Sunday 30 June 2019

Simple Self Stabilization System Using Arduino

Thanks to the invention of camera gimbals/stabilizers, we are now able to capture videos smoothly and easily. You will find plenty of different types of camera gimbals in the market, some with multiple built-in features, but what we are going to make today is also unique in itself. Apart from keeping your phone steady, our […]

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Automatic water tap without microcontroller

Water scarcity is one of the biggest issues plaguing the world today. To prevent this from becoming any worse, we need to focus on water conservation. Water is the most precious resource on earth, and it is our responsibility to conserve it. But knowingly or unknowingly, we tend to waste a lot of water every […]

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Using LTSpice for Amplifier Noise Measurement

Learn how to measure noise using LTspice for op-amp circuits with handy examples.

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Friday 28 June 2019

How to Use a Nyquist Plot for AC Analysis

This article introduces the Nyquist plot and explains how to interpret this alternative method of visually evaluating a system’s frequency response.

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Thursday 27 June 2019

“Speeding the Launch of Autonomous Sensing”: Analog Devices and First Sensor Announce Team-Up

While LiDAR is less prevalent at Sensors Expo 2019 than 2018, ADI and First Sensor have announced a partnership for autonomous LiDAR applications.

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NFC-Powered Sweat Biosensor for Glucose and Lactate

Researchers at Northwestern University Center for Bio-Integrated Electronics are championing the development of sweat biosensors with their latest glucose and lactate sensors.

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Sharing Wi-Fi Data Via Bluetooth

Tethering, or phone-as-modem (PAM), is the process of sharing of a mobile device’s Internet connection with another device, say, a cellphone or computer. Bluetooth tethering is one of the ways of sharing the wireless connection of an Android device with another device using Bluetooth. Say, you are using mobile data, and someone wants to use […]

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Wednesday 26 June 2019

The Future of Electronics May Depend on Deep Sea Mining for Minerals

How do you get minerals critical to electronics manufacturing off of the bottom of the sea? Very carefully.

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How Elliptic Curve Cryptography Works

Learn about ECC or elliptic-curve cryptography, including its applications and benefits.

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Humidity And Temperature monitoring Using Arduino With The IoT

temperature monitoring using arduinoUsing the Internet of Things (IoT) in homes and industries it is possible to control any electrical or electronic equipment. Moreover, you can get the information from any sensor and analyse it graphically or in any user-defined format from anywhere in the world. The IoT using Arduino microcontroller (MCU) is easy and fun for those […]

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Equipment Controller Using MATLAB-Based GUI

In this project, a MATLAB platform to control up to four electrical equipment is presented. Controlling electrical equipment from a remote location using a control panel is employed in many applications. An important application is in a process plant where an operator in a control room, sitting in front of a computer terminal and running […]

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Tuesday 25 June 2019

Sensors Expo 2019: What You Need to Know

Sensors Expo 2019 begins in San Jose today with over 7,000 attendees and a host of education events for EEs.

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Monday 24 June 2019

Biometric based Exam Gate Authentication System with SMS Alert

Download Project Document/Synopsis Biometrics authentication plays a vital role in organization, company, colleges and institutions. Security within the examination hall is one of the foremost repetitive issues. To maintain attendance verification is a sophisticated and time-consuming process, this biometric will help in maintaining attendance and security in the examination hall. This advanced authentication system is […]

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Key Design Building Blocks Falling into Place for Smart Hearables

Low-power components, voice activation platforms and development kits enable designers to create wireless earbuds, hearing aids, and smart headsets operating on small batteries.

from All About Circuits News http://bit.ly/2J6px77

New SiC FET Option for EV Charging Applications from UnitedSiC Adds 4-Lead Kelvin Device

Designing an EV charging power system? UnitedSiC just served up an SiC FET option with you in mind.

from All About Circuits News http://bit.ly/31UgIpB

Product Video Promotion App using Augmented Reality

Videos are the best medium to convey a product features and details to a customer. But it is not possible to display product video on each product packet. Our product video promotion AR app allows to display a product video on every product. The AR app is designed to showcase a product video on detection […]

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Industry Safety Training Simulation Virtual Reality Training

Industrial operations involve heavy machinery, transport equipment, tools, furnaces and other dangerous process. Because of this safety is a very important issue in industries. Also safety around machinery and industrial processes requires proper safety training. Stopping industrial processes to provide practical safety training and safety guidelines is not feasible since it leads to loss of […]

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Factory Machines Simulation using Virtual Reality

Factories rely heavily on machines for manufacturing/producing materials/products. Many of these machines are either complicated or too big to provide a demo of. Simuating machines in VR or AR allows us to get a true understanding of the working and look and feet of the machine. VR allows us to simulate various factory machine workings […]

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Forklift Virtual Reality Simulation Project For Warehouse

