-byte  2 місяці тому

      @@percaine Yeah, prices on Ali are .. fluid!

  • @examplerkey
    @examplerkey 2 місяці тому +1

    I have three garage full of Aliexpress stuffs. Worse than you! Thank you. If I didn't see your video, God knows! 😅

  • @stevenspmd
    @stevenspmd 2 місяці тому +5

    Children: "My inheritance, its all from AliExpress" ... Dad: yep, your welcome :-)

  • @mikebond6328
    @mikebond6328 2 місяці тому +1

    I rarely buy anything from alibaba anymore. I had a couple experiences where after 10 weeks of waiting the item was declared lost and then showed up 6 MONTHS later. But now if I do order anything, I agree with only buying through them those things which will be delivered in a couple weeks rather than months and hopefully not all in separate packages.

    • @uni-byte
      @uni-byte  2 місяці тому

      Yeah. I only go with they deals where things are combined for free shipping. At least they get here in a reasonable time and full tracking is provided.

    • @johncoops6897
      @johncoops6897 2 місяці тому +1

      Nice story. Perhaps stop buying from Baba and start buying from Express, like sensible people?

    • @uni-byte
      @uni-byte  2 місяці тому

      @@johncoops6897 But I am buying from express. Baba requires shipping containers full of stuff.. oh, yeah..

    • @johncoops6897
      @johncoops6897 2 місяці тому

      @@uni-byte - yes, precisely You need to understand that my reply is to 👆 MikeBond 👆 who started this comment thread. If I was replying to you, it would have @uni-byte at the beginning 😉

    • @uni-byte
      @uni-byte  2 місяці тому

      @@johncoops6897 Sorry, just trying tu be phunie.

  • @TheUnofficialMaker
    @TheUnofficialMaker 2 місяці тому +3

    i buy old receivers that are heavy from GW for the power components. cheap

    • @uni-byte
      @uni-byte  2 місяці тому

      GW? What's that?

    • @t1d100
      @t1d100 2 місяці тому +1

      @@uni-byte Good Will thrift stores. Thrift stores are also good for finding transformer based wall wart power adapters.

    • @uni-byte
      @uni-byte  2 місяці тому +1

      @@t1d100 Ahh, thanks. You guy's are lucky in the US. Up here in Lala Land, specifically Ontario, thrift shops are required to pass on most electronic donations to registered recycling companies. The concept of "re-use" has fallen prey to political pandering to buddies that own reclamation companies. You might find the odd TV or clock radio, but that's about it.

  • @originalmianos
    @originalmianos 2 місяці тому +1

    Good speed. Can you buy some of those hall effect current sensors? I have a bunch of them in my ali cart but I only want them to see how responsive they are. No real use. :)

    • @uni-byte
      @uni-byte  2 місяці тому

      Someday maybe, when I feel the need to detect a magnetic field. I actually think I have at least a couple hiding in a bin somewhere.

    • @originalmianos
      @originalmianos 2 місяці тому +1

      @@uni-byte I ordered them anyway. I wanted to see if I can make an isolated current probe for my oscilloscope, and a bunch of other modules. '(

    • @uni-byte
      @uni-byte  2 місяці тому

      @@originalmianos Sounds like an interesting project.👍

  • @fu1r4
    @fu1r4 2 місяці тому +1

    6:34 I would have been nice if you could have open the case and show the inside of it 🤔
    BTW, some of your links are not working 😟

    • @uni-byte
      @uni-byte  2 місяці тому

      Sorry about that. I had a shot of the interior but I cut it in the edit. I just tried all the links and they are all working for me. I hate when that happens because I can't do anything about it if I can't reproduce it. Thanks for letting me know though.

  • @weerobot
    @weerobot 2 місяці тому +1

    You Bought it..

    • @uni-byte
      @uni-byte  2 місяці тому +2

      Yup, all of it. LOL!

  • @ivolol
    @ivolol 2 місяці тому +1

    Watch out for fake components in that PSU kit, just like the previous signal generator you tried.

    • @uni-byte
      @uni-byte  2 місяці тому

      Always good advice. I'll build it up with the supplied parts then test it out then replace as required.

  • @t1d100
    @t1d100 2 місяці тому +3

    Maybe some cautions... IIRC, Big Clive and others found the Asian wire clamps to be dangerously defective. Many of the red 30V/3A PSUs are known to have design defects.. Errant traces, incorrect components, etc... I would love for you to do a classic DIY lm317/2n3055 true Zero to 30V/Zero to 3A (true Zero requires split rails) constant current op amp type of design from the ground up with explanations of all circuit operations. You might think that this has been taught to death, but, no, a full tutorial of a complete design is not easily found, IME. With effort, I shook off my Asian Mail Order Addiction. With effort, I am trying to shake off my addiction for buying really cool ICs that I will never build out. So, I get you...

    • @mikebond6328
      @mikebond6328 2 місяці тому +2

      “Diode Gone Wild” channel on UA-cam has several very good videos on linear power supplies. Also “Vocademy - Electronics Technology” has a complete series on building a linear power supply from ground up.

    • @uni-byte
      @uni-byte  2 місяці тому +2

      I would never use the wire clamps to do in-wall/roof repairs or anything like that. Seen all of Big Clive's vids on these. These are just for ad-hock bench connections. I tried some of these out this morning and they doo seem pretty good. I was unable to remove the wires without damage to the wire. As to the power supply, I get you and thanks for the warning. We'll see how this project goes. At some point I want to do a full design, or route through my old schematics for something done in the past,. but in this case I wanted to present something almost anyone could thrown together. We'll see if that pans out. So far it's not looking great as the primary on the transformer is open.

    • @uni-byte
      @uni-byte  2 місяці тому +1

      @mikebond6328 I saw the Vocademy videos. If I get the chance I'll dig into Diode's stuff too.

  • @JxH
    @JxH 2 місяці тому +1

    😀

  • @ovalwingnut
    @ovalwingnut 2 місяці тому +3

    Thank you. Yes (for me), 'fast paced' Ali-items keeps my attention span above 87%. And speaking of, the that Ali-$10/ship TIP is GENIUS!!! I was about to swear off them due to some failed arrivals. It all worked out as they did refund both items. But the WAIT was excruciating But I'm game for another GO. There is something about receiving bobbles in the mail sent by strangers that I find intriguing. Cheers from So.Ca.USA 3rd House On the Left.

    • @uni-byte
      @uni-byte  2 місяці тому +1

      LOL, I agree!