This project includes a simulation of a forklift with all physical movements including steering as well as that of fork lifting and lowering. This allows user to simulate a forklift movement as per real forklift operations. The scene is designed keeping all physics aspects in mind making it as real as possible. The system simulates […]

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Ruined Castle Walk VR Game

This VR Project is a ruined castle VR game which brings you into a old castle/old fort situated in the midst of a pleasant green landscape for you to explore on your own with no one around you. It is a realistic walkthrough experience through great hallways high doors which lie in a ruined yet […]

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How Electronic Detection Can Save Buried And Drowning People

Possibilities of human fatalities in such situations as earthquakes, floods and collapse of infrastructure, among others, has inspired many recent technological advancements in the expanding field of human safety. Frequent natural calamities such as avalanches, landslides, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and floods, along with the menace of low-quality materials in infrastructure development are always leading to […]

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Sunday 23 June 2019

Noise Detector with Automatic Recording System

Noise pollution is a growing problem in modern cities, thanks to rapid population growth, urbanisation and new technologies. Moreover, at times, a noisy neighbour or co-worker can drive you crazy and affect your well-being. Talking loudly is an annoying habit in an office environment. Having a loud co-worker can distract us from our work and […]

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The Diffie-Hellman Exchange in Embedded Cryptography

Our world has 7.55 billion people on it. While most of the planet’s inhabitants are good, a small number of bad actors can adversely affect everyone else’s digital lives. Hackers can drain our bank accounts, intercept our emails, stop our pace-makers, destabilize our power grids, or interfere with our elections. All from the comfort of their home.

from All About Circuits Technical Articles http://bit.ly/2ZGWIoE

Saturday 22 June 2019

Matt Berggren, Director of Autodesk’s Product Development Group, on Why We Need Better DFM Education

AAC had a chance to talk with Matt Berggren, Director of the EAGLE and Tinkercad teams at Autodesk.

from All About Circuits News http://bit.ly/2YcaOhC

Friday 21 June 2019

An Engineer’s Brief Introduction to Cryptography

This primer on cryptography will help you understand the encryptions that are necessary for modern IoT device security.

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Fairview Microwave Announces New Series of UHF Waveguide Antennas for R&D Applications

This expansive family of antennas is designed for laboratory settings (including R&D and military applications) for 40 GHz to 220 GHz bands.

from All About Circuits News http://bit.ly/2N1CqVg

Design and Fabrication of Vertically Wall Climbing Glass Cleaning Robot

Download Project Document/Synopsis This glass cleaning robot project proposes a glass-wall climbing robot that is intended for cleaning the glass wall surface. It is based on passive suction cups mechanism. The efficient wall climbing robot moves in vertical direction on ceiling surfaces. Wall climbing robot has the ability to climb on walls, walk ceilings and […]

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15 Free And Open Source Software For Microcontrollers And Microprocessors!

open source softwareLooking for free open source software for IDE, debugger, stimulator or other software to develop your microcontrollers and microprocessors? Search no more as we bring to you 15 Free and Open Source alternatives for your help. And also find out which is best for you: microcontroller vs microprocessor 1. MIDE-51 Studio Download Link: click here Supported […]

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RGB Color Detector Using TCS3200 Sensor Module

rgb color detectorThis is a simple color sensor using Arduino Uno R3 and TCS3200 color sensor module. It can be useful for color identification and detection for food-processing units, color printer applications, paint-mixing applications and other industrial applications including robotics. This project is used for detecting primary colors (red, green and blue, or RGB)—colors that are physically […]

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What are the Differences Between M2M and the IoT?

difference between m2m and iotThis article explains the basic difference between M2M and IoT. It will start from M2M and IoT basic principle along with its applications. M2M, or machine-to-machine, is a direct communication between devices using wired or wireless communication channels. M2M refers to the interaction of two or more devices/machines that are connected to each other. These […]

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Electronics of Smart Cards

Introduction

Smart Cards used as credit/debit cards have evolved over the years and revolutionized the banking industry since the late 1980’s and have now found widespread applications in other areas like security systems, transport systems, retail, healthcare and most recently in IoT technology.

Different types of smart cards are available for different applications. The essential differences in smart card types are mainly because of the different electronic components that are part of the smart card system which includes both the card and the card reader. This article explores how smart cards evolved over the years, the different types of Smart Cards, and details of how they work and where they are used.

Need for Smart Cards

Smart cards evolved from magnetic stripe cards which were not really smart and did not have any inbuilt intelligence. Magnetic stripe cards store data by modifying the magnetism (polarity) of tiny iron-based magnetic particles which are contained in the plastic-like film on the card.

This is the same principle as tape-cassettes which store audio/music. In case of the cards, the card number, name, CVC, expiration date and service code are stored on the tape. When the card is swiped on the reader,  the data contained on the tape is read to verify the information on the card.

As this static data on the tape can be easily replicated or copied, there was a need for more intelligent and dynamic cards with increased security. This paved the way for smart cards.

Different Types of Smart Cards

A Smart Card contains an embedded integrated circuit which makes it possible for it to store data and/or house a programmable microcontroller. The electrical specifications of the smart card, are based on the ISO 7816 specification which also governs the dimensions and location of the different contacts points in the smart card.

Following are the two main categories of smart cards currently available and the technology at work in each case.

  • Contact Type
  • Contact-less Type

Contact Type

Contact is required between the card and the card reader in this case.

Contact-less Type

The card and card reader need not touch in this case, however the card should be held near to the reader.

How do Smart Cards Work?

We will now describe in details how each type of Smart Card works

Contact Smart Cards

This is basically a plastic card which can be read only when it is brought into contact with the card reader. It derives its power from the card reader. It typically has a contact area of approximately 1 cm2 with several gold plated contact pads. The contact pads provide electrical connectivity to the reader. Communication protocols for contact smart cards are as defined in ISO 7816-3 specifications.

Electronics of Smart Cards Systems Image 1

Contactless Smart Cards 

As the name suggests, contactless smart cards can be read without bringing the card in contact with the reader. The card communicates with the reader through RFID induction technology which also powers the card. The RFID technology used in this case works over a short range (less than 4 inches).

As such, the card should be held near to the reader. The card includes an embedded secure microcontroller or equivalent intelligence, internal memory and a small antenna for communicating with the reader.

When the card is brought into the electromagnetic field of the reader, the chip in the card is powered on. Once the chip is powered on, a wireless communication protocol is initiated and established between the card and the reader for data transfer.

Following image from secure tech alliance illustrates the contents of a contactless smart card. ISO/IEC 14443 defines the communication standards for contactless cards.

Electronics of Smart Cards Systems Image 2

Applications

Contact smart cards come in two varieties. Memory cards which are primarily used only to store data and microprocessor cards which can also process information. Applications for these cards can be commonly seen in membership cards, loyalty cards, vending cards etc.

Contact less type of smart cards are commonly used in applications which require protection of personal information and fast, secure transactions. Examples include, identity cards, fare payment cards, credit/debit cards etc.

Looking at the future

  • Both contact and contactless smart cards have found multiple applications in various industries.
  • Technologically, the introduction of Near Field Communications (NFC) in mobile phones have enabled the use of mobiles wallets with smart card readers.
  • Security of Smart Card systems is also being enhanced by integrating them with biometric  fingerprint sensor technology.
  • This will help to get rid of pin based authentication or signatures which are required for high value transactions at present.

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Thursday 20 June 2019

STMicroelectronics Releases “Tiny” GNSS Module for Tracking and Navigation

GNSS modules are used for navigation and object tracking applications. STMicro's newest module is ROM-based.

from All About Circuits News http://bit.ly/31Kuf31

The IoT-Based Timer Switch For Electric Water Heater

This timer switch for an electric water heater is based on NodeMCU and Blynk IoT cloud solution. An electric water heater is used in bathrooms during the cold season for bathing with hot water. A common problem is that when you wake up in the morning, you need to wait, say 20 minutes, for the […]

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Heart Rate Monitoring using Flexible Printed Circuit Board

Download Project Document/Synopsis Flexible circuit is a technology within which the electronic circuit is assembled by mounting electronic devices or sensors on flexible plastic substrates. They are well known globally as flex circuits, flexible printed circuit boards and much more. The characteristic of flexible electronics is that it not only reduces the cost but also, […]

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Wednesday 19 June 2019

How to Troubleshoot a DC-DC Buck Converter

This article addresses troubleshooting a staple of electronic systems that don’t always work as planned: switch-mode, low-voltage, DC-DC, single-phase, non-isolated, basic buck converter circuits.

from All About Circuits Technical Articles http://bit.ly/2Ir2Uvd

Amphenol’s Jason Ellison on Signal Integrity Careers and His Free, Open Source PCB Design Software

Ellison speaks on the importance of networking, giving to the EE community, and helping younger engineers.

from All About Circuits News http://bit.ly/2WNSCxU

What Is Joule Heating? Producing Heat with Electric Current

Joule heating, also known as ohmic heating, is used to directly heat water with electric current.

from All About Circuits Technical Articles http://bit.ly/31H1Smq

Kingston Steps Into The Embedded Market In India

Kingston Solutions IncThinking about Kingston as a company, we mainly think of it as a retail brand and in the memory card market, USB, etc, but today Kingston has evolved with much broader and bigger domains with many capabilities. Kingston along with Arrow hosted their first ever memory convention in Delhi on 3rd June 2019 and in […]

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Tuesday 18 June 2019

Infineon’s Newest Hall Sensor Claims ASIL D Classification for Automotive Applications

The TLE4999I3 sensor IC incorporates two Halls into one device for strictly-regulated automotive applications.

from All About Circuits News http://bit.ly/2Ipg9MT

Industry 4.0 Solutions For New-Age Railways And Airways

Through automated manufacturing, the railway and airway sectors will realise efficiency, capacity and cost benefits of Industry 4.0. There is no established path for success of any emerging technology, but creating a roadmap can help the rail and aviation industries to bring a more digital and connected future. The need for these industries to be […]

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Monday 17 June 2019

UPS in Critical Data Centers

Data center applications require reliable power sources. Learn more about uninterruptible power supplies in data centers.

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Canteen and Cafeteria Management System using RFID

Download Project Document/Synopsis In colleges, schools or inside a University campus canteen or cafeteria facility is provided. Students, college staff or university staff uses this facility. Similarly, food facilities and canteen service are provided in various companies. In this canteen, students or employees pay their bills by cash, cash payment is the only option available […]

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Smart Door Receptionist with Smart Lock System

Download Project Document/Synopsis Security and safety are becoming more and more popular day by day and it is getting improved and used for the ease in our life. Now days, technology has become an integrated part of people’s lives therefore the security of one’s home, office or organization must also not be left behind. Smart […]

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RFID Based Access Control Using Arduino

RFID Based Access Control: RFID tagsRFID is a non-contact, automatic identification technology that uses radio signals to identify, track, sort and detect a variety of objects including people, vehicles, goods and assets without the need for direct contact or line-of-sight contact (as found necessary in bar code technology). RFID technology can track movement of objects through a network of radio-enabled […]

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Multi-Utility Protection System for Agricultural Equipment

This project is used for fire detection and then sending an SMS alert to a cellphone. The design is based on Arduino Uno. The project also includes an LCD and an LED for visual indications, and a buzzer for audio indication. It has sensory systems including flame and temperature sensors along with a relay switching […]

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Choosing The Right Capacitor Type For A Circuit

In this video, the presenter will show you how a decoupling capacitor can have a circuit from harmful oscillations. Along the way, he will talk about three popular capacitor types, the film capacitor, the ceramic capacitor and the electrolytic capacitor and explain which one is best suited for which application and why. Courtesy: GreatScott!

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Sunday 16 June 2019

Smart Home Security System With Automatic Phone Calling System

CCTV (close-circuit television) camera systems are installed to protect your home and shops from burglary and break-ins. But with our busy lives, it is not possible to monitor it 24*7. So, we need a more reliable and robust security system that can notify us when someone breaks into our shop or home. When a thief […]

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The Latest AMR-Based Current Sensors: What Is Anisotropic Magneto Resistance?

What is anisotropic magneto resistance? Check out examples of AMR-based current sensors on the market.

from All About Circuits News http://bit.ly/2WO52ps

Saturday 15 June 2019

Handy Apps to Help Organise your Day

Scan the QR codes to download the apps based on the operating system of your device. Evernote Updated: January 2019 Platforms: Android and iOS Download: Full version (free) Evernote is a popular app to help users organise their to-do lists and store important notes. It comes with a variety of features. Users can write information […]

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Friday 14 June 2019

DC-DC Buck Converter Design Tips and Tricks

This article will go over some general tips you can use when designing a DC-DC buck converter.

from All About Circuits Technical Articles http://bit.ly/2MYRdQS

Power Supply Units and the IEC 60601-1 Standard: A New Power Control Assembly from COSEL

What is IEC 60601-1 and how does it relate to medical power supply units?

from All About Circuits News http://bit.ly/2IGZV0x

Auto Selection of any Available Phase in 3 Phase Supply System

Download Project Document/Synopsis This project is designed with an aim to provide uninterrupted AC mains supply that is 230 volts to a single-phase load. This is achieved by automatic changeover of the load from the missing phase to the next available phase in a 3-phase system. It is often noticed that power interruption in the […]

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Power Electronics: Setting New Standards for Mining

Mining is the process of extraction of valuable minerals or other geological materials from the Earth. Power electronics can play a great role in the modernisation of the mining industry. Everyone uses products that come directly or indirectly from mines, in their daily life, but most people do not know how mining is carried out. […]

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Open Source Software for Embedded Applications

Presented below are various Open Source Softwares used in Embedded Applications. MRPT Visit: www.mrpt.org Full version: Free For robotics enthusiasts and researchers, Mobile Robot Programming Toolkit (MRPT) can be an interesting software. It is an open source and cross-platform C++ library that can be used to implement algorithms related to various robotic technologies like simultaneous localisation […]

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Thursday 13 June 2019

Decompensated Operational Amplifiers

Learn more about decompensated vs. fully-compensated op-amps and external methods of achieving compensation.

from All About Circuits Technical Articles http://bit.ly/2ZrAIOt

u-blox Releases Wide-Area 5G Modules for the IoT with an Emphasis on Security and Power Savings

This new cellular chipset from u-blox emphasizes security and power savings.

from All About Circuits News http://bit.ly/2KiRbkk

Mouser Electronics Adds Sixth City To IoT Technical Roadshow In India

11 June 2019 – Mouser Electronics, Inc. the New Product Introduction (NPI) leader empowering innovation, today announces the third edition of its six-city IoT Technical Roadshow Series throughout India. Mouser is again collaborating with Electronics for You magazine to present the series in six major cities in India, showcasing the newest products, technologies, and solutions […]

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Wednesday 12 June 2019

Miller Frequency Compensation

Miller capacitance is commonly used in a method for op-amp frequency compensation.

from All About Circuits Technical Articles http://bit.ly/2WIl1p5

“The Future of Power”: Infrared Beams Could Be the Next Step in Wireless Charging Evolution

Wi-Charge is using IR beams to charge devices wirelessly with (literal) laser precision.

from All About Circuits News http://bit.ly/2R9VyPm

Top 15 Must-Have 3D Printer Accessories and Tools

3D printing industry has seen an accelerated growth in development over the years. From the massive and quite expensive 3D printers in the past, the models available today are more compact, affordable and easy to use. However, successful 3D printing does not only depend on the 3D printer itself. There are a variety of 3D printer accessories that play an important role when it comes to the quality of the final product.

With the right accessories, you can turn your average 3D printer into an incredible machine and you can be more assured that your prints will come out exactly as desired.

From removing support material to improving bed plate adhesion, here is a list of the top 15 3D printer accessories that will help you get the most of your 3D printer.

Please note: There are affiliate links in this post. This means that at no cost to you, I may make a small commission if you purchase through these links. I would appreciate your support in this way!

1. Filament Storage Container

One of the most important accessories a 3D printer owner must possess is an appropriate filament storage container.

Most of the 3D printer owners don’t pay attention to that, which can lead to so many problems like clogging, bad layer adhesion, breakage, etc. That’s why it is very important to safely store your filaments in a moisture free environment.

There are many different types of filament storage containers, but we picked two types which we think are great for this purpose.

Filament Box by Katamco

Top 15 Must-Have 3D Printer Accessories and Tools 2 - Filament Box by Katamco

Get it on Amazon

The first type is the filament box by Katamco, which keeps your filament dry, dust-free, and also dispenses filament. It has temperature and humidity sensor, and you can also print directly from the box.

Vacuum Sealed Storage Containers

1 - Vacuum Sealed Filament Storage Containers

Get it on Amazon

Another great option are vacuum sealed storage containers. They come in a pack of 5, which is pretty awesome.

Best Budget Friendly 3D Printers for Beginners and Hobbyists 2019

Best 3D Printers for Beginners and Hobbyists

In this article, based on my personal opinion and research, I will list the best 3D printers you can get for your budget, or the best 3D Printer under… 

2. Masking Tape

Top 15 Must-Have 3D Printer Accessories and Tools 3 - Masking Tape

Get it on Amazon / Banggood

Masking tape is one of the most widely used 3D printing accessories. It is used to help each print adhere better to the print bed and is highly recommended. Furthermore, the finished print is much easier to remove from the bed as well as protect it from scratches.

Make sure you choose masking tape with a width of at least 5 cm (2 inches). Having a wider tape means you’ll need fewer strips to cover your print bed, which will lead to better results.

Alternative: Kapton Tape

4 - Kapton Tape

Get it on Amazon / Banggood

Although masking tape has been widely used for covering print beds and is cheaper option, Kapton tape is much better in the long term since it handles high temperatures better. This tape also prevents severe warping resulting in a much better 3D print. Kapton tape can be combined with other products, such as hairspray for best results.

3. PVA Glue Stick

Top 15 Must-Have 3D Printer Accessories and Tools 5 - PVA Glue Stick

Get it on Amazon / Banggood

When 3D printing, it’s vital to ensure good adhesion of your print to the build plate. So, another way to increase plate adhesion is covering your print bed with washable glue stick. You can apply glue directly to your build plate and wipe it off easily with water.

This is one of the best bed adhesion solutions and works well with most materials, except for those prone to very high warpage like ABS and polycarbonate.

It works pretty well and it can easily be found at a wide variety of stores and at a very reasonable price.

Alternative: Hair Spray

6 - Hair Spray

Get it on Amazon

Many people also recommend spraying the bed with hair spray. Using hairspray to add an extra layer of ‘stickiness’ to your print bed is a quick and easy process.

But you must be careful with this method because using hairspray regularly and without proper care can damage your printer.

4. Digital Caliper

Top 15 Must-Have 3D Printer Accessories and Tools 7 - Digital Caliper

Get it on Amazon / Banggood

A digital caliper is a must-have tool for detail-oriented 3D print maker. When 3D printing, there can be a lot of measurements involved, so this tool will help you increase efficiency and accuracy, which is very important.

It enables you to make very precise measurements of a part you want to replicate in 3D, to verify the dimensions of a calibration print, or to check the precision of the measurements of your prints versus the dimensions in the source CAD model.

Calipers are also handy for checking the accuracy of your 3D printing filaments, since the actual filament diameters often differ from what is advertised. This will help you make the necessary adjustment.

5. Extra Print Beds

The key to successful 3D print lies in getting a good first layer. And to get a good first layer, you need to have the right print bed surface which needs to have a smooth finish and to be rigid and durable as well.

Some people like to swap out their default print beds for glass plated ones, because they handle heat better and won’t warp the printed parts as easily.

Borosilicate Glass Bed

Top 15 Must-Have 3D Printer Accessories and Tools 8 - Extra Print Beds - Borosilicate glass

Get it on Amazon / Banggood

Borosilicate glass can withstand extremely high temperatures, since it’s tempered. Also, it helps giving the print a smooth finish. When buying glass print bed make sure its dimensions match your model of 3D printer.

Alternative: Heat Bed Platform Sticker

9 - Extra Print Beds - Heat Bed Platform Sticker

Get it on Amazon / Banggood

This printing surface is compatible with almost every printing material. You can print directly onto the surface without any additional adhesives. Once you’re done printing, it is very easy to remove your printed part without damaging it.

You can use it for multiple prints and all you need to do is to wipe down with isopropyl alcohol between prints. Also, it can be easily cut to the desired size with a utility knife.

6. 3D Print Removal Tool

Top 15 Must-Have 3D Printer Accessories and Tools 10 - 3D Print Removal Tool - Spatula

Get it on Amazon / Banggood

Sometimes you might find that your 3D print has stuck to your build plate. A 3D print removal tool, or spatula, can easily solve this problem. All you need to do is to put it gently underneath the print and carefully lift it up. You can also use this tool for scraping off little bits of filament.

This set of different spatulas ensures you always have the right tool for removing any object you print. These spatulas are as thin as a knife blade, but without the sharp edge. They’re also usually angled in such a way that you can hold the handle parallel to the bed. It will prevent you from scratching the tray or damaging the part.

7. Pliers

Top 15 Must-Have 3D Printer Accessories and Tools 11 - Needle-nose Pliers

Get it on Amazon / Banggood

Needle-nose pliers can allow you to get into the fiddly areas of your 3D printer and your prints while providing a good, strong grip. Always look for a good quality pair of pliers with a rubberized, slip-resistant grip.

They can be used to remove jams in your 3D printer, to cut filaments, or to install new filaments. Sometimes, the prints get stuck to the print beds, so they can also be used to remove those prints.

8. Tweezers

Top 15 Must-Have 3D Printer Accessories and Tools 12 - Tweezers

Get it on Amazon / Banggood

A full set of tweezers with various shapes and sizes is a must when it comes to the more complicated tasks with 3D printing. They offer a very good and cheap solution for very fine and high precision adjustments in your 3D printer or printed parts.

They’re great for plucking oozing filament from the extruder nozzle without burning your fingers. Also, they can be used for post-processing finishing of your prints.

9. Sandpaper

Top 15 Must-Have 3D Printer Accessories and Tools 13 - Sandpaper

Get it on Amazon / Banggood

Having a set of sandpapers in a variety of different grits can be very useful in the post-processing step of your printing. A good sandpaper will help you define the details on your print and smooth out any rough edges and surfaces.

We recommend buying a set of good quality sandpaper from a well-known brand, from coarse (120 grit) to fine (1000 grit or more). Good quality sandpaper does not wear out easily, making it last longer and saving you money in the long run.

Alternative: Rotary Tool

14 - Rotary Tool - Multi-tool

Get it on Amazon / Banggood

As an alternative, you can use a rotary tool with different accessories, which will make things much easier and accurate as well.

10. Nozzle Set

Top 15 Must-Have 3D Printer Accessories and Tools 15 - Nozzle Set

Get it on Amazon / Banggood

Nozzles come in many different shapes and sizes, but they all have the same function. Why would you want to have more than one size nozzle?

There are a few reasons why: for example, you want to print a larger model quickly, so you need to use a larger nozzle; you want fine details on your print, or you have an intricate print, so you need to use smaller nozzle; or your current nozzle gets clogged, so you need to replace it.

11. Nozzle Cleaning Kit

Top 15 Must-Have 3D Printer Accessories and Tools 16 - Nozzle Cleaning Kit

Get it on Amazon / Banggood

The extruder nozzle can easily get clogged with melted plastic after frequent use. It is one of the most significant parts of your 3D printer, so it is very important to keep it maintained, ensuring the quality of your 3D prints.

Cleaning the nozzles is not as easy as it seems, so you want to make sure you have the right tool for this purpose. There are special nozzle cleaning kits, designed for cleaning different sizes of nozzles, so as long as you have this accessory, you’ll always be able to keep your 3D printer clean and ready for the next print.

12. Carving Tools

Top 15 Must-Have 3D Printer Accessories and Tools 17 - Carving Tools

Get it on Amazon / Banggood

When printing parts with a lot of little details and supporting material, you need to do some extra work to get a good finished look. For finishing the 3D prints where a little work is required, this set of carving tools is perfect for smoothing out your final product by removing excess filament and bringing to perfection all the little details.

This set contains 12 different carving tools of varying shapes and sizes that will meet most of your needs.

Alternative: Diamond Needle File Set

18 - Diamond Needle File Set

Get it on Amazon / Banggood

Another tool perfect for working on small, delicate projects is a diamond needle file. This set includes 6 pieces with different shape and size, and each one serves a different purpose.

13. Solutions for Better Finish

After a part comes out of the printer, it needs to undergo a surface finishing process before it’s ready for use because you can often see its laminated appearance and roughness. So, there are so many reasons to finish a 3D printed part, for example, you might want to enhance its appearance, to smooth out uneven surfaces, or to improve its durability.

Depending on the 3D printing material, you can choose acetone, or XTC-3D high performance 3D print coating.

Acetone

Top 15 Must-Have 3D Printer Accessories and Tools 19 - Solutions for Better Finish - Acetone

Get it on Amazon

By using acetone, you can easily achieve a smooth and polished surface to your ABS 3D prints. A thin layer of this product is just enough to get a better finish. Be very careful when deciding to use acetone, since it is not compatible with all materials.

XTC-3D High Performance 3D Print Coating

Top 15 Must-Have 3D Printer Accessories and Tools 20 - Solutions for Better Finish - XTC-3D High Performance 3D Print Coating

Get it on Amazon

We know that ABS can be smoothed with acetone, but when it comes to PLA, that’s not the case. This epoxy is a protective coating for smoothing and finishing 3D printed parts.

You just need to mix the two liquids together and apply the mixture onto any 3D print. It dries uniformly without leaving brush strokes. Working time is about 10 minutes, and it takes about 4 hours to cure.

14. Super Glue

Top 15 Must-Have 3D Printer Accessories and Tools 21 - Super Glue

Thicker: Get it on Amazon

Thinner: Get it on Amazon / Banggood

Super glue has endless supply of uses for 3D printing jobs, and is incredibly effective. It can be used to fill in gaps, to repair broken parts, and to combine two or more smaller 3D printed parts together.

Different types of glue are used for different jobs. For example, for filling gaps a thicker type of glue is required whilst for delicate procedures, like combining two components together, a thinner type of glue is more appropriate.

Alternative: Acetone

19 - Solutions for Better Finish - Acetone

Get it on Amazon

Acetone can be used for bonding 3D printed parts made of PLA, ABS or HIPS. In fact, it can be used for any material soluble in acetone. It gives very strong bond, and, if done properly it creates invisible seam.

15. 3D Scanner

Top 15 Must-Have 3D Printer Accessories and Tools 23 - 3D Scanner - Matter and Form

Get it on Amazon / Banggood

Having a 3D scanner will take your 3D printing experience to the next level, as it enables you to create accurate 3D models from actual real objects.

There are so many portable, relatively cheap and easy to use scanners on the market. It’s an ideal choice for anyone who wants a compact device that’s easy to carry around and is one of the most beginner-friendly machines around.


Choosing the right 3D printer accessories  greatly increases the chances of creating a flawless 3D print. These decent investments can make the 3D printing process much easier and enjoyable.

Which of these 3D printer accessories do you already use? Do you have some other useful 3D printer accessories that are not on the list and should be? I’d love to hear about it in the comments section below.

If you want to buy a 3D printer check out our list of the best budget friendly 3D printers that are ideal for hobbyists and beginners who are just getting started.

The post Top 15 Must-Have 3D Printer Accessories and Tools appeared first on HowToMechatronics.



from HowToMechatronics http://bit.ly/2R84hBM

Advanced Footstep Power Generation System using RFID for Charging

Download Project Document/Synopsis Day by day, the population of the country is increasing and the requirement of the power is also increasing. At the same time the wastage of energy is also increasing in many ways. So, reforming this energy back to usable form is the major solution. In this footstep power generation project, we […]

The post Advanced Footstep Power Generation System using RFID for Charging appeared first on NevonProjects.



from NevonProjects http://bit.ly/2RaVqz0

Designing Android App For Communication With Bluetooth Module

This article is about designing an Android app for communication with HC-05 Bluetooth module using MIT App Inventor (open source), a block-based programming tool. MIT App Inventor is used to create apps without any text-based programming language or bulky software in your PC. Arduino Uno board along with a Bluetooth module and an LED is […]

The post Designing Android App For Communication With Bluetooth Module appeared first on Electronics For You.



from Electronics For You http://bit.ly/2WH2Sbd

“We like To Encourage Startups To Come And Work With Us”

The adoption of Industry 4.0 has been comparatively slower in India. But nonetheless, the advancements in electronics, IoT and correlated technologies indicates a soon-to-be mainstream automated factory ecosystem. Hwai Lin Khor, Head of Sales and Business Development for Digital Security Solutions, Infineon Asia-Pacific in interaction with Baishakhi Dutta of the Electronicsforu.com Network speaks about the […]

The post “We like To Encourage Startups To Come And Work With Us” appeared first on Electronics For You.



from Electronics For You http://bit.ly/2IC6Nwg

Tuesday 11 June 2019

Shunt Capacitance Compensation in Operational Amplifiers

In this article, we'll discuss how shunt capacitance can be used to achieve frequency compensation in op-amps and we'll also see why this is not the preferred technique.

from All About Circuits Technical Articles http://bit.ly/2wNgRx1

Combating Epilepsy with Wearables and Machine Learning

Biometric-monitoring wearables are common for tracking everyday health—but can they monitor seizures?

from All About Circuits News http://bit.ly/2XJnM6g

PWM-Based Motor Speed Control Simulation Using LTSpice

Circuit for Motor Speed ControlPulse-width modulation (PWM) is one of the oldest and widely used techniques of controlling electrical motors. To control the speed of the motor, the average value of the PWM pulse is controlled by a switch. If the switch is ‘on’ for a long duration, the average value of the PWM pulse increases, driving the motor […]

The post PWM-Based Motor Speed Control Simulation Using LTSpice appeared first on Electronics For You.



from Electronics For You http://bit.ly/2F5duFY

ACPWM Control System for Induction Motor using AVR Microcontroller

Download Project Document/Synopsis ACPWM control for induction motor is a system, that enables the single-phase AC motor to run at different speeds. This project aims at controlling the AC power by using the concept of firing angle control of thyristors. This project uses a new speed control technique for the single-phase AC induction motor. It […]

The post ACPWM Control System for Induction Motor using AVR Microcontroller appeared first on NevonProjects.



from NevonProjects http://bit.ly/2WWrmg9

Monday 10 June 2019

Frequency Compensation of Operational Amplifiers

Learn about op-amp frequency compensation with an example circuit we'll observe in PSpice.

from All About Circuits Technical Articles http://bit.ly/2IB79Da

IoT Sensors for Hazards in Smart Homes

From sensors to wireless platforms, learn how far the IoT has crept into the modern smart home in this roundup.

from All About Circuits News http://bit.ly/2wOkJxu

Automatic Water Pump Controller

automatic water pump controller circuitHere’s a automatic water pump controller circuit that controls the water pump motor. The motor gets automatically switched on when water in the overhead tank (OHT) falls below the lower limit. Similarly, it gets switched off when the tank is filled up. Built around only one NAND gate IC (CD4011), the circuit is simple, compact […]

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from Electronics For You http://bit.ly/2X0ijdY

An Inevitable Need For 5G Convergence To Serve The Massive Thrust Of Data

Unlike previous generations of mobile networks, the fifth-generation (5G) technology is expected to fundamentally transform the role that telecommunications technology plays in the society. Despite continuous improvements in data services with high data rates and more spectrum utilisation, networks are still not free from congestion. The tremendous growth of video traffic and smart devices has […]

The post An Inevitable Need For 5G Convergence To Serve The Massive Thrust Of Data appeared first on Electronics For You.



from Electronics For You http://bit.ly/2KBtXW4

Smart Blood Oxygen And Heart Rate Monitor With Automatic Data Saving System

Thanks to the various wearable health devices available in the market today, we can easily monitor our health status at home, without visiting the doctor. How about making one yourself? In this DIY project, we will try to make a Smart Health Monitoring Device that can measure SpO2 (percentage of oxygen in the blood) and […]

The post Smart Blood Oxygen And Heart Rate Monitor With Automatic Data Saving System appeared first on Electronics For You.



from Electronics For You http://bit.ly/31lbYJC

Saturday 8 June 2019

Tiny MicroLED Display from Mojo Vision Features Highest-Yet Pixel Density—But for What Applications?

A new display from Mojo Vision is just 0.48mm across, smaller than a grain of sand. What, exactly, is it for?

from All About Circuits News http://bit.ly/31iWG7T

How Open Source Technologies Accelerate Innovation

Open source hardware and software are the new versions of a phenomenon that has been with us since the first wandering bards added their own words to the melody of a well-loved folk tune. Open source tools feed the dreams of amateurs and entrepreneurs alike from a deep well of well-documented designs, which are constantly […]

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from Electronics For You http://bit.ly/2MBKagB